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Thank you sir, I'm glad this transcription of the Allies hits & misses is useful...just the act of writing down my thoughts is proving to be a real beneficial way to flesh them out and turn them into something organized. It always helps to have my trusted advisors chime in as well [:D]

As for victory points, the 3 biggest VP bases (outside of the home islands) still under Japanese control are:
Manilla: 2600 (A) 1300 (J)
Singapore:2430 (A) 540 (J)
Shanghai: 2700 (A) 27 (J)

Manilla is #1 on the list simply because of its value to the Japanese. If I am to get to 3:1 , then shrinking the denominator will go a lot farther towards reaching my goal. With Mindano under control, Manilla is within reach and the long term plan is to liberate the Phillippine capital by the July/Aug '44 timeframe.

Shanghai and Singapore have a similar value, with a slight edge going to Singapore because of the increased value to the Japanese. However, overall I think Shanghai is the more valuable target because (unlike Singapore) it allows access to other valuable targets like Peiping (1800 VP), Mukden (1200 VP), and Keijo (1200 VP). Allied capture of Singapore would allow the British fleet to assist in the Central Pacific, but I think I have enough to keep them busy in SE Asia/Western DEI for a good while.

Unfortunately though, even with Singapore and all those bases in China/Manchuria/Korea, I will still be almost 15K VP short of my goal of 3:1. I'm not sure if I can count on the force attrition in the air or sea to make up this defecit, so I believe the remaining VPs will have to be made up by strategic bombing. In following Canoerebel's fantastic AAR, it looks like strategic bombing is capable of generating the needed VPs, however, it is not a sure thing, and I will definately need bases closer to the home islands to facilitate this strategy. And if strategic bombing isn't up to the job, there's always the possibility of an Operation Downfall-esque amphibious assault.

So with that, I think I am going to shift the bulk of the SE Asia forces towards China. Singapore is basically isolated, and the forces currently on the Malay Penninsula should be adequate to finish the job. Now the priority is to close on Japan and impose upon it the full weight of Allied air superiority.

You won't take any of those major targets without destroying a LOT of Japanese land units. That will add quite a bit to your score and may well make up the difference of what you need for the 3:1 ratio.

Good point jwolf. I also want to give you kudos for your suggestion to aid supplying northern China.[&o] After about a week of flying supply from Chunking to Nanyang...I am happy to report the red supply exclamation point at Loyang is now yellow, and on the verge of disappearing altogether. I can't remember the last time that base had full supply. I don't have Singapore yet, but it will be interesting to see if it becomes a supply sink similar to what you have experienced.

Week 109: January 5th – January 11th 1944
North Pacific:
No IJN activity.




Central Pacific:
Allied bomber and sea bombardments continue to hit Saipan, where the Allies enjoy a 604:256 raw AV advantage following a deliberate attack on the 11th. On this attack, the forts were reduced to 5. Even better news is that the Japanese are starting to suffer disproportionate losses. In the attack noted, the Japanese lost 7 squads and 94 disabled, while the Allies lost 3 squads and 41 disabled. The Allies have found a cadence where they attack, rest for a few days (allowing the air and naval forces to provide the bombardments), and then resume the attack. This is similar to the formula that worked at Rabaul, but the tempo is a little more accelerated this time around. It seems like Allied ground units recover faster now.

Marcus is now officially in Allied hands with the 164th RCT able to overcome 2 forts to take the base early in the week. Once the base was captured, it took 2 more days of assaults to fully clear the island of organized resistance. With the capture of this outpost, the Allies have a much more direct supply line to the Marianas.




Southern Pacific:
No IJN activity.




South-West Pacific:
Morotai’s airfield is fully repaired and supports a few p-47 sweeps of Ternate to gauge enemy strength there. Results are satisfactory, as the good guys run into about 38 enemy planes and come out with a 1:1 kill ratio. More importantly, we find that this base has a sizeable enemy air component. This will have to be neutralized before the main thrust into the Celebes may begin.

With Morotai’s capture complete, small invasion force leaves Rabaul harbor with CVE support. The goal is to capture Sidate and Loewoek on the Celebs coast, in preparation for the final phase of Operation Chimera.

