Mushrooms over Maizuru: Chickenboy (J) vs. AcePylut (A)

[rustysi]

ORIGINAL: grond69

Schooling opportunity: how do you turn on the search arcs?? I have to go through my bases individually and can't see whether I have sufficient overlap. I have looked in the manual but couldn't find anything

As said above the 'Z' key will turn on your search arcs. In addition to that the colors mean:

Green: First day movement phase.

Blue: Second day movement phase.

Black: Both phases.

[rustysi]

Next, at Kavieng, CA's Louisville and Canberra, CL's Perth and Adelaide, and DD's Voyager and Triomphant met 3 PB, 1xAK, and 7 xAKL and sank all of them. 468 IJ troops want to the bottom with those transports. Banzai! My fleet skirted across the north of New Britian and will attempt to engage an IJ fleet unloading at Lae.

Ah, there's the play while the 'cats' away.[:D]

Not much in shipping, but who cares. Believe it or not the Japanese unit is much more important, even though small. He doesn't have a lot of LCU's at this time in these parts to complete his expansion.

[AcePylut]

Yeah, it's more of a psychological victory than an actual victory. I hope it makes the IJ stop and think that any invasion might be contested, so he'd better bring aircover or combat ships - and that slows down expansion. I suspect the Kavieng TF may have been loading the SNLF that took Kavieng last turn, so that's good news if those were combat troops.

Also, these mini-actions give me a little "boost" to my morale in these opening months where I get crushed everywhere (like at Manila). I think I've been able to extract about 5 ships from Manila (not counting about 7-8 subs) so that's worse than usual. Chickenboy has had a couple of sctf's parked outside Bataan since Dec 7th. I've tried luring them into Bataan's guns, I've sent subs at them, airplanes, the works... nothing has made him open it up. Oh well. That's why I consider all those ships in the PI as "sunk ships" on Dec 7th, it doesn't get me too upset when they all sink.

[AcePylut]

Dec 15th.

One more ship at Manila goes under the waves. Other than subs, I think I've been able to extract about 4 ships from here. That's much worse than usual. I created a PT Tf and am launching it at the blockading IJN fleets.

KB shows up by Ternate. My 4 SCTF's in the DEI are near Koepang. Force Z will head to Denpassar along with the Houston/Boise TF. The other two sctfs are low on fuel and will depart to Townsville, escorting the Repulse as she makes her way to Melbourne.

My "Kavieng" SCTF encountered a lone patrolling CL near Finschafen (sp) and sank it.

I had 2 CL in Noumea, and sent them to Luganville. One of the CL's had taken a sub torp a couple of turns ago. They encountered 2 DD at Luganville, and sank one of them. The torped CL got a few more hits and is moderately damaged, so she will head to the yards with a "job well done". The other CL will head there too. I have no search coverage and no idea what my lurk beyond, so better safe than sorry.

B17s squadrons are starting to show up in Oz, so that's good.

The Queen Elizabeth is halfway between PH and the West Coast. She moves Can't wait to load her up with a division and get her moving back to Oz.

[AcePylut]

Dec 16th. No major encounters in the DEI. Damaged and low-on-fuel-and-ammo combat ships are retiring nicely to Oz for fuel and ammo.

Hong Kong withstands yet another assault. She's doing quite nicely.

The KB and assorted combat ships take a position east of Sorong (up by the NW corner of Papau New Guinea).

I created a PT squadron (approx 12 PT's) at Manila and launched it at the blockading ships, but didn't score any hits and lost a PT in return.


My 2 Dutch Base Forces spoken of early are nearing Perth. I've also decided to load up the RN naval base force at Columbo and ship it to Oz. Looks like this will be my base of operations to bring the fight to Japan later in '42/'43.

Luganville falls. Also, the IJ invaded the base west of Kuching (Singkawang?).

The thrust into Luganville makes me think he's going to setup an interdiction of supply to OZ. I'd expect Noumea to be invaded rather quickly also. As such, I may need to consider starting to build up New Zealand. Tahiti is being built as a way-station for the transports headed that way.

[rustysi]

Hong Kong withstands yet another assault. She's doing quite nicely.

Interesting, I don't believe it has ever withstood a second hit in my games. Take what you can get though.

The KB and assorted combat ships take a position east of Sorong (up by the NW corner of Papau New Guinea).

