Matrix Games Forums

Dec 21, 1943

So QBall is now back from his holidays and the game resumes.

On Dec 21, a Gato Class sub torpedoes the CL Oboyo at Ponape, avoiding the heavy escorts... grrr.... The Oboyo was part of an imponent operation that saw the combined fleet redeploying the major LCUs from the pacific perimeter to the Mariannas and Davao area.

Anyway, with Boela AF now closed the allies are ready to exploit the corridor they created in the DEI but we're still holding at Saumlaki and at Kaimana, keeping 3 allied divisions fully busy

The enemy's CVs are confirmed now near PM... which means a redeployment towards the pacific. I think he will now advance under LBA umbrella in the DEI, while opening a new front in the pacific. I think its main objective are those atolls between Truk and the Mariannas (just like Bigred did against FaTr in their game).
The KB is, however, almost operative at Bab. Its air groups are now at 80% of their strenght, even if i had to downgrade some DB groups to Vals (will be used for Naval search only i think) cause i'm short of Judys for the moment being.

In Burma he's applying pressure everywhere on my flanks... it's getting hard to hold without new reinforcements coming in...

Dec 23, 1943

The allies bombed Kaimana with everything they had and then attacked.... 1-2 and forts still at 1.30....[:D]

The allies then attacked again our starved units at Hollandia... another 1-2 and heavy losses on his side....[:D]

Our lions are still fighting... and delaying the basterds[;)]

The more he advance, the more he gets delayed and many of his best divisions are now depleted and in bad conditions....[;)]

The KB is now ready to fight again. 100% ready!

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Dec 23, 43


Ground combat at Saumlaki (78,117)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 12027 troops, 197 guns, 122 vehicles, Assault Value = 415

Defending force 20096 troops, 160 guns, 126 vehicles, Assault Value = 502

Allied ground losses:
22 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Assaulting units:
27th Infantry Division
2/7th Armoured Regiment
2/542nd Boat&Shore Engineer Battalion

Defending units:
138th Infantry Regiment
20th/A Division
Shanghai SNLF
8th/C Division
21st Medium Field Artillery Battalion
18th Army
45th Ind.AA Gun Co
52nd Construction Battalion


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at Kaimana (83,113)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 12072 troops, 205 guns, 95 vehicles, Assault Value = 469

Defending force 14320 troops, 121 guns, 37 vehicles, Assault Value = 448

Allied adjusted assault: 359

Japanese adjusted defense: 483

Allied assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 1)

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), preparation(-), experience(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
248 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 34 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 3 (2 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
419 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 110 disabled The first marine Division is now halved in combat strenght...and so it's the 5th Aus...
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 5 disabled
Guns lost 12 (1 destroyed, 11 disabled)

Assaulting units:
1st Marine Division
5th Australian Division
I Marine Amphib Corps

Defending units:
16th Naval Guard Unit
20th/B Division
56th Div /1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at Hollandia (93,116)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 13702 troops, 199 guns, 228 vehicles, Assault Value = 477

Defending force 27022 troops, 231 guns, 34 vehicles, Assault Value = 564

Allied adjusted assault: 370

Japanese adjusted defense: 585

Allied assault odds: 1 to 2

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), op mode(-), preparation(-), fatigue(-)
experience(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
420 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 56 disabled
Non Combat: 3 destroyed, 14 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 8 disabled
Guns lost 21 (2 destroyed, 19 disabled)
Vehicles lost 4 (1 destroyed, 3 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
897 casualties reported
Squads: 8 destroyed, 171 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 22 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 15 disabled
Vehicles lost 15 (1 destroyed, 14 disabled)

Assaulting units:
3rd Marine Division (the 3rd Marine Div is not the combat unit it used to be....still fighting for Hollandia after 5 months from the initial landings, even if the base was conquered.... COOL!)
2/6th Armoured Regiment
1/542nd Boat&Shore Engineer Battalion
42nd US Naval Construction Battalion
II US Fighter Cmnd
I US Corps
43rd Base Group
23rd NZ Pioneer Coy
1st USN Naval Construction Regiment

