Undercover Geek and I have decided to launch into the ultimate time sink known as WiTP:AE. UCG claims to have played very little of this edition and I haven't played past 1/42. This game promises to be a comedy of errors. On my end you can expect the unexpected, not because of my tactical genius, but because I don't really know what I'm supposed to be doing. All comments, suggestions, and critiques are welcome but if you feel you need to harshly slam my tactics please reread the title of this AAR.
So without further adieu I bring you the war that may end as quickly as it starts.
I'll throw out my general strategy and go in depth from there.
I'm going to play this much like WiTP in that I need to establish a line that UCG can't cross. I don't want to give him access to the Indian Ocean. If he wants India I'd like for him to have to slog it out on the ground. I plan to establish a line of bases/strongholds. Those include Rangoon to the north, Point Blair in the center, and Sabang to the south. I know I'll be vulnerable to air attacks but I plan on moving the AVG to Rangoon, most of the RAF stuff to Rangoon and Point Blair, and much of the Dutch stuff to Sabang. I hope to keep all of the surface combat ships in Colombo to cover my back door.
There's no way to prevent the Dutch East Indies from falling so I won't put forth much effort. In fact, I'll be pulling everything I can out of there My line however, extends through Timor so parts of the Dutch forces will end up there.
The Philippines will be decimated as usual. I plan to get everything out I can and get it to Timor and Darwin.
Western Australia will be beefed up where ever possible, especially Perth. Perth will be receiving most of the supply and fuel shipments from India and the offboard ports. I plan to use the coastal AKs and TKs to move supplies from Perth to the areas around ANZAC that need it the most...like Gatorade. All the long haul AKs and TKs will be sent to the US or India to fetch more supplies and fuel. The long range APs will head to the US as well.
The line continues to Port Moresby where we will be trying to consolidate all the forces in the area as well as sending in some fresh troops from AU as soon as I can.
The line then will take a jagged turn south through the Solomons, down to Suva and Pago Pago. It then juts upward to Canton. Canton will be a forward operating base and really needs to be held. I plan on maxing out the stacking limit there pretty quickly.
We then proceed up to Palmyra, Johnson Island, and, of course, Pearl Harbor. I hope to build up Umnak and Dutch Harbor. Dutch Harbor will be a sub base and Umnak will have the airfield necessary to protect Dutch Harbor.
So there's my overall strategy. Small things to follow.
Tactically I see no reason to risk what few CVs I have until summer of 42 (right now there's a hauntingly familiar song running through your head). I plan on swapping the Wildcats on Wake with the Devastators on the Lexington and then getting the heck out of there. Since I have no real plans to go on the offensive right away I figure it's better to have an extra squadron of fighters on the carrier. If, by chance, UCG decides to hit Wake while I'm there then maybe I can interrupt the landings. If that's the case the Lexington will then hightail it to Alaska and slow roll down the West Coast. It's risky but I don't think he'll be looking north for my CVs.
The other CV, which is more SE than the Lexington, will head S and try to drop off its Devastators at Canton. She'll then head for the West Coast and pick up another squadron of Wildcats. Hopefully by then the heat will be off Pearl and all the CVs can rendezvous there.
I hope to use the heck out of subs. I know their torps suck at first but if I can hurt his transports I can slow him down. Time is on my side so the more of his I take up the better.
First turn results, and much crying, to follow.
No worries KyzBP. The A Bomb is only 4 years away. What could go wrong until then? I seem to remember from playing way back when, the Allies get some good planes fairly early. Like the B-17's and P-38's. Is that still the case?
Quote from: Sir Slash on June 22, 2015, 09:42:53 PM
No worries KyzBP. The A Bomb is only 4 years away. What could go wrong until then?
Your optimism gives me hope! O0
QuoteI seem to remember from playing way back when, the Allies get some good planes fairly early. Like the B-17's and P-38's. Is that still the case?
You get some B-17s at Manila or Clark Field and at Pearl. The big question is: Do they survive the first turn? I've only played into 1/42 and what P-38s I get seem to be either locked down (unable to change their HQ) on the West Coast or in small HQ squadrons, usually containing only 5 planes. Also, most of the squadrons in the US have very low experience, under 50, so they'll need to stay and train up a bit before being turned into open water kayakers by UCG's pilots.
I should be able to post some screens and the first turn results later today.
Looking forward to it.
Quote from: Sir Slash on June 23, 2015, 09:35:14 AM
Looking forward to it.
Thanks Sir Slash. This may not get updated until Thursday though due to work and kid's sports. I shall return...
I see what you did there. I shall await.
Ooh, this should be fun to watch/read. Looking forward to more!
Quote from: Martok on June 24, 2015, 08:03:18 AM
Ooh, this should be fun to watch/read. Looking forward to more!
Thanks for following along Martok! I should be able to put out more regular updates now.
December 7th, 1941, a date that shall live in...Apathy.
UCG's attack on Pearl didn't go so well. I did take some damage and a few ships sunk but it really wasn't bad...so far.
Here are my losses for the 7th:
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Pretty light. There are some ships that may not survive a second attack but overall it wasn't bad. I now have every available fighter set on CAP. I'm hoping
he expects me to try and counter attack and leaves half his fighters over his carriers.
He did hit my sub pens at Subic Bay pretty hard but I think I can get most of those boats out.
Here's the situation at Pearl:
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The surface fleet off to the west is his CVs. I think he chose that spot to try to hunt down my carriers. I'm going to stick with my plan and send the Lexington
to Wake and then Alaska. Enterprise will still steam south and try to drop off the Torpedo Squadron at Canton and then head east to meet up with the Saratoga
in sunny San Diego.
Since the waters off Hawaii look like a submarine Koi pond, I've set nearly every plane not named Hawk or Cat to Anti Sub Warfare. I could take a chance and
send everything I have after his CVs but I have a feeling it would end badly.
Over in the Philippines he made a move that I really like. Not because it's helping me but because it's an excellent strategic move...for him. :tickedoff:
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When he takes Manado and Cayagan (top of Mindanao) he will not only begin to choke off the ships running from the Philippines but he'll make it real hard for
me to cleanly pull the P-40's out of the area.
He didn't land any forces in the Philippines so I'm guessing he's going to let it wither and die on the vine. It is only the first turn though.
I managed to get a couple of squadrons of B-17's out of Manila and over to OZ. Next will be the Fighters if I have time...and Political Points.
I've also decided to send every boat that'll float out of the Philippines. If they stay they'll collectively become Subic Reef. I know I'm going to lose a bunch in
transit but I'll lose them all if they stay.
Over in the Far East the Repulse took some big hits. The only thing she can do now is draw some heat away from the Prince of Wales.
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I'm guessing the captain of the Express wishes he was better at Rock, Paper, Scissors.
If you look near the top you'll see Sabang, the future Dutch Singapore. She will be the southern anchor in the RangBlairBang line. All Dutch land combat units(LCUs)
on Sumatra are headed there. Supply ships are already on their way and air units are expected to arrive shortly. I'll need to get some coastal and AA guns there as
soon as I can.
Nothing major is going on anywhere else. China, OZ, and India are all quiet for now. Here's how it looks after turn 1:
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The next few turns will be tense for me. I'm praying my carrier gambit keeps them all safe. I'm hoping I can get a reasonable amount
of aircraft and ships out of the Philippines. And I'd really like to send some of his fancy carp around Hawaii to the bottom of the sea.O0
This is fascinating to watch, even at the beginning when you more or less know what the opening moves are likely to be. Good stuff, KyzBP!
Quote from: Martok on June 26, 2015, 02:01:39 PM
This is fascinating to watch, even at the beginning when you more or less know what the opening moves are likely to be. Good stuff, KyzBP!
Thanks Martok! This is only the second time I've played against a human player with this game (the first was WiTP back in 2005/06). Even the first few turns are exciting because you never know what a human will do. I know UCG is an experienced PBEM player with other games so I expect him to kick me around the Pacific for awhile.
...and as I type I see the next turn has arrived. Standby, this is about to get good. O0
December 8th, 1941
So you may notice two things in this screen shot:
1. Instead of going south like I thought he would, he went NE. :-\
2. It's apparently spawning season in the Hawaiian Koi Pond.
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I really thought he was setting up to hunt CVs. Instead he pounded the heck out of Pearl. This was the raid:
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And here's the result:
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His Vals took some damage but I think he got the better end of the deal. We lost the Arizona and, if he attacks again,
I'll certainly be losing more.
The list from Pearl is beginning to grow:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-06-26%252020.53.13.png&hash=c042d9c39ee917cd2926f5543cea27603385cf38)
As you can see Manila is getting pounded but more on that later.
If you look back at the first screen shot of Pearl you'll notice two surface task forces. The southernmost one is his carriers. Again, they headed in the opposite
direction that I anticipated. That means the Enterprise is off the hook for now. It, however, poses a dilemma for the Lexington. After swapping out air groups at Wake
she could sprint SE and catch up with the Enterprise around Christmas Island...or (future bad decision to follow) she could continue NE towards Alaska.
So which option did I choose:
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That second surface task force is why I decided to continue north. Sightings from my PBYs say it's a 9 ship task force containing at least 3 destroyers. It appears to
be on a bearing to rendezvous with his carriers. So I'm thinking it may be a resupply group for the carriers. If it is then it means two things:
1. He's planing on sticking around the area for awhile, either hitting Pearl a few more times or going CV hunting.
2. If I can get lucky I can catch that resupply group as they head back to Japan and be in Alaskan waters before he knows what hit him.
My prediction is it will be a bad choice.
Speaking of PBYs, I tried something this game that I can't remember trying before. I set half of every PBY squadron to Naval Attack.
It turned out better than I hoped:
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That's just a sample of what took place all over the map. The PBYs seemed to score more hits than the traditional bombers. :smitten:
UCG continued to pound the crap out of my subs in Manila. That makes me sad.
We lost Cagayan in Mindanao. I may not be able to get out all the planes I had hoped. That also makes me sad.
It will continue to get uglier as I pull more fighters out of the Philippines. Soon his bombers will attack uncontested. Still no landings though.
It looks like he wants Mindanao. There's another group headed that way. I have no way to interdict it.
Before I start losing the Dutch East Indies I've decided to send some of the subs on special missions along the coast of Asia.
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I don't want to leave any mines behind.
The Repulse is still afloat and very slowly working her way towards Colombo. It's a long journey but there's nowhere else to send her.
Speaking of ships that are surprisingly afloat, The Penguin is cruising towards Pearl via Wake Island.
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She left Guam yesterday. It's a long shot that she makes it. She'll likely run smack into the Wake Is invasion force...if he sent one.
Nothing else is really happening. I'm still trying to get everything I can away from Singapore and Manila. He's landed in Borneo and captured Singkawang. I'm sure he's going to use the airstrip (level 3) there to try to interdict shipping around DEI. India's quiet, China's quiet and Oz is quiet.
Here's how day 2 ended:
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With any luck, Day 3 tomorrow. O0
Gah! The suspension is almost unbearable at times waiting for you two to post. I must learn to cultivate patience better. :P
Quote from: Martok on June 28, 2015, 01:40:03 PM
Gah! The suspension is almost unbearable at times waiting for you two to post. I must learn to cultivate patience better. :P
I'll reward your patience with another update shortly. Thanks for following along! O0
December 9th, 1941
There were no more attacks on Pearl or Manila which gives me a much needed break in both those ports.
First to Pearl.
A lot of things can happen here:
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His carriers and the other task force did meet up so I'm going to say it's a resupply task force. Sadly that means he's probably sticking
around awhile. The only thing that throws me is that both groups are reported to be headed west, possibly towards Midway.
If he does leave I'm going to flood the waters off Hawaii with ASW task forces. It's nice knowing where his carriers and subs are.
There is a problem if he does disengage to the west or northwest, it's this:
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The radius and movement path indicator on the far left of the screen is the Lexington. If he does go back to Pearl or south to go hunting then we'll stick
to plan A (for Awesome! He did what I thought he would.) and hit that resupply group on their return trip then gtf out of there. If he continues
north then we may have to go to plan B (Balls! Now what?). That would force me back to the southwest, south, and then either back to Pearl or to
the West Coast. I like Plan A much better.
In the Mindanao area:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-06-28%252016.02.48.png&hash=3a76ab3d4d224cf02fc81cf818d30d3a69083b44)
The idea that I was better off putting the ships from the Philippines out to sea didn't really work out too well.
All of those little red surface fleet markers represents, well, surface combat fleets. All of those little green markers?
They represent future historic dive sites for you SCUBA enthusiasts. There's little chance any of them will make it
to Darwin.
Manado was taken. Still no activity on the Philippines. There's no doubt now that he plans to just cut it off and save
the manpower for something else, Australia perhaps.
Speaking of Australia, while playing WiTP:AE or following this AAR I highly recommend listening to the following album:
They're from Australia and this album includes such songs as Tojo, I Was a Kamikaze Pilot, Death Ship, and Leilani. It really is a good album.
Anyways, one of those little red death blips up there contains an escort carrier (maybe). It's the only carrier I've seen outside of Hawaiian waters.
Why is that noteworthy? Because THIS is going on:
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All of
those red markers are invasion fleets or surface warfare groups. And it just so happens I have all of the Dutch ships and
some of the Royal Navy ships in the area, not to mention land based bombers. P.S. I didn't mention land based bombers because they can't hit a
damned thing. I'm going to cash my chips in early and throw everything I have at these groups before any carriers show up. It may take an extra turn
while I round them all up but within the next two turns there will be some battles around the Palembang area.
UCG also took Mersing this turn. More than likely he'll go directly after Singapore next and then work back north at his leisure.
Also in this area the naval equivalent of a
Slap Fight took place:
It looks like the Allies might get a little payback, right?
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Not so much
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They were shooting shells at each other (I think ???) for a virtual eternity and THAT was the result. Not impressed.
Hopefully they'll be dialed in when the big battles take place here soon.
The good news is the Repulse was able to safely put in at Medan:
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The bad news is she's never leaving. :(
It's quiet everywhere else. Neither of us seem to have any idea what to do in China so I'm just going to declare myself the winner there. :uglystupid2:
Oz is readying for a potential invasion although UCG has made no such indication that that's his intention. I just think he's saving troops for something big.
On a side note:
After he takes DEI he should head straight for Diego Garcia
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From what I've seen and read I get a crap load of stuff from Cape Town and I believe it all pops out right there next to Diego Garcia. If he took
control of that it would greatly decrease the amount of support I can send to India and Oz.
Here's the ships UCG sunk last turn:
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I'd show you all the ships I sunk last turn except there are none. >:(
Here's the score so far:
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Good thing this game is almost over. This is a lot of work. ;)
December 10th, 1941
Lets get right to it.
