Red Storm rising.. Aztez (J) vs Ctangus (A) CHS 155

[aztez]

I decieded it was finally about time to start an PBEM with Japan. This AAR will be off limits to the allied player.

It is actually whole new game. Didn’t even understand how much effort was needed to setup the initial turn.

So, now I have honour to go against Ctangus whom I know is an very good and experienced opponent. I guess you can expect me to loose the KB before new year 1941!


CHS 155 Scenario/ 1.084
2 Day turns


I have no clue how the production system or anything else works with Japanese economy. So, basically I'am screwed from the start.


The initial offensive plan:


• The port strike will launched against Pearl Harbour. I will day there at least for 2 days maybe even 4 days. I think the trade off between allied BB assets vs some excellent pilots is well worth the effort. (Those BB’s wohnt respawn for later use when allied side is strong)

• At Philippines there will be two major landings at Aparri and Vigan.

• At Malaya Japanese landings will be at Khota Baru and Singora. From there on I will start pushing towards Singapore.

• At Southern Pacific a large scale invasion is ordered at Rabaul. Also minor landing forces will hit Tarawa, Guam and Nauru atoll.

• Wake Island will be captured too. Personally I think this is too valuable base to leave on allied hands.

• At Brunei, Kuching and Jolo there will be seized immediately. These bases will give me nice airfields from which I can control DEI early on.

• Russia will be assaulted in this PBEM. The time table for this offensive is uncertain but I would like to begin as soon as possible. (Before summer of 1942 though) Preparations are already on motion.

• At China I will conduct moderate offensive campaign. Allthough if an opportunity rises than I will gladly take it. The troops are not positioned well at the start so it will take sometime to organize things.


Mini-KB will rendevouz at Tokyo on turn 1. From there on I will look where these carriers are needed. I will propably move these ships either into South Pacific or DEI/Philippines region.

Also 2 BB TF will rendevouz at Home Islands. Where these TF will be deployed is yet uncertain. At least one of these will head out to Thailand. From there these ships will support my push towards DEI and if needed deal with Force Z. (If I don’t sunk them with my LBA’s first)

From economy standpoint I did not make many changes. I did change couple of Toyoda engine factories into Nakajimas. Also did accelerate some Japanese ships. (Mainly carriers)

So any advice regarding Japanese economy in CHS???

I guess the idea is to bring in as much resources and oil to Home Islands as possible.

I will post the houserules for this PBEM later on today.

[aztez]

The first turn landings...

[aztez]

The intial plan regarding Russia.

[aztez]

The South Pacific

[Local Yokel]

Will watch with interest as am also playing as Japanese in CHS game v Cantona. Ours is scenario 157 (NikMod), 1 day turns. We are currently at 24 December 41.

For Japanese economy in CHS, resource availability is the bottleneck, more so than oil. If the main resource bases in SRA suffer serious damage when captured, you may need to reassess what you can do with the economy - perhaps not doing expansion you would otherwise have done. Alternatively you might decide to capture more resources outside SRA. Bases round Calcutta/Ganges delta are resource-rich. But that implies committing to a major effort against India, and longer LOC.

See you are thinking of taking on USSR + moderate offensive in China. What would worry me is that that involves a big commitment to two supply-hungry campaigns in addition to what you have to do in SRA and later Pacific. Some time you are going to have to build up your defences within the defence perimeter in the Pacific to slow the US counter-offensive. Better sooner than later, in my book, and a USSR invasion/China offensive could well be competing for scarce troops/supplies. Suggest you monitor supply generation and consumption very carefully to see what you can reliably achieve before committing yourself - easy to start attack on USSR, but there's no going back.

My 2 penn'orth - but I'm a complete beginner at PBEM, so don't set much store by what I say.

[aztez]

Houserules
 [font="times new roman"]
1) 1 port strike on turn one.
 
2) Invasions only on base or dot hexes.
 
3) Kwangung units stay in Kwangtung bases unless PPs paid for transfer.
 [/font]
4) [font="times new roman"]No Corsairs on British carriers until 1/44 or shortly after. No Corsairs on US carriers until sometime in late ’44 or early ’45. '[/font]
[font="times new roman"] 
5) Chinese command units must stay in China unless PP are paid for transfer. (For Japanese Chinese army too)
 
6) The pursue command in banned for both sides in ground combats.
 
