War across the Atlantic - Smeulders (Allies) vs. SqzMyLemon (Japan)
Moderators: wdolson, MOD_War-in-the-Pacific-Admirals-Edition
RE: 27th of October 42'
Just finished to catch up with this excellent AAR! Thanks!!
House Rules
A quick note on the house rules and China in our game.
It seems like Joseph is getting a lot of advice from experienced players in his AAR. One of those has been asking about our HR about strategic bombing in China, with the obvious intent to bomb it into oblivion if that's allowed. IMHO this is, aside from PP to cross borders, the most important HR one can have. While it probably improved some in later patches, China is still unbalanced. The Chinese slowly starve even if they do nothing but sit in their bases, while the Japanese can support huge armies hundreds/thousands of miles away from the coast. Allow the bombing of Chinese industry and China falls sooner rather than later. Of course there will be exceptions, Nemo managed to surround a huge Japanese army and pin it down in one of his AARs. Other expert players may be able to do the same. When talking about evenly matched players though (to be honest I have to say Joseph is outplaying me in the land war), China seems out of whack enough as it is, no need to make it worse with strat bombing.
Edit: If anyone is wondering how I know about advice given in Joseph's AAR, he e-mailed me to ask about the HR (he wasn't sure what is was) and told me this.
It seems like Joseph is getting a lot of advice from experienced players in his AAR. One of those has been asking about our HR about strategic bombing in China, with the obvious intent to bomb it into oblivion if that's allowed. IMHO this is, aside from PP to cross borders, the most important HR one can have. While it probably improved some in later patches, China is still unbalanced. The Chinese slowly starve even if they do nothing but sit in their bases, while the Japanese can support huge armies hundreds/thousands of miles away from the coast. Allow the bombing of Chinese industry and China falls sooner rather than later. Of course there will be exceptions, Nemo managed to surround a huge Japanese army and pin it down in one of his AARs. Other expert players may be able to do the same. When talking about evenly matched players though (to be honest I have to say Joseph is outplaying me in the land war), China seems out of whack enough as it is, no need to make it worse with strat bombing.
Edit: If anyone is wondering how I know about advice given in Joseph's AAR, he e-mailed me to ask about the HR (he wasn't sure what is was) and told me this.
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28th of October 42'
28th of October 42'
SWPac
4 APD are sent to Ndeni to land support squads, but the convoy doesn't exactly have lot of luck. A huge subscreen around Ndeni leads to 2 attacks and 2 sinkings. The remaining ships are at Ndeni and still need to get out.
Luganville is swept by zeroes, but again they miss the CAP.
Burma
The Japanese launch an air attack against Cox's Bazaar. At night a small number of bombers come in, failing to do anything. During they day 60 Oscars and 30 Tojos sweep the base in 3 waves. Only 25 P-40K defend the base, but they extract a heavy toll. 12 Oscars and 1 Tojo are claimed for only 6 Allied planes lost. The Japanese lose a couple more planes in ops during the operation.
SWPac
4 APD are sent to Ndeni to land support squads, but the convoy doesn't exactly have lot of luck. A huge subscreen around Ndeni leads to 2 attacks and 2 sinkings. The remaining ships are at Ndeni and still need to get out.
Luganville is swept by zeroes, but again they miss the CAP.
Burma
The Japanese launch an air attack against Cox's Bazaar. At night a small number of bombers come in, failing to do anything. During they day 60 Oscars and 30 Tojos sweep the base in 3 waves. Only 25 P-40K defend the base, but they extract a heavy toll. 12 Oscars and 1 Tojo are claimed for only 6 Allied planes lost. The Japanese lose a couple more planes in ops during the operation.
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29th of October 42'
29th of October 42'
SWPac
The first APD convoy gets out without further loss and an engineer convoy of another 4 APD reaches Ndeni without encountering any subs. A transport squadron flying from Luganville will make sure enough supplies reach the island to build an airfield.