To me at least this seems like a rather unusual position. If I were to have the KB in the SRA I'd rather it be in the thick of things being very aggressive, and that could be dangerous. Its why I prefer it to be in the SE/4th fleet areas. It just seems to be easier to use the Mini-KB with added LBA support to subdue the region. Who knows, maybe that's too slow.

I created a PT squadron (approx 12 PT's) at Manila and launched it at the blockading ships, but didn't score any hits and lost a PT in return.

An attempt at least. Now you have the boats there to get MacArthur out.[:D]

the IJ invaded the base west of Kuching (Singkawang?)

That's a good base to use as a jump off spot for Palembang.

I've also decided to load up the RN naval base force at Columbo and ship it to Oz. Looks like this will be my base of operations to bring the fight to Japan later in '42/'43.

Personally, I'd hold off on this in case he decides to head for Ceylon. If you wish to use it for a push from OZ there seems there'll be plenty of time to do it later. JMHO.

I'd expect Noumea to be invaded rather quickly also.

Possible, but its not a base he'll be able to hold once you have the forces to retake it. To me its an over-extension. Of course it could still keep you on your heels for a bit.

Anyway not too bad, although you're not that far in as yet.[:)]

[rustysi]

The Queen Elizabeth is halfway between PH and the West Coast. She moves Can't wait to load her up with a division and get her moving back to Oz.

Just one thing here, doesn't she have any early withdrawal date? Lot's of PP's lost here if you don't get her out on time.

[AcePylut]

At Hong Kong – if he’d have shock attacked, or brought in another regiment, it would have fallen. I have been moving (or, attempting to move) troops into Canton, and I did see a few “reverse movement dots”, so I suspect that he pulled some of the troops slated to attack Hong Kong back to Canton… as you said, I’ll take it 😊

IIRC if there are enemy troops in a hex with HI, the HI does not produce (IIRC, but not exactly sure). As such, a few years ago in this one match I played, I moved some troops into Canton and “didn’t do anything with them”. It took the IJ player about 4 months to finally notice they were there hehehe.

With moving the RN Naval BF to Oz, I don’t really view India/Burma as a naval theater where I’ll need the naval support. About all I need is some support in Karachi to take fuel/supply. I wanted the BF in Oz before the DEI is taken and before Perth is put at risk, to give at least another “underdeveloped base” the ability to rearm the big ships. I figure I’ll get it there asap, rather than later… as even if I did leave it in Ceylon, it wouldn’t really be any use to me.

What I gather about the KB position, is that he’s trying to be in a relatively close support position to protect his invasions of the Solomon Isles and also the southern DEI.


I agree with your statement that you can use the Mini-KB to sweep through the DEI… but if you’re going to use the KB, use it… but then again, I’ve got a lot of Dutch subs setup at DEI choke-points, and all it takes is one golden torpedo…. It would certainly be nice to get one of my sub torps to hit something, seeings the carnage his subs are causing at my “DEI exit” points and every dang sub firing away at the Manila blockading force can’t hit jack squat.

Yes, the QE has a really early withdrawal date, but there’s enough time to make at least one run to Oz and back. She moves pretty fast 😊

[BBfanboy]

ORIGINAL: AcePylut

At Hong Kong – if he’d have shock attacked, or brought in another regiment, it would have fallen. I have been moving (or, attempting to move) troops into Canton, and I did see a few “reverse movement dots”, so I suspect that he pulled some of the troops slated to attack Hong Kong back to Canton… as you said, I’ll take it ��

IIRC if there are enemy troops in a hex with HI, the HI does not produce (IIRC, but not exactly sure). As such, a few years ago in this one match I played, I moved some troops into Canton and “didn’t do anything with them”. It took the IJ player about 4 months to finally notice they were there hehehe.

With moving the RN Naval BF to Oz, I don’t really view India/Burma as a naval theater where I’ll need the naval support. About all I need is some support in Karachi to take fuel/supply. I wanted the BF in Oz before the DEI is taken and before Perth is put at risk, to give at least another “underdeveloped base” the ability to rearm the big ships. I figure I’ll get it there asap, rather than later… as even if I did leave it in Ceylon, it wouldn’t really be any use to me.

What I gather about the KB position, is that he’s trying to be in a relatively close support position to protect his invasions of the Solomon Isles and also the southern DEI.