7) ASW TF maxium size is 6
 
8) Allied 4E bombers on offensive strikes:[/font][font="times new roman"]
AF(4) – At most 1 group of 4 squadrons
AF(5 or6) – 2 groups of 8 squadrons
AF (7 or 8) – 3 groups of 12 squadrons
AF (9+) – No limit.
No restrictions on search missions though.[/font][font="times new roman"]
9) Allied cannot give any orders to their ground units except in China. Also no new TF cannot be created. Allies can give orders to TF already at Sea... so basically you cannot do much on turn 1.
 
10) Minium altitude for 4E bombers on naval assault is 10 000 feet.
 [/font]
11) No upgrading Glens on subs to larger-range float planes.
 
[font="times new roman"]12) No upgrading IJA light sentais to Sally/Helen/etc. Keep them in dive-bombers or Lilys[/font]
[font="times new roman"][/font] 
[font="times new roman"]13) No India Command units to Burma unless PPs are paid. Exception: units under India Command that start the game in Burma.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]14) PT boats – I’ll at most put 2 TFs of 6 PTs in any one base. I won’t put them in TFs with other ships unless they’re in transit to another base.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]15) While I probably will try to evac a few units, I won’t pull a small cadre of every unit in the Phillipines and Malaya. I only try to evac a unit if I think I can rescue most or all of it.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]16) Allied won’t skip bomb until 1/43 (+/- 2 months, depending on circumstances). [/font]
[font="times new roman"][/font] 
[font="times new roman"]17) I’d prefer no aircraft training on empty bases or training against units that are reduced to 1 sound detector or something like that. Training against units in China or somewhere close to the front lines is completely ok with me.[/font]
[font="times new roman"][/font] 
[font="times new roman"]18) Aden and Panama are secure for any invasions.[/font]
 

[aztez]

ORIGINAL: Local Yokel

Will watch with interest as am also playing as Japanese in CHS game v Cantona. Ours is scenario 157 (NikMod), 1 day turns. We are currently at 24 December 41.

For Japanese economy in CHS, resource availability is the bottleneck, more so than oil. If the main resource bases in SRA suffer serious damage when captured, you may need to reassess what you can do with the economy - perhaps not doing expansion you would otherwise have done. Alternatively you might decide to capture more resources outside SRA. Bases round Calcutta/Ganges delta are resource-rich. But that implies committing to a major effort against India, and longer LOC.

See you are thinking of taking on USSR + moderate offensive in China. What would worry me is that that involves a big commitment to two supply-hungry campaigns in addition to what you have to do in SRA and later Pacific. Some time you are going to have to build up your defences within the defence perimeter in the Pacific to slow the US counter-offensive. Better sooner than later, in my book, and a USSR invasion/China offensive could well be competing for scarce troops/supplies. Suggest you monitor supply generation and consumption very carefully to see what you can reliably achieve before committing yourself - easy to start attack on USSR, but there's no going back.

My 2 penn'orth - but I'm a complete beginner at PBEM, so don't set much store by what I say.

Thanks for the comments and suggestions. I'am complete novice too at least when talking about Japanese side of things.

Yeah.. I agree that resources/oil will cause me harm. That is why I would like complete the campaigns in Malaya and Philippines fast. Thus the DEI offensive could begin early on.

SRA resources are important and hopefully I can get them in good condition. (There are some good resource centers in DEI too)

I didn't change too much in regards of the economy at first. Way I figure I need good fighters early on with good amounts. (Key to any kind of succesfull operations)

I don't intend to rush South Pacific nor Burma just yet. The Philippines, SRA and DEI are most important. I have few brigades and divisions at Home Islands and I think these troops will be placed 50/50 in Luzon and SRA.

As for Russia your advice is noted. I'am not suicidal so I don't want over commit myself but I would like to take USSR out of action sooner than later. Meaning though that 2 major offensives at the time is absolutely maxium. (Personally I think Kwantung army has an chance here if played properly. They have +8000 assault points). I guess the key is fast strike againts Vladivostok.

We will see how the things turn out though.