At this stage it's obvious I made some major mistakes in this area. Right now there are only some small units on the island, low on support and supplies. If the original plan was followed I'd have had a whole marine regiment and a bunch of supplies in place before the Japanese could have reacted. Now I'm struggling to get troops and supplies in while having to risk valuable APDs to subs. It's a valuable lesson for further invasions though. Everything that's needed for the first couple of weeks and building/operating a small airfield needs to get ashore in the first 3 days of the invasion, before the Japanese can mass units in the area. In this area the next targets is the Guadalcanal area. There are 15000 troops sighted at Lunga, accounting for engineers and support of all sorts there will be about 100-200 AV if the information is correct.
Burma
After the debacle at Cox's Bazaar the Japanese do a show of strength over Shwebo. 100 Oscars Ic and 50 Tojos IIa sweep the base, 50 Sallies escorted by 25 Nicks bomb. An exercise in futility, damage is easily repaired and the Japanese lose about 5 planes to Flak and Ops and I learn a bit more about the IJAAF in Burma.
SWPac
The first APD convoy gets out without further loss and an engineer convoy of another 4 APD reaches Ndeni without encountering any subs. A transport squadron flying from Luganville will make sure enough supplies reach the island to build an airfield.
At this stage it's obvious I made some major mistakes in this area. Right now there are only some small units on the island, low on support and supplies. If the original plan was followed I'd have had a whole marine regiment and a bunch of supplies in place before the Japanese could have reacted. Now I'm struggling to get troops and supplies in while having to risk valuable APDs to subs. It's a valuable lesson for further invasions though. Everything that's needed for the first couple of weeks and building/operating a small airfield needs to get ashore in the first 3 days of the invasion, before the Japanese can mass units in the area. In this area the next targets is the Guadalcanal area. There are 15000 troops sighted at Lunga, accounting for engineers and support of all sorts there will be about 100-200 AV if the information is correct.
Burma
After the debacle at Cox's Bazaar the Japanese do a show of strength over Shwebo. 100 Oscars Ic and 50 Tojos IIa sweep the base, 50 Sallies escorted by 25 Nicks bomb. An exercise in futility, damage is easily repaired and the Japanese lose about 5 planes to Flak and Ops and I learn a bit more about the IJAAF in Burma.
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30th of October 42'
30th of October 42'
SWPac
The engineers unload safely at Ndeni and the air bridge appears to be working as supplies increase even as the airfield building accelerates. In about 10 days time the airfield will reach level 1, but I'll need to get in more supplies and aviation support before it can become operational.
The Japanese are raiding the seas around the island at night and chase off a minesweeper which is then sunk by a sub. The ship did manage to destroy the minefield first.
China
Changsha holds a 1-1 attack and again heavy losses are inflicted on the Japanese, with nearly a hundred squads destroyed.
Long range recon in being deployed to Burmese airfields to try and spot Japanese troop movements.
Burma
Quiet again, apparently the large raid at Shwebo was a test of combat routines.
SWPac
The engineers unload safely at Ndeni and the air bridge appears to be working as supplies increase even as the airfield building accelerates. In about 10 days time the airfield will reach level 1, but I'll need to get in more supplies and aviation support before it can become operational.
The Japanese are raiding the seas around the island at night and chase off a minesweeper which is then sunk by a sub. The ship did manage to destroy the minefield first.
China
Changsha holds a 1-1 attack and again heavy losses are inflicted on the Japanese, with nearly a hundred squads destroyed.
Long range recon in being deployed to Burmese airfields to try and spot Japanese troop movements.
Burma
Quiet again, apparently the large raid at Shwebo was a test of combat routines.
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31st of October 42'
31st of October 42'
Subs
KVII is forced to the surface and subsequently sunk by Japanese E ships near Shortlands.
Subs
KVII is forced to the surface and subsequently sunk by Japanese E ships near Shortlands.
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October overview
October overview
Fairly calm month, the Allies are crawling forward in SWPac and readying themselves for pushes in SPac and Burma. China is starting to become worrisome.
