East Wind Rain - Forcast; stormy - a Dan vs Strawb pbem
Wish I had stayed on holiday...
The outer defence ring continues to crumble like stale marzipan - I can't even get my LBA to fly against attacking TFs even with a good air leader - presumably mass bombardment by BBs are knocking out runways but even so I would thought my air migh spot high TFs coming and have a go. Suggestions?
Dan will find inner ring a bit tougher once we hit terrain type 2 and better, with mutually supporting airbases, and lots of CVs are due to come out of dry dock soon... But his forces are all massively well experienced, largely on the Pearl Harbour combat school which I set up for him with a dumb landing.
I need to get lucky and take out a CV or two (damaged will do) to slow him down a bit. I personall think he could be taking out two atoll at a time - he seems to have the forces for it.
We're all doooooomed Capt Mainwairing san
S
Dan will find inner ring a bit tougher once we hit terrain type 2 and better, with mutually supporting airbases, and lots of CVs are due to come out of dry dock soon... But his forces are all massively well experienced, largely on the Pearl Harbour combat school which I set up for him with a dumb landing.
I need to get lucky and take out a CV or two (damaged will do) to slow him down a bit. I personall think he could be taking out two atoll at a time - he seems to have the forces for it.
We're all doooooomed Capt Mainwairing san
S
Sometimes, when you are a Bear of Very Little Brain, and you Think of Things,you find sometimes that a Thing which seemed very Thingish inside you is quite different when it gets out into the open and has other people looking at it. - Winnie the Pooh
Maps etc attached
Maps and scores/losses attached.
The allies crawl up the Solomons and not even 80+ raids of betties can stop them (not when Dan's CAP is 170+ fighters..) . IJN keeping powder dry as pointless trying anything near allied LBA
Losses: CV ratio quite reasonable I think for this stage of war - I still have a strike force or two and Yamie and Mushi still operating. But total score a worry - I quick allied push could see an early 1944 win despite extra Japanese kill points (because I'm not killing anything....)
Other worries - I count nearly 200 four engined bombers getting lots of experience around south pacific, together with nearly 100 long range fighters. Those based in range of Tokyo does not bear thinking about, so it wll eb over EVERY ones dead body before those fall.
Tactical/strategic suggestion please.
The allies crawl up the Solomons and not even 80+ raids of betties can stop them (not when Dan's CAP is 170+ fighters..) . IJN keeping powder dry as pointless trying anything near allied LBA
Losses: CV ratio quite reasonable I think for this stage of war - I still have a strike force or two and Yamie and Mushi still operating. But total score a worry - I quick allied push could see an early 1944 win despite extra Japanese kill points (because I'm not killing anything....)
Other worries - I count nearly 200 four engined bombers getting lots of experience around south pacific, together with nearly 100 long range fighters. Those based in range of Tokyo does not bear thinking about, so it wll eb over EVERY ones dead body before those fall.
Tactical/strategic suggestion please.
Sometimes, when you are a Bear of Very Little Brain, and you Think of Things,you find sometimes that a Thing which seemed very Thingish inside you is quite different when it gets out into the open and has other people looking at it. - Winnie the Pooh
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Capt. Harlock
- Posts: 5379
- Joined: Sat Sep 15, 2001 8:00 am
- Location: Los Angeles
- Contact:
suggestions
Wow--the Allied kill points are already nearly twice those of the Japanese! This means trouble for Strawb. One thing I would consider is to go to Human Sub Control and pull all Japanese subs back to port. They're getting slaughtered out there.
Civil war? What does that mean? Is there any foreign war? Isn't every war fought between men, between brothers?
--Victor Hugo
--Victor Hugo
MOTHER OF ALL BATTLES
Indeed Capt H , so drastic measures were taken. See attached zip which contains startling film footage of the Battle of Rabaul. ie a savej.vcr file.
Fuller AAR post to follow.
Fuller AAR post to follow.