The lone Allied regiment reaches Dagua and easily ousts the enemy garrison, obviously worn down by the repeated Allied air assaults. The combat report says the survivors retreated east to Wewak, but nothing shows up on the map. The victorious Allied regiment will press on and investigate.

Interestingly enough, the Japanese seem determined to keep the airfield at Truk operational. Over the course of the last two months, 4EB squadrons have been relocated to the Marianas, leaving only 4 squadrons to keep the pressure on Truk. Mid-week, one of the Allied raids suddenly encounters over 25 enemy fighters on CAP. The enemy only manages to down 2 bombers, but disrupts the bombers enough to prevent any major hits on the base. Allied command is tempted to stop all bombing missions and just ignore this lone Japanese outpost for now…as there are bigger fish to fry at the moment. The main worry is that the Japanese will transfer in some bombers. If I am reading this right, Bettys have a max range of 70 hexes, so they could transfer in from pretty much anywhere.

The liberation of Mindano is progressing well. The Allied force besieging Cagayan knocked the forts down to 1 and now enjoys a 63:2 raw AV advantage. The 33 Infantry Division took Davao late in the week and is now maneuvering to corner the remaining Japanese forces in the northeastern part of the island.

The Jolo operation trudges along as the Allied force there awaits reinforcements. One bright spot was midweek when a deliberate attack successfully drops the forts from 6 to 5. This is significant, as it shows that the Japanese defense is really being affected by the air and naval bombardments.




SE Asia/China:
The advance down the Malayan peninsula reaches a new phase. On the last day of the week, the advanced Allied force arrives at a vacated Surat Thani. The base will fall next turn, and then support units will begin railing in from Bangkok. The best part is that there is now a respectable road to advance along.

In China, a small scale Allied offensive is brewing in the south. Troops have garrisoned the key crossroads leading to the coastal cities and a main Chinese force is advancing on Pucheng. In parallel, Chinese forces are surrounding the Canton/Hong Kong area. Current goals are to keep the enemy penned in until the Chinese armies in the Haiphong area return. Then a general assault can begin.

As noted in an earlier post, supply throughout China is looking very good. The south and west is seeing natural supply flow from the Burma Road, while the North has seen a nice improvement by using air supply transports flying into Nanyang. All signs point to a continuation of the general advance on the Japanese positions.




IJN Watch:
-No enemy capital ships sighted this week.



Notable Base Captures:
- Marcus [Central Pacific] captured by the Allies (1/5)
- Cam Ranh Bay [Indochina] captured by the Allies (1/6)
- Dagua [New Guinea] captured by the Allies (1/8)
- Davao [Philippines] captured by the Allies (1/11)




Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 8,654 [+96]

Japanese: 25,183 [+162]


Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 662 [+3]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CV Victorious, CVE Copahee, CVE Corregidor, CVE Nassau, CVE St.Lo, 5 CA, 14 CL, 27 DD

Japanese: 1,444 [+10]
Notables: CV Akagi, CV Kaga, CV Hiryu, CV Hiyo, CV Junyo, CV Soryu, CV Shokaku, CV Zuikaku, CVL Shoho, CVL Ryuho, CVL Ryujo, CVL Zuiho, CVE Hosho, CVE Taiyo, BB Fuso, BB Haruna, BB Hiei, BB Kirishima, BB Kongo, BB Mutsu, BB Nagato, BB Yamato, 18 CA, 22 CL, 50 DD


Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 11,059 [+21]
Japanese: 11,688 [+423]
A/J Ratio: 0.95 to 1


VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 68,793 [+717]
Japanese: 33,921 [+84]
A/J Ratio: 2.03 to 1




Operation Aperture:
Phase 1:
-Assault & Capture Guam [COMPLETE]
-Assault & Capture Tinian [COMPLETE]
-Assault & Capture Saipan [IN PROGRESS. AV 604:256 Advantage Allies, Forts at 5]

Phase 2:
-Assault & Capture Marcus [COMPLETE]




Operation Chimera:
Phase 1A:
-Assault & Capture Cotabato [COMPLETE]
-Secure Mindano [IN PROGRESS - 33rd Inf. Division captures Davao]