Theatre by Theatre
China
The Chinese retreat and leave the area around Changsha for the Japanese, but a large rear-guard action at Changsha itself is still holding the Japanese. More attacks are expected all along the jungle line, especially near the road to Burma.
In the North the Japanese take a lot of ground, but it's the most insignificant part of the map, so it's not too bad.
Burma
The offensive was held up by large forces in Shwebo and the jungle, I'm not sure whether Joseph realized, but he effectively outnumbered me at the beginning of the month. Significant reinforcements have recently arrived, and I'll try to split the Japanese front.
SWPac
Ndeni is captured, but will take a major effort to get it operational. The ground troops to push forward are available, but I'll need significantly more air and naval support which won't be available soon.
SPac
Not much happened here, except for the recon cruise of some Japanese light combatants South of the Ellice Islands. Once the carriers and transports arrive the Southern Gillberts will be invaded.
Northern Oz
The time has come to start building here again. More engineers are arriving and they may just be able to outrace the daily bombardments. A more active air defences out of Fenton and Katherine is planned as well.
Fairly calm month, the Allies are crawling forward in SWPac and readying themselves for pushes in SPac and Burma. China is starting to become worrisome.
Theatre by Theatre
China
The Chinese retreat and leave the area around Changsha for the Japanese, but a large rear-guard action at Changsha itself is still holding the Japanese. More attacks are expected all along the jungle line, especially near the road to Burma.
In the North the Japanese take a lot of ground, but it's the most insignificant part of the map, so it's not too bad.
Burma
The offensive was held up by large forces in Shwebo and the jungle, I'm not sure whether Joseph realized, but he effectively outnumbered me at the beginning of the month. Significant reinforcements have recently arrived, and I'll try to split the Japanese front.
SWPac
Ndeni is captured, but will take a major effort to get it operational. The ground troops to push forward are available, but I'll need significantly more air and naval support which won't be available soon.
SPac
Not much happened here, except for the recon cruise of some Japanese light combatants South of the Ellice Islands. Once the carriers and transports arrive the Southern Gillberts will be invaded.
Northern Oz
The time has come to start building here again. More engineers are arriving and they may just be able to outrace the daily bombardments. A more active air defences out of Fenton and Katherine is planned as well.
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RE: October overview
Naval Losses
Japan Allies
DD 1 0
AM 0 1
APD 0 2
SS 0 1
SC 2 0
xAK 5 0
PB 1 0
Nothing extraordinary this month. It's nice to get credit for another destroyer, but I can't imagine where and when it would have been sunk. A FOW adjustment ? Most losses for the allies are from around Ndeni.
Japan Allies
DD 1 0
AM 0 1
APD 0 2
SS 0 1
SC 2 0
xAK 5 0
PB 1 0
Nothing extraordinary this month. It's nice to get credit for another destroyer, but I can't imagine where and when it would have been sunk. A FOW adjustment ? Most losses for the allies are from around Ndeni.
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RE: October overview
Air losses
Japan Allies
Air 49 58
Flak 16 0
Ground 0 0
Ops 154 110
Total 219 168
Still an Allied advantage this month, Japanese bombing has to go up against higher flak concentrations and suffers a bit. Japanese ops losses are still higher, but the Allies had a bad month as well.
Japan Allies
Air 49 58
Flak 16 0
Ground 0 0
Ops 154 110
Total 219 168
Still an Allied advantage this month, Japanese bombing has to go up against higher flak concentrations and suffers a bit. Japanese ops losses are still higher, but the Allies had a bad month as well.
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1st & 2nd of November
1st & 2nd of November
Burma
Another round of bombing hits Shwebo on the night of the 1st, but the lack of any damage in the morning means no 2nd round follows.
A mistake in movement orders meant the troops are still a bit out from Shwebo, giving a small delay in the offensive.