Defending units:
1st Guards/C Division
1st Guards/B Division
Maizuru 4th SNLF
44th Naval Guard Unit
51st Naval Guard Unit
51st Division
21st/C Div /2
57th JNAF AF Unit /1
26th JNAF AF Unit
15th Naval Construction Battalion
2nd JNAF AF Unit
6th Naval Construction Battalion
35th JNAF AF Unit /2
64th Field AA Battalion
51st Air Div /1
12th Air Defense AA Regiment
51st JNAF AF Unit
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
56th JNAF AF Unit /1
7th Naval Construction Battalion
10th JNAF AF Unit
31st Air Defense AA Battalion
11th RF Gun Battalion
36th JNAF AF Unit
144th JAAF AF Bn /2
54th JNAF AF Unit /1
85th JAAF AF Bn /4
1st South Seas Gsn /1
45th JNAF AF Unit /1

Dec 24-29, 1943

The war goes on and the allies keep on pounding Kaimana and Boela.

In the last 5 days, Kaimana suffered badly with several DD TFs bombarding the dot base, savagely defended by the 56th Division. Forts are again up to 2 and the air bridge is doing wonders in keeping supply levels pretty stable (even if low).

On the other side of NG, Vanimo has finally been invaded by the 41st Division. Hope he destroys my units pretty fast so i can start rebuilding them back and and send them to Luzon.

At the same time the 1st Division arrived at Tau-Elandien, while another division is reaching Menado while we speak. The second line is building up fast while he tries to break at Kaimana....

Few days and the Peggy-T will be available...can't wait!

The enemy's CVs are now out of sight...probably at Sydney.

Many scout TFs moving near Marcus and Wake Island....

Dec 30-31 1943

The year is over. A good year indeed, despite some heavy losses and some defeats. The Empire managed to slow down the allied advance in the Southern Day and, in December, it also managed to inflict a major punishment to the allied finest machine, sinking 3 CVs and a bunch of CVEs.

However not everything is bright.

In Burma we've lost Akyab and Bhamo-Mitikyna-Wazrup area, and now the flanks of our Burmese dominion are now threatened both by Chinese and by the western Allies.
We've lost the whole SWPAC theatre, with the allied advance that stopped and slowed down only at Hollandia...pretty deep into my realm

Anyway, my supply-fuel routes are still safe and the allied subs haven't been much of a factor so far. The allied air power is beginning to become overwhelming but Japan is trying to choose carefully its battles and it seems to be still able to give them some headhaces.

Today there were major air battles over Boela and over Babo. Over Boela we ambushed the usual milky runs of the allied attacks, destroying 60 planes for 3 of my own (The franks are rocking here), while over Babo 36 of my Frances dediced it was a good idea to attack a bunch of PTs... they were escorted by 84 between Tojos and Franks...who got slaughtered by the heavy enemy CAP... 92 planes lost and more than 50 pilots... [:o]

But against the Corsairs and Hellcats sweeps over Boela we showed him that, handled by crack pilots, the Japanese machines (N1K1s and 2s and KI-48a) can still be deadly.

What's next so? Well, Brad will surely try to open another front soon...so I must be very carefull from now on

Will you convert all IJAAF 2E groups to training and use of the Peggy (T) or leave some for ground bombing duties still? Hard to make these choices as the new training of TB pilots takes a LONG time, and adding ground bombing to them would be difficult.

Erik, the idea is to leave the ASW Groups as they are, while converting the rest of the Helen Squadrons to Naval-T duties. I don't see any valid point to keep ground bombing squadrons operating. By now ground bombing is not a viable option anymore for Japan. If situation changes (i doubt), i can still count on more than 1000 highly trained bomber pilots in my pools and i can easily convert some groups back to the Helen.
But yes, i want hordes of Peggy-T. [:D]

ORIGINAL: GreyJoy

ORIGINAL: inqistor

I see, that you mentioned, that you use old ZEROs for sacrificial escort duty. Since it does not seem, that either experience, speed, or maneuverability helps much during escort, your best bet would be something with armor. That way plane have chance to survive initial attack (and be target for another pass [:D])

ORIGINAL: GreyJoy

Now, in 10 days, we'll start producing the D4Y4...I really hope to be able to use a lot of them in my next encounter with the allied CVs.