His carriers and the resupply fleet went their separate ways. AND they went in the directions I thought they would...except for one little thing:
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His carriers went north and the resupply went south. I now have no choice but to head south. With any luck
I'll still run into the resupply group and the carriers won't be chasing me. I'm not sure he knows I'm here but all this running around is draining
my fuel tanks.
At Pearl I'm sending 3 small ASW groups out to test the waters (see what I did there).
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They will be trying to take out some of the southern most subs. I chose those just in case his carriers do come back.
There seems to be significantly fewer green fleet markers this turn. I wonder why...
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I did find out that the CVL Ryujo is in the area. One of my land based bombers had a go at it. No luck.
By not bombing the Philippines again UCG is giving my fighters a chance to repair and fly away. Unfortunately,
he keeps taking the airfields I need to bunny hop to Australia.
The Battle of the Bangka Sea (not sure if that's a real sea) happened a turn before I expected.
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For the first time we may have come out on top. But I have a feeling this is but a mere skirmish compared to what's
about to happen.
Here's the situation:
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If you look at his forces like the face of a clock, the group at the 12 position is a very large invasion force headed for Palembang. That
group is priority 1. If I can hit them before they land it could mess him up for awhile. The problem, of course, is the group at the 2 o'clock
position is a mixed group of BBs, CAs, and DDs. If they get me before I get the 12 group then that will be the end of the Dutch Navy and
they'll have nothing to show for all their trouble. His groups at the 5 and 6 position are a small battle group (5 ships 1BB, 1CA, and DDs) and
the remainder of the fleet we've already had contact with. My 3 fleets contain a CL + 7 DDs (Fast Attack Squadron), The P.o.W., 2CAs and some DDs
and then the damaged CLs and some DDs.
The plan is for the FAS to zip up and intercept the invasion fleet. The PoW and friends will run interference
on the small BB group so the FAS and the lame ships can break away. The unknown is the 2 o'clock group. I'm hoping if they head to Palembang they'll get
there as the Fat Lady is giving her encore. It would be great if my land based bombers would help out. Sadly, they can't be counted on.
More tomorrow.
While uploading my turn from the game's Save file I discovered that my Signal Intelligence Reports are in there. Looking back I would've been
able to be ready at Palembang and a few other spots. I did learn that the 4/144th Infantry is loading on ships and headed to Wake.
Just in time for my favorite little ship to make his presence known.
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What you can't see is about a day and a half to the NE is the Lexington. I already committed this turn to running her south. I'm now
tempted to run her west next turn and interrupt the invasion (if Intel has it right), then react to the resupply convoy, and then get the heck out of Dodge.
If I do that I'm pretty sure it'll run me dry. Decisions, decisions...
I've been running crazy amounts of ASW patrols along the West Coast and I haven't seen a single sub yet so I decided to get while the gettin's good.
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Over the next few turns I'll be loading up everything I can and getting it all prepositioned in the South Pacific somewhere. I'm thinking New Zealand
because nobody expects New Zealand...nobody. I'm also going to start dispersing all the PBY squadrons I have to anywhere that has aircraft support
and a nearby body of water. If I can keep track of his carriers then I might be able to survive the initial onslaught relatively unscathed.
Here's the day's results:
My loses:
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His loses:
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At least there are some this time.
And the end of the day:
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December 11th, 1941
Ah, the best laid plans...
Lets look at the situation involving the Lexington first.
This doesn't look so bad, right?
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If I head SSW I should make contact with his resupply convoy and then either off to Wake, head to Pearl, or stroll leisurely
to the West Coast. Not bad for Plan B...except (as always)
...this:
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I have to believe he knows where I am, and now that he's resupplied, will be coming after me. One thing that may
work in my favor is if/when he spotted me, the Lex was moving either SW or NE. I've changed course, went to full speed and
am headed straight south. I'll still probably end up hitting his resupply guys but it's no longer a priority. Getting my floating
airport out of the area safely is.
I did a few of things to hopefully help me out.
1. I dispatched 12 of my fastest DDs on an intercept path should he begin chasing the Lex. If I can catch him at night I may have a
chance at running him off or even taking a few ships out. His task force is probably 6CVs and 4 CAs, if I can get through the CAs
then maybe we can deter him from wanting to follow Lex. Again, that's if I can get him at night. Reality is they're probably all headed
to the bottom.
2. I also dispatched 4 ships (2CA, 2CL) to meet up with the Lexington group. These 4 ships have my highest AA rating and will be attached
to the Lex thereby increasing the group's AA rating by 50%. It's not much but it may make a difference.
3. I'm also sending my own resupply ships to meet up with the Lexington. She'll then head to the West Coast. Pearl will not be safe if UCG
suspects there's a carrier in the harbor.
What I should've done but didn't think of until now is get some land based bombers and fighters to Johnson's Island to give Lex a hand.
They could have, at minimum, hit the resupply convoy. :tickedoff:
Then again he could just be stopping by and saying "Hi" to Midway and I'm making more out of this than need be.
The other plan that I had in the works, and worked so hard on, went poof!
The Fast Attack Squadron (FAS), now known as the Fast Attack Group, got caught by his, almost equal in size, Surface Raiders.
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We probably came out a little better but this group was supposed to fighting Troop Transports, Mine Sweepers, and defenseless
Old Ladies. "If you get into a fair fight, your planning sucks." Needless to say none of my ships made it up to Palembang so his
landings will continue unopposed. I was thinking of trying to blockade the mouth of the river that leads to Palembang but he's
moved a lot of air cover into the area so that wouldn't end well.
In other news in the area:
UCG has just shy of 100k of troops in Mersing. Those are to compliment his 1000 AFVs and 1000 Guns. I'd say Singapore will fall before the end of the month.
I've been moving all the fighters to Sabang. If they stay the Zeros just chew them up.
Intel reports that he'll try to hit Tavoy soon. That's kind of expected but the AI usually starts at Victoria Point.
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I'm trying to get Point Blair up to speed but I don't seem to have enough aircraft. Maybe when Singapore falls I'll move
everything up there.
Speaking of Intel, this little island keeps popping up in the reports.
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Babeldoab(now known as Beetlejuice to Allied encryption specialists) seems to be a staging area. Beetlejuice(now known as
BJ because it takes too long to type) will be getting some special attention as soon as I free up some subs.
These little guys just popped up:
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They seem to be lost or just poking around. Both are reported to be some kind of transport/supply ships. I've sent a couple of cruisers that
way to see if they're lost or need some help. I may or may not have moved some bombers to Port Morseby just in case.
And finally, the West Coast is beginning to resemble an ant hill at a kids birthday party.
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More stuff will be flowing out of there as APs become available.
I'll post the end of turn screens tomorrow.
God damn it....You bastards are going to make me spend $104.99 CDN on a 6 year old game based on a 12 year old engine, aren't you?
Quote from: Silent Disapproval Robot on June 29, 2015, 08:22:30 PM
God damn it....You bastards are going to make me spend $104.99 CDN on a 6 year old game based on a 12 year old engine, aren't you?
And you will never play it to the fullest.
I know. I had (can't find the damned disc anywhere) the original WiTP but I never could get the hang of loading transports or properly managing airbase requirements.
I bought the game back in 2011 and for the last 4 years I'd fire it up, look around the map, feel overwhelmed and, exit out. I finally decided that this was going to be the year I learned the game. The AI is much better, at least for the first month. I've never ventured farther. There's also a mod called the Iron Mod (or something close) that really seemed to kick the AI up. But lets face it, just like Combat Mission, this game was meant to have a human opponent.
You could always wait until the Christmas Sale. You've waited this long. ;)
Btw, thanks to both of you for following along!
Since there were only 4-5 ships sunk total last turn I thought I'd show you instead why it's so important that I save the Lexington.
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This is my carrier replacement schedule. The last CV I get in 1942 is the Wasp in early June. Then I have to wait almost a full year (close to 350 game turns :o) until I get another US CV. That's why I'm in full on panic mode about getting her out safely. That's also why I'm willing to sacrifice 12 DDs to do it if I have to.
See ya next turn and thanks for following.
I had a great grand campaign PBEM once and it ended early. http://grogheads.com/forums/index.php?topic=428.msg9998#msg9998
I had several great PBEM games with the Guadalcanal scenario. All very satisfying but it really takes some long term commitment.
Dammit! Who sent all those carriers to Balboa? What was there a Alien Invasion going on there? Or was it to avoid paying US tax rates? I played the Guadalcanal scenario too and loved it but would need to rent a couple of extra brains to be any good at it. It only takes one brain to follow this thread.
Bloody hell - what a gripping AAR. Very tense.
Quote from: jomni on June 30, 2015, 03:23:52 AM
I had several great PBEM games with the Guadalcanal scenario. All very satisfying but it really takes some long term commitment.
With this kind of commitment I'll probably have to put UCG on my health insurance plan.
Quote from: Sir Slash on June 30, 2015, 09:44:09 AM
Dammit! Who sent all those carriers to Balboa? What was there a Alien Invasion going on there? Or was it to avoid paying US tax rates? I played the Guadalcanal scenario too and loved it but would need to rent a couple of extra brains to be any good at it. It only takes one brain to follow this thread.
But only half a brain to write it! :uglystupid2:
All those ships enter through the Panama Canal so they all start there. :-\
Quote from: bob48 on June 30, 2015, 02:09:03 PM
Bloody hell - what a gripping AAR. Very tense.
I'm glad you're enjoying it Bob!
Thank you all very much for following this. Feel free to add input at any time.
December 12th, 1941
Some great T.V. character from a great T.V. series once (or many times) said "Don't ya just love it when a plan comes together."
The brave, angry, and anxious pilots aboard the Lexington finally got the order they'd waited nearly a week to hear.
"Gentlemen, the location has been confirmed by a PBY out of Johnston. Follow these updated numbers. You'll find 'em there
and gentlemen...give 'em hell."
The pilots didn't have to be told twice.
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RADM Sherman, the Lex's commander, was the first person to climb onto the wing of LCMD Hamilton's Dauntless.
"Let's hear it Ham." The admiral seemed frozen. He neither breathed nor blinked. It was as if only Hamilton's words could snap
the spell the admiral was under.
"They just wouldn't go down sir." Admiral Sherman's face seemed to be melting right before Hamilton's eyes.
"We dropped what we could on them. They're burning, but we didn't see any of them go under, sir."
"You're sure?" The admiral already knew the answer but felt obligated to ask.
"Positive, sir. Sorry." Hamilton didn't like disappointing anyone, especially the man who personally appointed him as the raid's commander.
"Alright, get your men showered, fed, and some rack time. We hit them again tomorrow. Tomorrow they ALL go down. Is that clear, Ham?"
Hamilton paused just long enough to let his grin slowly crawl across his face. "Crystal, sir. Crystal."
The resupply task force was hit a couple of times but I couldn't get confirmation of any kills. There will definitely be a tomorrow.
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We will almost certainly sink everything in the eastern group. Between the carrier planes and the DBs that were moved to Johnston that group
should be eliminated. And just in case, I detached a CA from a small transport group that was on it's way back to Pearl and just happened to be
in the area. I'm not sure if the western group will get targeted. It may end up out of range given the Lexington's path.
But what about UCG's carriers?
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You mean those carriers? They look so lonely with no other ships on the screen to play with. 8)
Actually the Lexington is one more hex directly south. I just can't get them on the map at the same time. That's a good thing, right?
I have a feeling the Lexington is in the clear. Why? Stay tuned.
If you remember, the Lexington got into this game of cat and mouse because she hung around out west an extra turn swapping her
torpedo bombers with the fighters on Wake. Well that move may end up paying off:
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I'm hoping to get one more shot at the invasion force before it lands. I think UCG will have to use at least some of his carriers to
cover his landing now that there's Devastators present and not fighters. I think this will make him give up chasing the Lexington around,
if that was even his intention in the first place.
Oh, and the ship currently parked at Wake: the Penguin. She just stopped to pick up mail and is headed to Johnston Island. If she can
get there then she's probably in the clear.
Here's how Hawaii looks now:
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I'm betting UCG has OCD. The subs seem so neat and orderly. ;) They seem to be drifting away from Pearl. I have no idea whether that's
by design or my ASW efforts are having some effect. I keep getting messages that various aircraft are spotting, bombing, and hitting subs
but they never come up on the sunken ships list. I kind of feel like they're just telling me what I want to hear.
Yes. They're all lies! Even the sunken ships list is a lie!
This really is fascinating to read. Seeing tactics/strategies the two of you employ against each other -- including the ways in which you spoil the other's guesses -- is terribly interesting!
Quote from: jomni on July 01, 2015, 03:54:31 AM
Yes. They're all lies! Even the sunken ships list is a lie!
Heh.
War in the Pacific: Zombie Ships Edition.
Nice moves Admiral KyzBP. This will give Nippon something to think about while eating their noodles. I can't remember how far east the game map covers. I know the west coast is on it but what about Panama Canal and Central America/ SE Pacific?
Quote from: Sir Slash on July 01, 2015, 09:15:31 AM
Nice moves Admiral KyzBP. This will give Nippon something to think about while eating their noodles. I can't remember how far east the game map covers. I know the west coast is on it but what about Panama Canal and Central America/ SE Pacific?
Thanks Sir Slash! To answer your question, the game kind of abstracts the Midwest and the East Coast. The Panama Canal is represented as an off map base. so far it seems that most of the American ships show up in Balboa and then have to cruise through the Canal. Central America is not shown.
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Before I continue, sadly I spent most of the day trying to figure out why UCG would send that resupply group west past Johnston. And why would he send just his carriers north instead of them and the resupply group. And why even send a resupply group if you're just going send your carriers away anyway.
Then it hit me...he made a mistake.
Not a tactical or even a strategic, but a player mistake. I'll bet when the KB (Carrier group. I've been trying to avoid using that) and the resupply task force met up, UCG accidentally gave the resupply group the carrier's orders and vis verse. I know I'm the only one reading this that doesn't know what really happened but it's the only thing that makes sense to me.
Continuing on:
UCG has begun his assault on Hong Kong.
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We did ok there this turn, but he reduced our fortifications so next turn he should have an easier go.
Over at Manado the Japanese unveiled some type of never before seen super weapon.
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I'm really not even sure how that's possible. Were they having some kind of Dutch slumber party when a shell hit?
I found out what those two mystery ships were doing:
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I have a lot of units headed to that area but they're still a month out. I think I'll send my CAs back to OZ to get
some friends and we'll do a little drive-by bombardment to welcome them to the neighborhood.
We finally got a visitor.
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I plan on rolling out the welcome wagon for him. I'm sure he brought friends.