Sometimes, when you are a Bear of Very Little Brain, and you Think of Things,you find sometimes that a Thing which seemed very Thingish inside you is quite different when it gets out into the open and has other people looking at it. - Winnie the Pooh
Operation U - GO - DI
We bring you this latest report from Imperial Headquarters on Operation U-GO-DI
Having carefully watched allied actions in the Solomons and noting the softening up bombardments on Rabaul we assessed that Rabaul was about to face a landing. We also noted that the Allies now felt confident enough to carry out multiple operations, thereby dividing up their three (?) TFs of CVs and three/four TFs of BBs on different targets. We might have chance of only (!!) facing one or two TFs (6-8 CVs and CVLs) and only one or two BB TFs off Rabaul, and perhaps catch and sink the amphib TFs carrying crack marine forces.
We let the army and airpower in Rabaul remain weak during the softening up process then rapidly moved in highly experienced LBA dive bombers and fighters of the newest types and slipped in more troops via Cap Gloucester. Top air leaders were deployed to Rabaul airbases. Meanwhile in Turk (still out of enemy air recon range), the mightiest armada formed.
TF1 (air combat) of 4 CVEs and supporting DDs codename 'Sacrificial Lamb'
TF2 and TF3 divided some 9 CVs and CVL between them and numerous supporting ships who could put up a strong flak defence (1800 plus each)
TF 4 and TF5 were led respectively by the Big Sisters 'Mu' and 'Ya' with support from 1-2 BBs and 6-8 CA/CL pluss DDs in each TF.
TF1 was dispatched to stand in close to Rabaul, to cover the two surface TFs, also sent in close to tackle allied surface TFs. The noble CVEs were also designed to draw the brunt of the air attacks.
TF 2 and 3 would stand of one hex for counter strikes.
The IJN carrier air groups has been re-equipped and reasonably (65+ experience) well trained on the new A6M5 for the last few months, while B6Ns and D4Y were also available, and much was expected.
Large sub packs were stationed on the approaches - the trap (such as it was) was set...
Tora Tora Tora: IJN TFs were spotted by allied LBA but got in first strikes. Plane for plane IJN fighters did OK (we think allies had just re-equipped with Hellcats and were still learning? Dan?) but of there was always one more Hellcat than there were A6M5, and flak was awesome. Planes losses not reported but huge, at best one or two allied CVs were damaged. The IJN CVs fought off the first return strikes reasonably well but not the second or third.... Losses at this time are 1 CV (Junyo) 2 CVLs, 1 CVE. Miracles in damage control are taking place as others limp north. The Japanese public are heartened that the Fearsome Four (Akagi, Kaga, Sho kaku, and Zuikaku) are still active - just. And the plucky CVEs survived well But more losses must be expected in the retreat.
The air exchange allowed the battlewagons to clash undisturbed by fly boys. Multiple engagements occurred, with surprise being achieved by well led IJN TFs. IJN lost 2 Kongo BBs, a CA and some light damage to Mu, Ya and a few CAs. In a great coup for IJN , it is reckoned that 2 Iowa (yes Iowa) class were sunk, together with a British BC and numerous light vessels sunk and at least 6 BB seen to be on fire and listing - we hope the sub packs bite these on the way home
But ultimately U-GO-DI is a failure; while it may have reduced the bombardment power of allied forces, we suffered large air losses and the allied battleships got through to bombard Rabaul enough to allow landing to go head. Allied amphib TFs were untouched and Rabaul falls.
All shipyard workers are asked to report for double shifts.
Having carefully watched allied actions in the Solomons and noting the softening up bombardments on Rabaul we assessed that Rabaul was about to face a landing. We also noted that the Allies now felt confident enough to carry out multiple operations, thereby dividing up their three (?) TFs of CVs and three/four TFs of BBs on different targets. We might have chance of only (!!) facing one or two TFs (6-8 CVs and CVLs) and only one or two BB TFs off Rabaul, and perhaps catch and sink the amphib TFs carrying crack marine forces.