Are you sure it is entirely KOSHER?
D4Y4 was kamikaze variant, and the bomb was not non-detachable. I have no idea, why it can be dropped it in-game.

Yes, that's why i'm really looking forward to have the SAM, tough it won't arrive untill early 1945

And yes, i think it's kosher. The game allows it, exactly as it allows the 8 hexes strikes vs. the 7 hexes of the allied CVs, or the Corsairs to take off from CVE Long Island. And i don't think it's an overview, like Jakes being able to operate from Subs just because the game doesn't understand the differences among FP types. The D4Y4 is a plane specifically made carrier capable by the devs.

Thus the religious argument in our forum. Those that have a delusion that this game is a true operational and strategic simulation of WWII combat within the Pacific theater and those that see this as a very complex and entertaining game. What I have done is to block those belonging to the religion of the former [;)]

This is very interesting to me GreyJoy if I decide to play the IJ I will certainly take this under advisement as optimization points ...

ORIGINAL: GreyJoy

Erik, the idea is to leave the ASW Groups as they are, while converting the rest of the Helen Squadrons to Naval-T duties. I don't see any valid point to keep ground bombing squadrons operating. By now ground bombing is not a viable option anymore for Japan. If situation changes (i doubt), i can still count on more than 1000 highly trained bomber pilots in my pools and i can easily convert some groups back to the Helen.
But yes, i want hordes of Peggy-T. [:D]

GreyJoy,

Will you be training up LowNav for some of your IJAAF airframes in anticipation of the triggering of Kamikazes? What are your pools of Helen, Sally and Lillys? These will make very nice Kamikazes. Also, your pools of Oscar IIa/IIb or other bomb-carrying "Kamikaze-capable" airframes?

Will you be training up LowNav for some of your IJAAF airframes in anticipation of the triggering of Kamikazes?

I thought Nemo demonstrated that stratospheric Kami's combined with multiple levels was the optimal attack in this game? Is lownav Kami's and going in undetected / less detected do more damage vs. the high flak values in DBB?

Crackaces-it was my understanding that the training of pilots for the Kamikaze mission was through LowNav training. How they approach the target (at what altitude)-I don't think-has bearing on their ultimate kamikaze mission. I don't have much direct experience with this, so am open to those with more firsthand knowledge.

If you think about it, though, it makes sense. Eventually, somehow, some way, those pilots will be attacking naval ships at low altitude. LowNav training / "kamikaze" training seems synonymous. Implementation of swarm attacks (numbers, altitude, +/- escort) is a different variable, IMO.

ORIGINAL: Crackaces

ORIGINAL: GreyJoy

ORIGINAL: inqistor

I see, that you mentioned, that you use old ZEROs for sacrificial escort duty. Since it does not seem, that either experience, speed, or maneuverability helps much during escort, your best bet would be something with armor. That way plane have chance to survive initial attack (and be target for another pass [:D])



Are you sure it is entirely KOSHER?
D4Y4 was kamikaze variant, and the bomb was not non-detachable. I have no idea, why it can be dropped it in-game.

Yes, that's why i'm really looking forward to have the SAM, tough it won't arrive untill early 1945

And yes, i think it's kosher. The game allows it, exactly as it allows the 8 hexes strikes vs. the 7 hexes of the allied CVs, or the Corsairs to take off from CVE Long Island. And i don't think it's an overview, like Jakes being able to operate from Subs just because the game doesn't understand the differences among FP types. The D4Y4 is a plane specifically made carrier capable by the devs.

