Matrix Games Forums

April 28th, 1944

China

He continued to "chase" my Nat-Chi HQ with his LBA. I'm trying to pull it out of range, or otherwise throw off his pursuit as it's down to only 2x SP. Reinforcing the HQ means dumping a lot of MPP with marginal combat value and denying those MPPs from where they are actually needed (to upgrade and replace actual fighting formations). However, actually losing the HQ is the worse offense as it will be more expensive to rebuild than to replace it (rebuilding it would likely never happen).

So, I continued to retreat my HQ (General is a "4"), and spent the points to upgrade/replace my combat formations.

April 28th, 1944

Banda Sea

This is obviously the active theater. His counter-strike against my fleet consisted of
1x CV
2x CVLs
2x Mari-Bmbr
1x Med-Bmr
+3x Escorting Fighters

His focused attacks managed to crippled the CV - Bunker Hill (down to Hull-2 CAG-4, that was a nail-biter!). But, she DID survive and made it back to Wyndham for much needed repairs. I did note that his air units did take fairly heavy casualties, and my own Fleet Carriers have had their CAGs mauled as well. Also noted that his forces appeared to retreat to the East, towards Truk.

With that I did launch a final round of Strikes from my CVs, and have retreated them back towards Australia. I coordinated the carrier strikes with bombardments by several BB/BCs to his bases in North/Western New Guinea. The strikes did prove effectively (largely due to the bombardments), and we completely destroyed 3x Fighter Squadrons there, along with the remnants of his Mari-Bmbr Sqdn based in SE Celebes. Besides the obvious benefit of destroying his 3x Fighter squadrons, it also means that even if he rebuilds them next turn, they won't be back for 5 months. And I don't think he has the points to rebuild them; he'll (hopefully) need to spend his points on replacing his remaining air-groups and LBA.

We then executed several landings in The Celebes, capturing bases in the South and West. All were un-opposed. At this point, we're adjacent to Java in the West and even Borneo in the NorthWest.

We have 4x AVLs loaded for assault next turn. I'll take my pick of any undefended bases that I can grab in either N Celebes, Moluccas, or NW New Guinea.

The air-groups of my USN CVLs were/are completely intact, and HMS Formidable and Hermes, and USS Enterprise were taking replacements in Oz. I've moved them up to provide CAP for the BB/BCs that are now extended along the NW coast of New Guinea, and can also provide supplementary CAP if needed over the Fleet carriers to SW. There's a little bit of "this could work" mixed with some hope and luck...
1. The CVs with damaged CAGs are moving back to Oz, but are likely still in range of his LBA. They may not be spotted, or they could be, depending on what asses he has in Java. Still their air-groups are at about 70%, and they can draw CAP from the 2x CV and 4x CVLs in the north.
2. The BB/BCs that are currently extended, do have the full CAP of the 2x CVs and 4x CVLs, plus an additional squadron of Fighters.
3. Japan's strikes last turn, did take fairly heavy casualties between the strikes and the escorts. My estimate is that the CAGs of his 1x CV and 2x CVLs (known to be in theater) are down to about 40%, probably same for his LBA bombers (know remainders being 1x Mari-Bmbr and 1x Med-Bmbr). So his strike forces are probably pretty well shot up, and now without land-based Fighter escorts.
4. The "however" is that, he could have significant naval assets as close as the Philippines. That would cast doubt on whether my 2x CVs, 4x CVLs, and 1x Fighter are sufficient to provide CAP for my BBs.

And other notes...
A. I keep getting the "pinging" animation off North Oz. I presume that means he's got a sub prowling about, trying to intercept my transports. Obviously, I need to find him.
B. At long last, I finally was able to drop my Paratroopers into Tulagi, both ports captured. It means that I can grab the Garrisons in Solomons if I need them.
C. I was also able to pull some of my units out of Port Moresby, and place the New Guinea Inf-Corps to hold after the Americans depart.

April 28th, 1944

National Morale and Strategic Map

National Morale numbers are from the start of the turn. So they do NOT count the subsequent exchanges that resulted in the losses of his 3x Fighters and 1x Mari-Bmbr.