Great stuff, KyzBP.
I might talk smack about this game being too much for me, but that doesn't mean I don't appreciate it. The Pacific Theater is one of my favorites to read about, so I'm very much enjoying this, thanks.
Quote from: Banzai_Cat on July 01, 2015, 04:37:36 PM
Great stuff, KyzBP.
I might talk smack about this game being too much for me, but that doesn't mean I don't appreciate it. The Pacific Theater is one of my favorites to read about, so I'm very much enjoying this, thanks.
I'll call us even Banzai. Your podcasts are great to listen to while I'm at work. Keep those coming!
Like I said, he won this turn based on sunken ship count.
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I'll try to even the score next round. What I'd really like to know is: Am I doing any damage to his subs?
Here's the final shot for this turn:
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Stay tuned next turn where we'll, hopefully, learn about Sub Mining and Night Airfield Raids.
Quote from: KyzBP on July 01, 2015, 08:13:15 PM
I'll try to even the score next round. What I'd really like to know is: Am I doing any damage to his subs?
Just think, five years from now you might find out! >:D
Quote from: JasonPratt on July 02, 2015, 08:14:46 AM
Quote from: KyzBP on July 01, 2015, 08:13:15 PM
I'll try to even the score next round. What I'd really like to know is: Am I doing any damage to his subs?
Just think, five years from now you might find out! >:D
it's almost worth throwing the game just to answer all the questions and read UCG's AAR. ;)
December 13th, 1941
The hard working pilots stationed aboard the Lexington were allowed to sleep in after their failed attempt to sink the resupply ships.
The decision was made to let some of the sailors that were witness to the heinous acts of Dec. 7th exact a little revenge on the Japanese:
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The ships of the Destroyer Intercept Squadron caught up with the tankers and support ships of the Imperial Japanese Navy. They made sure
EVERY Japanese ship went under. There were no survivors. None were ever expected.
The Lexington continued on her way. The cruisers that were dispatched to rendezvous with her are still going to meet her just north of Palmyra.
The DIS was broken up into smaller components and assigned an ASW mission for their return trip to Pearl. But wait, what is that on the far right of
the screen?
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It appears to be the Enterprise and her support ships. Now this is why I titled this AAR the way I did, because I get emboldened and make bad
decisions. I'm going to have the Enterprise meet up with the Lexington. They're then going to move north towards Pearl so the Enterprise can pick
up a squadron of Wildcats. Since I know where is carriers are (SE of Wake headed SW) I may look for a place to do a little sneak attack of my own.
There's a resupply task force of mine leaving Pearl shortly. If it can evade his subs, I'll have it meet up with my carriers and then send the carriers on a
not yet determined offensive mission. All that goes against everything I said I would do. Again, thus the title. :uglystupid2:
It looks like the Devastators that were dropped off on Wake are doing their job. The invasion force (left side of map) has either been slowed or turned around.
If they're just slowed then the Devastators may get another shot. I thought for sure he'd send the carriers (right side of map) to support the Wake invasion
but right now they're headed SW towards the Marshalls. They could still change course or he may have something bigger planned in that direction.
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And who's that poor, unfortunate ship caught between a giant carrier force and an invasion force? Why, that's our good friend the Penguin. She's changing
course and headed for Midway. Her life expectancy is now that of a Mayfly in June.
I'm really digging my "secret" PBY base at Nauru. I sent a small squadron there on the 8th.
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It's been able to keep tabs on everything moving around the Marshall's, Gilbert's, Solomon's, and even parts of the Santa Cruz Islands.
Let's keep this our secret. :-X
Btw, it looks like UCG is sending some transports to either the Solomons or to Rabaul. Either way there's not much I can do about it.
The one place I can't get an eye on is Truk. I know that base gets used a lot by the AI. I'd like to know what Geek has going on there.
I just realized Geek hasn't taken Guam yet so next turn I'll get some PBYs there.
He continues his dominance in the Celebes Sea area. He's managed to sink probably 90% of the ships that I tried to evacuate. Sadly, I consider
that a win. If I didn't try then they'd all die.
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I have managed to barely stay one step ahead of him in regards to getting aircraft out of the Philippines though, but it is getting tougher.
As of right now I've gotten approximately 55 P-40s and 20 B-17s out. The only other planes worth saving are the PBYs but I can get them later.
I'd say UCG will have this area wrapped up soon .
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I'm continuing to pull all the fighters out of Malaya and sending them to Sabang. All the bombers in the area have
switched to Night Bombing and are going after the closest airfields.
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One Zero destroyed and no bomber loses. Another victory! Now if I can replicate that about 100 times a turn we might
stand a chance. The torpedo bombers in the area are still set to Naval Attack. They seem to have better luck getting through
the fighter screens, even if they don't hit anything when they get there.
For as bad as the Dutch bombers are their subs seem to excel. They have been getting hits in just about every time they shoot. The
problem is I simply don't have enough of them and most have a fairly limited range.
In China, Hong Kong fell...
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...and it wasn't even close. It took him 2 whole turns. I have a feeling Singapore will suffer a similar fate.
China is still fairly quiet. I'm still trying to move all the peasant armies into the cities or on the other side of rivers to close the odds a little.
The China portion of WiTP could be it's own stand alone game. I'll readdress China in a few turns.
India is still silent with the one exception being the SigInt Report telling me Tavoy is being targeted. I haven't seen any activity yet though.
I won't say whether or not UGeek has cottoned to the PBY scouts yet, but it's no secret he knows about the PBYs who have been methodically murdering ships.
Nor will I be spoiling things to say he was VERY impressed with that move. O0 He doesn't think he's ever seen or read of anyone doing that before.
Quote from: JasonPratt on July 02, 2015, 12:11:15 PM
I won't say whether or not UGeek has cottoned to the PBY scouts yet, but it's no secret he knows about the PBYs who have been methodically murdering ships.
Nor will I be spoiling things to say he was VERY impressed with that move. O0 He doesn't think he's ever seen or read of anyone doing that before.
I hope it doesn't turn out to be considered "Gamey". I've used them before in an ASW role but never prior this have I considered using them in a naval attack
posture. They've gone from being kind of an afterthought in other games to being one of my favorite units right now. They really are a force multiplier at this stage in the game.
Thanks for the input and following along. :)
The West Coast ports are very busy and the stream of transport and supply ships continue to flow towards the South Pacific.
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That one single solitary sub has already drawn blood. There are an incredible amount of resources devoted to preventing sub
attacks yet the first sub that shows up gets a hit. Go figure.
So the end of the turn looks like this:
I lost the bases at Cotabato and Kavieng.
We are only getting confirmation of a DD being sunk from the Resupply Group.
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12 Destroyer captains assure me that all of the ships were sunk and the made sure confirmed there were no survivors. I choose
to believe them.
Geek continued to flex his muscle in the Far East:
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The DD loses were a small surface combat group that was surprised by a force containing CAs and DDs. They never had a chance
and don't think they inflicted any damage either.
Here's the score for the end of 12/13/41:
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December 14th, 1941
Everything seems to have quieted down some this turn. The calm before the storm I'm guessing. Geek has been very deliberate and methodical so far. I'm expecting him to turn up the heat soon. I'm not feeling pressured. From the little I've played of this game it seems Japan is at it's best when it's pounding at you everywhere at once. When you have to change the destination of a supply/transport fleet a few times in transit because their landing spots keep ending up in Japanese hands is when you know you're being pressured. I still think Geek is saving his forces for something big. I just hope I don't get too confident before it happens.
Anyways, back to our show.
The Hawaiian waters look like this:
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It seems that he's more or less bracketed the most likely routes to and fro Pearl. That allows me to set up a patrol pattern across all of his know subs with little
wasted effort. I'm redirecting some of the ASW groups to do just that.
Earlier I recalled all the subs that were patrolling off Hawaii and I'm now sending them to BJ with presents. I hope they arrive in time for Christmas.
The rendezvous off of Palmyra will take place shortly. However, I'm probably NOT going to try anything with them. Both Carrier TFs need some time out of service for repairs. Before they do I'm going to head them in the direction of Pearl. Once one of his subs spot me we'll then change direction and head for Seattle. I know it's a long shot but maybe he'll come back looking for the carriers. That would give me a chance to attrit some of his veteran pilots at no risk to my carriers. It's a real long shot but you never know?
It looks like Rabaul is about to have visitors.
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There's not much I can do about it. If he doesn't have any CAP over the landing then I'll try to reach out and touch him with the B-17s now in Australia. They
may be out of range though. Maybe I'll move them to Port Moresby. I only have Whirraways and Hudsons at Rabaul. Not exactly scaring anyone.
Now if they were P35s...
Did someone mention P35s?
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Anything in the Philippines that couldn't or wouldn't be evacuated was set to Naval Attack. With one attack I think they surpassed the entire Dutch Air Force.
PBYs, Wildebeasts, and P35s and my new favorites. These guys have greatly exceeded expectations.
Do you know what hasn't exceeded or even met expectations? US subs. >:(
The Sea Raven went toe to toe with a fearsome Japanese Ak. The sub launched all 8 of it's torps and had to go to deck guns to finally damage, not kill, the monstrous Ak. The best part, the Ak was able to damage the Sea Raven. I imagine this boat will want to dock at night once it reaches Pearl.
Our friends, the Dutch, have requested some help at Sabang. They are intercepting multiple raids daily. They say they're holding for now but operational loses
are starting to mount.
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Although it looks like the Dutch/British got the better end of the deal on this, the Japanese keep coming and whittling away at the aircraft and facilities.
I then received a request from some AVG major named Boyington or something. Anyway, he asked if he and his squadron could take a crack at those Oscars since things were quiet near Rangoon. I granted his request but am only giving him a week.
That was really about it for the turn. I lost 2 AKLs and UCG lost a DD. Next turn should be more interesting.
Bookmark. (to remind me where I left off)
December 15th, 1941
We survived the first week of the war without any major naval loses. We have lost a bit of shipping, some smaller warships, and some subs.
We've lost a few bases, some important, most expected.
UCG has certainly downed some aircraft but nothing that can't be replaced.
We've seen the versatility of the PBY, the tenacity of Dutch subs, and the futility of the Dutch Air Force.
Most of all the CVs, the Repulse, and the Penguin are all still afloat.
Week One was tense yet enlightening and we survived it relatively well. Let see what week Two holds.
Our newly converted Carrier Tracking Stations (formally used to track Santa on Christmas Eve) are keeping a close eye on the KB's movements.
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Those are two very formidable forces south of Wake. Beside the carriers there is a task force that (reportedly) contains a bunch of CAs, CLs, and PBs.
I wasn't given a direction of travel for either group so, for now, I'll assume they're headed for Wake. As usual, there's nothing I can do about it. This
time he'll have air cover over his ships so my Devastators don't really have any hope of hitting anything except the water...with their planes.
I do have some good news on the sub front. The mighty Sea Wolf was able to, most likely, put down an AK.
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I'm sure she exhausted her torpedo supply to achieve that single torp hit but at least this one is probably going down.
However, that pesky sub off San Fran was able to strike again.
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That AK went down. The good news is that sub is probably out of torps and will have to make the long drive back to wherever it came from.
Thankfully another sub has shown up near LA. We wouldn't want our ASW skills to get rusty. :-\
The Dutch subs continue to impress.
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Only 2 torpedoes used and one of them hit (I'm looking at you American Sub Captains). That ship is probably sunk as well.
Again, I like what the Dutch subs are showing me.
I should've known by the slightly slurred speech and aggressive demeanor that Major Boyington was filled more with bravado and Johnny Walker than actual ability and means in which to deal with the raids over Sabang.
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Sabang has some problems. They're getting hit 4 times a day and they only have 10 points worth of Aircraft Support. The mechanics simply can't keep up
with the damaged aircraft. I'm trying to remedy that but there aren't any base forces I can free up just yet. If the AVG doesn't perform a little better today
then I may send them back to Rangoon early to preserve the pilots and aircraft.
The P35s continue to inflict heavy damage on any ship that strays too close to the Philippines.
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Although none of those ships were severely damaged they may have to spend a day or two in port to make repairs. I'll call that a win.
I had to take a closer look at these guys to see why they've been so successful.
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I'll give you a second to see if you can find it.
.
.
.
.
.
Major Skills: Strafing.
Again i got lucky. Just like the PBYs, I set these guys up to do what they could before they get destroyed and lucked into their strength.
I have to pay more attention to the finer details in this game. Next turn I'm going to look around and try to take more advantage of the strengths of
the squadrons.
The unsung heroes of the Catalina(PBY) and Vildebeest squadrons continue to put their fingers in the dike (out of the gutter Starfury, if you're following this). They
seem to hit what they attack but there's just not enough of them.
We lost Johore Bahru.
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It's now just a matter of time before before Singapore falls. I didn't have much time to improve Singapore's defenses so they'll fall quickly. I'll
get all the aircraft out I can. It was a good move on UCG's part to go directly to Singapore and not waste time up north.
Rabaul also fell. That's going to put a lot of pressure on Port Moresby. I'm trying to get all the fighters from the Philippines over there now. If I don't every supply and transport ship that tries to dock there will be shredded.
The Destroyer Tree I planted in Balboa is starting to bear fruit.
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Half are being sent to San Diego and the rest to SF.
Only one ship was reported sunk this turn so it's not worth showing.
Here's the end of turn stats:
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Thanks again to everyone following this. It really does make exponentially more fun when I see people are actually reading this. O0
Quote from: KyzBP on July 02, 2015, 01:07:14 PM
Quote from: JasonPratt on July 02, 2015, 12:11:15 PM
I won't say whether or not UGeek has cottoned to the PBY scouts yet, but it's no secret he knows about the PBYs who have been methodically murdering ships.
Nor will I be spoiling things to say he was VERY impressed with that move. O0 He doesn't think he's ever seen or read of anyone doing that before.
I hope it doesn't turn out to be considered "Gamey". I've used them before in an ASW role but never prior this have I considered using them in a naval attack
posture. They've gone from being kind of an afterthought in other games to being one of my favorite units right now. They really are a force multiplier at this stage in the game.