Thus the religious argument in our forum. Those that have a delusion that this game is a true operational and strategic simulation of WWII combat within the Pacific theater and those that see this as a very complex and entertaining game. What I have done is to block those belonging to the religion of the former [;)]

This is very interesting to me GreyJoy if I decide to play the IJ I will certainly take this under advisement as optimization points ...

A very good point about the armor above by inqistor, and I think the A6M5c does this very well from my limited experience with it. The high maneuverability of the early versions though can also mean they elude some attacks. They do much better than I would have imagined.

While the 800kg bomb issue is a hot one, would it be so hard to have made it droppable if they'd wanted to retrieve the plane and pilot? It could carry the bomb and that is the main point as I see it. It was simply not necessary for them at the time as there were no CVs to launch from and experienced DB pilots were probably nonexistent, while kami pilots who could at least point a plane in the approximate direction were still available.

And these really make a nice big BOOM! [:D]

If you think about it, though, it makes sense. Eventually, somehow, some way, those pilots will be attacking naval ships at low altitude. LowNav training / "kamikaze" training seems synonymous. Implementation of swarm attacks (numbers, altitude, +/- escort) is a different variable, IMO.

I am of the religion that this game is not even close as a simulation [;)] so when I think about it . my limited experience so far makes me lean toward attacks with multiple layers that force CAP to react that I am th8inking includes stratospheric Kami attacks but I could see Low-level Naval attacks combined with very high altitude Kami attacks really stressing the typical CAP layer about 18K to protect against DB's and 10K to protect against TB's ... with uber CAP to protect against stray escorts ...

In my reading Nemo .. one massed Kami attack at the right time is the ticket to set the Allies back and make it to '46 ...

ORIGINAL: Chickenboy

Crackaces-it was my understanding that the training of pilots for the Kamikaze mission was through LowNav training. How they approach the target (at what altitude)-I don't think-has bearing on their ultimate kamikaze mission. I don't have much direct experience with this, so am open to those with more firsthand knowledge.

If you think about it, though, it makes sense. Eventually, somehow, some way, those pilots will be attacking naval ships at low altitude. LowNav training / "kamikaze" training seems synonymous. Implementation of swarm attacks (numbers, altitude, +/- escort) is a different variable, IMO.

Yes, that was my understanding too. Kamikaze pilots, no matter the altitude they fly, will Always use LowNaval skill

ORIGINAL: Chickenboy

ORIGINAL: GreyJoy

Erik, the idea is to leave the ASW Groups as they are, while converting the rest of the Helen Squadrons to Naval-T duties. I don't see any valid point to keep ground bombing squadrons operating. By now ground bombing is not a viable option anymore for Japan. If situation changes (i doubt), i can still count on more than 1000 highly trained bomber pilots in my pools and i can easily convert some groups back to the Helen.
But yes, i want hordes of Peggy-T. [:D]

GreyJoy,

Will you be training up LowNav for some of your IJAAF airframes in anticipation of the triggering of Kamikazes? What are your pools of Helen, Sally and Lillys? These will make very nice Kamikazes. Also, your pools of Oscar IIa/IIb or other bomb-carrying "Kamikaze-capable" airframes?

I've started to train them since 1942. Now i have more than 2000 higly trained Kamikaze pilots in my pools and have already stockpiled 1200 Oscar IIb and IIIa. The idea is to use ONLY Army pilots for that suicidal duty, while leaving the more rare navy pilots to conventional bombing or torpedoing. In few months i'll be producing a grand total of 250 Oscars monthly. Should be enough, i hope

ORIGINAL: obvert

ORIGINAL: Crackaces

ORIGINAL: GreyJoy





Yes, that's why i'm really looking forward to have the SAM, tough it won't arrive untill early 1945

And yes, i think it's kosher. The game allows it, exactly as it allows the 8 hexes strikes vs. the 7 hexes of the allied CVs, or the Corsairs to take off from CVE Long Island. And i don't think it's an overview, like Jakes being able to operate from Subs just because the game doesn't understand the differences among FP types. The D4Y4 is a plane specifically made carrier capable by the devs.