Phase 1B:
-Assault & Capture Balikpapan
-Assault & Capture Jolo [IN PROGRESS, AV .518:411 Forts at 5]
-Reinforce Brunei

Phase 1C:
-Assault & Capture Watampone
-Assault & Capture Kolaka
-Assault & Capture Makassar
-Assault & Capture Kendari




Other Notes:
-I’m finding that Allied fighters do very well against enemy troop concentrations that are out of supply. The lack of AA fire means very few losses, and it really seems to be helping the pilots overall experience. Furthermore, using fighters to whittle down enemy troops is freeing up 2EB/4EB to focus on harder targets.
-The sub picket line in the South China Sea is beginning to take shape (see pic below) and all 10 Japanese ship losses this week (8-AK and 2-TK) were a direct result. The severing of the DEI from the Japanese empire is almost complete.

bah this is what I expected years ago AAR's of folks v the AI going to deep to help me write the scripts this is fantastic I could have used this data 5 years ago when writing the late war scripts !!!

Well done good effort

ORIGINAL: Schlussel I don't have Singapore yet, but it will be interesting to see if it becomes a supply sink similar to what you have experienced.

It can - and it does - but do not think of it as a Supply sink.

Think of it as a "Demand sink" as per all the logistics 101 threads.

Movement of supply fuel oil resources is based on Demand and Singapore is at "the end of the line" or "start of the line" depending upon your perspective.

-


i) You will need "a lot" of troops to cross over the river and attack Singapore.

ii) You probably already have a number of HQ units embedded - supporting an advance on Singapore gobbling up white linen supplies

iii) Depending upon how you manage it - it will likely take multiple days / weeks / to liberate Singapore. Bombardments, shock attack crossing the river, deliberate attacks, troop rotations.

iv) Those units will be disabled - stressed - needing of replacements. You might be tempted to leave them in Singapore with HQ units to rebuild. Further you may set them to new objectives i.e Palembang.

v) you may also start building and repairing shipyards, ports, airbases,etc

Singapore becomes a Demand sink because the size and support of troops to capture is so large.

You can avoid the demand sink by immediately redeploying elsewhere i.e rail them back to Bangkok leaving only support units in Singapore ... but it is a trade off.. the troops may not be ready.. you may want to target other bases closer at hand.

Macclan, it's certainly true as you say that anyplace with a large collection of forces will be a demand sink, and Singapore would no doubt qualify under most conditions. But aside from that, when the game engine "finds" excess supply in some theater, I get the impression that it sends that supply to some major hub based on whatever conditions are in the code. Disclaimer: that's just consistent with my experience, not official rules or dev comments as far as I know. So what I saw was a sort of "just in time" flow of supply to the main front in China while the REMFs in Singapore got fat and drunk on a daily diet of chocolate cake and wine. I wished that the really big stockpile of supply could be at, say, Changsha but it just didn't work out that way at all.

I have heard of some more involved schemes to micromanage the flow of supply but I admit I didn't have the patience to try them.

ORIGINAL: jwolf

Macclan, it's certainly true as you say that anyplace with a large collection of forces will be a demand sink, and Singapore would no doubt qualify under most conditions. But aside from that, when the game engine "finds" excess supply in some theater, I get the impression that it sends that supply to some major hub based on whatever conditions are in the code. Disclaimer: that's just consistent with my experience, not official rules or dev comments as far as I know. So what I saw was a sort of "just in time" flow of supply to the main front in China while the REMFs in Singapore got fat and drunk on a daily diet of chocolate cake and wine. I wished that the really big stockpile of supply could be at, say, Changsha but it just didn't work out that way at all.

I have heard of some more involved schemes to micromanage the flow of supply but I admit I didn't have the patience to try them.

I think you have it exactly correct - sort of ... just not explicit

--

Where "excess" Supplies / Fuel / Resources / Oil are available they congregate through the engine to the base with the largest PORT

<<If I recall correctly from logistics 101 it is PORT - not AF nor fortifications - consulting Alfred's 101 thread in war room will confirm >>

Singapore in all probability easily qualifies as largest Port in near theater and hence "excess" will migrate there over turns. Especially in 1941- 1944 though building up ports / bases elsewhere will differentiate somewhat.