Thanks for the input and following along. :)
PBYs were used by both the RAAF and the USN as bombers with good results, especially against Japanese morale:
QuoteNight attack and naval interdiction[edit]
Squadron Leader Leonard Birchall aboard a Consolidated Catalina before being shot down and captured near Ceylon by the Japanese
The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) also operated Catalinas as night raiders, with four squadrons Nos. 11, 20, 42, and 43 laying mines from 23 April 1943 until July 1945 in the southwest Pacific deep in Japanese-held waters, bottling up ports and shipping routes and forcing ships into deeper waters to become targets for U.S. submarines; they tied up the major strategic ports such as Balikpapan which shipped 80% of Japanese oil supplies. In late 1944, their mining missions sometimes exceeded 20 hours in duration and were carried out from as low as 200 ft (61 m) in the dark. Operations included trapping the Japanese fleet in Manila Bay in assistance of General Douglas MacArthur's landing at Mindoro in the Philippines. Australian Catalinas also operated out of Jinamoc in the Leyte Gulf, and mined ports on the Chinese coast from Hong Kong to as far north as Wenchow. Both USN and RAAF Catalinas regularly mounted nuisance night bombing raids on Japanese bases, with the RAAF claiming the slogan "The First and the Furthest". Targets of these raids included a major base at Rabaul. RAAF aircrews, like their U.S. Navy counterparts, employed "terror bombs", ranging from scrap metal and rocks to empty beer bottles with razor blades inserted into the necks, to produce high pitched screams as they fell, keeping Japanese soldiers awake and scrambling for cover.[18]
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consolidated_PBY_Catalina#Night_attack_and_naval_interdiction
You might also find this interesting:
Ground losses for the Japanese seem unusually light. Any idea why that is?
Thanks Staggerwing! That's one of the things I love about this community. Somebody always has information you want or need. I wrote down the squadron number of the squadron featured in the film. I'll be looking around for them and I'll keep you guys updated with their progress throughout the war.
Sir Slash- The only thing I can think of right now is that I haven't had a chance to get fortifications built up. I imagine it'll get harder for him as time goes on. He may also be hitting me with forces larger than normal. Maybe that's what he used the Philippine forces for.
Book marked.
Quote from: KyzBP on July 04, 2015, 09:00:36 AM
Thanks again to everyone following this. It really does make exponentially more fun when I see people are actually reading this. O0
I'm in, too. LOVE a good AAR and this is one :)
Quote from: MetalDog on July 05, 2015, 04:26:44 PM
Quote from: KyzBP on July 04, 2015, 09:00:36 AM
Thanks again to everyone following this. It really does make exponentially more fun when I see people are actually reading this. O0
I'm in, too. LOVE a good AAR and this is one :)
Thanks MD! I greatly appreciate the comment.
I'll be updating this a little slower over the next few days due to work. Stupid work.
December 16th, 1941
If we use our Way Back Machine we can watch me say something to the effect of "UCG is moving too slow. Time is on my side and he's giving me plenty of it." If you say that in the same voice your wives use for you when talking to their girlfriends, then you can guess what's coming next.
This turn UCG took the following bases: (Oh boy, a list!!!)
Rabaul (I thought he took it last turn. Either I was wrong or he took it again just to rub it in.)
Djambi (Sumatra) Not to be confused with Frank Sumatra of the Indonesian Rat Pack.
Hollandia (New Guinea)
Wewak (Papau) Not the furry guys from Return of the Jedi.
Medan. The Repulse now rests at the bottom of Medan Harbor.
I'd say he had a pretty good day. He'll probably take a few more tomorrow as well. He definitely has the train rolling now.
He started his air campaign against Singapore.
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I've removed all the fighters so he should have an easy time of it. Singapore will be done before Christmas.
Over in lovely Java I've decided to try and set a trap, hopefully for him.
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Since there are thunderstorms in the area and moonlight is near 0% I'm going to move some ships over to Makassar and drop them into port.
Those ships include the P.o.W, 3CL, and 5DDs. There are also 12 PT boats already waiting. I'm hoping the weather will keep them from being spotted and he'll continue towards Balikpapen. Not pictured on this screen are some of his forces moving towards the Makassar Straight. I hope to jump him with 3 different TFs from Makassar and then from Soerabaja I'll sortie 4 CLs and 9DDs to clean up what's left. I've moved all of the Dutch bombers (you're trembling at the mere mention of them) to Batavia for now. I don't want anything scaring his ships away. They can help bomb ground forces north of Oosthaven for now. I don't think he'll expect the P.o.W to be hanging around there and it's AA rating should scare any nosy aircraft.
I so wish these guys weren't locked down in the Philippines.
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They'll make life rough for any ship that passes near their litter box. If I were UCG I'd start bombing the airfields of the Philippines again.
I've got to believe he's taken notice of these guys and is more than a little irritated.
As much as I now love the PBYs, the honeymoon is coming to end. They are no longer hitting shipping like they were and the cowboys on Guam let Geek
know where they live by attempting to bomb some random transport ship. They did manage to do one thing right.
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I now have an idea of who's hanging out at BJ. This base deserves the attention I have in store for it. I'd really love to hit it by air but the B17s are
the only bombers with that kind of range and the airfield is to small for them to operate. If only I had another plane with that kind of range that could use
a small airfield or even no airfield at all...
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If Geek doesn't hit Guam for at least 2 turns I'll try my own Pearl Harbor with PBYs. It doesn't look like there's any air cover over BJ. It's just crazy enough to work.
I got my fingers crossed for you KyzBP. O0
Quote from: Sir Slash on July 05, 2015, 10:16:45 PM
I got my fingers crossed for you KyzBP. O0
Thanks Sir Slash. I'll need all the crossed fingers I can get. ;)
I've begun sending ships piecemeal to Suva. I hope to assemble a quick reaction force there that will consist of DDs, CAs, and CLs. They'll try to hit any under escorted invasion fleets. I'm sending them piecemeal so as not to draw too much attention to them or Suva. There's a lot of stuff on the way to Suva. I'd like Suva to still be there when that stuff arrives.
Pearl is still infested with subs. I thought by now we'd have put a dent in them but it doesn't look that way. I'll continue trying to get them from the air. For now those air crews have nothing better to do.
The CV's are about to meet up. I'm going to off load ALL the DB squadrons on Pearl and let them help with the sub hunt. The CVs will head to the West Coast, freshen up a bit, pick up new squadrons and the Yorktown, and then head back to Pearl for assignment.
Dutch Harbor has begun turning itself into a Sub Base.
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As soon as I can get some engineers I'll begin converting Unmak into some type of Arctic Aerodrome.
Since UCG hasn't hit Manila in a while, I'm going to reopen the sub pens and begin redirecting nearby subs there. I might as well use it while I have it.
Speaking of subs, his subs on the West Coast continue to harass my precious shipping.
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The sub near San Fran managed to take out a TK even though the ASW groups are making it rain...depth charges. I'd really like to neutralize his subs before
the CVs begin to arrive.
Here's how things look at the end of the day.
Allied Naval loses:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-06%252017.04.20.png&hash=d980c3edf5ebc3885d4a8307f711699b08dd882b)
I thought the Repluse was scuttled. It looks like it was torpedoed. I don't know if that makes a difference.
Evil Japanese loses (yes, loses):
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-06%252017.04.42.png&hash=cfeccbdfb024fc596753f29e4defc838b781e04e)
Take that stupid sub!
End of turn score:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-06%252017.05.00.png&hash=f07eeba0322da0c0fce30c65e8a10364d90e5446)
I think I won the air battle today if you don't count operational loses.
Repulse scuttled with a torpedo.
Japanese paratroopers carry torpedoes in their backpacks. Next to the rice bowls. That's why they were FEARED. Don't ask where they shoot them from.
There are plenty of places that could be taken right now by a guy with a rice bowl and a sub sandwich.
December 17th, 1941
I wonder, over the course of history, how many great plans had to be scraped when the enemy "didn't do what they were supposed to". I imagine we could all conjure up an operation or two that should've been scraped but was allowed to go forth at the cost of many young lives. I have chosen to scrap/alter/delay my two major plans because UCG did things I wasn't counting on.
First, Operation Doolittle. This was my plan to surprise BJ with a PBY attack against it's port. There wasn't any aircraft present so it should have been a painless quick in/quick out mission. The plan is on hold because 2 "over eager" PBY pilots decided on their own to attack some of the ships in port a day ahead of schedule.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-06%252018.06.43.png&hash=34b2098a50cb80ad4b8d1437909fb7c0b9125e62)
At least hit the damn ship. I'm going to wait a few turns to see if he reacts and moves on Guam.
The second, and bigger, problem is the uninvited guests that showed up to BJ.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-06%252019.04.00.png&hash=adabc73a64120b1861ad2ce8f43fdc453a8c9eb2)
The carriers show only auxiliary planes present but suddenly the airfield is active. I'm betting 3 carriers worth of planes are sitting in hangers and the runway just waiting for the next stupid PBY pilot to fly over.
Now I know I said I'm going to wait a few turns, which is true, but I'm now considering a night attack on BJ's airfield AND port. Waiting another turn or two will allow a few more PBY's to take part however, it also leaves a ton of my PBYs vulnerable to attack while I'm waiting. If Geek dislikes those PBYs as you guys say he does then this will be a prime opportunity for him to get a little payback. If those carriers pull out next turn then I'll switch it back to a daytime mission, if not then they go tomorrow night...weather permitting. Btw, the longer I wait, the more moonlight I get. Damn it this game is hard.
The second plan, Operation Lobster(the Dutch named it) was the trap for his invasion fleet heading for the Makassar Straight. Ships from Makassar and Soerabaja were going to jump his fleet once they entered the straight. That plan has been altered because of this:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-07%252019.20.15.png&hash=a87be61a0520f5bb9032a77a498052b174a317ca)
I don't remember seeing this group when I was originally planning this. Most likely that BB is not alone and he has CA friends to fill out the party.
I'm not ready to put the Prince of Wales up against these guys just yet. I need to pluck the low hanging fruit. So if you look north of Kendari there's a TF consisting of supply ships and landing craft. I've sent the fastest ships to Kendari and will hit that TF the following night. After that I intend to let him chase me around Celebes, like something out of a 3 Stooges movie, until I can get one of his three groups separated. I'll then try to concentrate my efforts on that lone group. This is now Operation Strawberry Hill. Strawberry is the low hanging fruit. Hill because it reminds me of a Benny Hill skit. Not to mention Strawberry Hill is the highest class wine from the world renown vintners over at Boone's Farm.
Elsewhere...
Karma has stopped by to pay me a visit.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-06%252018.01.04.png&hash=19fa51a6b998deae490ceb662062a652755376b0)
Look to the bottom left. You'll see that sub KXVII has hit a mine in Cam Ranh Bay. Ironically, sub KVXII was supposed to be mining Cam Ranh Bay.
Some good things did happen last turn.
The AA at Singapore seems to be dialed in.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-06%252018.04.14.png&hash=4ce310f94a16ada21791e0dddccbc2f6cc300380)
He made a couple attacks and had a lot of his Sally's damaged. I expect a diminished effort next turn.
Over at Wake:
My Devastators got chewed up by a passing carrier task force. There's only one plane remaining from the group.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-06%252018.05.39.png&hash=39a9336a57471cfb91b8c478c570c5b07ccefb06)
Actually, that wasn't good news. ???
Oh, here's the good news:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-06%252018.14.33.png&hash=f24c8742e9395f8dd6dc8a3dcc5c61d1d39949d8)
His entire landing force was wiped out. I don't see anymore invasion type ships hanging around so Wake may be off the hook for a little bit. I even
dispatched some subs from Pearl to resupply Wake.
And the best news of them all:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-07%252017.40.08.png&hash=c06bb9b3890bc7d459820923a265e0be1f4102a1)
The battle hardened elusive crew of the Penguin reached the relative safety of Midway.
Considering your audience here, I'm surprised I was the first one to note that.
Sorry to derail. I'm enjoying your and UCG's work. O0
It certainly would've been a surprise alright.
You mine mishap was reported by Geek earlier than you did. Interesting.
The Cats continue to show off.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-06%252018.10.27.png&hash=c9e26476150f20f0843c75f7f727e0f9f1c6c0de)
I don't think that put a dent into anything but at least they hit something (I'm still looking at you Dutch pilots.)
Back at Pearl:
His Sub Circle around Pearl seems to be widening away from the islands.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-08%252004.55.34.png&hash=784de1beca6ee0345f85a01e539803cd389eb652)
I'm sure it's not accidental. I'm going to continue to harass him as best as I can but I'm going to pull some of the ASW
groups back towards Pearl in case it's some scheme to get more subs in behind me. It would be really nice if Geek just called
them all back home. Just out of the screenshot is the first wave of supply/transport ships headed for the South Pacific. I have
to reroute all of them to avoid Geeks subs. Not too big a deal but it delays their arrival by a few days. Hopefully that won't be the
difference in keeping a base.
Quote from: jomni on July 07, 2015, 11:17:05 PM
You mine mishap was reported by Geek earlier than you did. Interesting.
That is interesting. I sent multiple subs in that direction. I wonder if I missed a report and have 2 damaged subs.
...and finally on the West Coast:
UCG's sub near San Francisco seems to be bugging out.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-08%252005.22.13.png&hash=f7da2ddfbb3ef6be63c604e052bbb57cb412624f)
I'm hoping he took some damage. The reality is he's probably just out of ammo. I'm trying to deal with the sub near L.A.
He'll probably be out of ammo soon as well.
We did hit some ships this turn:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-08%252005.27.48.png&hash=42681da27a5aadc5fac77aa86091d0755a6f3353)
But so did he:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-08%252005.28.08.png&hash=6af41c4eb5c9206138ed1bed5e0b9102b0b9a183)
The final screen for the day:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-08%252005.28.53.png&hash=602d8d2067160915a689b31700c94eaab4d71ccc)
13-0 in Air to AIR Loses stinks. The fact that it was nearly all from the ill fated Devastator squadron at Wake makes it a little worse.
December 19th, 1941
I was really hoping the Underdogs at Wake could hold out. It just wasn't meant to be.
Wake being bombarded.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-08%252016.53.37.png&hash=c84b918bef639c468f167bdf5d98cacdbfacf9ba)
Geek bombarded the little island 2 or three times.
Things were looking good.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-08%252016.53.59.png&hash=f5f0f4fd24461b2376276ed46673e1ad770d07f8)
Losing men at an even rate.
However, it just wasn't meant to be.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-08%252017.12.40.png&hash=9a58ae94640599d5d87b8f074dd304b4aea76164)
I really wish those PBYs would've flown off.
Wake held on for a week and a half. We were able to sink some ships from there, and knock off some Jap troops before going down.
The subs that were carrying supplies to Wake have been rerouted to Guam. The 2 subs near Wake are going to hit the shallows around
the landing beaches and try to send a parting shot. It's not nice to leave before saying good bye.
Here's a snapshot of Pearl.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-09%252016.10.00.png&hash=7a26d7051d639ebc6b9aaa50dece8f37c0d3b554)
The subs to the southwest seem to be clearing out. The ASW effort in that area has been heavy. I'll redirect some of the ASW TFs
towards the Northeast and try to clear a lane for the supply/transport ships transitioning through the Hawaiian waters.