Thus the religious argument in our forum. Those that have a delusion that this game is a true operational and strategic simulation of WWII combat within the Pacific theater and those that see this as a very complex and entertaining game. What I have done is to block those belonging to the religion of the former [;)]

This is very interesting to me GreyJoy if I decide to play the IJ I will certainly take this under advisement as optimization points ...

A very good point about the armor above by inqistor, and I think the A6M5c does this very well from my limited experience with it. The high maneuverability of the early versions though can also mean they elude some attacks. They do much better than I would have imagined.

While the 800kg bomb issue is a hot one, would it be so hard to have made it droppable if they'd wanted to retrieve the plane and pilot? It could carry the bomb and that is the main point as I see it. It was simply not necessary for them at the time as there were no CVs to launch from and experienced DB pilots were probably nonexistent, while kami pilots who could at least point a plane in the approximate direction were still available.

And these really make a nice big BOOM! [:D]

Well, my D4Y4s are now in production...let's see if i'll be able to use them in a CV encounter...Can't wait to finally see an american BB hit and penetrated by one of those beauties[:D]

Jan 3, 1944

So 1944 has begun.

In the last week the allies started a massive naval bombing campaign against Kaimana and Boela. Several TFs bomb these bases every night (South Dakota and Repulse included). We don't care much for the moment. We're very busy creating a new perimeter Beyond the actual front and in defence of Luzon. My new perimeter will start at Menado and will end at Bab. Already 2 divisions got in place there and 2 more are coming from CENTPAC to help.
Not much to report in other theatres. The enemy CVs simply disappeared, along with their CVEs, but i've just spotted what seems to be an APA convoy moving west from Port Hedland...mmmm.....[&:]
Moving some of my air and naval reserves to Singapore.

Peggy-T and Judy-4 finally entered into production. am producing 5 Peggy-T Daily and 7 Judys...not bad.

If he now wants to move forward from his present positions in the DEI he needs to enlarge his perimeter. The more he advances northwards the longer are his exposed flanks and he knows that. He should conquer at least Boela and Kaimana, neutralizing Ambon and Biak if he wants to free some air units from the present guarding duties.

On the other side of NG he needs to get rid of my army at Hollandia and Vanimo (which are conquered but the stiff resistance of my units, even without a base, are slowing him down a lot, keeping pinned 2 good divisions).

Western Sumatra remains a very probable place for him to land in the nearby future. What do i need to defend my dominions there? Well, easy to say: a decent naval presence, a good recon system and a strong air-to-naval defence. I'm doing my best to move all my reserves to Singa, trying not to let other places completely unguarded. Not easy.

ORIGINAL: Crackaces

If you think about it, though, it makes sense. Eventually, somehow, some way, those pilots will be attacking naval ships at low altitude. LowNav training / "kamikaze" training seems synonymous. Implementation of swarm attacks (numbers, altitude, +/- escort) is a different variable, IMO.

I am of the religion that this game is not even close as a simulation [;)] so when I think about it . my limited experience so far makes me lean toward attacks with multiple layers that force CAP to react that I am th8inking includes stratospheric Kami attacks but I could see Low-level Naval attacks combined with very high altitude Kami attacks really stressing the typical CAP layer about 18K to protect against DB's and 10K to protect against TB's ... with uber CAP to protect against stray escorts ...

In my reading Nemo .. one massed Kami attack at the right time is the ticket to set the Allies back and make it to '46 ...

Yes, they are nasty in 1945. But I am of the opinion that a decent Allied player should be so loaded up with firepower and goodies that there is no sense bitching about this. It makes the game balanced and more fun. After all, we all know that really only a very few Japanese bettys and nells were capable of delivering torpedoes. We AFBs can deal with it.