Strategic Map - Marked locations of ground forces available/to-be employed. The line-of-control extends a little further.

I need to make a plan for invasion of Java and Philippines (would start with Davao).
Java - I will be able to employ bombardments. We've seen they can be very effective. I'm inclined to think I should land in the middle, because
a. I have enough troops to do so.
b. It splits his forces and keeps from fighting along a narrow front like in Italy.
c. I could focus my stronger forces against Batavia, while keeping blockers vs. his troops on the other side of the island.
d. I'll need to immediately capture probably 2 ports.
e. I'll need at least one HQ.
f. I'll need to keep his ports around Batavia closed, esp after I've got troops on the ground; otherwise he just keeps feeding in troops.

Southern Philippines has some different challenges
a. Davao cannot be bombarded. Bummer.
b. Because Davao cannot be bombarded, it means ground assault. Which means I need to capture probably 2 of the 3 other ports on the island.
c. I'll want to have possession of the 3x bases in Northern Celebes and Moluccas for support.

Other then the expected invasions of the coming turn, at this point I'm probably run the course on "un-opposed landings". Meaning I really need to
a. Create a planning map of the theater, including Java Borneo, Southern Philippines, and probably Peleliu and Babelthuap for good measure.
b. Go back thru the replays, to plot out any intel-spots, along with date.
c. Figure out the balance of what can/need to send, and where. As in, the Project Manager in me is asking, "How do we fully employ our available resources (in this case ground forces for invasions), while NOT inducing slack with idle units, with balancing/constraining factors being...
1. The Celebes seems that it will be a good origin. It's central with several bases and ports. As central and close, could enable us to use the less expensive AVs, instead of AVLs.
2. Using Celebes however, does mean likely increasing the visibility of loading of our assault troops. Which means they'll need to be CAP'd. Having them observed does carry a 2nd edge to the sword - the Proximity of Celebes to Java, Borneo, and S Philippines means he can see the troops, but remains unsure where they are headed. "He who defends everything, defends nothing." - Freddy the Great.
3. Insure that an increased number of AV/AVLs are available when needed for larger invasions (such as vs. Java and South-PI).
4. Oz/Kiwi can also contribute a fair amount of forces to combat as a. they do not suck, b. they use their own transports.

And separately, how do hunt down or otherwise erode his naval forces. I'm surprised at how spread-out he remains (which leads to the erosion method). It seems that consolidating his forces, he's still got 5x CVs and 6x CVLs, would to me the better course (but does risk a massive loss). But that would be my choice, and he's proven to be the wily opponent, so we'll see what he does.

April 28th, 1944

Admin Stuff

Research, Production, Losses, and Economy

Research - No MPPs added into tech (at max). I am close to NavWeaps(3) tho, so that's good. I'll dump an extra chit into AAA when it's available.

Production - Called up Montgomery for UK, a Soviet Cavalry Corps (I'm really curious if the Soviets what the Soviets will do, but they have NaMorale of 65%, so we'll see). Also built 2x Med-Bmbrs for USA.

Losses - Thai Inf-Div, 3x Fighters, and 1x Mari-Bmbr for Japan. Large number of ground SPs for India, and air/CAG SPs for USN. But not units lost.

Economy - Looks like that +15mpp bump that he got last turn was permanent. However, we're getting to where we're threatening his convoy and their origins, so I'm hoping that in the next 6 months, we knock down his income a bit.

Elessar,

Small observation. I was playing around with the convoy routes/income (to prioritize strategic attacks)...

If Kuching, Sarawak is captured, it sends its 8mpp to Japan via convoy (correctly).

It appears to be a UK minor ally. But until capture / after liberation, there is no convoy from Kuching, Sarawak to the UK, in order to deliver those 8mpps to UK, and its 8mpps do not appear in totals of other minor allies (like Brunei).

Yeah, easy peasy to add a convoy, just time-consuming to put in every possible one for every possible minor. The UK would still get the income of course (teleported)...