To the South, near Palmyra, The Lexington and the Enterprise have met up and formed a single Air Combat Group. They should refuel in the
next day or two, drop off the Naval Attack aircraft, and head towards the West Coast.
Over on the other side...
UCG seems to have an endless supply Sallies.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-08%252016.59.042.png&hash=bd3ded76d6f4c538b0bbdbb1912b3cc910778cb4)
The AA guys seem to be doing a pretty good job, probably as good as the fighters would've done.
The Dutch seem a bit better at Ground Attack.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-08%252017.03.12.png&hash=79adf6eb50a1604e79a86dd19433b57704a4b66f)
The boys from Java are trying to slow down Geek's march down Sumatra. There's really no stopping him but it's fun
to pretend the Dutch Air Force is being productive.
Also, at Sabang, UCG continues to send bombers to blast the facilities there. I had much higher expectations for the AVG. They've been very ineffective.
Worse is that we have very limited aircraft support there. I'm scrambling to find a base to cannibalize a Base Force from but it's easier said than
done.
The Catalina's have struck again. :knuppel2:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-08%252017.04.59.png&hash=dd6eebf6b2214c2b491696f18bcdcff41bc5b5af)
I'm sure Geek has had his fill with these guys. I had no idea how versatile these planes are. If nothing else, I will continue to use them to
harass and fluster UCG.
The invasion of Balikpapan is underway.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-08%252017.09.57.png&hash=23d5759394e0fd7d2d0aea204a2a1ef5c5d711ac)
I'm activating Operation Strawberry Hill. Ships have sortied out towards the invasion force and it's protection force.
The DDs at Kendari are also steaming towards their target. I've directed some CAP over the DDs. They may still be
pestered by some land based planes. I think we have the carriers accounted for.
We were absolutely crushed in China.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-08%252017.11.21.png&hash=d496a0d00f29b8a20f36bd451c381cb2b300517a)
I was reading another AAR over at Matrix and the Allied player sacked all of his Chinese generals and replaced them
with more suitable ones. It seemed to work for him. I'm considering that at the moment but I really don't have the Political Points
to spare.
Besides losing Wake, we also lost Kota Bharu. I'm hoping we can draw him down a bit once he starts on Singapore but that may be awhile.
He appears to be content with throwing wave after wave of Sallies at it.
A sub showed up around Suva.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-09%252017.11.19.png&hash=379a48faddeaa54f8eb79859fddf5e131302f44d)
There are some DDs that will be there in a day or two to take care of him. I plan on using Suva as a staging area
so we can't have any unwanted guests snooping around.
All else is fairly quiet for now.
Here's the end of turn stuff:
Aircraft Arrival Screen.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-09%252017.17.24.png&hash=6fc8aba6292e8933da1236fa1d7ede3826009ed4)
You can see that the Yorktown and her planes will be arriving soon.
Ship Arrival Screen.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-09%252017.17.58.png&hash=99944031710fdcfc69a1b524598db04cc53d3422)
Nothing terribly exciting unless one of you guys see something I don't.
Troop Arrival Screen.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-09%252017.18.41.png&hash=957f6fbc9d4c2ea52af26a68e6d9401e050ad514)
There's a few units in there that we can use.
Score Screen.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-09%252017.19.15.png&hash=945d2ed4c8f8aa120882dee53cb4fa9c01f85271)
He's certainly kicking my butt in the ships sunk department.
Hang on tight, there should be plenty of action next turn.
Getting another sub is certainly exciting. Another unit to go after UCG's merchant marine.
I would do everything you can to strengthen your Chinese forces. Any pressure you apply from them means units and resources that he cannot use somewhere else.
The Wildcats and Catalina's should also be very welcomed.
Finally, you're getting the 107th Cavalry, Ohio National Guard.
Thanks for checking in OJ'sD!
The more subs the merrier. Those and the PBYs are my workhorses right now so another sub and PBY squadron are certainly welcome.
Funny you should mention China. I'm working on the turn right now and am paying extra attention to China.
Intel shows an increase in radio chatter pertaining to the Ohio National Guard. The Japanese seem very concerned. ;)
Quick noob question. How do you get the ship and TF icons to appear red and green on the map? All mine show up as grey with tiny little flags over them. It's very hard to determine who's who at a glance with the grey icons.
Quote from: Silent Disapproval Robot on July 09, 2015, 06:42:50 PM
Quick noob question. How do you get the ship and TF icons to appear red and green on the map? All mine show up as grey with tiny little flags over them. It's very hard to determine who's who at a glance with the grey icons.
Would you be able to post a screenshot of what you're talking about. Mine has only ever shown red and green and I didn't see anything in the options/preferences menus that would change the icon color.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv320%2Fbogaty%2Fwitp_zpsz163h6uu.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=4e573493e719d23efec1ab373feb3a64d33d3625)
That is certainly an anomaly. Red and green is default.
Did you install a 'mod' that changed them?
Nope. I don't think so at any rate. The mod I installed just added unit patches.
Whoops. Turns out I did mod it. I didn't see the icon art reworks in the mod package I installed. Thankfully it should be an easy fix.
Quote from: Silent Disapproval Robot on July 10, 2015, 04:51:32 AM
Whoops. Turns out I did mod it. I didn't see the icon art reworks in the mod package I installed. Thankfully it should be an easy fix.
I'll bet other AARs don't offer our level of customer service. ;)
Quote from: KyzBP on July 10, 2015, 06:06:17 AM
Quote from: Silent Disapproval Robot on July 10, 2015, 04:51:32 AM
Whoops. Turns out I did mod it. I didn't see the icon art reworks in the mod package I installed. Thankfully it should be an easy fix.
I'll bet other AARs don't offer our level of customer service. ;)
SDR! Don't distract KyzBP!
December 19th, 1941
I expected big things this turn. Some happened, some didn't.
At Balikpapan, UCG continued his bombardment.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-09%252018.00.39.png&hash=f4da0b38b8122b8c1b8581da3307078709ca3b76)
Our shore batteries managed to return fire and do a little damage of their own. It's not much damage but every ship
he has to send back for repairs is a ship I don't have to worry about for awhile. Plus, his harbors will be mined soon so
these ships may be knocked out within sight of home.
Operation Strawberry Hill kicked off.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-09%252018.06.19.png&hash=f58b53867c15564011e4a985aae5da850f23ffdb)
And it looks like we've bitten off more than we can chew. The IJN will have 4 CAs, and 10 DDs vs. our 2 CLs and 5 DDs.
This can't possibly end well.
Here's the damage the Japanese took:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-09%252018.14.12.png&hash=71a79070c735855cbee7cc0b2ef9a50d57d5fccf)
Only 4 of his 14 ships didn't get hit.
Here's the damage the Good Guys took:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-09%252018.14.24.png&hash=3cb273edc0529a7e5832cca0ce2cacaf8f5e270d)
Six of our 7 took hits with 2 DDs going under. What I've noticed from these screenshots is the difference in damage
control. Only 2 of our ships are currently battling fires while nearly all of his damaged ships are burning. I think this battle will end up being
a victory for us considering the odds and the amount of damage he took. The hard part will be getting these guys back to port.
His land based air already smells blood in the water.
The bad news here is this:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-09%252018.18.10.png&hash=cb1664042caafa4b0ab7dbdae9615c0a8877db50)
Although the PoW wasn't hit, UCG now knows where the PoW is and will make every effort to knock her out. I'm still going to
try to engage his surface fleets one more time and then try to get the PoW out of there.
Not wanting to be shown up by a bunch of Cat pilots, the Vildebeest crews went on the offensive.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-09%252018.17.33.png&hash=b540ce7152d2cc7088bc69c34168fcf36a88b55b)
and another:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-09%252018.22.28.png&hash=b230290c9a953ea32784406d3347d4f415f5f1bb)
I know it's only transports and cargo ships but those become important when trying to supply your rapidly growing
empire.
The Sally onslaught continues.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-09%252018.19.17_1.png&hash=50d8d1d743e873055967fc6075dec5f1fa4b4afa)
That was one of 3 raids. The Sallies continue to take damage yet show right back up the next day. I don't think MY ground crews
are that efficient.
Hearing of the Vildebeest's success, and never wanting to be outdone, the few Cats that aren't assigned to Operation Doolittle
decide to remind everyone they're still around.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-09%252018.21.48.png&hash=5a6df1ae4339fa73839fbddc0e1012bf63fd52f4)
Operation Doolittle kicks off next turn. I'm waiting on recon reports to tell me whether or not there's a fighter presence on BJ. If there
is then it will be a night raid.
Speaking of Night Air Raids, they've been an across the board failure so far. It may have something to do with there being no moonlight.
I'm suspending the night raids until the moon is a little fuller.
Very interesting that both sides have claimed victory from the sea battle of Operation Strawberry Hill. ^-^
The no screenshot recap:
His subs continue to sink everything they hit.
We lost Temuloh, Balikpapan, and Butaun.
Everything east of Hawaii is quiet outside of 2 subs terrorizing the West Coast.
So here's what's in the works for our next episode:
A little unexpected (fingers crossed) port raid:
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I managed to save some of the PT boats from Hong Kong and had them work their way along the coast to Pakhoi.
I then brought some Chinese bombers to Nanning and put them on Naval Search just in case something wandered into
the area. At Haiphong Harbor, an unsuspecting group of transport/cargo ships came a wandering... :knuppel2:
The Sub Pens at Dutch Harbor are now in operation. This should reduce the travel time to the Home Islands.
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I'm still working at getting a Base Force to Umnak so Dutch Harbor can have air cover.
Quote from: Barthheart on July 10, 2015, 07:09:32 AM
Very interesting that both sides have claimed victory from the sea battle of Operation Strawberry Hill. ^-^
I'm only claiming victory because I was outnumbered 2 to 1 and he should lose some of those ships before they get to port. If nothing sinks then he wins that round. >:(
Quote from: KyzBP on July 10, 2015, 07:33:41 AM
Quote from: Barthheart on July 10, 2015, 07:09:32 AM
Very interesting that both sides have claimed victory from the sea battle of Operation Strawberry Hill. ^-^
I'm only claiming victory because I was outnumbered 2 to 1 and he should lose some of those ships before they get to port. If nothing sinks then he wins that round. >:(
Well his claim on victory is equally as tenuous... O0
The game may be on hold for a bit while I figure out why it suddenly won't load. If anyone needs me, I'll be at the Matrix forums for awhile. :tickedoff:
Quote from: Barthheart on July 10, 2015, 07:09:32 AM
Very interesting that both sides have claimed victory from the sea battle of Operation Strawberry Hill. ^-^
It's really like a real war. These two sides cherry coat their reports.
Game won't load? That sneaky UCG. He sent his Sally's to drop an EMP on your house. That's WAY below the belt.
Here's where we're at. I tried everything I could think of and everything suggested to me from the folks on the Matrix board but no luck. I've put the game onto my kids computer so I can still continue the game. The downside is, until I find an easier way to post screenshots with this computer, my AAR will be very light on screenshots. I will keep working on both getting the game running again on my computer and finding a quicker way to get screenshots on this computer.
Thanks for your patience however, no refunds will be given.
Quote from: Sir Slash on July 10, 2015, 10:41:21 PM
Game won't load? That sneaky UCG. He sent his Sally's to drop an EMP on your house. That's WAY below the belt.
I have a feeling the same child of mine that is passing my plans over to UCG just received orders to sabotage my computer. There will be no Halloween for that child when I figure out which one it is.
Quote from: jomni on July 10, 2015, 06:44:29 PM
Quote from: Barthheart on July 10, 2015, 07:09:32 AM
Very interesting that both sides have claimed victory from the sea battle of Operation Strawberry Hill. ^-^
It's really like a real war. These two sides cherry coat their reports.
As you'll soon see UCG has a greater claim to that victory than I. :(
Here is the "No Screenshot" :( update. I'll edit screenies into this as soon as I get it working better.
Operation Strawberry Hill was an almost complete failure. Geeks ships jumped my injured fleet and decimated them. I believe only a DD and one CL survived. The P.o.W. and her 3 CLs are trying to get out of the area but are being hunted by planes and ships. So far they haven't taken any hits but they're still a ways from safe harbor.
The "Strawberry" element also failed almost totally. The landing force they were supposed to hit wasn't there when they arrived. I then directed them to Ternate to interrupt the landings there. Tragically, my little DD force (you almost never see"little" and "DD" in the same sentence ::)) was surprised by some of his DD's and I got beat up. I think I lost 2 of 6 ships with 2 more damaged. I don't think I hit a single one of his ships.
On the bright side, the PT Boat raid on Haiphong Harbor went off flawlessly. It could have only went better if I had more torpedoes. He probably had 20+ AKs and AKls at anchor. We sunk a mess of them and damaged a bunch more. We then left as fast as we arrived with no wounds to lick. I'll look for a different port to stage these guys from as I'm sure these little boats got UCG's attention. So far in this game, it's been the normally unsung units that have really stepped up and made this fun.
Speaking of unsung, the Vildebeest squadrons near Singapore continue to get results. Both squadrons (4 planes total) scored heavy hits on a pair of AKs near Mersing. I'd like to fly those guys out soon. They've performed so well, I'd hate to see them captured or bombed into oblivion by Geek's Necro Sallies. Those planes are fragile and relentless, which usually isn't a good combination. It won't be long before he begins the ground phase of his Singapore operation.
Things are starting to heat up in China. His ground forces kill mine at a rate of 5 to 1 anytime they meet. If I can save enough Political Points this month, in January I'll purge all the Chinese generals I can. Both of our air forces continue to bomb anything we can find in China. He may have a slight advantage in this department but it's pretty close.
His subs continue to harass me. He sinks a ship a night near Hawaii and just sunk one near Brisbane in Australia. The one that popped up near Suva is being hunted relentlessly. The nice neat pattern of subs near Hawaii is breaking up and getting harder to chase. I have some important transport/supply ships coming through there right now and I can't afford giving him easy shots at them. The strange thing is some random 2 vessel surface force just showed up northeast of Hawaii. I'm sure it's some kind of Raider Force sent to help disrupt my convoys but now I have to break away some of my ASW DD's and planes to get rid of these guys. Well played Geek. Your timing couldn't have been better.
Everything else remain unchanged.
Next turn I launch Operation Doolittle (I thougt about renaming it Operation Surprise BJ for Banzai Cat. Those usually have a high success rate). I have about 30 PBYs on Guam, half set to Port Attack the other half to Naval Attack. Since you can't specify what you want attacked while in Naval mode, I'm kind of rolling the dice and hoping they hit the ships that aren't actually in port. Recon shows no aircraft in the area so we're going for an early morning raid. It'll be nice if we can get in two raids in one day but given that Guam's supply level is almost exhausted it seems unlikely. All PBYs will return to their normal missions at their original bases immediately following the raid(s).