(Similarly in most games Sydney Australia will congregate excess for all Australia assuming the Allied player does not suppress Sydney by overbuilding Melbourne and anchoring tons of HQs there)

Even after PORT and facilities damage - Singapore is likely larger than Bangkok, Saigon, Cahm Ran Bay even up to Rangoon.

Add to that - the Allied conqueror is likely

(i) Building / repairing damage creating demand
(ii) resting troops and HQs there to recover a tough battle
(iii) preparing troops there for next - proximity - invasion target
(iv) Anchoring ships there and even using the shipyard to fix damage
(v) anchoring new ships capable of amphibious operations for next - proximity - invasion target
(vi) there is HI LI there and not in all other ports - more demand

In essence the Allied conqueror is compounding the "demand situation".

Its not simply a "supply side issue" - supply movement is demand based - and many players miss that concept.

I only emphasize this as this AAR is somewhat remarkable as a rookie tutorial [8D]


The only way to mitigate the "surplus congregation" is to "Demand it elsewhere".

Transfer is not instantaneous - it takes time at the movement rates specified in the manual.

One mitigation strategy - Ship all troops, HQ, ships, planes to Alor Starr - Bangkok to rest and recuperate or Bangkok or etc.

--

As I say Singapore as a hub not a bad thing - Singapore is a fantastic strategic asset.

There are very good reasons to want to leave troops, HQ, planes, ships anchored there depending upon your tactical situation.

The trade off then is creating Cargo shipping convoys to points in French Indo China - China you want to support but based upon troop levels, HQ levels, Port size, AF contingents - they simply do not demand as much.

ORIGINAL: Andy Mac

bah this is what I expected years ago AAR's of folks v the AI going to deep to help me write the scripts this is fantastic I could have used this data 5 years ago when writing the late war scripts !!!

Well done good effort

Thank you sir. Let me know if there is anything additional you would like me to include in my weekly reports.


Macclan5 & jwolf:

Good discussion. I have noticed a sizable supply swell (From 10K to 18K) in Chunking after moving 4 C-47 transport groups there flying supply to Nanyang. I tend to avoid using the supply draw adjustments at base hexes and increase the demand by other means (headquarters units, air transports, etc.

Week 110: January 12th – January 18th 1944
North Pacific:
No IJN activity.




Central Pacific:
Allied bomber and sea bombardments continue to hit Saipan, where the Allies enjoy a 614:228 raw AV advantage. The forts are still at 5 but the Japanese continue to suffer disproportionate losses. In the most recent attack on the 16th, the Japanese lost 11 squads and 83 disabled, while the Allies lost 3 squads and 42 disabled. The Allies have found a cadence where they attack, rest for a few days (allowing the air and naval forces to provide the bombardments), and then resume the attack.

Sporadic enemy air attacks on the lower Marianas continue, originating from Pagan and Iwo Jima. The Allied air force has since silenced Pagan, but Iwo will take a more combined effort.




Southern Pacific:
No IJN activity.




South-West Pacific:
Morotai’s air force seems to have the upper hand on the Japanese at Ternate. Sweeps and bombing runs continue, in an effort to keep the enemy airfield suppressed.

The Sidate and Loewoek invasion forces near Morotai and are rounding the northern coast of the Moluccas. Amphib operations should commence in about 2-3 days.

Allied bombers stand down for refit and allow Truk a respite from air attack. So far, no offensive missions have originated from the enemy base, but cargo TFs are keeping a safe distance.

The liberation of Mindano is progressing. The Allied force besieging Cagayan has a 63:2 raw AV advantage and forts are still at 1. The 33 Infantry Division is maneuvering to approach Cagayan from the south.

The Jolo operation slows to a crawl as the latest Allied attack is repulsed with high casualties. Forts remain at 5, so the Allies focus on isolating the island and waiting for reinforcements.




SE Asia/China:
The advance down the Malayan peninsula is moving along well. Allied units are moving south from Surat Thani and have not encountered any meaningful resistance.

In northern Thailand, the ragged enemy division outside Chiang Mai has finally been surrounded and destroyed. The victorious British units begin moving south to surround another large enemy concentration northwest of Bangkok.