I was aware of the Davao issue w.r.t. bombardment, but the geometry of the terrain pretty much precludes the possibility of redrawing. Possible to give a 2 hex range to capital ships (would also include by necessity range in ship-to-ship battles too), but on the scale this map uses that might be excessive.

Davao... Cannot bombard Davao. I'm ok with that. I just gotta plan for it.

This is my Java / Borneo / Mindanao planning map.

Marked locations and dates of last reported units.
Available hexes for bombardment/landing marked with the hex-side and dash.

I think for Davao I'm going to have to be quick about it. Hopefully, he keeps (just) that Garrison in Davao for another couple turns.

In one turn:
1. Bomb the two ports on North side of the island, to prevent reinforcements landing.
2. Landings at SE and SW of Davao with USMC-Divs. They can attack after landing, and will not be attacking across the river. I ~think~ they should be able to do enough SP-loss to the garrison to kill or retreat it.
3. Another landing NW of Davao, to hopefully capture the city. Or in the least, to block the other Garrison in NW from moving into the city.
4. Land an HQ at Dadjang for good measure.
So that's the plan for Davao.

For Peleliu and his partner. The plan is really to:
1. Beat the crap out of it with bombardments.
2. Land guys to capture to the islands.
Not a lot of rocket science on those two.

Haven't really done much for Java or Borneo yet.
Attached is my planning map for Java / Borneo / Davao / Peleliu.

May 16th, 1944

India

The Japanese reinforced their position around Mandalay with an SNLF-Div. They counter-attacked along the mountainous border, and drove back the Indian Inf-Corps.

I've shifted my Inf-Div(s) along the border, to keep 2-units on the Mines, to keep them suppressed. Also launched a few air-strikes against his Thai HQ. They were intercepted in turn by a CVL that he has parked at Rangoon, which was a little surprising, but it's good to be able to confirm it's location. My strikes only did 1xSP to his Thai HQ, but it's still something to chew at his MPPs. He's also got a CL parked along the shipping lane out of Rangoon.

May 16th, 1944

India

Looks like he might be pulling back from SouthEast China. He abandoned one of the towns, causing some Partisans to spawn. He then hit the Partisans with his LBA. Ok. I expect the pull-back is to reduce his garrison requirements so that he can use the ground units elsewhere.

I've pulled back the Partisans for replacements, and moved an Inf-Div into the town.

I am watching a potential build-up outside of Yenen. I'd like to get that Comm-Chi Inf-Corps upgraded. But to do so would mean swapping with the Nat-Chi Inf-Corps, and I'd lose my 3-entrenchments. So I decided against it.

May 16th, 1944

Banda Sea

Remember this part from last turn...

4. The "however" is that, he could have significant naval assets as close as the Philippines. That would cast doubt on whether my 2x CVs, 4x CVLs, and 1x Fighter are sufficient to provide CAP for my BBs.

And other notes...
A. I keep getting the "pinging" animation off North Oz. I presume that means he's got a sub prowling about, trying to intercept my transports. Obviously, I need to find him.

He didn't disappoint...

May 16th, 1944

Banda Sea (start)

Well this was a wild turn. Reminded me of some chaotic Wild West Shoot-Out, where everything is going on all at once, and it's hard to keep track who is where, and if they're shooting at you.

He swept down the Borneo-Celebes Straight, with a CV and 2x BCs, bombarding the ports where I had just landed. His CV docked Borneo. Next, 1x DD and 1x DE threaded just East of Celebes, I presume heading towards my AVL near Komodo (north of Timor). However, they ran afoul of my covering elements of the Royal Navy, and one of my USN Battleships.

One of his subs managed to get past my screen, and put a fish into one of my Fleet CVs (doing 4x damage, ouch). His sub attempted to escape, but subsequently ran into another of my CVs which then damaged it. He launched a few strikes by Medium Bombers out of the Moluccas and Northern/Eastern New Guinea. The strikes were intercepted, but inflicted additional, now threatening damage.

Two other subs , and even a Light Cruiser made a pass along the North Coast of Australia. However, they only encountered screens, and did not do any significant damage.