China
Bombardments at Changsha, the encirclement is now complete. Really nice of Joseph, because the 1000 AV in the city would become 2000 after rebuilding. Now let's hope he'll actually take the city and not just leave the defenders to rot.
Burma
Another round of bombing hits Shwebo on the night of the 1st, but the lack of any damage in the morning means no 2nd round follows.
A mistake in movement orders meant the troops are still a bit out from Shwebo, giving a small delay in the offensive.
China
Bombardments at Changsha, the encirclement is now complete. Really nice of Joseph, because the 1000 AV in the city would become 2000 after rebuilding. Now let's hope he'll actually take the city and not just leave the defenders to rot.
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3th & 4th of November
3th & 4th of November
China
Changsha holds another attack on the 3th, far fewer destroyed Japanese this time, but it's still a nice result.
SWPac
B-17 hit Lunga airfield on the 3th and 4th. The first raid goes well and Zeroes on the field are incapable of stopping the attack. On the second day Nicks tear into the bombers, throwing off their aim, damaging many and shooting down 3. The raids are being stopped for the time being.
Sub
A number of duds over the last couple of days.
* First USS Pollack hits a SC to no effect
* S-23 has a dud on E Kari, the same ship that sunk KVII days earlier.
* USS Grunion launched duds on the Japanese sub I-27 in the Marshalls.
China
Changsha holds another attack on the 3th, far fewer destroyed Japanese this time, but it's still a nice result.
SWPac
B-17 hit Lunga airfield on the 3th and 4th. The first raid goes well and Zeroes on the field are incapable of stopping the attack. On the second day Nicks tear into the bombers, throwing off their aim, damaging many and shooting down 3. The raids are being stopped for the time being.
Sub
A number of duds over the last couple of days.
* First USS Pollack hits a SC to no effect
* S-23 has a dud on E Kari, the same ship that sunk KVII days earlier.
* USS Grunion launched duds on the Japanese sub I-27 in the Marshalls.
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5th of November
5th of November
China
A regiment crosses the river from the North, flipping the last hexside to Japanese control. The crossing leads to a shock attack, but losses to the Japanese are light.
Northern Oz
Tomorrow P-40E and Kittyhawks will LRCAP over Darwin. The usual sweep is about 35 zeroes, followed by 30 Oscars & 45 Sallies. Against this 75 P-40E and 16 Kittyhawks will fly. The arrival of a construction regiment in Darwin did appear to make a difference, runway damage had been hoovering around 95 for weeks, the day after the construction regiment arrived, it lowered to 79. Would be interesting to see if this trend can continue.
Commonwealth forces
A huge convoy is disbanding in Cape Town. Large number of 6pdr AT guns and 25pdrs are going to the pools allowing me to outfit a couple more Indian division. Even more importantly, it will give me enough Grant and Valentine tanks to completely outfit 2 of the large 200 AV Indian armoured formations and start on the third.
Troop movements
A USA division is nearing Mombasa, from which it will move to India. I'm not yet sure if it'll move on to the Burma front or kept in reserve for amphibious operations.
Subs
For the first time one of my light ASW groups engages, I-1 is depth charged near Pearl Harbour, but no hits are recorded.
China
A regiment crosses the river from the North, flipping the last hexside to Japanese control. The crossing leads to a shock attack, but losses to the Japanese are light.
Northern Oz
Tomorrow P-40E and Kittyhawks will LRCAP over Darwin. The usual sweep is about 35 zeroes, followed by 30 Oscars & 45 Sallies. Against this 75 P-40E and 16 Kittyhawks will fly. The arrival of a construction regiment in Darwin did appear to make a difference, runway damage had been hoovering around 95 for weeks, the day after the construction regiment arrived, it lowered to 79. Would be interesting to see if this trend can continue.
Commonwealth forces
A huge convoy is disbanding in Cape Town. Large number of 6pdr AT guns and 25pdrs are going to the pools allowing me to outfit a couple more Indian division. Even more importantly, it will give me enough Grant and Valentine tanks to completely outfit 2 of the large 200 AV Indian armoured formations and start on the third.