In China, the situation in the Nanchang area has been see-sawing. First the Chinese took Nanchang and began maneuvering to encircle Kuikiang. Than the Japanese moved in over 1700 AV and retook Nanchang. Now the Chinese have temporarily isolated the large enemy force at Nanchang, and hope to solidify their position, preventing any relief attempt and slowly starving the large Japanese force.

In the south, progress is being made to isolate Canton/Hong Kong. Currently a perimeter has been established to sever land supply. Soon British units, fresh off their capture of Saigon, will arrive and allow for an advance on Canton proper.




IJN Watch:
-No enemy capital ships sighted this week.




Notable Base Captures:
- Surat Thani [Malaya] captured by the Allies (1/12)
- Nukufeatu [Ellice Islands] captured by the Allies (1/12)
- Nanchang [China] captured by the Japanese (1/18)
- Choachow [China] captured by the Allies (1/18)




Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 8,776 [+112]

Japanese: 25,365 [+182]


Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 670 [+8]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CV Victorious, CVE Copahee, CVE Corregidor, CVE Nassau, CVE St.Lo, 5 CA, 14 CL, 27 DD

Japanese: 1,461 [+17]
Notables: CV Akagi, CV Kaga, CV Hiryu, CV Hiyo, CV Junyo, CV Soryu, CV Shokaku, CV Zuikaku, CVL Shoho, CVL Ryuho, CVL Ryujo, CVL Zuiho, CVE Hosho, CVE Taiyo, BB Fuso, BB Haruna, BB Hiei, BB Kirishima, BB Kongo, BB Mutsu, BB Nagato, BB Yamato, 18 CA, 22 CL, 50 DD


Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 11,172 [+113]
Japanese: 12,215 [+577]
A/J Ratio: 0.91 to 1


VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 69,695 [+902]
Japanese: 34,295 [+374]
A/J Ratio: 2.03 to 1




Operation Aperture:
Phase 1:
-Assault & Capture Guam [COMPLETE]
-Assault & Capture Tinian [COMPLETE]
-Assault & Capture Saipan [IN PROGRESS. AV 614:228 Advantage Allies, Forts at 5]

Phase 2:
-Assault & Capture Marcus [COMPLETE]




Operation Chimera:
Phase 1A:
-Assault & Capture Cotabato [COMPLETE]
-Secure Mindano [IN PROGRESS – Davao captured, Cagayan is under siege]

Phase 1B:
-Assault & Capture Balikpapan
-Assault & Capture Jolo [IN PROGRESS, AV 403:409 Forts at 5]
-Reinforce Brunei

Phase 1C:
-Assault & Capture Watampone
-Assault & Capture Kolaka
-Assault & Capture Makassar
-Assault & Capture Kendari




Other Notes:
-Sub picket lines in the South China Sea account for 9 ships this week (2TK/7AK)




China situation:

Week 111: January 19th – January 25th 1944

North Pacific:
No IJN activity.




Central Pacific:
Allied bomber and sea bombardments continue to hit Saipan, where the Allies enjoy a 606:193 raw AV advantage. Attacks this week dropped forts from 5 to 3 and the Japanese continue to suffer disproportionate losses. The Allies have found a cadence where they attack, rest for a few days (allowing the air and naval forces to provide the bombardments), and then resume the attack. The Japanese continue to try to resupply their forces at Saipan, but it seems like the surface patrols are doing the job.

Sporadic enemy air attacks on the lower Marianas continue, originating Iwo Jima. The Allied air force is posting CAP, but despite this, a few Bettys squeaked through and put a torp into an empty AK.




Southern Pacific:
No IJN activity.




South-West Pacific:
The Sidate and Loewoek invasion forces land and secure their objectives quickly. Now Loewoek is being built up to assist with air ops, and Sidate is being reinforced by ground troops to assist in the advance on Manado, and neutralize its level 7 airfield.

The liberation of Mindano is progressing. The Allied force besieging Cagayan has a 63:2 raw AV advantage and forts are still at 1. Unfortunately the Allied recon unit just can’t dig out the defenders. Help is on the way though, as the 33rd Infantry Division has reached Malaybay, and should brush aside the enemy support unit holding the base. Then it’s a quick 48 mile jaunt up a nice road to Cagayan.

The Jolo operation remains a deadlock. The Allies continue to keep the island isolated.