[Local Yokel]

ORIGINAL: aztez

I didn't change too much in regards of the economy at first. Way I figure I need good fighters early on with good amounts. (Key to any kind of succesfull operations)

I don't intend to rush South Pacific nor Burma just yet. The Philippines, SRA and DEI are most important. I have few brigades and divisions at Home Islands and I think these troops will be placed 50/50 in Luzon and SRA.

As for Russia your advice is noted. I'am not suicidal so I don't want over commit myself but I would like to take USSR out of action sooner than later. Meaning though that 2 major offensives at the time is absolutely maxium. (Personally I think Kwantung army has an chance here if played properly. They have +8000 assault points). I guess the key is fast strike againts Vladivostok.

I too have expanded A6M2 production somewhat to get most out of Zero bonus. KB airgroups start out with only 21 Reisen per carrier and these can be expanded.

Don't forget you have 21 ID at (I think) Peking 100% prepped for Naga. Also 4,31 and 33 ID's at Shanghai. 33 ID is fully prepped for Rangoon. I didn't change that, but shipped it to Hong Kong ASAP to boost the siege there. HK fell after a 2 day assault; that then freed both 33 ID AND 38 ID for use in .... elsewhere!

Hadn't counted up AV of Kwantung Army - 8000+ is scary.

ORIGINAL: aztez

From economy standpoint I did not make many changes. I did change couple of Toyoda engine factories into Nakajimas. Also did accelerate some Japanese ships. (Mainly carriers)

Believe Toyoda and Nissan factories are Advanced Mitsubishi and Advanced Nakajima - if so, you'll need them later for newer designs; changing one of these may hinder you more than help. To reduce supply consumption I decided to switch off R&D on most aircraft not yet in production; also repair of factories not yet producing. Think this stops needless consumption of supply but those more knowledgeable than I can confirm. Exception is A6M3, as it comes on stream fairly soon; will switch back on repair of factories for new a/c some months before their 'in-service' date.

Aircraft R&D is something some people go for, others not. I tend towards the 'not' camp, but respect opinion of those who differ.

Worth looking at Japanese Animal War thread. Japanese production is Mike Solli's big thing, and they are still in early war stages.

[aztez]

ORIGINAL: Local Yokel

ORIGINAL: aztez

I didn't change too much in regards of the economy at first. Way I figure I need good fighters early on with good amounts. (Key to any kind of succesfull operations)

I don't intend to rush South Pacific nor Burma just yet. The Philippines, SRA and DEI are most important. I have few brigades and divisions at Home Islands and I think these troops will be placed 50/50 in Luzon and SRA.

As for Russia your advice is noted. I'am not suicidal so I don't want over commit myself but I would like to take USSR out of action sooner than later. Meaning though that 2 major offensives at the time is absolutely maxium. (Personally I think Kwantung army has an chance here if played properly. They have +8000 assault points). I guess the key is fast strike againts Vladivostok.

I too have expanded A6M2 production somewhat to get most out of Zero bonus. KB airgroups start out with only 21 Reisen per carrier and these can be expanded.

Don't forget you have 21 ID at (I think) Peking 100% prepped for Naga. Also 4,31 and 33 ID's at Shanghai. 33 ID is fully prepped for Rangoon. I didn't change that, but shipped it to Hong Kong ASAP to boost the siege there. HK fell after a 2 day assault; that then freed both 33 ID AND 38 ID for use in .... elsewhere!

Hadn't counted up AV of Kwantung Army - 8000+ is scary.

ORIGINAL: aztez

From economy standpoint I did not make many changes. I did change couple of Toyoda engine factories into Nakajimas. Also did accelerate some Japanese ships. (Mainly carriers)

Believe Toyoda and Nissan factories are Advanced Mitsubishi and Advanced Nakajima - if so, you'll need them later for newer designs; changing one of these may hinder you more than help. To reduce supply consumption I decided to switch off R&D on most aircraft not yet in production; also repair of factories not yet producing. Think this stops needless consumption of supply but those more knowledgeable than I can confirm. Exception is A6M3, as it comes on stream fairly soon; will switch back on repair of factories for new a/c some months before their 'in-service' date.