Troop movements
A USA division is nearing Mombasa, from which it will move to India. I'm not yet sure if it'll move on to the Burma front or kept in reserve for amphibious operations.
Subs
For the first time one of my light ASW groups engages, I-1 is depth charged near Pearl Harbour, but no hits are recorded.
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6th of November 42'
6th of November 42'
China
After a long battle, Changsha has fallen to the Japanese. My feelings about the campaign are mixed, despite the long battle in Changsha, the campaign to take the complete Changsha region only took a month. I'd have hoped he'd take far longer to assemble the troops for this offensive, but instead he followed up days after my main forces retreated. On the plus side, it seems that about a 1000 Japanese AV was lost during the attacks on Changsha. Even though most of this is disablements it will take some time for the units involved to get to full strength again. The Chinese on the other hand lost nothing, the forces lost at Changsha will respawn in 30 days, giving 2000 AV. The corps for Changsha and Hengyang were chosen exactly so that they would increase in strength from respawning and this is what happened. Another interesting observation is that a lot of RGC forces (+/- 600 AV) were present for the fall of Changsha. Are they there to garrison the base ? And where have the large Japanese forces gone that were holding the flank earlier ? Only 5 of the around 20 divisions known to be in Southern China were involved in the Changsha fighting, there are about 15 (7000 AV) roaming around to find the next spot to attack.
Darwin
The defence of Darwin was a shambles, the LRCAP arrived piecemeal and was butchered by a 33 plane zero sweep. 4 Japanese planes are claimed for a total loss 18 Allied planes. There was hardly a CAP left to harass the bombers. A probable cause for the weak performance is the lack of a functioning radar in Darwin. A game of musical chairs is being played, with a radar set moving to Darwin and more aviation support to Fenton without short changing Katherine, once that is complete I'll give it another go.
Burma
And they're off. Huge forces are on their way to cross the river. Will the Japanese correctly identify the real thrust or not ? Of course he'll notice the troops to Mandalay take far longer than they should, but he can't know whether it's because it's really a diversion or a bluff. In the meantime, bombers will attack Mandalay almost exclusively, starting with airfield and moving on to the troops.... I'm just hoping there won't be too many troops arriving from Lashio before I've established my bridgehead. A second unit is spotted at my crossing location, no idea what it could be.
China
After a long battle, Changsha has fallen to the Japanese. My feelings about the campaign are mixed, despite the long battle in Changsha, the campaign to take the complete Changsha region only took a month. I'd have hoped he'd take far longer to assemble the troops for this offensive, but instead he followed up days after my main forces retreated. On the plus side, it seems that about a 1000 Japanese AV was lost during the attacks on Changsha. Even though most of this is disablements it will take some time for the units involved to get to full strength again. The Chinese on the other hand lost nothing, the forces lost at Changsha will respawn in 30 days, giving 2000 AV. The corps for Changsha and Hengyang were chosen exactly so that they would increase in strength from respawning and this is what happened. Another interesting observation is that a lot of RGC forces (+/- 600 AV) were present for the fall of Changsha. Are they there to garrison the base ? And where have the large Japanese forces gone that were holding the flank earlier ? Only 5 of the around 20 divisions known to be in Southern China were involved in the Changsha fighting, there are about 15 (7000 AV) roaming around to find the next spot to attack.
Darwin
The defence of Darwin was a shambles, the LRCAP arrived piecemeal and was butchered by a 33 plane zero sweep. 4 Japanese planes are claimed for a total loss 18 Allied planes. There was hardly a CAP left to harass the bombers. A probable cause for the weak performance is the lack of a functioning radar in Darwin. A game of musical chairs is being played, with a radar set moving to Darwin and more aviation support to Fenton without short changing Katherine, once that is complete I'll give it another go.