I agree with your statement that you can use the Mini-KB to sweep through the DEI… but if you’re going to use the KB, use it… but then again, I’ve got a lot of Dutch subs setup at DEI choke-points, and all it takes is one golden torpedo…. It would certainly be nice to get one of my sub torps to hit something, seeings the carnage his subs are causing at my “DEI exit” points and every dang sub firing away at the Manila blockading force can’t hit jack squat.

Yes, the QE has a really early withdrawal date, but there’s enough time to make at least one run to Oz and back. She moves pretty fast ��

The production situation changed a few releases back - now only Resources and Oil production stop; other industry will go on as long as it has the inputs it needs. This is the "Stalingrad Tractor Factory" model of industrial output.

[AcePylut]

Thanks for the info BB! Always something new to learn every day with this game.

[T Rav]

I'm enjoying the AAR. It's much better than doing chores.

I just tell my wife that it is professional development for me. She doesn't believe that, but I'm sticking to my story.

T Rav

[AcePylut]

Thanks T Rav and Rustysi and BBFanBoi. A few words of encouragement always helps.

Dec 17th:

Hong Kong withstands another attack. As there is no suppression of the airfield or port, every turn my level 1 forts get knocked to zero, and get built right back up to level 1… but, my defenders *are* losing this battle of attrition and won’t last much longer. In order to try and extend the defense, I’m going to get the Chinese C-47’s to reinforce HK with some troops. If HK can hold out a few more turns, or at least make my worthy opponent send more troops to finish the job, then that’s a victory in itself.

When I emailed this turn, I said there wasn’t much going on. Well, my smart opponent sent a sub to Tahiti, which promptly sank 2 xAKL and 1 xAK I had used to “just” pickup and drop off a French INF unit. I guess I’ll have to protect my convoys a little better, duh. In LA, I have an AA unit, a BF unit, an ENG unit, and a Marine INF unit that is getting picked up for transport to Tahiti, as I want to build up this port as a way station. Also, I’m going to pick up about 10 air groups for shipment to Oz. I’ll protect these convoys with the Saratoga and adequate DD’s and they will make the long route to Oz.

The Lex and Yorktown are “somewhere” in the Pacific, I think they will be ready for combat opportunities in about a week or so.

Tulagi and the Shortlands were invaded. The following islands in the Solomons are now lost: Lae, Kavieng, Shortlands, Tulagi, Luganville.

I’m torn between trying to massively reinforce Port Moresby or not. I want to reniforce, just to make it harder to invade, but then don’t want to throw troops away. I can airlift plenty of Oz squads into PM (sans heavy equipment), and I have a pair of Aussie CD units with a number of 6” guns that would make a nice reception to any invading fleets (but it would cost about 150ish PP to change their HQ so they can be transported). I would expect to lose this battle, but hopefully gain time… and really, am I going to use that CD unit or two anywhere else where it might be as effective as it would be trashing a potential PM invasion fleet? Probably not. I think I just convinced myself to forward-reinforce PM. I did say I want to be aggressive, so I can’t puss out now. I just wiffle-waffle back and forth, knowing that I can’t really stop the IJ from going where the IJ wants to go at this point in time. Yeah that reminds me, I need to send one of those CD units to Darwin and hope it gets there before Darwin gets invaded.

An Indian INF regiment landed in Rangoon today, bolstering its defense.

4 Enemy divisions entered Changsa today. I’m trying to sneak in a unit behind the IJ to cut off the supply path for these divisions. We’ll see how it goes.

In the DEI – not much to add. He consolidates his positions.

KB and multiple combat TF’s are still hanging around Sorong. I’ll readjust my search patterns to get more clarity on these units.

I'll post a screenie or two later, they always add to an AAR in a way that text doesn't.

[rustysi]

IIRC if there are enemy troops in a hex with HI, the HI does not produce (IIRC, but not exactly sure).

What BB said.

What I gather about the KB position, is that he’s trying to be in a relatively close support position to protect his invasions of the Solomon Isles and also the southern DEI.

And in his current position he really does neither.[&:]

I’ve got a lot of Dutch subs setup at DEI choke-points,

And I would have a number of ASW TF's patrolling said shallow waters looking to send 'em to 'Davy Jones' Locker'.

Yes, the QE has a really early withdrawal date, but there’s enough time to make at least one run to Oz and back. She moves pretty fast

That was my understanding, but having never played the Allies, I just wanted to bring attention. Lest one forget.[;)]

I’m going to get the Chinese C-47’s to reinforce HK with some troops. If HK can hold out a few more turns,

Now that's a nice aggressive little move, and as you say, maybe you could last a bit longer.