We let the army and airpower in Rabaul remain weak during the softening up process then rapidly moved in highly experienced LBA dive bombers and fighters of the newest types and slipped in more troops via Cap Gloucester. Top air leaders were deployed to Rabaul airbases. Meanwhile in Turk (still out of enemy air recon range), the mightiest armada formed.
TF1 (air combat) of 4 CVEs and supporting DDs codename 'Sacrificial Lamb'
TF2 and TF3 divided some 9 CVs and CVL between them and numerous supporting ships who could put up a strong flak defence (1800 plus each)
TF 4 and TF5 were led respectively by the Big Sisters 'Mu' and 'Ya' with support from 1-2 BBs and 6-8 CA/CL pluss DDs in each TF.
TF1 was dispatched to stand in close to Rabaul, to cover the two surface TFs, also sent in close to tackle allied surface TFs. The noble CVEs were also designed to draw the brunt of the air attacks.
TF 2 and 3 would stand of one hex for counter strikes.
The IJN carrier air groups has been re-equipped and reasonably (65+ experience) well trained on the new A6M5 for the last few months, while B6Ns and D4Y were also available, and much was expected.
Large sub packs were stationed on the approaches - the trap (such as it was) was set...
Tora Tora Tora: IJN TFs were spotted by allied LBA but got in first strikes. Plane for plane IJN fighters did OK (we think allies had just re-equipped with Hellcats and were still learning? Dan?) but of there was always one more Hellcat than there were A6M5, and flak was awesome. Planes losses not reported but huge, at best one or two allied CVs were damaged. The IJN CVs fought off the first return strikes reasonably well but not the second or third.... Losses at this time are 1 CV (Junyo) 2 CVLs, 1 CVE. Miracles in damage control are taking place as others limp north. The Japanese public are heartened that the Fearsome Four (Akagi, Kaga, Sho kaku, and Zuikaku) are still active - just. And the plucky CVEs survived well But more losses must be expected in the retreat.
The air exchange allowed the battlewagons to clash undisturbed by fly boys. Multiple engagements occurred, with surprise being achieved by well led IJN TFs. IJN lost 2 Kongo BBs, a CA and some light damage to Mu, Ya and a few CAs. In a great coup for IJN , it is reckoned that 2 Iowa (yes Iowa) class were sunk, together with a British BC and numerous light vessels sunk and at least 6 BB seen to be on fire and listing - we hope the sub packs bite these on the way home
But ultimately U-GO-DI is a failure; while it may have reduced the bombardment power of allied forces, we suffered large air losses and the allied battleships got through to bombard Rabaul enough to allow landing to go head. Allied amphib TFs were untouched and Rabaul falls.
All shipyard workers are asked to report for double shifts.
Sometimes, when you are a Bear of Very Little Brain, and you Think of Things,you find sometimes that a Thing which seemed very Thingish inside you is quite different when it gets out into the open and has other people looking at it. - Winnie the Pooh
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Capt. Harlock
- Posts: 5379
- Joined: Sat Sep 15, 2001 8:00 am
- Location: Los Angeles
- Contact:
Very impressive plan, Strawb! The one question mark is whether you should have put your troops into Rabaul as soon as possible in order to let them entrench. But, that means Dan would have seen them during the bombardments. What one hand giveth, the other taketh away.
What a shame you didn't have carrier pilots with starting experience levels...
What a shame you didn't have carrier pilots with starting experience levels...
Civil war? What does that mean? Is there any foreign war? Isn't every war fought between men, between brothers?
--Victor Hugo
--Victor Hugo
The naval battles of Rabual go on. The USN and RN sent surface tasks force back to Rabual and interceped a JN task force of 1 Yamaoto BB and 3 CA, 2 CL and 5 DD. The JN task force was sunk to the last ship surface ships with air power picking up the wounded ships.
