Islands of Destiny: RA 5.0 Japanese Side

[John 3rd]

Dan's kid took over the computer so he didn't get my message to send the turn until it was too late. Dan apologized and called it 'turn interruptus.'

Will tackle turn in the morning. The planned assault will not occur for at least a few days...

[adarbrauner]

ORIGINAL: AcePylut

Verse 14-15: We can form a single united body, while the enemy must split up into fractions. Hence there will be a whole pitted against separate parts of a whole, which means that we shall be many to the enemy's few. And if we are able thus to attack an inferior force with a superior one, our opponents will be in dire straits.

Verse 16: The spot where we intend to fight must not be made known; for then the enemy will have to prepare against a possible attack at several different points; and his forces being thus distributed in many directions, the numbers we shall have to face at any given point will be proportionately few

Verse 19: “Knowing the place and the time of the coming battle, we may concentrate from the greatest distances in order to fight

+1+2+3+4+5

Now John, go and execute.

P.s.: regarding air strike attack that is talked about recently, my impression is, that in spite possible presence of juicy capital ships, or others, in port, priority shold be given to CR's logistic support;

i.e.: Airport attack rather than port attack, unless you have the reasonable certainty that there are transports unloading in that port;

[Itdepends]

It's unlikely that capital ships would be hit as a port attack will only hit ships disbanded in port- and there's no real reason to do that for combat ships unless repairing.

On another note- a day visit to the big smoke for a ball dress for my oldest daughter resulted in a bill of just over $500. On the plus side, over half of the spend was at board game store on solitaire war games. [:D]

[Chickenboy]

ORIGINAL: AcePylut

Verse 14-15: We can form a single united body, while the enemy must split up into fractions. Hence there will be a whole pitted against separate parts of a whole, which means that we shall be many to the enemy's few. And if we are able thus to attack an inferior force with a superior one, our opponents will be in dire straits.

Verse 16: The spot where we intend to fight must not be made known; for then the enemy will have to prepare against a possible attack at several different points; and his forces being thus distributed in many directions, the numbers we shall have to face at any given point will be proportionately few

Verse 19: “Knowing the place and the time of the coming battle, we may concentrate from the greatest distances in order to fight

This is textbook. For Dan's attack into Luzon. Think about it.

Over application of broad bromides and platitudes into topics where they don't really fit is counterproductive. These quotes describe a concentrated and secretive land offensive and preparations for same well. They don't really fit spoiling attacks, reconnaissance by force, rear-guard withdrawals, flank probes or meeting engagements well. They also aren't particularly meaningful or actionable-other than just basic background information-about how to conduct an air attack.

[Chickenboy]

ORIGINAL: Itdepends

It's unlikely that capital ships would be hit as a port attack will only hit ships disbanded in port- and there's no real reason to do that for combat ships unless repairing.

Good point.

[Revthought]

ORIGINAL: AcePylut

Verse 14-15: We can form a single united body, while the enemy must split up into fractions. Hence there will be a whole pitted against separate parts of a whole, which means that we shall be many to the enemy's few. And if we are able thus to attack an inferior force with a superior one, our opponents will be in dire straits.

Verse 16: The spot where we intend to fight must not be made known; for then the enemy will have to prepare against a possible attack at several different points; and his forces being thus distributed in many directions, the numbers we shall have to face at any given point will be proportionately few

Verse 19: “Knowing the place and the time of the coming battle, we may concentrate from the greatest distances in order to fight

I see you are channeling your inner Stonewall

[John 3rd]

I did that last year (1943) when we SMASHED his Burma Offensive using a smaller force. LOVED it!

[AcePylut]

ORIGINAL: Chickenboy

ORIGINAL: AcePylut

Verse 14-15: We can form a single united body, while the enemy must split up into fractions. Hence there will be a whole pitted against separate parts of a whole, which means that we shall be many to the enemy's few. And if we are able thus to attack an inferior force with a superior one, our opponents will be in dire straits.

Verse 16: The spot where we intend to fight must not be made known; for then the enemy will have to prepare against a possible attack at several different points; and his forces being thus distributed in many directions, the numbers we shall have to face at any given point will be proportionately few

Verse 19: “Knowing the place and the time of the coming battle, we may concentrate from the greatest distances in order to fight

This is textbook. For Dan's attack into Luzon. Think about it.