I’m torn between trying to massively reinforce Port Moresby or not.

Always an Allied dilemma. Just plan on losing what ever you're willing to put in there, and if it doesn't happen your ahead of the game. Keep in mind though that its much easier for Japan to move overland than IRL. I did it in my current AI game just to see.

Aussie CD units with a number of 6” guns that would make a nice reception to any invading fleets

I don't know what your experience is, but I know that Japanese CA's will just shrug off hits from guns as large as 9.2". Although sometimes those will get in a telling blow. At any rate 6 inchers aren't going to do much against a bombardment fleet, but force him to bring a few more 'gunboats' to the party. That and a few in the invasion fleet and those CD's are just cannon fodder.

KB and multiple combat TF’s are still hanging around Sorong.

Good, nothing to do in that area.[8D]

OK, I'll stop buggin' ya for a bit.[:D]

[AcePylut]

BANZAI!!!!

Wait, um, no, that doesn't work...


Remember Manila!!!!!

[AcePylut]

Dec 18th. Today was a good day... as my subs vectored into Morotai in the previous post's screenie found gold.

[AcePylut]

But wait.. there's more!

[AcePylut]

2 hit's on the Hiei, she'll be out of commission for a while. She says "sunk" but I'm not so sure.

Also, outside of Manila, the SS S-39 planted a torp into the DD Natsugumo, but in revenge, an IJ Sub near the West Coast sank a US DD.

But wait... there's more...

At Ichang, Chickenboy said he didn't authorize an attack, but for some reason, the IJ stack attacked and beat themselves up, right before the Chinese attacked.

------------------------------------

Ground combat at Ichang (83,48)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 17198 troops, 128 guns, 42 vehicles, Assault Value = 660

Defending force 42579 troops, 273 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1419

Japanese adjusted assault: 430

Allied adjusted defense: 607

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2

Combat modifiers
Defender: experience(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
2816 casualties reported
Squads: 132 destroyed, 108 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 17 disabled
Engineers: 4 destroyed, 8 disabled
Guns lost 11 (3 destroyed, 8 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
1146 casualties reported
Squads: 12 destroyed, 132 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Guns lost 29 (4 destroyed, 25 disabled)

Assaulting units:
11th RGC Temp. Division
34th Division
13th RGC Temp. Division

Defending units:
45th Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Corps
32nd Chinese Corps
68th Chinese Corps
67th Chinese Corps
75th Chinese Corps
26th Group Army


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Ground combat at Ichang (83,48)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 40921 troops, 270 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1316

Defending force 15300 troops, 125 guns, 42 vehicles, Assault Value = 492

Allied adjusted assault: 1292

Japanese adjusted defense: 155

Allied assault odds: 8 to 1 (fort level 3)

Allied forces CAPTURE Ichang !!!

Combat modifiers
Defender: forts(+), leaders(-), fatigue(-), experience(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
6827 casualties reported
Squads: 204 destroyed, 93 disabled
Non Combat: 98 destroyed, 12 disabled
Engineers: 42 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 58 (51 destroyed, 7 disabled)
Vehicles lost 36 (36 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 3

Allied ground losses:
820 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 79 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 10 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 5 disabled

Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
32nd Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Corps
45th Chinese Corps
68th Chinese Corps
67th Chinese Corps
75th Chinese Corps
26th Group Army

Defending units:
34th Division
13th RGC Temp. Division
11th RGC Temp. Division

[AcePylut]

In the Solomons, it appears that the Japanese are probing at Port Moresby defenses... my retiring Brit BC is closeby and will try to form up with some scattered Allied ships to possibly "probe back".

The KB has disappeared from my screen, but I suspect it's close by, so if there isn't a 'dash and smash' opportunity for the allies, I will retire my fleet.

[AcePylut]

And lastly, in the DEI, 3 DD's underwent a Nettie "bomb, but no torp" attack from bombers out of Singkawang. My DD's will test the waters on the fleet at Singkawang and see if I can smoosh some easy pickings. Right behind them will be my Houston/Boise TF for a possible bombardment/surface exchange next turn.

[BBfanboy]

Singkawang starts out with a pretty small AF but I think Kuching is a couple of levels bigger. The lack of torps in that attack is likely because he doesn't have an Air HQ on Borneo to provide them yet.
I like your aggressiveness. Let's hope "fortune favours the bold" holds true![:)]