Aircraft R&D is something some people go for, others not. I tend towards the 'not' camp, but respect opinion of those who differ.

Worth looking at Japanese Animal War thread. Japanese production is Mike Solli's big thing, and they are still in early war stages.

We think a lot of like. I too want to good amounts of frontline fighters available early on.

The Zero bonus is helpful and if/when I enter Russia. The idea is to knockout USSR airforce quickly. Blitzkrieg style.

I noticed those divisions at China. I didn't move them out and issued new orders to them. At the moment those units are under Central Chinese Army command. Good point about the Hong Kong! [:)]

Oops. I did change few Toyodas to Nakajimas ---> first mistake it seems. [8|] Propably need expand those that are left later on.

Personally I don't have a lot knowledge about R&D. I mainly left aircraft production untouched. Just changed couple of factories to produce more Zero fighters.

Btw, very useful link.

[aztez]

So, the war begins. Already made some blunders [:D] ... I forgot to send infantry troops to Jolo and since my "engineers" are unable to capture the base I will have to wait before it becomes active.

Also some of my supply TF are lacking "behind" the infantry units and such. Oh, well these things happen in war especially to rookie Japanese players! [:D]


Game date is 9th of December 1941


Central Pacific


Pearl Harbour


Day Air attack on Pearl Harbor , at 114,72

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 76
D3A2 Val x 137
B5N2 Kate x 157


Allied aircraft
P-40B Tomahawk x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed, 11 damaged
D3A2 Val: 12 destroyed, 48 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 6 destroyed, 33 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-40B Tomahawk: 20 destroyed
F4F-3 Wildcat: 3 destroyed
P-26A: 4 destroyed
B-17E Fortress: 3 destroyed
PBY Catalina: 17 destroyed
B-17D Fortress: 3 destroyed
SBD-3 Dauntless: 4 destroyed
C-47 Dakota: 5 destroyed
OS2U-3 Kingfisher: 2 destroyed
B-18A Bolo: 8 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 8 destroyed
P-36A Mohawk: 14 destroyed
A-20B Boston: 6 destroyed

Allied Ships
BB Tennessee, Bomb hits 10, on fire, heavy damage
BB Oklahoma, Bomb hits 11, on fire, heavy damage *sunk*
BB Nevada, Bomb hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
BB Arizona, Bomb hits 7, on fire
CA San Francisco, Bomb hits 2, on fire
BB Pennsylvania, Bomb hits 10, on fire, heavy damage
BB West Virginia, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
CL Phoenix, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AVD Thornton, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
BB Maryland, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
BB California, Bomb hits 9, on fire, heavy damage
DMS Trevor, Bomb hits 1, on fire
SS Dolphin, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AS Pelias, Bomb hits 1, on fire


Allied ground losses:
149 casualties reported
Guns lost 5

Airbase hits 55
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 429


Hmmm.. I was expecting better results! [8|] ...but it seems that my torpedo loading crews forgot to arm my aircraft! [:D]

I will definately stay around for another turn with KB.


Wake Island


Ground combat at Wake Island

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 4660 troops, 18 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 115

Defending force 2934 troops, 58 guns, 12 vehicles, Assault Value = 5

Japanese max assault: 210 - adjusted assault: 62

Allied max defense: 2 - adjusted defense: 5

Japanese assault odds: 12 to 1 (fort level 1)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Wake Island base !!!

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 5 destroyed

Japanese ground losses:
222 casualties reported
Guns lost 5

Allied ground losses:
2590 casualties reported
Guns lost 67
Vehicles lost 6


This was good news. Wake Island seems actually somewhat valuable in this mod!


Other news


The landings at Khota Bharu went as planned. This base should be captured within next 2 days.

Also the base at Singora is now fully operational. Next Japanese airforce will strike againts enemy airfields at Singapore.

The landings Kuching and Brunei were heavily opposed by enemy coastal guns. I did loose precious supplies but hopefully can overwhelm the defending troops next turn.

At Rabaul Japanese troops gained an beach head. There are reinforcements on their way along supplies. I will wait for them before starting anykind of an ground offensive.

2 Japanese BB TF's left Home Islands towards Takao. I want to have maxium firepower at my disposal when needed.

Mini KB is still at Tokyo waiting for CVE Taiho. An 24 Zero's were assigned to be on the ship.