SE Asia/China:
The advance down the Malayan peninsula is moving along well. Allied units have Reached Nakhon Si Thammarat. Units have not encountered any meaningful resistance. Intel on Singora (the next base down the peninsula) indicates only a support unit is present.

The situation in China has swung back in the Allies favor. The advance of the large enemy force at Nanchang has been checked. While the Allies advance and take the industrial center of Wuchang, with Hankows fall upcoming. If Sinyang can be captured, then we may finally have a reliable supply line to the Northern part of China.

In the south, progress is being made to isolate Canton/Hong Kong. Currently a perimeter has been established to sever land supply. Reinforcing British units are at Lang Son heading east.




IJN Watch:
-No enemy capital ships sighted this week.




Notable Base Captures:
- Dadjangas [Philippines] captured by the Allies (1/20)
- Loewoek [Celebes] captured by the Allies (1/20)
- Sidate [Celebes] captured by the Allies (1/22)
- Chengchow [China] captured by the Allies (1/22)
- Nanchang [China] captured by the Allies (1/24)
- Wuchang [China] captured by the Allies (1/24)
- Pucheng [China] captured by the Allies (1/24)
- Swatow [China] captured by the Allies (1/25)




Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 8,808 [+42]

Japanese: 25,583 [+218]


Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 673 [+3]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CV Victorious, CVE Copahee, CVE Corregidor, CVE Nassau, CVE St.Lo, 5 CA, 14 CL, 27 DD

Japanese: 1,482 [+21]
Notables: CV Akagi, CV Kaga, CV Hiryu, CV Hiyo, CV Junyo, CV Soryu, CV Shokaku, CV Zuikaku, CVL Shoho, CVL Ryuho, CVL Ryujo, CVL Zuiho, CVE Hosho, CVE Taiyo, BB Fuso, BB Haruna, BB Hiei, BB Kirishima, BB Kongo, BB Mutsu, BB Nagato, BB Yamato, 18 CA, 22 CL, 50 DD


Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 11,183 [+11]
Japanese: 12,640 [+425]
A/J Ratio: 0.88 to 1


VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 70,652 [+957]
Japanese: 33,995 [-300]
A/J Ratio: 2.08 to 1




Operation Aperture:
Phase 1:
-Assault & Capture Guam [COMPLETE]
-Assault & Capture Tinian [COMPLETE]
-Assault & Capture Saipan [IN PROGRESS. AV 606:196 Advantage Allies, Forts at 3]

Phase 2:
-Assault & Capture Marcus [COMPLETE]




Operation Chimera:
Phase 1A:
-Assault & Capture Cotabato [COMPLETE]
-Secure Mindano [IN PROGRESS – Davao captured, Cagayan is under siege]

Phase 1B:
-Assault & Capture Balikpapan
-Assault & Capture Jolo [IN PROGRESS, AV 509:420 Forts at 5]
-Reinforce Brunei

Phase 1C:
-Assault & Capture Watampone [Invasion forces loading at Rabaul]
-Assault & Capture Kolaka [Invasion forces loading at Rabaul]
-Assault & Capture Makassar
-Assault & Capture Kendari




Other Notes:
-Sub picket lines in the South China Sea account for 15 ships this week (2TK/10AK/2SC/1E)

Wow - that's quite a toll on IJN ships! I can see this game wrapping up in 1944!

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

Wow - that's quite a toll on IJN ships! I can see this game wrapping up in 1944!

Concur +1

Having said that... landing on Iwo .. for example is always a challenge. I am sure 40000 troops will be anchored behind level 6 forts....


I am curious if Sch... will bypass the Iwo / Okinawa and simply head for the home island ?

Thank you fellas. The silent service is doing a bang up job. I've attached a picture of what the sub picket line looks like currently.

For Iwo...I've had some PB4Y Liberators reconning it for a few days now and so far there's 6 units present and 30,000 troops. From past experience, this is below the actual, so your 40K estimate is probably pretty close to reality. That looks like quite a big nut to crack, especially with how close it is to the Home islands. Then oncve the island is captured, its not especially valuable, especially when there are other Jimas to the north that have similar base capability....and they will have a much smaller garrison.

