Empire of the Rising Lemon? SqzMyLemon (Japan) v Smeulders (Allies)

[SqzMyLemon]

Sigh. Patriots choke against the Giants once again. What is it about playing the Giants that brings out the worst in the Patriots? Anyway, I'm grumpy and will need a day or two to recover. I can't believe they gave that game away, too many mistakes and dropped passes. [:@]

[obvert]

Sorry Man. That was a bummer, even though I'm not a huge Patriots fan, for some reason I was rooting for them last night. I like that the strengths for them are some of the unsung guys stepping up. If Welker had caught that one we'd be having a different conversation though. That was really it.

[Chickenboy]

I hear y'all.

I repeatedly root for the Redskins plane to go down. Well, not literally, I would feel a bit guilty about that-but you get the gist. As a lifelong Cowboys fan, my feelings for the Giants (and Eagles) are similar.

Alas, the supermodel's husband will have to be satisfied with his OTHER three Superbowl rings.

Belicheck's expression as the game clock ended? What a sour puss! [X(]

[Crackaces]

One thing to consider, and that is to take a very close look at the Gilberts in terms of airbases. Sure Tabiteuea can be built up to level 6, but there are no less than 9 bases begining with Tarawa that are all 0(2), and they can be built to level 5. 10 bases if including Aorae. Granted it is the minmum size given "....a B17-E requires a minimum size 5 base" (p. 163).

Given stacking one over the airfield rating ..8 X 6 = 48 + Tabiteuea at 7 means 55 potential air groups stationed in the Gilberts. More than enough potential for all of the 7th USAAF [;)] In my game I have started planning the fighter advance up Makin and Milli keeping the 4E's pounding away on the Atoll's. I find that it is not so much disablement and destroyed squads as much as disruption and morale effect that is not reported in the combat reporter,but I see it as an effective tool in taking these Atolls.

From an Allied point of view I see the Gilberts as a huge thorn in the side of the IJ because of all the deep water narrow passages to conduct submarine warfare and the difficulty of the IJ to supply and operate out of the Marshalls (I own the Glberts in Aug '42).

Just a thought from a AFB ...

[SqzMyLemon]

Thanks for the post Crackaces.

I agree that the Allied lodgement in the Gilbert's and an advance into the Marshall's will put them into a good position. However, it's also on the fringe of the Empire. I don't want to invest large amounts of aircraft or troops defending these islands. The main bases are too spread out to be mutually supporting and they'll require a large influx of supply and troops to defend adequately. I should have done something when they initially landed, but wasn't really in a position to do so.

Anyway, hindsight is 20/20, but I see reacting to the current situation with a knee jerk invasion as reinforcing failure. I'll have to look at other creative ways of striking back.

[SqzMyLemon]

Today sucks. I've been a Patriot fan for 30 years. This loss is a heartbreaker. I take nothing away from the Giant's, but this game meant something to the Patriot's organization bigger than football. It was a feel good story that deserved a happy ending. Ugh, here I sit at work and just replay the game over and over again in my head.

[Mike Solli]

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

Anyway, hindsight is 20/20, but I see reacting to the current situation with a knee jerk invasion as reinforcing failure. I'll have to look at other creative ways of striking back.

He has to supply those bases, and it has to be by ship. Subs can be a real nuisance. Find the route he takes and start nibbling away.

[SqzMyLemon]

I agree Mike. I'll be using subs in the area. The only problem is the Allied ASW is getting very good, and has been suppressing my submarines in the area consistently. I know Tabiteuea is getting stronger daily, but I've used the time to better my logistics in the entire theatre for a more sustained effort over the long term. In two weeks the majority of my fleet refits will be complete, then I will look at causing problems for the Allies.

My reorganization is going well and I'm formulating concrete measures to employ in defence of the entire region. I do have some ideas. My first priority is preventing any lodgement in the Solomons or New Guinea. I'm willing to sacrifice the Gilbert's and Marshall's, but that doesn't rule out making life difficult for the Allies on occasion.

[SqzMyLemon]

Well, Bart is back from partying with the snow bunnies and we've completed another turn.




An interesting development today, which adds another piece to the puzzle concerning whether the Allies are commencing another operation in the Pacific soon. A screenshot will follow showing the particulars.

Jan. 20/43:

Sub Ops:

SS I-8 is spotted and attacked by carrier borne TBD's and DB's today. The submarine is positioned between Luganville and Suva.


Burma:

Allied B-24D Liberator's (74) in a total of three raids, hit the Japanese 33rd Division guarding against any Allied move south from Akyab. Losses were reported at one non-combat squad disabled. However, Ki-43-Ic Oscar's (4) were lost in A2A against the bombers. One Liberator was recorded as an Ops loss.

China:

Kweiyang's airbase damaged with 5 AB, 3 ABS and 31 Runway hits. The 15th Chinese Corps at Kweiyang suffered 6(5) infantry and 1(5) non-combat squad losses totalling 67 casualties.

Northwest of Ankang the 33rd Chinese Corps was bombed by Ann and Sonia bombers based from Sian. Casualties were light at 0(2) infantry and 0(2) non-combat squad disablements.