[aztez]

Ok. A lot of action on turn 2. I did secure some of objectives and we had our first surface combat of the war. [:D]


Game date is 11th of December 1941


Central Pacific


Pearl Harbour


1st airstrike

Day Air attack on Pearl Harbor , at 114,72

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 40
D3A2 Val x 94
B5N2 Kate x 144

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 3
P-26A x 5
P-36A Mohawk x 3
P-40B Tomahawk x 8
P-40E Warhawk x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed
D3A2 Val: 7 destroyed, 58 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 11 destroyed, 57 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
P-26A: 3 destroyed
P-36A Mohawk: 2 destroyed
P-40B Tomahawk: 7 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 2 destroyed
B-17E Fortress: 1 destroyed
PBY Catalina: 5 destroyed
OS2U-3 Kingfisher: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
BB West Virginia, Bomb hits 9, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
BB California, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CL Phoenix, Bomb hits 1, heavy damage
BB Arizona, Bomb hits 4
BB Maryland, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
BB Pennsylvania, Bomb hits 5, Torpedo hits 2, heavy damage
BB Nevada, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 2, heavy damage
BB Tennessee, Bomb hits 4, heavy damage
DD Chew, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DMS Lamberton, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
92 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 81
Port hits 9
Port supply hits 4


2nd airstrike


Day Air attack on Pearl Harbor , at 114,72

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 41
D3A2 Val x 87
B5N2 Kate x 106

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 1
P-26A x 1
P-36A Mohawk x 2
P-40B Tomahawk x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A2 Val: 10 destroyed, 45 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 4 destroyed, 20 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
P-26A: 1 destroyed
P-36A Mohawk: 2 destroyed
P-40B Tomahawk: 2 destroyed
PBY Catalina: 2 destroyed
B-17E Fortress: 1 destroyed
SB2U Vindicator: 2 destroyed
C-47 Dakota: 1 destroyed
B-18A Bolo: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
BB Maryland, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
BB California, Bomb hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
BB Arizona, Bomb hits 5, on fire
BB West Virginia, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
BB Nevada, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
CL Detroit, Bomb hits 2, on fire
BB Tennessee, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
BB Pennsylvania, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CA San Francisco, Bomb hits 1
CA New Orleans, Bomb hits 1


Allied ground losses:
109 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
Vehicles lost 1

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 72
Port hits 9
Port fuel hits 1


Lets just say that I'am somewhat disappointed IF just BB Oklahoma was sunk. The KB is now set on naval assault just in case Ctangus deciedes to commit his precious CV assets againts KB.


Malaya


Singapore


Day Air attack on Singapore , at 22,51

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
G3M Nell x 96

Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 6 destroyed, 30 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Buffalo I: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged
Blenheim IV: 1 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
57 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 11

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Singapore , at 22,51

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 25
G3M Nell x 54

Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 5 destroyed, 10 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Buffalo I: 3 destroyed, 3 damaged
Blenheim IV: 2 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
74 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 24


Ouch. I was expecting better results here. Oh, well I need shutdown Georgetown, Alor Star and surrounding bases and than unleash my airforce againts Singapore.

Khota Baru


Ground combat at Kota Bharu

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 31887 troops, 118 guns, 41 vehicles, Assault Value = 969

Defending force 7713 troops, 27 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 132

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 1

Japanese max assault: 958 - adjusted assault: 766

Allied max defense: 130 - adjusted defense: 117

Japanese assault odds: 6 to 1 (fort level 1)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Kota Bharu base !!!

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson I: 2 destroyed

Japanese ground losses:
312 casualties reported
Guns lost 3
Vehicles lost 1

Allied ground losses:
677 casualties reported
Guns lost 6


The beachhead is now secure. I will try an pinzer movement here and if I'am lucky I can cut off some of the allied troops in Northern Malaya.

Kuching

RN tried to intervene with my landings at Kuching. This was to no avail though since the base was seized later on this turn.