Burma
And they're off. Huge forces are on their way to cross the river. Will the Japanese correctly identify the real thrust or not ? Of course he'll notice the troops to Mandalay take far longer than they should, but he can't know whether it's because it's really a diversion or a bluff. In the meantime, bombers will attack Mandalay almost exclusively, starting with airfield and moving on to the troops.... I'm just hoping there won't be too many troops arriving from Lashio before I've established my bridgehead. A second unit is spotted at my crossing location, no idea what it could be.
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7th of November 42'
7th of November 42'
Music festivals got in the way of our game this weekend, so it's been a while since the last update.
China
Forces are seen retiring from Changsha towards the East. The meagre reconnaissance assets that can be used in China will try to find out if a new offensive is brewing.
Northern Oz
The Japanese try to hit the LRCAP with a night attack on Fenton airfield, however they had already retired to Katherine. The Sallies hit thin air, while Darwin repairs some damage.
Burma
Troop movements are starting, troops might be moving out of Magwe towards the jungle hex, this might also be a bluff. The movement of troops from Lashio towards the West is probably genuine. ETA for the river crossing is 7 days at the current speed, but bombings might slow them down further.
The Allied air forces are getting back into the action by bombing Magwe airfield, nice effect with 50% damage.
SWPac
Recon is giving increasingly optimistic reports on the damage to Lunga airfield. I might even be able to actually close it down. A second B-17E group is flown into Luganville to carry out the attacks while the first group repairs its planes.
Subs
Two Dutch subs suffer moderate damage due to depth charges, both will survive.
Music festivals got in the way of our game this weekend, so it's been a while since the last update.
China
Forces are seen retiring from Changsha towards the East. The meagre reconnaissance assets that can be used in China will try to find out if a new offensive is brewing.
Northern Oz
The Japanese try to hit the LRCAP with a night attack on Fenton airfield, however they had already retired to Katherine. The Sallies hit thin air, while Darwin repairs some damage.
Burma
Troop movements are starting, troops might be moving out of Magwe towards the jungle hex, this might also be a bluff. The movement of troops from Lashio towards the West is probably genuine. ETA for the river crossing is 7 days at the current speed, but bombings might slow them down further.
The Allied air forces are getting back into the action by bombing Magwe airfield, nice effect with 50% damage.
SWPac
Recon is giving increasingly optimistic reports on the damage to Lunga airfield. I might even be able to actually close it down. A second B-17E group is flown into Luganville to carry out the attacks while the first group repairs its planes.
Subs
Two Dutch subs suffer moderate damage due to depth charges, both will survive.
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8th of November 42'
8th of November 42'
Burma
The IJAAF goes all out against the Shwebo airfields. Over 200 fighters and 60 bombers participate in the attacks. Runway damage gets repaired, but some service damage remains. The Allies keep up their attack against Magwe, but bad weather hampers the attacks. More strikes are coming up. Worrying is that the IJFAAF is able to mass a whole lot of planes here. There are at least 50 Tojos and some Nicks that haven't participated in the latest attack, for a total of 275 fighters in Burma.
SWPac
The B-17 don't fly allowing the fields at Lunga to repair. Fighters might be flown back into the base, but orders to attack are given again.
Subs
USS Greenling get 3 torpedoes on target, 2 of them explode and the troop laden xAP Kasado Maru goes down.
Burma
The IJAAF goes all out against the Shwebo airfields. Over 200 fighters and 60 bombers participate in the attacks. Runway damage gets repaired, but some service damage remains. The Allies keep up their attack against Magwe, but bad weather hampers the attacks. More strikes are coming up. Worrying is that the IJFAAF is able to mass a whole lot of planes here. There are at least 50 Tojos and some Nicks that haven't participated in the latest attack, for a total of 275 fighters in Burma.
SWPac
The B-17 don't fly allowing the fields at Lunga to repair. Fighters might be flown back into the base, but orders to attack are given again.
Subs
USS Greenling get 3 torpedoes on target, 2 of them explode and the troop laden xAP Kasado Maru goes down.