Ha! I got the screenshot thingy working better.
Let's take you to the aftermath of Strawberry.
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The three TF's near Ternate are the remnants of Strawberry. I've broken them into 3 TF's to give them a better chance of escape.
The undamaged DD's are headed to Ambon to meet up with the DDs already there and some DDs from Kendari. His next target will be
either Sorong or Ambon so I'd like to have a reactionary force to meet him as long as he's not too powerful.
UCG's pesky sub.
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I don't have any DDs in the area so ASW operations will be hampered. I have some Wirraways and Banshees at Brisbane set
to ASW but they missed detecting this guy coming in so I don't hold much hope in them knocking him out.
His Carriers headed for Truk.
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I'm not sure if he's just going to do a refuel and head back out or if he's going to stay awhile and repair his wear and tear.
If he heads out then I suspect Guam will be the target. If he stays I may reroute the Mine Subs to Truk. I'd love to get a low
cost hit on some of his big ships. Either way this forces me to get the PBYs out of Guam immediately following Doolittle.
The mess that is the Hawaiian Waters.
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I just transferred the Carrier based DBs to Pearl to assist with the sub hunts. Most of the transport/supply convoys have been rerouted around Pearl
but some of them don't seem to get the message until it's too late.
The end of the turn looks like this:
My loses this turn:
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You can see his growing sub success around Hawaii.
His loses:
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The PT raid at Haiphong. I guarantee there are or will be more there.
And a surprise loss I just noticed:
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If he did lose this to a mine then that mine was almost as successful as his Pearl Harbor raid. ;D
Here's the score so far:
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Let's hope the raid on BJ fairs well.
December 21, 1941
The war is now 2 weeks old. Much has happened so far...except last turn.
So little happened last turn that it's not even screenshot worthy.
Operation Doolittle fizzled. The PBYs set to Port Attack were met by 9 Zeroes that weren't supposed to be there. 3 of the PBYs were shot down and the rest turned back without dropping any bombs. The PBYs set to Naval Attack never launched, which is what I was afraid of. All of the PBYs were sent back to their respective bases with the Cats from Wake and Nauru being the exception. Their bases are no longer in the possession of the Allies.
Nauru and Davao both fell. Neither base put up much resistance.
UCG has a sub or two near Point Blair that continues to sink ships bound for Point Blair. I have some ASW assets headed that way but they're still a couple days out. I'm trying to free up some air support for this but the air base on Blair is at capacity right now.
Singapore saw a much more reserved air raid this turn. 15 unescorted Sallys showed up, only 3 of those returned undamaged...or at all.
I'm down to just 2 Vildebeests near Singapore. The other 2 met some Zeroes as well. UCG is putting cap over most of his ships now so there aren't anymore soft targets.
The only other noteworthy event was the pair of mystery ships north of Pearl. They turned out to be some kind of armored transport or something. One was sunk by some of my DDs and the other took some hits and then disappeared. No report of any troop loses.
And there you have it. That was pretty much the turn from my end. I have no more offensive operations planned at the moment. The big part of the game for me right now is getting troops away from the West Coast safely. A few APs (troop transports) have shown up at Pearl and the West Coast so we can continue our transport activities.
I'll post the end of turn Screens as soon as my kids are done with their computer. :tickedoff:
December 22nd, 1941
Subs attack!
It was quite a day if you're in the submarine business.
First there are subs off of Australia's West Coast.
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There aren't supposed to be subs there yet. :-\ Of course it scored a hit.
Then the Dutch decide to get in the game.
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Dutch subs make me happy.
Next the evil sub that's been hanging around Point Blair is dealt with.
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I'd be surprised if that one made it home.
Unfortunately one of his subs near Java evened the score and took down a tanker.
Then THIS happened:
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She ended up sinking and I'm sure I lost a very important combat unit.
Either there were two groups of AMC surface raiders or my captains lied to me.
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I thought we had taken care of those. I guess I was wrong.
But we did make things right.
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This time I believe them.
Now to the Air War:
Nine lowly Warhawk B's took on 58 of Geeks finest pilots...
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...and proceeded to get shot down, well two of them at least. We knocked down a Zero but more importantly we were
able to minimize the damage to Kendari.
I would say the AA Boys at Singapore have a handle on this.
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Fewer and fewer Sallies are showing up. We might finally be making some headway.
I bet next raid these Betties will have fighter cover.
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It was nice to finally see the AVG do something. I have high hopes/expectations for them.
Apparently the Dutch pilots were so inspired they decided to get into the game.
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A REAL warship even!!! O0
Of course the Cat's can't be outdone .
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One plane, one hit, one ship! In case you haven't noticed, I really like these guys.
I don't really have any offensive plans right now, nor should I. In about two weeks I'll have 4 CVs on the West Coast. Now this is why I gave the thread the title I did...I'm kind of wondering what the weather's like in Northern Japan this time of year... ;) :idiot2:
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Now hear me out before you think I'm crazy. His carriers are all down south and probably will be for awhile. If I had 4 CVs, all loaded with as many fighters as they'll hold, and sent them to protect a landing on one of the two top islands they could protect the landings from any land based aircraft. There aren't any air bases nearby so any fighter cover might be light. It would force his carriers back north, during which time all ships would head back towards Alaska. Alaska will have additional aircraft assigned to provide cover in case his carriers come running. This could buy me more time to put in place my troops slotted for the South Pacific.
It's just in the "I have an idea" stage but I kind of like it.
Here's the end of turn stuff:
Allied ships lost:
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Five of the 7 ships lost were sunk by torpedoes. I need to get rid of his subs!
Jap ships lost:
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Neither of the AMCs showed up. They're nowhere on the map either. I've got to believe they were sunk.
Current list of Top Pilots:
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An Aussie pilot leads the list. No Aces yet. I think we may have to be more aggressive.
Score:
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Re the PBYs, I seem to recall they played a crucial role in the Thousand Mile War of the Aleutians, too.
I'll be very curious to see if you can get the Chain Gang going up there: the Japanese seized the tail early in real life out of fear the US could use it as a staging area to bomb the homeland -- they even diverted naval forces away from Midway to help secure it against a coming US counterattack, which could have easily proven decisive for the subsequent fight farther south. (Had the Imperials been able to march up the Chain to Alaska, they could have wreaked havoc in much the same way the other way around.)
Geek (from your maps) doesn't seem to have thought of it at all.
Quote from: JasonPratt on July 14, 2015, 02:08:03 PM
Re the PBYs, I seem to recall they played a crucial role in the Thousand Mile War of the Aleutians, too.
I'll be very curious to see if you can get the Chain Gang going up there: the Japanese seized the tail early in real life out of fear the US could use it as a staging area to bomb the homeland -- they even diverted naval forces away from Midway to help secure it against a coming US counterattack, which could have easily proven decisive for the subsequent fight farther south. (Had the Imperials been able to march up the Chain to Alaska, they could have wreaked havoc in much the same way the other way around.)
Geek (from your maps) doesn't seem to have thought of it at all.
Because of Fog of War, Geeks units won't show up until I actively look for them by searching or doing recon.
I'm not sure about this idea yet. I had some downtime at work today and decided to look up the IJN, specifically what they started the war with. It looks like Geek starts out with
10 carriers of varying size...10! I'm not really sure if there's anything I can do offensively to draw enough of his carriers away from the South Pacific to make a difference. That being said, I want to make this a fun game and do things outside the box so in keeping with that spirit it may be necessary to give it a shot. 8)
Here's a link to the page I was using. It was pretty well organized and very informative. http://www.combinedfleet.com/kaigun.htm (http://www.combinedfleet.com/kaigun.htm)
December 23rd, 1941
I really wish I would've done some research on the IJN before yesterday. Because I wouldn't have been so foolhardy and allowed this to happen:
Prince of Wales heads into action!
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There seems to be a few more ships than the sighting report indicated. No worries, we have a Battleship.
Prince of Wales head to the bottom of the sea!
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While reading yesterday I learned that going head to head, early in the war, against the IJN with anything less than 2-1 odds was
a poor idea. I also learned that just because your sighting report tells you it's 9 ships doesn't necessarily mean it's only 9 ships.
Your Big BB does not matter. IJN have better equipment and skill at this stage.
The moonlight part? I assume the battle was at night then? Yeah, I'd give the Japanese a big advantage there but would think there would be more torp. hits from them as that was their speciality at night. Can you choose when the battle is fought-- day or night? I'd think the PoW could handle the Jap CA's in daylight without problem. Still seems kind of screwy to me.
First, let me say that I'm sorry these updates are coming in so sporadically. Since having to switch to my kid's computer I now have only a few limited windows in which to play the game and update. Thanks for your patience.
Quote from: jomni on July 15, 2015, 04:21:51 AM
Your Big BB does not matter. IJN have better equipment and skill at this stage.
I found that out both the hard way and from doing some reading the other day. :-\
Quote from: Sir Slash on July 15, 2015, 10:12:41 AM
The moonlight part? I assume the battle was at night then? Yeah, I'd give the Japanese a big advantage there but would think there would be more torp. hits from them as that was their speciality at night. Can you choose when the battle is fought-- day or night? I'd think the PoW could handle the Jap CA's in daylight without problem. Still seems kind of screwy to me.
I don't think you can choose the time for battle. It seems like most the surface battles are at night. That battle certainly was, which in hindsight was a bad time for me to have a battle. I think it was almost 4-1 odds against me even though most of his ships were DD's. Again, from what I read, Japanese DD's were no joke and bristled with torpedo tubes.
IIRC the game is divided into turns, each day being one turn, and each turn is subdivided into different phases, which break apart air attacks, surface attacks, etcetera.
Quote from: Banzai_Cat on July 15, 2015, 03:33:53 PM
IIRC the game is divided into turns, each day being one turn, and each turn is subdivided into different phases, which break apart air attacks, surface attacks, etcetera.
Correct. There's also a night phase...stupid night phase.
While researching the IJN the other day I learned that the Japanese started the war with about 66 submarines, not including midget subs. Last turn about half of those got hits on my ships, sinking many. At least it felt that way.
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Other than the top 3 warships I believe the rest were sunk by subs. What sucks is at this point in the game his subs and torps are so good and my ASW is so bad.
I was able to exact a little revenge:
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One down, 65 to go...if that one sinks.
The sub activity around Pearl is aggravating.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-14%252018.53.23.png&hash=fdd641ab3484995d61165e9098c757c102b7e31a)
Pilots continually report hitting subs but the herd doesn't look any thinner AND, if you look in the upper left corner, it looks like at least one
of those AMC's is still afloat. Does anything of his ever die?
The Sallies and friends returned to Singapore after a much needed rest and bombed the crap out of it. The AA didn't help too much today.
Kendari's airfield was also ravaged:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-14%252017.44.52.png&hash=554814c7bf5e2488e1543d65ccf0276f28afb1a7)
It may be time to get what I can out of there. I think we overstayed our welcome.
I think Geek finally noticed Guam or has finally decided to do something about it.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-14%252018.45.48.png&hash=e256d4e86a6f41895ca49a0f91325b0214777ae8)
The groups to the east and the south are headed that way, or so it appears. I'll be pulling all the PBY's from there as well.
Did I mention how much I hate his subs right now?
What really sucks is I don't get any additional ASW help for another 3 weeks!
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-15%252017.13.39.png&hash=93b9c68d9ababe7e42e13a7b1ee9474607efd4d4)
I will get 3 British sub in 10 days but those start in Indian waters.
Wasn't it just a few turns ago I was feeling really comfortable. :idiot2:
Christmas Eve, 1941
I'd like to introduce you all to the bravest ship in the Eastern Hemisphere:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-15%252017.27.34.png&hash=1deeafbe77f54fc0b82167e9c129febac3866842)
CDR Weakly (poorly named) not only successfully fled Manila with the John D. Ford but he gave the CVL Zuiho a big middle finger
by way of a shell hit on the surprised carrier.
...but the Zuiho doesn't appreciate being surprised...or flipped off.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-16%252017.37.18.png&hash=1cfb9b6f76b249e361fc6336f31995cfd201fc1e)
I thought I had a screenshot of the Ford being bombed. I was wrong. This is the aftermath. She took some hits but is in pretty
good shape except for one little thing. She'd dead in the water BECAUSE I RAN HER OUT OF FUEL! I put her at full speed to try and
get her out of the area. There are 10 DD's at Ambon that I'm sending to help the J.D. Ford. If he tries to finish her off on the surface then there'll
be 10 of Ford's friends waiting to meet them. If he tries to sink him by air then we'll have about 500 points of AA there to say hi. The Ford was hit by what looked like biplanes carrying only 100 lb bombs. I think we can survive those. The main thing is to get her refueled and out of there.
Amateurs talk tactics, professionals talk logistics! ;)
For awhile it looked like the sub war was turning in our favor O0
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-15%252017.28.56.png&hash=c1aade1336fa98d2f935cf3ba1e2e38403686644)
We got more hits on the sub that I thought was dead.
The Dutch subs continued to make their presence known
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-15%252017.29.35.png&hash=d10a66c8f3c4be4de8a5c8a0b05edd85e297d780)
The fact that it was carrying troops is a bonus.
Then Geeks subs got back in the game by sinking an AK near Hawaii followed by damaging 2 more in the same waters. One of those is carrying
some PBY's. A smarter person would have just island hopped them to where they needed to go.
Then this happens:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-15%252017.35.52.png&hash=9ec91fd3b1166fe5285690768593149fe0b3657f)
Why is it always the AP's? Those thing are like currency to me at this stage in the game. There's no other way (I know of) to
move troops around.
Quote from: Airborne Rifles on July 16, 2015, 05:09:53 PM
Amateurs talk tactics, professionals talk logistics! ;)
I'm not sure there's a better game to test your fluency in logistics than this one. ^-^
I had a group of wily DD's do the Bomb Avoidance Dance.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-15%252017.34.35.png&hash=9b3685f66a80a6395a16c3c0c9bb51a6cd9fd216)
Twice.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-15%252017.42.13_1.png&hash=f6f4a72aeb20d2225eb54536420e38711e3bcdb5)
They're part of the TF that's headed to help the J.D. Ford. I really hope they can keep that dance up.
Singapore was hit a bunch of times again. The good news is the Sally harvest must have started. Hurray :-\
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The Kingfishers used their superior pilot skills and some blue paint to out fox some apathetic Zero pilots.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-15%252017.44.14_1.png&hash=9c85cf0f98d7c2893566f3dbfdb43687191184cc)
They even managed to hit an AKL.