He did attack my advanced surface group off North/West New Guinea with several Cruisers and a Fast Battleship. My own Fast Battleship was damaged, and inflicted losses in return. He also launched several air-strikes and bombardments from his 5x CVLs and a CV against my land-based-air in Dutch New Guinea.

It was really a mess to watch the turn unfold, but in the end, I hadn't actually LOST anything. Everything is everywhere, and wild melee, but I do have the advantage. So I plotted out "circles" being priority targets, and "squares" being ships in port as lower priority (I would take lop-sided losses). Most of my larger air-groups were not in that great a shape, but the plan to use them to damage what could and then employ my surface forces to pursue the damaged vessels (minus a ZoC).

And I've got a Doc Appt to go to, so I'll be back in an hour or two.
So I'll just have to leave you in anticipation for a little bit.

Ok. I'm back.

May 16th, 1944

Banda Sea (riposte)

I actually made the deliberate choice to NOT chase the subs yet. At least I knew where they were, as opposed to chasing them under, and then "re-finding" them the hard way with one of my cripples or AVLs.

I started by returning my damaged CV to Darwin (closest large port), and then my damaged BC to that port down at the base of the Gulf of Carpentaria. Reason being, parking them into these ports would not further obstruct unloading/loading of troops.

I sortied the Royal Navy from Flores, which finished off the interloping IJN Destroyer. I had a Battleship in North Australia, that only had range to intercept the enemy DE that wandered into the middle of the fray. DE quickly dispatched.

With several large surface units still off North Oz, I also dispatched the CL that had appeared off Wyndham. Most still having sufficient action-points to resume screening duty vs. the 3 known subs.

Trash cleaned up.

Next, I prioritized the two Fast Battleships off Borneo (and not ported). They would have CAP from the CV at Balikpapan, but possibly only the two intercepts from the CV, and then I could focus on the Battleships. I launched my initial attacks by the HMS Formidable, which were (as expected) intercepted by CAP flying from the ported CV. The Formidable's air-group was completely shattered in the attack, but it allowed subsequent strikes to get thru by my landed Maritime Bombers, and an additional two strikes by USN CV. My air-strikes damaged the BCs sufficiently down to 4x SPs each, thus negating any ZoC. I moved in with a Fast Battleship, a Heavy Cruiser, and even a Submarine to complete the kills. As far as "combined (naval) arms" is concerned, I think I accomplished it. It was rather satisfying.

I next turned my attention potential landing sites for my AVLs. There was a Medium Bomber in the Moluccas, which needed to be rid of, and would also poke out one of his eyes. My CVLs were quite effective on Fighter-Sweep, and destroyed the bomber, leaving the base un-occupied. I also shifted a CVL to the west, to provide additional CAP for surface ships near his ported-CV at Borneo, as well as CAP for my two Fleet Carriers off Celebes, given the now poor state of their air-groups.

Given that I need those 3 bases in preempt of Davao invasion, I went ahead and sent in my AVLs to secure three bases. Again, I was fairly sure that his subs had all be spotted, and just sending in my AVLs, they would otherwise avoid them. Landings all three bases successful. I decided to NOT yet land at the base on East Cent Celebes, figuring I could go back for it. Thus, still having one loaded AVL not yet committed.

Ugh. What to do about the mess off West New Guinea. And he landed an Inf-Div on one of the bases that I want. Well, it'll have to wait. The ported-BC would be a non-target. Which really only left a Heavy and Light Cruiser just off the coast. They were out of range of CAP from that string of CVLs along North coast of New Guinea. Made a few attacks with my few remaining CV-strikes; but the airgroups from my Fleet Carriers are pretty badly shot up at this point. Again, follow-up attacks by my surface forces, including a solid hit from my nearby sub, managed to sink the Light Cruiser, and port the Heavy Cruiser. I had to move up one of Fleet Carriers in bomber-mode, to finish off the ported Heavy Cruiser, but she too succumbed.

I committed my last AVL to taking one of the bases on the horn of New Guinea. He had ported a CA there, and my assault troops managed 3-damage to it. I thought about landing at the island with the BC, but that one would be more exposed and harder to support. Last time in Solomons (Woodlark Is.), I had captured he base, but he continuously held the port. Bombing the base, they landed forces ran out of supplies and died. Lesson learned. So this time, I invaded the closer base on New Guinea, not the exposed island.