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Random Thoughts
It's been some time since I did a real post about the strategic level. With 1943 fast approaching it's time I start thinking about it as well, the Allied Juggernaught will be picking up steam soon and I don't know where it ought to be pointed for the greatest effect. This isn't going to be a post about that yet, but more a general overview of the war and the what and why of the current situation. No sense planning operations if I don't know what the use of them is.
CBI
CBI has been quite active for most of the game. Japanese offensives in China, Allied offensives in Burma, but so far nothing decisive. What do I want out of these fronts ?
In China its simple, they need to hold, force the Japanese to keep troops in the ground war and generally being a nuisance. If they can achieve that in 43' I'm happy. Canoerebels offensive in his game is a nice inspiration though, I think Joseph's positions in China are vulnerable to the same type of attacks. Large offensive stacks and spread out divisions along the rest of the front. However, I don't think I have the supplies to do something similar though, but once the Burma road opens ....
In my mind, Burma is immensely important. It's not going to give me the victory by itself, but it'll help hugely in two ways.
1) Supplies for China, I've said this over and over again, but it is the most important reason to fight in Burma. One more hex here (Bhamo) and I could start sending supplies into China, activating over 15,000 AV in China.
2) Drawing in troops, earlier on I was cursing every time a new division was sighted in Burma, but should I ? 9 Divisions are sighted, I think there should be about 12 unrestricted divisions at this stage plus whatever has been bought out. This is a huge part of the IJA, fighting in a small corner of the map. What is going to stand in my way once I start landing in other parts of the Pacific ? Burma is already assuring that I'll have dominance in any ground campaign that could come up. This is a key advantage I'd like to exploit and I'll take it into account in the next planning phase. On the other side, I'm sinking an awful lot of ground forces into this area as well. The strategic reserve for India is 1 division that will be arriving at Bombay shortly, not quite enough for any large scale offensives.
Oz
I've been neglecting OZ so far, fuel and supply are good, enough troops to defend, but I haven't attacked yet and basically abandoned Northern Oz. This has to change, I can't let Joseph know that he has nothing to fear in the DEI. He's got a nice number of bombers here, along with a division at Ambon. These forces need to be pinned into place and movement in and operations from Oz are a prime way to do so. If I can do so with a minimum of my own troops all the better, but the build-up should catch Josephs attention.
SWPac
What can I gain here ? It's a long way from anything, but there is a chance for attritional fighting. Is that enough reason to continue the offensive ? Japan also seems weak here, so even though it's far away from anything it could still prove a quick way to the Eastern DEI. A large number of divisions (5/6) are in the area, so operational tempo would only be limited by naval forces. I also have to think whether those forces can't be better used elsewhere.
Pacific
Again I'm not sure what I can gain here. I'm nibbling around the edges a bit, but as long as KB is roaming around I can't go all out. Once they are gone this could become my main axis of attack quickly and a highway to the PI. It also seems like the best area to fight KB, I'd like a fight with KB, but how hard to push for it and how much risk to take ? Another consideration is the need for preparation. A lot of forces will be needed to keep up an offensive as it'll take at least 3 months to 'recycle' a unit for a new invasion.
NoPac
I'm not too interested in this front, it might be a mistake of me, but still. As the Japanese took one island in the Aleutians I will get a chance for a small show of strength.
CBI
CBI has been quite active for most of the game. Japanese offensives in China, Allied offensives in Burma, but so far nothing decisive. What do I want out of these fronts ?
In China its simple, they need to hold, force the Japanese to keep troops in the ground war and generally being a nuisance. If they can achieve that in 43' I'm happy. Canoerebels offensive in his game is a nice inspiration though, I think Joseph's positions in China are vulnerable to the same type of attacks. Large offensive stacks and spread out divisions along the rest of the front. However, I don't think I have the supplies to do something similar though, but once the Burma road opens ....
In my mind, Burma is immensely important. It's not going to give me the victory by itself, but it'll help hugely in two ways.