The winners of the day though were the rocks and reefs surrounding Tarawa.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-15%252017.47.34.png&hash=129687a58029c3260a11c026d165009d23fb475c)
Geek suffered heavier losses landing on an empty island than he did taking Hong Kong...almost.
That John D. Ford was one tough Summ-bitch.
Quote from: Sir Slash on July 16, 2015, 06:46:17 PM
That John D. Ford was one tough Summ-bitch.
Now that the Penguin is safe I'm going to make the Ford my next project.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2F1%2F1e%2FUSS_John_D._Ford_%28DD-228%29.jpg&hash=4d34145f7bf54046f3cb8867d6106206895b8f9d)
She may not look like much but she has the brass stacks of a Battleship.
I did a quick read about her and in real life she was able to pull off some equally impressive feats.
"Anxious to strike back at the Japanese, Ford departed Surabaya 11 January 1942 for Kupang, Timor, where she arrived on the 18th to join a destroyer striking force. Two days later the force sailed for Balikpapan to conduct a surprise torpedo attack on Japanese shipping. Arriving off Balikpapan during mid watch 24 January, the four destroyers launched a raid through the Japanese transports while Japanese destroyers steamed about Makassar Strait in search of reported American submarines. For over an hour the destroyers fired torpedoes and shells at the astonished enemy. Before retiring from the first surface action in the Pacific war, they sank four Japanese ships, one a victim of John D. Ford's torpedoes. The striking force arrived Surabaya 25 January."Who knew?
If you haven't figured it out by now, I love the underdog. I cherish the overlooked and under appreciated. There's nothing I enjoy more than having a unit that has been given up on or never given a chance in the first place take center stage and dazzle us all.
Here I have another one of those groups:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-16%252016.12.19.png&hash=466af001fa8ce929b38b2f4eca7908b3ee4006de)
This PT group has been trying to get into position to ambush a/any Japanese transports. In the process they've dried up most of the fuel depots in the area. With their remaining fuel, I'm going to send them to Salajar. I'm sending a tanker from Soerabaja to meet them and fuel them up. The hardest part will be trying to do it right under UCG's nose. They'll then lay in wait for a juicy target to show up...unless they become juicy targets first.
I'm more worried about the tanker becoming a juicy target. PT boats are notoriously hard to whack.
So this is what the big picture looks like right now:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-16%252020.49.20.png&hash=87451c4a865767e6ba1339af846e20827437358b)
The dots represent just the task forces and bases. As you can see UCG has been busy. He's been very methodical, almost predictable but I haven't been able to do much even though I know where he's going.
Here's the end of turn score:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-16%252020.59.18.png&hash=588beb6079d9d619489e07fd51c1c75cb57045f2)
What's sad is he's sinking my ships at a rate of 10-1. I need to get lucky somewhere. (insert best joke here).
Next turn we should see Guam fall. Ambon will likely be under attack unless our DD group can cause some havoc. I'm sure we'll see his subs sink more of my ships and we'll see the Dutch Air Force go fishing using 250 lb bombs.
Oh, and it'll be Christmas.
Quote from: JasonPratt on July 16, 2015, 08:00:45 PM
I'm more worried about the tanker becoming a juicy target. PT boats are notoriously hard to whack.
That's exactly what I think is going to happen. :(
I was wondering about the Phillipines. Are the forces there able to sustain themselves being cut-off from the rest of your bases? Or will at some point Geek-san have to come and face them at full strength?
In regards to the Phillipines, are you able to fix the logistics bungle at Bataan? In the haste to get to a defensible area, McArthur left tone of foodstuffs and ammunition behind which was a windfall for the Japanese.
Doug might have full meals in Malinta Tunnel, but the troops on Bataan fought on half-rations, and then less.
Thank you both for bringing up the Philippines. Until you guys asked about it I'd only been checking on the plane and ship/sub situation in the Philippines. After the first few turns it became apparent that Geek was just going to starve out the troops here.
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So I started looking a lot closer and noticed a few things:
1. Many of the units not at Bataan were set to prepare for Bataan. I guess, by design, they're set to retreat there once the action starts.
2. Bataan only has about 4000 supply remaining while Manila has 30k and Clark Field has 12k. We will not be retreating to Bataan.
3. Bataan has a fortification level of 3+, as does Clark Field. Manila only has a level of 1. Manila lacks an Engineer unit while the other two each have one.
I'm really glad you guys got me to look deeper here. I'll be making the following changes:
1. All units will be set to plan for either Clark Field or Manila.
2. All outlaying units will begin moving to Manila as soon as their supply level drops below 1000 or the first Japanese attacks begin.
3. The Engineer unit at Bataan will immediately be heading to Manila to start building fortifications. Once Clark Field hits level 4 then that Engineer unit will move as well.
I'll try to defend just those two spots. I expect he'll use Long Range Bombers to bomb the place for a month before he ever sets foot on the island.
As far as moving supplies goes, my answer is: I don't really know. I know you can move it around using ships, subs, and planes but I'm not sure how to move it across land, from base to base. Another thing I'm not really sure about, and that is probably REALLY important is supply consumption.
Here's a typical unit:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-17%252009.01.37.png&hash=577675575c218eff797a91d05881060cff7caf29)
You can see on the left "Supplies: 357 Supplies Required: 323." So they have more than the necessary supplies. How they consume them is a mystery to me. I'm sure someone will pop in and give a great yet simple explanation.
Christmas Day, 1941
Apparently UCG's heathens don't take holidays off.
But neither does the Dutch Navy:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-17%252011.44.58.png&hash=2391a0f33b779ad3dc93aa2d8894d3f481f85065)
The Dutch subs continue to impress. They're starting to take hits as well though.
And what's a turn without the IJN sinking something?
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-17%252011.47.57.png&hash=21a56e68e5ad10a8d3e62cfd3f20d636e18382af)
I just can't seem to stop his subs.
Even when I do this:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-17%252011.59.46.png&hash=c6fa0b55ff217829c71e2f61b1e35974162e302d)
Another one just pops up in it's place.
It seems that the sub war is the focal point of the game so far, at least from my perspective. I now have to increase the number ships in each transport/supply convoy just to spread out the damage that his subs will inevitably cause. Nearly ALL of my DD's and land based bombers are assigned to ASW duties. If I don't commit them to this mission, I won't be able to leave my ports. I think sometime in 1942 I'll be able to upgrade the ASW abilities of some of my ships. Until then I guess I just have to keep pressure on him.
A few good things happened for the Good Guys.
I somehow managed to sneak a supply ship to Guam.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-18%252008.39.272.png&hash=2a1ec1476595cd0b6d6053e5ffeae4a192cdb299)
The supply is desperately needed there. I had originally sent a bunch of supply laden subs in that direction but I may reroute them
now. I'll be surprised if Guam stays in Allied hands past the New Year so one ship worth of supply should be enough. The real good
news is Guam is still there. The ships that I thought were headed for Guam went to Saipan. I don't think Guam will ever be out of the woods
but they may have an extra day or two now.
Also, the John D. Ford was fueled and made it to Ambon.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-18%252008.40.37.png&hash=e81f056cc7d440731d591b10ad187f842d1515c1)
She's now setting sail to Darwin and eventually Brisbane to be repaired. His 10 DD siblings are headed to interrupt the landing at Kendari since
the small CV task force did want to play. They too appear to be headed for Kendari so we may get an engagement after all. At which point I'll be wondering what in the hell I was thinking.
Three of the 4 ships in the "Feed The P.T.'s" task force cleared Java and are headed to Salajar (Salad Jar).
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-18%252009.05.23.png&hash=133f7fe9d08cf240bcbde1d4da010f9dce056c2a)
I think you can guess what happened to the fourth ship.
In the midst of this colossal struggle, obviously innocent fishing and whaling vessels can get caught up in the conflict.
Here, for example, we most certainly have a wayward fishing boat near Dutch Harbor. That can be the only explanation.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-18%252009.26.47.png&hash=65893727a5f3bb3b0bc734b78c262ea8f11500f4)
Just to be sure we're sending out some Coast Guard Cutters to point this boat in the proper direction.
Elsewhere, Singapore took some heavy damage from the endless bombing raids. The islands of Mindanao are almost completely in
UCG's hands. I had a few more P-40's ready to head south but they're now cut off so they'll be returning to Clark Field. It's doubtful they'll
be able to contribute much but it's better than losing them on the ground.
Serious bombing campaigns by both sides are taking place all across China right now. Hard to say who's getting the better of it. My P.T. Boats near Haiphong are sortieing out for another strike. In the mean time Geek has sent some ground units to take the home port of the PTs'. They may be looking for a new home here shortly.
One last and potentially major thing before the end of turn screens.
I found his main carrier task force:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-18%252009.36.03.png&hash=882285633339a6ca60914cc5ba1d64793551d544)
The good news is it doesn't look like he's heading for my fledgling base at Luganville.
The bad news is:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-18%252009.38.30.png&hash=9b7322df800aca53a67659e650c031e138e809e8)
It's headed to this area which is about 2 turns away from being inundated with convoys from the West Coast...
unescorted convoys from the West Coast. I need to do something to draw his attention away from this area.
Here are the ships the Japanese Navy will have to do without:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-18%252017.45.05.png&hash=55c0095edea64401853646b92be7b3b8af2395f9)
It's nice to actually take down a warship.
My dead ships;
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-18%252017.45.27.png&hash=0a60c08aac57fb329bc8b33147f3edd4f8228f6b)
And the score:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-18%252017.47.37.png&hash=c076ccb6b82426f7edd516457e6e453782f141db)
HURRAY for the John D. Ford!!!! The 'D' stands for, Damn Near Unsinkable. O0
December 26th, 1941
I'll admit right now that I'm impressed with UCG's timing. His strategy of rolling his CV's into the South Pacific just as my convoys are arriving was timed almost perfectly. Although nothing has happened there yet, I don't think I can avoid it. I'm going to have to send everything hard south to try to get around him but I don't think they'll be fast enough. My other option is to send everyone west towards Christmas Island and have them stage there. Either way my troops, planes, and supplies will be delayed.
Now back to the show.
The early morning started out on an up note
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The resident B.A. Dutch subs deliver some decent damage on a light cruiser. Heavy Damage plus Fire usually means a lot of yard time, if it makes it to port at all.
We continued to unleash the real power of the sea.
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Another Dutch sub, another damaged ship.
But the Japanese don't take kindly to uppity mini nations blowing up their ships.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-18%252018.22.49.png&hash=dfb8527e982790812c7bbc662232989f37096edf)
The O16 is much too proud to be sunk...for now
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Her Float Damage is below 50% and there's no fire. She should be able to make it to Manila but will probably be out of the war after that.
I'll put her under Priority Repair if she makes it. If UCG doesn't hit the port at Manila I stand a chance of getting her back out with partial
repairs. She can then head to OZ to finish up.
This did give me some insight into why I can't make his subs go away. I've only been getting 1 or 2 hits on his subs. The O-16 just took 6 hits
and really isn't as damaged as I would've expected.
Then the day pretty much went downhill.
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Remember these guys? They were supposed to be providing fuel to the PT boats at Saladjar but again, UCG's timing was perfect and frustrating.
I doubt I'll be able to get fuel to those PTs before Geek closes down that area.
From what I can recall, supplies automatically move by land based on demand between bases but the actual rate of movement and what influences it is beyond me.
Quote from: jomni on July 19, 2015, 10:29:25 PM
From what I can recall, supplies automatically move by land based on demand between bases but the actual rate of movement and what influences it is beyond me.
That's pretty much where I'm at too.
UCG strolled a little too close to the Philippines so the P35's had to remind him about personal space.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-18%252018.28.29.png&hash=22c35aa91bdc630d47a4859c78b16602ee2d5fb6)
I kind of wish they would've hit the tankers though.
I made most of the adjustments in the Philippines. I'm just waiting on the engineer unit at Bataan to finish upgrading the fortifications there and then I'll send him to Manila. Geek's been reconnoitering the Philippines more the last two turns. I'll bet he's been able to push up his timetable on the Philippines because of successes like these:
From China.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-07-18%252018.36.23.png&hash=9be8734ea0ab12cbe87f1f1c72ae3fb1a3ccafe9)
Their troops and generals are about as reliable as their future export goods. The real good news is I forgot to even look at China for the upcoming turn.
From Singapore
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This should at least be a good fight...
...not so much.
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Singapore falls in ONE turn. My biggest frustration is that I can't slow him down anywhere and he's only taking light losses. He also took Kendari this turn
and has been taking the unoccupied bases south of Rabual.
I know I seem obsessed with subs right now but they've been playing such a big part of the early game for me. Now here's why I'm getting so frustrated:
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It just doesn't seem like I'm putting a dent in him. I have no more resources to throw at this problem either.
Here's another little problem:
Those DD's I sent to Kendari to interrupt the landing did their job. His ships temporarily fled. Unfortunately, enough troops had gotten onshore to take the base.
But here's what I'm left with:
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They are sitting ducks for his little carrier force. I'm going to try to redistribute the fuel in the fleet and hope they have enough to get out of the area. If I can't do that then whoever can run will run.
That "fishing boat" near Dutch Harbor turned out to be an AMC. The PBYs at Dutch and these guys
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are headed to intercept the AMC. I can't tell yet if he's probing with these AMC's or using them as Raiders against my shipping.
Either way I think we can handle it for now.
Intel shows Geek has at least a regiment preparing for Guam. It won't be long now.
Here's his losses:
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A couple of warships O0
My losses:
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All but the top few were lost when Singapore ran lovingly into the arms of the Japanese...cowards.
End of Turn:
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I really hope tomorrow is better but I won't hold my breath.
December 27th, 1941
This was a far busier day than I was expecting. Once again, Geek's forces have shown great timing. Just as I was starting to build up Clark Field his bombers appeared overhead.
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The good thing is the Warhawks that weren't able to get out of the Philippines managed to knockout a few Jap planes without losing any themselves.
Unfortunately the runway was hit pretty bad. They showed back up later in the day and destroyed 2 of the P-40's on the ground.
But from their secret base somewhere in the Philippines, the P-35's strike again!
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...and again.
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We did lose one to Flak. These guys have been incredible. It will be a sad day when they eventually become POWs.
Geek then sent his planes to check in on Port Moresby.
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He's flying over at 25,000 ft. The Warhawks start losing effectiveness after 15,000ft. They are only about half as effective at that altitude. I will lose that battle every time. The Zeroes may lose effectiveness too but I'm not sure if it's as drastic.
His carrier based planes begin looking for targets around Suva.
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They found the sole NZ ship in the area and put a bomb in her. That's going to anger the boys in Auckland.