The USN and RN sent it carrier TFs past Rabual to attack JN force around Emirau island. The allied carriers caught a JN carrier force at the island. JN TF of 1 CV 2CVL 2 CVE was caught flat footed and it looks as if all carriers went down.
The two week naval battles have costed the JN
3 CV 4 CVL 4 CVE
3 BB 7 CA 3 CL 10 DD
The USN and RN loses were
2 BB 1 BC
1 CL 3 DD
and damages to a number of BB CA CL and DD. these will be in ship yards for up to a year.
The naval battles have broken the JN. The allies have new ships coming off the shipways every week.
ON TO TOKYO!!!!!!
The USN and RN sent it carrier TFs past Rabual to attack JN force around Emirau island. The allied carriers caught a JN carrier force at the island. JN TF of 1 CV 2CVL 2 CVE was caught flat footed and it looks as if all carriers went down.
The two week naval battles have costed the JN
3 CV 4 CVL 4 CVE
3 BB 7 CA 3 CL 10 DD
The USN and RN loses were
2 BB 1 BC
1 CL 3 DD
and damages to a number of BB CA CL and DD. these will be in ship yards for up to a year.
The naval battles have broken the JN. The allies have new ships coming off the shipways every week.
ON TO TOKYO!!!!!!
God bless Strawb !!
for very brave defence !
I was on vacation for two last weeks and now I am stunned to see how far did the battle went ...
Hard time for Japan has came ...
Without Kamikazes it would be very difficult to resist ...
Got no idea what to tell ...
Just becoming more and more scared of our next war with Graham which has just started ...
Any tips would be welcome Strawb !
I haven't played Japanese side for years !
I was on vacation for two last weeks and now I am stunned to see how far did the battle went ...
Hard time for Japan has came ...
Without Kamikazes it would be very difficult to resist ...
Got no idea what to tell ...
Just becoming more and more scared of our next war with Graham which has just started ...
Any tips would be welcome Strawb !
I haven't played Japanese side for years !
the more You play - the less You understand ... :p
Oh the horror the horror
For where you DON'T want to be as Japanese in early 1944 please see attached. Note the 3 CV TF batting off air raids form bases holding 200+ aircraft as if nothing....
Sometimes, when you are a Bear of Very Little Brain, and you Think of Things,you find sometimes that a Thing which seemed very Thingish inside you is quite different when it gets out into the open and has other people looking at it. - Winnie the Pooh
Oh the horror the horror Part II
DAN - please do not open this attachment: too much info.
For benefit of all others I offer a rare insight into the Japanese situation - please treat replies with care. The attached zip contains 'savei' files The password is spitfire.
S
For benefit of all others I offer a rare insight into the Japanese situation - please treat replies with care. The attached zip contains 'savei' files The password is spitfire.
S
Sometimes, when you are a Bear of Very Little Brain, and you Think of Things,you find sometimes that a Thing which seemed very Thingish inside you is quite different when it gets out into the open and has other people looking at it. - Winnie the Pooh
-
Capt. Harlock
- Posts: 5379
- Joined: Sat Sep 15, 2001 8:00 am
- Location: Los Angeles
- Contact:
Well, Strawb -- I feel your pain.
It's a pity all the Japanese transport planes were taken away, or now would be a good time to use them. I have one suggestion: since you have only four bases with shipyards, it would be a good idea to spread out your lesser ships to bases with good port sizes. Size 4 and above base facilities can do a good job of reairing destroyers, transports, tankers, and cargo ships. This will allow the shipyards to concentrate their points on the high-value ships, and still save some points for new arrivals.
Along those lines, moving some engineer units to bases to expand the facilities could help. Look especially for terrain 6 bases, since those are the only ones that can expand airfields and harbors beyond size 6.
It's a pity all the Japanese transport planes were taken away, or now would be a good time to use them. I have one suggestion: since you have only four bases with shipyards, it would be a good idea to spread out your lesser ships to bases with good port sizes. Size 4 and above base facilities can do a good job of reairing destroyers, transports, tankers, and cargo ships. This will allow the shipyards to concentrate their points on the high-value ships, and still save some points for new arrivals.