1) Supplies for China, I've said this over and over again, but it is the most important reason to fight in Burma. One more hex here (Bhamo) and I could start sending supplies into China, activating over 15,000 AV in China.
2) Drawing in troops, earlier on I was cursing every time a new division was sighted in Burma, but should I ? 9 Divisions are sighted, I think there should be about 12 unrestricted divisions at this stage plus whatever has been bought out. This is a huge part of the IJA, fighting in a small corner of the map. What is going to stand in my way once I start landing in other parts of the Pacific ? Burma is already assuring that I'll have dominance in any ground campaign that could come up. This is a key advantage I'd like to exploit and I'll take it into account in the next planning phase. On the other side, I'm sinking an awful lot of ground forces into this area as well. The strategic reserve for India is 1 division that will be arriving at Bombay shortly, not quite enough for any large scale offensives.
Oz
I've been neglecting OZ so far, fuel and supply are good, enough troops to defend, but I haven't attacked yet and basically abandoned Northern Oz. This has to change, I can't let Joseph know that he has nothing to fear in the DEI. He's got a nice number of bombers here, along with a division at Ambon. These forces need to be pinned into place and movement in and operations from Oz are a prime way to do so. If I can do so with a minimum of my own troops all the better, but the build-up should catch Josephs attention.
SWPac
What can I gain here ? It's a long way from anything, but there is a chance for attritional fighting. Is that enough reason to continue the offensive ? Japan also seems weak here, so even though it's far away from anything it could still prove a quick way to the Eastern DEI. A large number of divisions (5/6) are in the area, so operational tempo would only be limited by naval forces. I also have to think whether those forces can't be better used elsewhere.
Pacific
Again I'm not sure what I can gain here. I'm nibbling around the edges a bit, but as long as KB is roaming around I can't go all out. Once they are gone this could become my main axis of attack quickly and a highway to the PI. It also seems like the best area to fight KB, I'd like a fight with KB, but how hard to push for it and how much risk to take ? Another consideration is the need for preparation. A lot of forces will be needed to keep up an offensive as it'll take at least 3 months to 'recycle' a unit for a new invasion.
NoPac
I'm not too interested in this front, it might be a mistake of me, but still. As the Japanese took one island in the Aleutians I will get a chance for a small show of strength.
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khyberbill
- Posts: 1941
- Joined: Tue Sep 11, 2007 6:29 pm
- Location: new milford, ct
RE: 7th of November 42'
Music festivals? Where is the dedication?Music festivals got in the way of our game this weekend, so it's been a while since the last update.
"Its a dog eat dog world Sammy and I am wearing Milkbone underwear" -Norm.
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khyberbill
- Posts: 1941
- Joined: Tue Sep 11, 2007 6:29 pm
- Location: new milford, ct
RE: 8th of November 42'
Now you wont get any explosions for a month!USS Greenling get 3 torpedoes on target, 2 of them explode and the troop laden xAP Kasado Maru goes down.
"Its a dog eat dog world Sammy and I am wearing Milkbone underwear" -Norm.
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khyberbill
- Posts: 1941
- Joined: Tue Sep 11, 2007 6:29 pm
- Location: new milford, ct
RE: Random Thoughts
Starting in mid-43 you can probably kick him out whenever you want, and it is a good way to practice taking islands.I'm not too interested in this front, it might be a mistake of me, but still. As the Japanese took one island in the Aleutians I will get a chance for a small show of strength.
"Its a dog eat dog world Sammy and I am wearing Milkbone underwear" -Norm.
RE: 7th of November 42'
ORIGINAL: khyberbill
Music festivals? Where is the dedication?Music festivals got in the way of our game this weekend, so it's been a while since the last update.
I plead guilty, I squandered valuable gaming time. My only defence is that it was a lot of fun. (Going to make a note that I'll never use that defence in a real court of law.)
And about the Greenling, there is no need for the hyperbole, it's only been two weeks since my subs last hit anything. A good average isn't it ?
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