Over application of broad bromides and platitudes into topics where they don't really fit is counterproductive. These quotes describe a concentrated and secretive land offensive and preparations for same well. They don't really fit spoiling attacks, reconnaissance by force, rear-guard withdrawals, flank probes or meeting engagements well. They also aren't particularly meaningful or actionable-other than just basic background information-about how to conduct an air attack.

It absolutely does describe the incursion into Luzon! John has to respond, and the best way to respond is where he can achieve a numerical superiority over a target as the US forces are now spread all around the DEI. Within the context of the discussion it's meant to describe "how to apply the Jap airforce". IMHO it's best to send everything against one target, rather than detail 2-3 squadrons to strike numerous bases around the DEI.

[AcePylut]

I tend to think of the rock-paper-scissors as such: Control the Air, so you can control the Sea, Control the Sea, so you can control the Ground.

If you can (can) overcome his airforce in the PI (by outright destroying planes on the ground – and by overwhelming his CAP flying off a damaged airfield) – well then you can bomb the port at leisure. In the daytime. If you can shut down his airfield – or at least damage his bomber force enough to reduce it as a threat, you can focus on his fighters by sweeps and “cap trap escort” missions.

If he can’t control the air above his airfield with LBA– he’s going to have to supplement CAP with his Navy. This could (could) allow you to whittle down his naval fighters. Eventually, he’ll have to pull his carriers back if (if) his naval fighters get whittled down enough because you do have a KB ready to pounce at any time.

Recall – (and maybe it’s me recalling this incorrectly so take it for what it’s worth) – any CV in a base? hex has it’s available CAP halved? So one of two things happens – you’re either going to fight against half of them juicy Hellkitties and KillSairs from his fleet CV’s, and 100% of the CVE fighters (which are usually not the front line planes) – OR – his planes will be flying from 1 hex away and building up fatigue, and also be diminished just by flying CAP from 40 nm away.


If you can keep it up long enough (not sure of your reserves or your planes capabilities or the totality of what you’re facing), then he’s going to have to pull his fleet back, re-evaluate, and come back at a later time… time that you’ve gained. While I don’t think you’ll be able to dislodge him from the PI – you could turn it into an Anzio.

Going after ships in port – while sinking some cargo ships may gain you a turn’s worth of BANZAI and a higher VP total for a single turn – over the span of a week/months it won’t net you any real gain over his combat capability – his airforce will not have been touched. Assuming he hasn’t disbanded BBs and Carriers in port, deep in enemy territory, his naval combat capability will not be diminished. Him losing a CA or 5 won't really matter. And you won’t be able to build on the surprise of a massive night aerial attack. It won’t affect “winning the war”.

Also – do you get more VP for destroying 15 planes on the ground, or a 12VP cargo ship?

One other thing I thought of – doesn’t seem night air attacks have been used in this game – would it be better to just forget about the whole idea – lest you give your opponent the idea to go with night aerial? You know at this point, that whatever you can do now, he can do much more and with much deadlier effect.

[AcePylut]

Oh and just to mess with your opponent – on the night you send in the bombers – make sure to send in like 1 squadron of Sonias (or other worthless pre-war light level bomber) on a daylight raid. Maybe he’ll think “you forgot to click night bombing” and maybe he’ll think you’re a little sloppy. If he asks “why” in an email, you can always, honestly, say “I meant to do that”. The more it messes with his mind – the better off you are  If it causes him to underestimate you, the better off you are

[Panther Bait]

ORIGINAL: AcePylut

One other thing I thought of – doesn’t seem night air attacks have been used in this game – would it be better to just forget about the whole idea – lest you give your opponent the idea to go with night aerial? You know at this point, that whatever you can do now, he can do much more and with much deadlier effect.

This is a good point. Worst case, you plan a huge night attack at Legaspi, the random number gods make it a swing-and-a-miss, and you open the Pandora's box of massed 2EB/4EB night attacks everywhere/all the time. Be prepared for that as much as for a Banzai

P.S. When do the Allies get B-29s? Can they reach from Luzon to the Home Islands? I bet they can.

[John 3rd]

I THINK he should have them now. RIGHT? It has surprised me that they have not been seen as of yet.

[cwemyss]

ORIGINAL: John 3rd

ORIGINAL: cwemyss

Didn't you guys have an HR about night port bombing, or am I thinking if another AAAR?

Uggggg...I do not recall. You somehow trigger a thought from the past. Crap. Need to do some remembering. Not easy since we go back five years of time. I cannot just ask him...