Night Time Surface Combat, near Kuching at 27,56


Allied aircraft
no flights


Allied aircraft losses
Walrus: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CA Chokai, Shell hits 3, on fire
CA Mogami
CA Mikuma, Shell hits 1
CA Suzuya
CA Kumano, Shell hits 1, on fire
CL Sendai, Shell hits 1
DD Maikaze
DD Nowaki, Shell hits 4, on fire
DD Arashi
DD Hagikaze
DD Usugumo
DD Shirakumo
DD Isonami
DD Shirayuki

Allied Ships
BC Repulse, Shell hits 45, Torpedo hits 5, and is sunk
DD Tenedos, Shell hits 7, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Vampire, Shell hits 22, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk


I was lucky Prince of Wales was not involved here. 2 of the IJN CA's received major damage. (Around 50 sys damage) That is acceptable though in regards tha BC Repulse is now confirmed sunk.

Damn Vilderbeast/Swordfish needs to be dealt with too. These planes scored several hits on my transports at Kota Bharu.

Day Air attack on TF, near Singora at 24,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 10

Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 8
Vildebeest IV x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Buffalo I: 1 damaged
Vildebeest IV: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
PC Ch 8, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Giyu Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


Other news

Tarawa and Nauru atoll was seized.

Mini KB has left Tokyo and will head into Luzon area.

Aparri and Vigan are also seized. LBA aircraft is moved immediately there.

A couple of transport TF are reaching Rabaul. The base should be captured soon.

[aztez]

Here is the current situation at Malaya, Borneo and Philippines...

[Local Yokel]

Initial PH strike could have yielded better results, but looks like you made up for it in subsequent attacks. As this is not Nik Mod you can afford further strikes without flak shredding KB airgroups too badly.  In our Nik Mod variant (CHS 157) I lost 29 a/c, so retired after 1st attack.
 
Kuching battle looked interesting.  As Allied player, don't think I'd have sent just Repulse + 2 old DD's unless I was sure I would be content to see them die gloriously.

[aztez]

Local Yokel:  Yeah. The initial Pearl Harbour strike was a big disappointment. Allthough still only BB Oklahoma is confirmed sunk! [:(] ...that is not an good trade off. Hopefully it has something to do with FOW though. I lost quite a few pilots to flak too in Pearl Harbour.
 
Chuck stated that he didn't see my Cruiser TF at Kuching so he went for the easy kill so to speak... and well he paid for it. Had he brought Prince of Wales than the outcome might have been very diffrent.
 
 
Game date is 13th of December 1941
 
 
Philippines
 
 
Vigan
 
 
As expected allies engaged my landing forces with their PT squadrons.
 
Night Time Surface Combat, near Vigan at 44,49
 
Japanese Ships
CA Maya
CA Ashigara
CL Natori
CL Kuma
DD Satsuki
DD Minazuki, Shell hits 2,  on fire
DD Fumizuki
DD Nagatsuki
DD Asakaze
DD Harukaze
DD Matsukaze
DD Hatakaze
 
Allied Ships
PT PT-31
PT PT-32
PT PT-33
PT PT-34, Shell hits 6, and is sunk
PT PT-35, Shell hits 7, and is sunk
PT PT-41, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Vigan at 44,49
 
Japanese Ships
CA Maya
CA Ashigara, Shell hits 6
CL Natori
CL Kuma
DD Satsuki, Shell hits 5
DD Minazuki,  on fire
DD Fumizuki
DD Nagatsuki
DD Asakaze
DD Harukaze
DD Matsukaze
DD Hatakaze
 
Allied Ships
PT PT-31
PT PT-32
PT PT-33, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
 
 
On another my ground units at Vigan decieded to march towards Clark Field via Aparri. [8|]
 
 
Malaya
 
 
Kuantan
 
 
The naval bombardment mission at Kuantan did not go as planned.
 
Day Air attack on TF, near Kuantan at 24,48
 
 Allied aircraft
Swordfish x 8
Buffalo I x 9
Blenheim I x 9
Hudson I x 4
 
 
Allied aircraft losses
Swordfish: 1 destroyed, 6 damaged
Hudson I: 1 damaged
 
Japanese Ships
BB Kongo, Bomb hits 1
BB Haruna, Torpedo hits 1
CA Atago
 
The good news is that BB Haruna recieved only minor damage and should be back in action soon. (20 Sys damage)
 
 
South Pacific
 
 
Rabaul
 
 
The fortress at Rabaul was captured. This gives me an excellent forward base at this point in the game.
 