Finally to sort our the problem of the subs. Focused on one, and after an extensive chase with DDs/CLs and even a few feeble strikes by CVs with damaged air-groups, we claimed the kill. I then drove under one sub, and was un-successful in driving off the third (note its location off North Oz). That one will get a nasty shot at my CL (parked next to), but it shouldn't sink my CL I should think.

And the rest was, I need to finish moves such that
a. I'm able to provide screens for my newly loaded (3) AVLs, and my CVs returning to North Oz.
b. Provide CAP for my group off Borneo, off New Guinea's horn, and especially the CVs off Ceram Islands that used Bombers (thus no CAP of their own).
c. NavWeaps(3) was immanent at 99%. So I wanted to port what units I could in anticipation of the upgrade.

My damaged CV at Darwin, had made some strikes (from Darwin), to drive off the sub. It occurred to me afterwards that, the strikes would have confirmed her position, and that she could be in range of Medium or Maritime Bombers on the north coast of New Guinea. His strikes would be un-escorted, and I've got a full fighter squadron at Wyndham to intercept, should he try to hit her in port. Any hit(s) would be painful though, let's hope he doesn't have the strength or range to send a strike.

And that was the Wild West turn.

May 16th, 1944

National Morale and Strategic Map

National Morale - I did take the National Morale numbers at the END of this turn, so they DO include his losses that I inflicted.

Total Japanese losses this turn (all in Dutch East Indies Theater):
1x Medium Bomber
2x Fast Battleships
1x Heavy Cruiser
2x Light Cruisers
1x Destroyer
1x Destroyer Escort
1x Submarine

All tolled, another solid gut-punch to Japan. -4500 national moral to Japan. His heavy hits on my BC and CV, and air-group losses set me back -1600pts. I feel like -1600pts to USA grossly over-states my losses on what seems to be a very strong victory for me. But, it's the mechanic, what are you gonna do about it.

He has dipped to 95%. I'd love to get him under 95%, and keep him under, which will erode some of the bonus that he's getting from NM.

Strategic Map - I plotted known locations of all of ships and LBA. Still un-accounted for are (nothing small), 3x CVs, his DN, and a CL. But the fact that have solid intel on the location of 67% of his capital ships, and 8 of 11 carriers, is a good card to have up the sleeve.

May 16th, 1944

Admin Stuff

Research, Production, Losses, and Economy

Research - No MPPs spent on Research (at max). Got message that USA NavWeaps(3) is complete. Sweet. And (will be) expensive!

Production - AVLs and repairing crippled CV from last turn was expensive. But I did manage to buy a USAAC Tac-Bmbr.

Losses - (all Japan)
1x Medium Bomber
2x Fast Battleships
1x Heavy Cruiser
2x Light Cruisers
1x Destroyer
1x Destroyer Escort
1x Submarine

Economy - I got a bump for the refund of the extra chit vs. NavWeaps. And otherwise maybe seeing a little(?) erosion from his top of 380. My own USA Industrial Tech is a 70%. Would be nice to get it to "5", but I'm not going to spend another 300mpp on it at this point.

June 3rd 1944

India

With substantial heavy-artillery support, Japanese Army forces counter-attacked from the Mines, and managed to push Indian Army forces back into the mountains. Locals in Burma also report that and additional Infantry Corps of IJA Regulars is also moving into theater, to support the Thai Colonial units.

It's doubtful that the India Army will be able to push back 3x IJA Inf-Corps and 1x SNLF-Div. But they should be able to sufficiently hold the line, and occupy those same forces so that they are not otherwise available in the Dutch East Indies.

I'll need to spend some brain-cells on how best to employ the UK/Canadian troops. There have decent contingent, and once Monty shows up, will be decently led. Weakness being only InfWeaps(1). Either way, I'll need to find a way to best employ them; I don't want them just sitting around.

Hm. China is a consideration... His "B-team" is in China anyway. Maybe a good place for UK/Canada. I'll have to see about that.