Along those lines, moving some engineer units to bases to expand the facilities could help. Look especially for terrain 6 bases, since those are the only ones that can expand airfields and harbors beyond size 6.
Civil war? What does that mean? Is there any foreign war? Isn't every war fought between men, between brothers?
--Victor Hugo
--Victor Hugo
a few modest suggestions
It seems that time has come to put Japanese forces on defense.
With battlefleet already safe Imperial GHQ should plan two defensive lines. I would suggest one on whole Marianas, through Davao and Manila to Saigon and Singapore and the second through Hong Kong, Takao, Okinawa and Iwo Jima.
Those bases are now well equipped with personel and supply but there's never enough divisions .
Remember to man every single atoll. Nice tactic for allies with total carrier supremacy and SIGINT is to find an empty base near the objective, capture it with engineering squadron and place carriers on guard&reaction until the airfield is big enough to protect itself. Such bases also work fine as a decoy for Imperial fleet remnants.
Nice it would be to give allies some bases triggering Kamikaze availability. With them defending Philipines would be very easy, and if not - it would make taking them very expensive.
Massive flight schools could be created in China's 6th Army's bases. Having massive numerical advantage those baby pilots should quickly gain experience by bombing empty fields and undefended land units. If enemy will transfer british squadrons for defense - schools could be taken back and the additional goal of attracting RAF away would be archieved.
All troops and planes from Kwaialeien I. and Tarawa area should be immediately withdrawn to Truk, covering evacuation of New Guinea, then taken north.
Pagan I. airfield should be quickly upgraded in order to give support to air wings defending Marianas.
Japanese battlefleet with remaining battleships and heavy cruisiers should be waiting for an occasion to use hit&run tactic. With some luck they might disturb reinforcing attacked bases and pound Yankees on the beaches of Saipan.
With all divisions that are to come soon, the battle isn't lost.
BANZAI !!
PS
Sometimes it is nice to send 4 destroyers embarking a small regiment of infantry to attack some rear area bases of enemy. They're often empty. This is risky but at a price of few ships You may amuse enemy to keep his back manned.
With battlefleet already safe Imperial GHQ should plan two defensive lines. I would suggest one on whole Marianas, through Davao and Manila to Saigon and Singapore and the second through Hong Kong, Takao, Okinawa and Iwo Jima.
Those bases are now well equipped with personel and supply but there's never enough divisions
.Remember to man every single atoll. Nice tactic for allies with total carrier supremacy and SIGINT is to find an empty base near the objective, capture it with engineering squadron and place carriers on guard&reaction until the airfield is big enough to protect itself. Such bases also work fine as a decoy for Imperial fleet remnants.
Nice it would be to give allies some bases triggering Kamikaze availability. With them defending Philipines would be very easy, and if not - it would make taking them very expensive.
Massive flight schools could be created in China's 6th Army's bases. Having massive numerical advantage those baby pilots should quickly gain experience by bombing empty fields and undefended land units. If enemy will transfer british squadrons for defense - schools could be taken back and the additional goal of attracting RAF away would be archieved.
All troops and planes from Kwaialeien I. and Tarawa area should be immediately withdrawn to Truk, covering evacuation of New Guinea, then taken north.
Pagan I. airfield should be quickly upgraded in order to give support to air wings defending Marianas.
Japanese battlefleet with remaining battleships and heavy cruisiers should be waiting for an occasion to use hit&run tactic. With some luck they might disturb reinforcing attacked bases and pound Yankees on the beaches of Saipan.
With all divisions that are to come soon, the battle isn't lost.
BANZAI !!
PS
Sometimes it is nice to send 4 destroyers embarking a small regiment of infantry to attack some rear area bases of enemy. They're often empty. This is risky but at a price of few ships You may amuse enemy to keep his back manned.
the more You play - the less You understand ... :p