Ground combat at Rabaul
 
Japanese Deliberate attack
 
Attacking force 18183 troops, 80 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 319
 
Defending force 3987 troops, 7 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 21
 
Japanese max assault: 310 - adjusted assault: 212
 
Allied max defense: 18 - adjusted defense: 21
 
Japanese assault odds: 10 to 1 (fort level 2)
 
Japanese forces CAPTURE Rabaul base !!!
 
 
Japanese ground losses:
91 casualties reported
Guns lost 5
 
Allied ground losses:
152 casualties reported
Guns lost 4
 
 
Defeated Allied Units Retreating!
 
 
Other news
 
 
The base at Guam was seized.
 
IJN BB TF's will rendevouz at Saigon. These ships will be used in our forthcoming campaign at DEI.
 
The victorious KB is making slow progress towards safer imperial waters. Mini KB should reach the Luzon withing an weeks time.
 

[aztez]

The score at the moment...

[aztez]

Hi all,

Ok. I'am still somewhat dazzled with the whole economy system [:D]

I took couple of screenshots and if any of you Japanese experts can give me some insights or errors you can see.

I noticed that I'am still producing Nate's ---> that is not good. Need to change that BUT should I just halt the production or simply convert those factories to something else?

Also have I gathered the correct overview on the engine production? I made some changes but I don't know whether that is good or not.

I did also include an screenshot from my current aircraft production so you can see what is what.

I have not expanded any armament, HI or other factories since what I read it is best to leave them be for an while at least.

Any hints, views and tips greatly appreciated for this novice Japanese commander [:D]

This is early days yet so I haven't captured resource centers but I intend to move againts Palempang, Borneo bases and DEI soon.... and than just ship Oil and resources to Home Islands and hopefully I can keep things ongoing in my economy.

BANZAI... [:D]

[aztez]

Screenhot 1

[aztez]

Screenshot 2

[aztez]

The current situation at Malaya/Borneo front:

[Local Yokel]

ORIGINAL: aztez

Hi all,

Ok. I'am still somewhat dazzled with the whole economy system [:D]

I took couple of screenshots and if any of you Japanese experts can give me some insights or errors you can see.

I noticed that I'am still producing Nate's ---> that is not good. Need to change that BUT should I just halt the production or simply convert those factories to something else?

Also have I gathered the correct overview on the engine production? I made some changes but I don't know whether that is good or not.

I did also include an screenshot from my current aircraft production so you can see what is what.

I have not expanded any armament, HI or other factories since what I read it is best to leave them be for an while at least.

Any hints, views and tips greatly appreciated for this novice Japanese commander [:D]

This is early days yet so I haven't captured resource centers but I intend to move againts Palempang, Borneo bases and DEI soon.... and than just ship Oil and resources to Home Islands and hopefully I can keep things ongoing in my economy.

BANZAI... [:D]

As one novice Japanese commander to another...[;)]

I switch Ki-27 Nate production to Ki-43-I-B Oscars: not wonderful a/c but better than Ki-27

At start, production of Nakjima engines (required for A6M and Ki-43) is low relative to Mitsubishi. I think most people boost Nakajima production. My own preference is to find a fairly big Mitsubishi factory and switch its production to Nakajima. From memory, think I also increase production in small Nakajima factories, but try to keep increases small, and consequently low-impact.

Are you going to produce Ki-61's (the Tony)? If so, you'll need Kawasaki engines. And you'll want to produce Aichi engines for the D4Y (Judy) - better replacement for the D3A carrier bombers (Vals).

There's been at least one thread on optimum armament/vehicle production levels, so worth a search for this. Think majority opinion tended to conclusion armament level should be increased to about 650

You have a cushion of several months' oil and resource stockpiles, so additional centres don't need to be captured immediately. Danger of them being damaged/destroyed by bomber attack if Allies have significant LBA within range. Worth considering postponing capture until your perimeter leaves uncaptured resource/oil centres isolated in your rear areas. You still have to capture them, but many are weakly held, and they're not going anywhere.