I thought I remembered something back in the timeframe you were fighting around Ramree, Akyab, and Assam in general. So about 1942 in game, 4-5 years ago real life, with a giant break in between. For me, I would have read it 2 months ago.

I poked through that rough timeframe in your AAR, I don't have the stomach to go back through 300 pages of confederate general talk in his.

So I hope I'm remembering wrong.

Edit: and obviously, I'm not going to go ask the question in his AAR. This is the only place I've brought it up.

[cardas]

I don't tend to post in AARs but I think I can help you out on this one. On page 55 of this AAR (direct link to the post in question):

ORIGINAL: John 3rd

Have had an email conversation going with Dan over our agreed upon HR. Out of the blue I get this email a few hours hours ago:

We had one other rule we discussed after the game started - to refrain from night bombing ports.

I don't remember this whatsoever but it is sooooooooooooo long ago, I have to bow to his memories over mine.

To further add it's maybe not entirely clear if it only concerns night bombing ports or not judging by the following post on the same page. Maybe further digging would find the answer, but maybe not.

ORIGINAL: janh

Can't really say much here since I am reading both sides (though I admit I prefer your descriptive style some more, just kind of short on details lately). However, I recommend that you talk to CR very clearly about the topic of night bombing. To me it appears that there may be a bit of misunderstanding whether it was ruled out globally, or for ports only. Might be better to talk this through before sending a critical turn...

[John 3rd]

I KNEW there was conversation regarding this point. The match has run sooooooooo long with our breaks that it is difficult to remember. Well done finding this.

No turn yesterday or today. Had planned on a morning turn but sent this to Dan a few minutes ago:

Let us first begin by saying that your NOBLE and brilliant Japanese Opponent suffers from extreme near-sightedness. He is now 50 and can be somewhat forgetful. He sometimes can be an IDIOT!


I managed to roll over my glasses this morning and pretty much destroyed them. I was scheduled in for an exam on Monday so that was rather fortuitous; however, my previous pair of glass are so out of date that they are not much help. Have spent the morning trying to figure out a way to get my current set workable enough that I can use them while expediting the ordering of a new pair.


This is how I have spent my morning as opposed to do ANYTHING useful!


Just letting you know…
John

STUPID! I am blind and having to squint to read the damned keyboard. Headed to the optical place to see if they can perform a miracle and bring my glasses back to life until the new ones arrive.

Whom of my readers has done anything STUPID recently? This qualifies for me...

[Chickenboy]

ORIGINAL: John 3rd
Whom of my readers has done anything STUPID recently?

Never. Not even once. [:'(][;)]

[John 3rd]

I actually got a turn done and sent. Wrote Dan apologizing for a screwed up week. Got called in twice and then this glasses stupidity really slowed our turns.

Had a B-Day Party for my eldest last night over at Chippers. It was laser tag and bowling for the gang. Each of the boys brought 3-4 friends over and we had a good time.

Can I truly admit to being a HUGE GEEK? John's main present was a Klingon Bat'leth to hang on his wall. How many fellow GEEKS out there know exactly what I just named? He was beyond excited. Think the kid nearly stroked out when he opened it!

[JohnDillworth]

As for B-29's Yes I expect Dan has some. you get a first batch of about 120 or so but it is hard to get them in position. Their service rating is so poor that every time you switch air fields a good number of the planes are broken for up to a week. Then you have to get them all at a big airfield, under the same command, with plenty of ground support and supply. They come in bigger numbers and larger squadrons later on. These are almost like practice B-29's. I've never been able to keep up a sustained bombing campaign with them If you are lucky you will get a good day, coordinated day and them then diminishing numbers for 2 or 3 days coming in in small packets. Tough , but no impossible to shoot down but any damage from fighters or flack put them out of commission for at least a week. Depends how he used them and what your defenses are

[Chickenboy]

ORIGINAL: John 3rd
John's main present was a Klingon Bat'leth to hang on his wall. How many fellow GEEKS out there know exactly what I just named?

Aye. But did he win 'Champion Standing' or just 9th place because of an opponent's illegal move?

[John 3rd]

ORIGINAL: Chickenboy

ORIGINAL: John 3rd
John's main present was a Klingon Bat'leth to hang on his wall. How many fellow GEEKS out there know exactly what I just named?

Aye. But did he win 'Champion Standing' or just 9th place because of an opponent's illegal move?

The man knows his Star Trek. Well..there were about 1,000,000 different realities with a wide variety of results!

LOVED that Episode!