There is the problem of the airfield on Iwo Jima, and I'm thinking Mitcher's carriers will be tasked with shutting it down.

For Okinawa...The Ryukyu front still looks like the best avenue of advance as they have three Level 6 airfields and one level 8 field. I followed Canoerebel's excellent AAR against John 3rd, and his experience illustrated how important airfield proximity is when conducting an aerial bombing campaign against the home islands. The Marianas won't cut it, the Philippines won't cut it, I need airstrips closer. Shanghai and Korea may work, but they will take time to reach. Okinawa is reachable now (especially with my naval superiority), so I think this is the path I will pursue. Plans are still being formulated, but those are my thoughts currently. As always, let me know what you think. Your advice had been most valuable.

Situation Report – February 1st 1944





Central/North Pacific:


Capital Ships:
3-CVE, 2-BB @Pearl Harbor

Fuel Reserves:
5,091K @ Pearl Harbor
265K @ Guam
142K @ Ulithi

Near-Term Plans:
Isolate Marshalls, secure Marianas.

Long Term Plans:
Advance on Okinawa/Formosa.




SW Pacific:


Capital Ships:
9-CV, 14-CVE, 3-CVL, 13-BB

Fuel Reserves:
1,430K @ Rabaul
1,014K @ Noumea
402K @ Milne Bay

Near-Term Plans:
Secure bases Borneo/Celebs/Mindano to assist cutting off oil/fuel from Japanese home islands.

Long Term Plans:
Capture Java/Sumatra




SE Asia/China:


Capital Ships:
2-CV, 1-CVE, 1-BB @ Colombo

Fuel Reserves:
1,952K @ Colombo
927K @ Rangoon
229K @ Saigon
249K @ Bangkok

Near-Term Plans:
Advance down Malaya Peninsula to threaten Singapore. Advance into China

Long Term Plans:
Capture Singapore. Capture Java/Sumatra




Base Supply/Construction Status:

Bangkok:
Port Size: 7.00 (+0.13)
Airfield Size: 9.00 (+0.31)
Supplies: 36K (3 Weeks of normal operations)


Cotabato:
Port Size: 4.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 8.59
Supplies: 11K (3 Weeks of normal operations)


Davao:
Port Size: 5.31
Airfield Size: 6.27
Supplies: 80K (20+ Weeks of normal operations)


Eniwetok:
Port Size: 5.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 2.82 (+0.21)
Supplies: 23K (11 Weeks of normal operations)


Guam:
Port Size: 5.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 8.00 (+2.25)
Supplies: 174K (12 Weeks of normal operations)


Manus:
Port Size: 7.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 8.00 (MAX)
Supplies: 186K (40+ Weeks of normal operations)


Morotai:
Port Size: 5.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 6.00 (MAX)
Supplies: 14K (3 Weeks of normal operations)


Mussau:
Port Size: 4.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 8.00 (MAX)
Supplies: 439K (40+ Weeks of normal operations)


Pago-Pago:
Port Size: 4.53 (+0.09)
Airfield Size: 6.79 (+0.08)
Supplies: 36K (20+ Weeks of normal operations)


Pearl Harbor:
Port Size: 8.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 10.00 (MAX)
Supplies: 5,001K (100+ Weeks of normal operations)


Rabaul:
Port Size: 7.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 9.00 (MAX)
Supplies: 387K (10 Weeks of normal operations)


Rangoon:
Port Size: 9.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 9.00 (MAX)
Supplies: 192K (20+ Weeks of normal operations)


Saigon:
Port Size: 7.06 (+0.06)
Airfield Size: 7.13 (+0.13)
Supplies: 9K (3 Weeks of normal operations)


Tinian:
Port Size: 4.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 7.00 (MAX)
Supplies: 72K (10+ Weeks of normal operations)


Ulithi:
Port Size: 6.00 (+0.90)
Airfield Size: 2.25 (+0.32)
Supplies: 127K (20+ Weeks of normal operations)

As always, your maps are super well done, a real pleasure to see and read. [:)]

ORIGINAL: Schlussel


For Iwo...I've had some PB4Y Liberators reconning it for a few days now and so far there's 6 units present and 30,000 troops. From past experience, this is below the actual, so your 40K estimate is probably pretty close to reality. That looks like quite a big nut to crack, Then once the island is captured, its not especially valuable, especially when there are other Jimas to the north that have similar base capability....and they will have a much smaller garrison.