ORIGINAL: GreyJoy

ORIGINAL: Chickenboy

ORIGINAL: GreyJoy

Erik, the idea is to leave the ASW Groups as they are, while converting the rest of the Helen Squadrons to Naval-T duties. I don't see any valid point to keep ground bombing squadrons operating. By now ground bombing is not a viable option anymore for Japan. If situation changes (i doubt), i can still count on more than 1000 highly trained bomber pilots in my pools and i can easily convert some groups back to the Helen.
But yes, i want hordes of Peggy-T. [:D]

GreyJoy,

Will you be training up LowNav for some of your IJAAF airframes in anticipation of the triggering of Kamikazes? What are your pools of Helen, Sally and Lillys? These will make very nice Kamikazes. Also, your pools of Oscar IIa/IIb or other bomb-carrying "Kamikaze-capable" airframes?

I've started to train them since 1942. Now i have more than 2000 higly trained Kamikaze pilots in my pools and have already stockpiled 1200 Oscar IIb and IIIa. The idea is to use ONLY Army pilots for that suicidal duty, while leaving the more rare navy pilots to conventional bombing or torpedoing. In few months i'll be producing a grand total of 250 Oscars monthly. Should be enough, i hope

My experience is that these planes are not very good as kamikazes. Too easy to shoot down. You really need a big bomb. They (oscars) just bounce off of BBs and that seems to be the target of choice if they are around. Same with Helens and Sallys. The bombs are no good for kamikaze attacks. It is the Judy, Jill, Peggy and Francis that seem to do the damage to my ships.

Oh, and Okhas are now working and they hurt when they hit.

Yes, they are nasty in 1945. But I am of the opinion that a decent Allied player should be so loaded up with firepower and goodies that there is no sense bitching about this. It makes the game balanced and more fun. After all, we all know that really only a very few Japanese bettys and nells were capable of delivering torpedoes. We AFBs can deal with it.

Just to go on the record .. I was not complaining .. only citing some observations that those with the religion that this game is a simulation of some sort of reality will be shocked [8D]

I have to say I did feel a little bit of disappointment when 25 Betty's at long range destroyed an armored battalion in the open ... [:'(] Not only can these pilots rip open any TF I send out .. but they are snipers that can plant bombs as equally skillful on moving tanks .. [8D] [I am thinking the algorithm favors skill level somehow more than the armament?

In the reality department ... I deal with the fact that 10 IJ seized a city of thousands and commissioned the entire rail network in one day to rail up 45K IJA [:'(] Its a good game although ...

ORIGINAL: crsutton

ORIGINAL: GreyJoy

ORIGINAL: Chickenboy




GreyJoy,

Will you be training up LowNav for some of your IJAAF airframes in anticipation of the triggering of Kamikazes? What are your pools of Helen, Sally and Lillys? These will make very nice Kamikazes. Also, your pools of Oscar IIa/IIb or other bomb-carrying "Kamikaze-capable" airframes?

I've started to train them since 1942. Now i have more than 2000 higly trained Kamikaze pilots in my pools and have already stockpiled 1200 Oscar IIb and IIIa. The idea is to use ONLY Army pilots for that suicidal duty, while leaving the more rare navy pilots to conventional bombing or torpedoing. In few months i'll be producing a grand total of 250 Oscars monthly. Should be enough, i hope

My experience is that these planes are not very good as kamikazes. Too easy to shoot down. You really need a big bomb. They (oscars) just bounce off of BBs and that seems to be the target of choice if they are around. Same with Helens and Sallys. The bombs are no good for kamikaze attacks. It is the Judy, Jill, Peggy and Francis that seem to do the damage to my ships.

Oh, and Okhas are now working and they hurt when they hit.

Since when (game version-wise) are Okhas working, crsutton? Last official version? Last beta patch?

Also, why do you not think that the Oscars are a good Kamikaze platform? I'm not critiquing your observations, just asking your opinion on the why.

They do come complete with 2x 250kg bombs-enough to make a real mess in anything less than a modern BB. I've sunk BBs by heavy doses of small bombs=fire=floatation=sunk. Are your BBs just not getting hit by enough of them at once?