June 3rd 1944

China

His LBA launched a few strikes into the interior; I presume looking for my wounded HQ unit. Other than that, fairly quiet.

I actually did spend some MPPs on repairing the HQ, just in case he does find it, I don't want to lose it if he does catch it. I also swapped the Comm-Chi Inf-Corps at Yenen, for a Nat-Chi Inf-Corps, with InfWeaps(2), so that I can upgrade the Comm-Chi Corps. Fingers crossed that he doesn't get opportunity for great odds to attack Yenen.

June 3rd 1944

Banda Sea

Escorted by CV fighters, remaining Japanese LBA stuck at targets in Western New Guinea and Ceram. A few air-steps traded on each side, but no significant damage to my ships. He also counter-attacked with Naval Surface forces along the horn of New Guinea. Damaging a BC and Destroyer-group, enough that I need to pull them back, but nothing immediately threatening.

He's also got a sub that poking along the west coast of Australia.

At least it "feels" like his counter-strikes are weaker. That would actually be fine with me, because my own assets are pretty well spent. I'd really like a few turns for repairs, replacements, and upgrades (NavWeap-3 is available).

Noting that he had launched strikes with a Mari-Bmbr out of Java, I tasked 3x CVLs to deal with it. Mari-Bmbr destroyed, and supplemental escorts attached. Hopefully fewer eyes to watch our movements within DEI.

In response to his actions off W New Guinea, I sent some CV attacks against his ships on The Horn, and sank another Heavy Cruiser. As expected, he has cut off the Inf-Corps with his DD remaining in the harbor. I was able to counter-attack with the resident Inf-Corps and one from neighboring base, heavily damaging his Destroyer. If he stays with the destroyer, I can probably kill it next turn. If he moves something in, I'll damage it as well. With the support from the adjacent base (which will not run out of supplies), means that units from adjacent base can continually attack the target port. So he'll have to make the call whether he really wants to continuously erode naval SPs to hold that port (over a fairly insignificant base in my opinion). But it also validates that I did NOT go for the island (where the CA is parked in the pic), because then I would have not been able to support it.

If/once he concedes the base in question (I'm too lazy at the moment to fire up the game, to find its name), I can put pressure on the one north of it, where he has his BC parked.

Also landed at the last base in Celebes.

I've got my 3x USMC-Divs onto AVLs just off SE Celebes. Plan to load an HQ, and move Strat bombers into position this coming turn. Plan is to invade Davao two turns from now. He surface fleet has been badly mauled, but I don't discount them, and esp his CVs. So you can see I've got escorts and some CAP available, as a bunch of loaded AVLs would be an enticing target. Much of the remainder of my fleet is heading back to Oz for repairs and refits.

And lastly, I was able to put 3x SS on interdiction patrol. For DEI, Borneo, and Sarawak. If anything, it'll draw off and spread out more of is DD/CVLs to chase them.

June 3rd 1944

National Morale and Strategic Map

National Morale - I noticed that Japan dipped below 95%, which means he will take a small hit to morale/effectiveness/whatever. So yay. Let's keep that downward trend going for him!

Strategic Map - I don't expect much of a change from last turn; and I'll admit that I didn't spend a tonne of time on the Strat Map.

In other news, the Allies will be invading Europe in 3 days...

June 3rd, 1944

Admin Stuff

Research, Production, Losses, and Economy

Research - Dumped two chits (for a total of 3, now maxxed) into AAA research because while there isn't much left of his Surface Fleet, his CV-CVLs and certainly his LBA is an ever-present danger. And more Flak on my ships would be a good thing. And triple-chitting AirCraft Produciton and Army Mobilization should give me appropriate bumps in capacity, about when I actually need it, so yay.

Production - Nothing new bought. Spent a lot on Replacements, Repairs, and Upgrades.

Losses - None for me. Killed a Mari-Bmbr and a Heavy Cruiser.

Economy - Not much a change, really just a reset after the bump from the Research refund from last turn. But I do see that Japan's income has eroded for the last 4 turns. I like that.