For Okinawa...The Ryukyu front still looks like the best avenue of advance as they have three Level 6 airfields and one level 8 field.

....and his experience illustrated how important airfield proximity is when conducting an aerial bombing campaign against the home islands. The Marianas won't cut it, the Philippines won't cut it, I need airstrips closer. Shanghai and Korea may work, but they will take time to reach. Okinawa is reachable now (especially with my naval superiority), so I think this is the path I will pursue. Plans are still being formulated, but those are my thoughts currently. As always, let me know what you think. Your advice had been most valuable.

I am less than an expert...[:D] but verses the AI

The Jima's

The other Jima's - if I recall correctly cannot be developed into a base as good as Iwo Jima. The other Jima's max out around AFB 2 (3? as I recall) and are very slow to build even with the best resources / units available i.e. Construction Regiments and EABs. The other Jima's are mostly VP fodder and good for sweeper squadrons - not Bomber bases.

Iwo will be a shock landing. If the Empire is 40K strong with coastal guns.. well I have personally witnessed Iwo wipe out fully prepped - 2 Tank Battalions and a Combat Engineer Battalion in one shock plus reduce AV on 2 divisions by half ~ in 1944.

Recon Recon Recon - Bomb Bomb Bomb (Liberators out of Pagan ?) - Bombard Bombard Bombard (SCTFs out of Pagan) for months not days. Escort everything because kamikazee's can reach certain Jima points.

The AI plays very well on defense - end game. Operations Katsu-go (spelling) in action.

Okinawa

Naha - see above.

No shock but I am willing to bet 50K behind level 6 forts in 1944.

You might be able to back door behind Naha easier.

Shanghai

See above. My bet - 50K + in addition to a number of important HQs behind level 6.

You may 'regret' splitting your Combat spear-point coming out of Burma into a (i)( Singapore initiative (as soon as you hit Georgetown mid peninsula) and (ii) a Shanghai initiative [8D]

Formosa / Korea

Limited experience but here is where you may want to consider.

Here with good scouting / Recon from China / Luzon you should be able to 'land' where the empire is not - build defend hold and then secure an outward ring of more bases.

Korea is likely 75% empty of troops as the AI can pull the Manchurian garrison troops for China / Burma without trouble.

Shanghai may or may not have a really good defense under AI management. In my game it was far more modest, but by that time the Japanese army in China had been very thoroughly mauled with many whole divisions trapped and annihilated. I get the sense in Schlussel's game that the mainland Japanese army still has some real strength left (not sure though). It will be interesting to see how it plays out.

Thanks jwolf. [&o]Canoerebel and [&o]Lowpe are the gold standard when it comes to maps, but I am trying to keep mine somewhat respectable.

I always appreciate you insightful analysis Macclan5.

Below is the base size info for the jimas. current level, followed by max level in quotes:
Iwo: 4(4)P/3(3)AF
Haha: 3(3)P/1(3)AF
Chichi: 3(4)P/2(3)AF

I agree with you on Iwo Jima, it is currently the most desirable as it is already maxed out at 4 Port/3 Airfield, and its terrain is 'only' rough (x2 defense), while the other Jimas are Forest+Rough (x3 Defense). However Chichi has the same base potential, and its garrison could be much smaller. I will try bombing/recon once I secure Saipan and make my decision after I know what the garrison looks like. If it is similar to what you suggest, I might be better off suppressing Iwo and landing at Okinawa or Formosa. Like you said, I'll try to land where the Japanese aren't...although that gets harder as I get closer to the home islands.

As for Shanghai, I may well regret splitting my spearhead...I will know for sure in the coming months. The Japanese army in China still has teeth, but most of its strength is tied up in battles of attrition in Nanchang, Sinyang, and Kaoping up. I'm hoping I can keep these enemy concentrations occupied and 'Schlieffen Hook' my way up to Shanghai. The plan sounds good, now lets see if it survives contact with the enemy.[:D]

Schlieffen Hook

This plan always works. Proven record of success. Never fails. [:'(]