Chinese troops east of Chihkiang were bombed, losses were minimal.

Miscellaneous:

Japan:

Liuchow expands airfield to size 2

Allied:

Darwin expands airfield to size 8
Port Hedland expands airfield to size 4 (If I'm going to do something here, I better get started)

Thoughts:

Allied CV's are active. Two TBD's and one SBD were recorded as Ops losses today. The ASW attacks against the SS I-8 confirms to me that the Allied CV's are on the move and an operation is forthcoming. At least I have intelligence on their general location, if nothing concrete about numbers or course. This gives me advance notice and I can choose to sortie the Combined Fleet or not.

One quick question! Does the aggression level of the pilot have any bearing on whether a submarine's Glen floatplane will perform a naval search mission. I looked at the SS I-8 Glen's pilot and he sports a whopping aggression of 23! I then decided to look at many of the pilots on my Glen equipped submarines and noted simliar poor ratings. I wonder if this could explain the horrendous performance of my submarines to gather intelligence on enemy naval movements?

So, what to do about this current development? My first order is to increase search capabilities as much as possible, to spot any Allied move against the Solomon's or the Gilbert's as soon as possible. I'm going to err on the side of being right, that the Allies are indeed moving, and sortie the Combined Fleet from Truk to take up a position that allows for a counter against either possiblity. I will then decide whether to commit the fleet upon learning more of the enemy intentions, but I want to at least be in a position to react if a favourable opportunity presents itself. I will need two to three days to get into position. I'm also going to deploy more LBA units forward and put them on alert for action.

The next few days will be crucial in trying to figure out and spot what the Allies may be up to. Things may get very interesting...or not!

Here's the screenshot:

[Crackaces]

ORIGINAL: Mike Solli

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

Anyway, hindsight is 20/20, but I see reacting to the current situation with a knee jerk invasion as reinforcing failure. I'll have to look at other creative ways of striking back.

He has to supply those bases, and it has to be by ship. Subs can be a real nuisance. Find the route he takes and start nibbling away.

What I have found from my side is that the submarine threat forces me to escort with at least 2 sometimes 4 DD's. Plus Tabitueua is in line with Sydney to WC and I have forgotten to reroute my TF's South .. the same boys looking for my cargo going to the Gilberts ...have sunk my returning convoys from Sydney ..[8D]

I would think that Tabiteua right now contians more than one CD unit. Although in itself is very non-threating .. it comsumes a BB maybe 2 per to supress fire less your AP's and AK's will take a beating. I would aslo assume Tabiteuea us mined .. that will suck up some DD's ..

My orginal post to this discussion was not so much about striking back .. but that the whole Gilberts can be devleoped into 4E bastions ..with Tabiteueua simply a level 6 base. But every one can be level 5 and that is enough to base 4E's. Then it is a simple matter of advancing up the chain[given teh horrendious casulties attacking atolls [8D] ] to move fighter support forward.

[SqzMyLemon]

Hi Crackaces,

I figured you meant the bombing threat more so than any thought of invading Tabiteuea [;)]. The plan, if anything, will be to isolate the base and chip away at the efforts to resupply. The more B-17's the Allies commit to the Gilbert's, means few are available for bombing the DEI. My main focus will remain the Solomons.

[SqzMyLemon]

Now that the war has resumed, I'll be updating with more of my defensive dispositions and production figures. The supply of oil in the Home Islands has dropped below 1 million and it seems to be in freefall. I'm going to concentrate on shipping more oil than fuel over the next few months.

Ok, the real reason for this post. The Combined Fleet is ordered to move SE from Truk. Three CV TF's and one SCTF are to take up position halfway between the Solomons and the Gilbert Islands, where they will remain out of enemy naval search patrols. All ASW TF's are ordered to aggressively patrol in front of and around the Combined Fleet. Fleet oilers will follow to allow forces to remain on station and react to any sign of the enemy.

I'm not saying I'll commit the fleet, but as mentioned earlier, I want to be in a position to strike if given an opportunity to catch the Allies off guard if they do appear.

On a side note, if I'm completely wrong, and the Allies are not moving then I'll have wasted a lot of fuel and reacted to shadows. However, I've been trying to interpret what the intelligence reports, and what my own units are providing during the search and movement phases. I strongly believe I'm right and the signs indicate the Allied Fleet is probably up to something.

Let's see what happens over the next few days.

Another question. Does anyone see any problem with having DB's and TBD's set to 14k altitude?

[PaxMondo]

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

Another question. Does anyone see any problem with having DB's and TBD's set to 14k altitude?

Should be ok. DB's should still use dive attack profile, TB's will use the TB attack profile.

[SqzMyLemon]

ORIGINAL: PaxMondo

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

Another question. Does anyone see any problem with having DB's and TB's set to 14k altitude?

Should be ok. DB's should still use dive attack profile, TB's will use the TB attack profile.

That's my thinking too Pax. The reason I'm trying 14k is because of Bart's initial invasion of Tabiteuea. All DB's were set to 10-12k. If I run into Allied CV's, I'm banking on his altitude settings being the same. This may give my CAP/escorts the all important altitude advantage in both offense and defence. I'm looking for any edge I can. [8D]

[PaxMondo]

Like chicken soup ... can't hurt, might help.  [;)]

[ny59giants]

My first Sunday in almost two months in which I didn't see my NY Giants win a football game. That was tough, but they have one of the best pass rushing DL in football when healthy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hm94ew9m ... re=related

The Gilberts are important for both sides due to the stacking limits and AF potential. Glad to see your taking measures in this area.

[SqzMyLemon]

I so didn't need any reminder of the Giants! I'm getting over the loss though, if slowly. [:D]

As to the Gilbert's. I've learned something about playing Japan. Even if you don't plan on defending everywhere, I think you are well served by preparing some basic defensive functions in most theatres. The best thing I could have done was hit the Allies hard at Tabiteuea once the initial supporting fleet retired, however, I wasn't in a position to do anything, with inadequate fuel stocks and reactionary forces available.

You just never know what will happen and there will always be a chance for a counterstrike, but you must be prepared and have forces/logistics in place. It only gets harder the longer you wait. I am moving reinforcements forward to the Marshall's to slow down an Allied advance there. An aggressive Allied player could have walked in and taken the Gilbert's and Marshall's months ago for next to nothing, but now I may be able to exact a higher price.

A counter invasion of Tabiteuea is off the cards, but I do plan on contesting any future Allied moves in this theatre. I've put myself into a position to be able to strike back at any move in the S.E. Pacific at least. Now I just need my naval search and submarines to come through with some much needed intelligence. Where are those CV's heading? [&:]

Just waiting on the turn to hopefully learn more!

[ny59giants]

Can we get a screenshot of the Marshalls/Gilberts area after your next turn?? Its easier to discuss things with a picture in front of me. [;)]

OT - The Patriots need to use their draft picks on deep threat WR and the rest on defense, IMO.

[SqzMyLemon]

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

Can we get a screenshot of the Marshalls/Gilberts area after your next turn?? Its easier to discuss things with a picture in front of me. [;)]

Will do. I'll provide one tonight after running the turn. I'll detail the fort/airbase/port levels and troop deployments, and what I have coming into the theatre.

[SqzMyLemon]

I'll post screenshots of the Central and Southeast Pacific tomorrow. On Wednesday's, Bart isn't able to do a turn, so I don't have to worry about finishing a turn tuesday evening. Plus I want to finish a book tonight. [8D]

Jan. 21/43:

Sub Ops:

SS Shad duds on xAK Nichibi Maru near Ponape.

I swear Bart is either incredibly lucky with his subs, or I'm incredibly unlucky when moving KB. Despite ASW air search not picking up anything in this area for days, all of a sudden there's an Allied sub right in the path of KB. As far as I know, I've not been spotted. Only Floatplanes were indicated in the operations report and that is nothing new, as Ponape has Jake's that regularly perform ASW patrols. Fingers are crossed that I don't run any across any tomorrow.

China:

Tuyun's airbase bombed for 4 AB, 5 ABS and 15 Runway hits. Enemy troops S.W. of the base were also targeted suffering 0(5) infantry, 0(2) non-combat and 0(2) engineer squads lost for 97 casualties.

West of Ankang, the 32nd Division and 12th Army HQ attacked the 13th Chinese Corps in rough terrain. 46 guns were destroyed and the unit forced to retreat towards Kienko. There were no squad losses for the Chinese, while Japanese troops suffered one infantry squad disabled. The 32nd Division is ordered S.W. while the HQ will feint a move to the N.W. threatening to block the secondary road behind the 51 unit horde. I want to see if the Chinese react before I actually commit a division for this purpose. It may cause the withdrawl of the horde without me risking anything.

Next turn, I've ordered an all out bombing raid on Chungking's airbase with every medium bomber within range. I'll also provide a sweep and escort of Oscar's. Recon indicates 13 enemy fighters based there.

Troops continue to re-deploy to Liuchow for the coming offensive against Tuyun. I'm on the move everywhere in China. I'll post screenshots to bring everything up to date there tomorrow as well.

Southeast Pacific:

No sign of Allied CV's, no air ASW attacks on any Japanese submarines. There were four SBD-3 Dauntless' shown as Ops losses however. This indicates the CV's are still out there and actively patrolling. That's six SBD's lost in two days for the Allies due to Ops losses. Any attrition of these airframes is most welcome! [&o]

Maybe I'll spot something tomorrow.

Miscellaneous:

Japan:

Wakkanai expands port to size 5
Long Island expands fortifications to size 1

7th Air Division arrives at Tokyo
68th JAAF AF Bn arrives at Tokyo
70th JAAF AF Bn arrives at Tokyo
72nd JAAF AF Bn arrives at Tokyo
108th JAAF AF Bn arrives at Tokyo
109th JAAF AF Bn arrives at Tokyo
112th JAAF AF Bn arrives at Tokyo
113th JAAF AF Bn arrives at Tokyo
115th JAAF AF Bn arrives at Tokyo

Allied:

Nothing