The KB is causing me to reroute nearly everyone in the area. This will end up confusing me in the long run.
The Dutch pilots have decided to go to work.
First a Dutch float plane flies in under the unsuspecting CAP of Zeroes:
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Then some Dutch fighters splash a few Nells.
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They'll come back with an escort, if they can.
The Air activity was much heavier this turn, even the subs took a back seat. The ASW patrols reported a lot of sub hits, none confirmed.
The DD task force that ran out of fuel was bombed multiple times by the small carrier force. The good news is that NONE of the Kates could
hit them. I don't expect to be so lucky next turn.
I was looking for someone to make a stand and the brave forces at Brunei have come through. They repulsed an attack and dealt the Japanese some decent
losses. Most of Borneo has not been so lucky. Nearly the entire island is in UCG's grubby mitts.
The AMC near Dutch Harbor continues to steam towards the West Coast of Canada. My little task force assigned to eliminate the AMC whiffed on attacking it. I'm not sure he even knows I know he's there. He's not causing any harm so I may just let him float around for awhile. Maybe he'll tell his friends that the coast is clear (see what I did there).
The game claims that we both only lost a ship each this turn. He lost a sub ;D, I lost an AK. I think he lost more...or will.
Here's the end of turn score:
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USS Edsall during the Indian Ocean raid.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Edsall_%28DD-219%29
Quote from: besilarius on July 22, 2015, 07:04:07 AM
USS Edsall during the Indian Ocean raid.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Edsall_%28DD-219%29
I love reading about these little pieces of history that I never bothered to indulge in. I hope to get the Edsall and the rest of her group into safe harbor. My problem is getting fuel to some of these ships. I've never had these problems against the AI.
The knock at the door startled the men seated around the table. All conversation in the room stopped as if someone hit a pause button on some distant remote. They had been expecting the knock but it was overdue. These men were not the kind of men who were ever kept waiting.
"Helen, get the door on your way out please." It was a polite command from the man seated at the head of the table.
Helen finished pouring the last coffee and made her way to the door. Nearly every head turned as she purposefully strode toward the exit. Helen was a great and competent secretary, which was probably just luck. It was obvious to most of the men as to why Helen was hired.
Helen opened the door. Before her stood a Full Colonel in dress uniform. In his left hand was a brown folder bursting with paper and what appeared to be edges of maps and photos.
"Mr. Stimson will see you now." Helen said as she stepped aside so the Colonel could pass.
"Thank you Helen." said the Colonel with a quick but forced grin.
As the Colonel passed Helen he found himself taking a quick glance at her. As important as this moment was, the instincts of men can almost never be controlled. Helen didn't miss the glance either. She let out a small, slightly disgusted sigh and rolled her eyes to the door. Once the Colonel passed, Helen made her way through the door, closing it behind her.
"Mr. Secretary, Gentlemen, I'm sorry I'm late." said Colonel Anderson as he presented a salute with his right hand.
Secretary Stimson quickly brushed off the apology and the salute. Given the enormity of the situation by which these men were being consumed, it seemed trivial to be upset with Anderson for being six minutes late. It was clear that sleep was something he'd get once his body flicked the Off switch on its own.
"I should have everything. Please ask questions as we go. There may be things I've missed." Colonel Anderson said as he opened the file and began sorting the contents into neat piles on the table.
"I'll start with India and the areas around the Indian Ocean" Anderson confidently said as he grabbed the first stack. He was now on auto pilot. His sleep deprived mind was now clear and focused.
"India is quiet so far. The British report they have some sizable naval assets in Colombo," said Anderson, pointing at the fold out map.
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"But they don't think their ships could stand up to any of Japanese carrier forces currently engaged with the Dutch near Java."
"Supplies and fuel seem to be moving freely around the area. The British are confident that they can fortify India before any Japanese forces arrive, if they arrive at all."
"They were confident about Singapore and that fell in ONE DAY!" exclaimed Secretary Knox, the Secretary of the Navy. The other men nodded ever so slightly but were in complete agreement with Knox.
"I agree Mr. Secretary. They may have learned some lessons from Singapore though." Anderson said in an even, noncommittal tone. His job was just to keep these men informed, not make excuses for anyone or try to speculate what other world leaders may be thinking.
"If you look here" Anderson pointed at the map again. "You'll see the British are planning on making a stand at Rangoon and Pegu. The Japanese will have to attack across the Yangon River and the British believe they can hold them up there. The Brits have moved a lot of ground units to Rangoon and are digging in. They are also continuously mining the harbor in case the Japanese come by sea."
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"Rangoon is still receiving troops and supplies by ship without disruption. Port Blair however," pointing at the map again "is receiving daily reconnaissance flights by Japanese planes and it's supply convoys are being hunted by Japanese subs." continued Anderson until he was interrupted.
"General Bradley already informed us of Point Blair. I think we're expecting new information Colonel." having finally contributed, Secretary of the Army, General Marshall, picked up his cup of coffee and began to slowly take a sip while staring over the rim at Anderson.
"I'm sorry General. I'm not sure what General Bradley included last time so I thought it better if I just give you everything." Anderson suddenly felt a little flustered.
"You're doing fine Colonel, keep going." encouraged Stimson.
"OK, Mr. Secretary." Anderson was a bit relieved and caught Stimson giving General Marshall a slight look of admonishment.
"We have a report, through the British, that General Chennault has moved his American Volunteer Group out of China and possibly to Rangoon. The British couldn't give us an exact location. They said the report itself was second hand. General Bradley suspects they British know exactly where they are but fear that we'll try to pull them out." Anderson made sure the last statement didn't sound like his opinion.
"The Chinese can't be too happy about that. I doubt they'd just let the AVG leave." said Marshall, wiping the corners of his mouth.
"I don't know the answer to that, sir. We aren't getting many reports out of China. The most we know is they're engaging the Japanese on the ground but seem to be getting the worst of it. Here's our latest map of China:" Anderson reached for a new, smaller pile.
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"The Chinese can't meet the Japanese in the air either so it sounds like they've assigned all their aircraft to Ground Attack duties. Once we get a more consistent line of information established, I'm sure General Bradley will update you."
"How is Omar?" asked Knox.
"He thinks German submarines launched those clams into our fishing nets. He seems to be feeling better and promises to be here tomorrow." explained Anderson while remembering Bradley regurgitating his seafood dinner 36 hours ago. He also remembered that, except for a couple of doughnuts, it was the last meal he'd had as well.
"Does anyone mind if we take a quick break? The coffee's going right through me this morning." said Marshall. He didn't wait for a response as he got out of his chair and headed for the door.
Nice work KyzBP. Nice twist to the presentation style.
Quote from: OJsDad on July 22, 2015, 08:33:56 PM
Nice work KyzBP. Nice twist to the presentation style.
Thanks OJD. I'll finish up when I get home from work. Nice Flag.
"Alright. Where were we?" asked General Marshall.
"The British are still operating a P.T. Boat base at Pakhoi with the only boats they could get out of Hong Kong." Anderson was rolling now.
"Now gentlemen, if you look on this map you can see the Japanese have control over Malaya." Anderson unfolded the largest map so far.
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"I can't believe the Brits only lasted a day at Singapore." Knox said, just loud enough for everyone to hear but quiet enough to be thinking aloud.
"They took a heavy pounding by air, sir" explained Anderson, just in case Knox's comment was intended for him. "The rest of their forces on Malaya aren't faring any better I'm afraid. What they have left there probably won't hold out for a month." Anderson wasn't surprising anyone with that statement.
"If you'll look up here" said Anderson as he pointed to the Northern tip of Sumatra "you'll find Sabang." Anderson said as he made eye contact with Marshall, who seemed to be fighting back a boyish grin. "The Dutch are planning to make a stand at Sabang. They consolidated as many units as they could up there and are being supplied AND reinforced by the British. Whatever RAF units the Brits salvaged from Malaya they sent to Sabang. What Sabang doesn't have is engineers and aircraft mechanics. Neither the Dutch nor the Brits think they can help in that department." Anderson paused as he looked around the room to make sure he still had everyone's interest.
"Do we know why they're not trying to pull them out?" asked Stimson.
"It's the Japanese subs, sir. They're sinking everything in that area. Some supply has made it in but it's usually in larger convoys. The Dutch are afraid of losing all those men without a fight. They said if the Japanese are tied up there then they can't be somewhere else." Anderson was happy he had most of the answers so far.
"Now on this map..." Anderson got most of the map opened.
"Damn Colonel! It looks like someone sneezed spaghetti sauce on your map." said Marshall. The other men in the room smiled but it was gallow's humor. There wasn't anything funny about what they were looking at.
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"As you can see the Dutch haven't a chance against the Japanese in this area. Java is being invaded and Borneo is lost. There are still Dutch subs willing to fight and we're getting reports that Dutch air assets are damaging some of the Jap ships but the Japanese have carriers in the area and are thinning out what few fighters the Dutch have. Unfortunately, that's all the information I have on the Dutch right now. We were expecting an update this morning but the Dutch embassy was having communication problems. General Bradley should have an update for you tomorrow." Anderson was relieved by Stimson's nodding in acceptance.
"Colonel, can we jump to the Philippines? MacArthur has been requesting resupply and reinforcement daily. Do you see a way to get that to him?" Marshall came across sincere and concerned.
"If you look at this map, you can see the Philippines are pretty much cut off." Anderson unfolded yet another map, complete with a coffee stain.
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"The good news is Manila is still functioning as a submarine base and the repair yard is intact." Anderson continued. "The Marine commander reports ample supply but would like reinforcements. A small supply ship snuck out of Manila. It arrived safely at Guam and it will then try to make it's way to Midway." Anderson paused in anticipation of the questions that were sure to follow.
"Does that mean we'll have a way in?" asked Knox.
"...or out?" added Stimson.
"Honestly, we're not sure. We didn't even know about this until the ship docked in Guam. The ship's captain, a civilian, has a son stationed on Guam. Rumor got around about Guam's supply situation and he apparently took it upon himself to make the supply run. The Filipino dock workers loaded him up so we didn't have any knowledge about it until yesterday when Colonel MacNaulty sent us a message thanking us for the supplies." concluded Anderson.
"Damn it!" Knox shouted as he slammed a fist to the table in front of him. "I pulled SIX subs off the line just to get supplies to Guam." Knox was obviously angry but thankful that his men at Guam were now fully supplied.
"The Japanese have begun bombing Clark Field." said Anderson in an attempt to redirect the meeting back to the Philippines. "We believe this is in response to the 34th Pursuit Squadron's harassment of any Japanese shipping that passes near the Philippines rather than a pre-invasion action." Anderson didn't feel comfortable presenting speculation instead of fact but in this case Bradley ordered Anderson to make sure this was brought up.
"How's the 34th weathering the bombings?" asked Marshall.
"That's the thing, sir, they're not there. Captain Boanin, who's now commanding the 34th, has the squadron rotating airfields. They're never at the same airfield more than 2 days in a row." Anderson finished but noticed he was starting to run out of whatever was keeping him going. He knew he had to be more brief if he was going to make it through this meeting and be coherent at the same time.
"Smart kid." Marshall responded, nodding again.
"Let me take you to Australia and New Guinea." Anderson said. "I have a few maps and photos of this area so if you gentlemen would like to take another break, I'll have them ready for you in a minute or two." Anderson needed a break as well. This would buy him a minute to refocus.
The generals looked around at each other and to the aides, who had been furiously taking notes.
"Let's do that." said Stimson. And with that, they headed out of the room.
"From here gentlemen, this briefing should go much quicker. I'm going to gloss over most of it. If you want me to go into detail about something just stop me. I believe each of your offices are receiving regular updates." Anderson was ready to finish the briefing. He had saved the Central and South Pacific for last, knowing there wouldn't be many questions. But first, he had to brief the Secretaries about the area around Australia.
"If you look at this map, you'd hardly know that less than 500 miles away there was a major war going on" Anderson waited while the Generals and their Aides looked over the map of Northern Australia.
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"Do we know if the Dutch have evacuated any units to build up Timor?" asked Stimson.
"No sir. There's been some confusion among the Dutch commanders. Some of the commanders prepared their troops to evacuate to Timor, as you said, but they were unable to secure transports. Other units have decided to build fortifications and take on the Japanese when they arrive. They haven't done so well. In one case, a Base Force and an Infantry Brigade took it upon themselves to move to Batavia because they beleived it more defensible than their original location. What they didn't know was transports were sent to move them to Lautem. The transports found an empty base when they arrived. Worse yet is the Dutch at Batavia haven't heard from these units in almost a week." Anderson realized he just took the longest route possible to say "No".
"Just off the map to the North, Secretary Knox, there's a destroyer force sitting in Ambon Harbor with empty fuel tanks. There are 2 Japanese task forces blockading Ambon. We don't think the Japanese know the destroyers are out of fuel. They should have attacked." Anderson could see the concern on Knox's face.
"Do the Brits or Aussies have anything that can break that blockade?" Knox had to at least ask.
"No sir. There's a small carrier task force lurking around there. Neither of those navies want to risk their ships up there." Anderson knew it wasn't the answer Knox wanted.
"Well where ARE their ships then, and please don't tell me in port." Knox waited for an answer and no matter what that answer was he wouldn't be satisfied.
"They're here in Brisbane and Sydney. The Aussies are worried that the Japanese are going to attack their East Coast."
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"I guess you can't blame them" said Knox, coming to the realization that his destroyers at Ambon were probably lost.
"Hell Frank, we still have ships and planes guarding Pearl as if the Japs will be there tonight. I understand them being cautious." Stimson threw in his two cents.
"May I continue, sir?" Anderson asked.
"Please do. I meet with the President in an hour so lets get to the meat." Stimson was all business now.
"Ok sir, well, the Japanese are working their way south towards the Solomon Islands. The transports that were to establish bases in the Solomons have been delayed and diverted due to the presence of a large carrier force, most likely the one that hit Pearl." Anderson directed their attention to the next two maps.
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"We're learning the hard way that, not only can their carrier based bombers cover a lot of ocean, but the task force itself is pretty nimble. They sunk a major supply convoy off of Pago Pago. There were no survivors. The day before they had been sighted off the North side of Fiji." Secretary Knox confirmed Anderson's report with a simple nod.
"We were expecting an invasion force at Baker Island but it never materialized. There is a hodge podge of destroyers and patrol craft standing by Baker should that invasion force show up. Canton Island is fully operational and fully defended." Anderson hoped that would make someone happy. If it did, none of them showed it.
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"Does anyone need a brief on Pearl or Midway?" Anderson asked, the way a waitress would ask if anyone needed more coffee.
Stimson looked at the other men in the room. Not seeing any reaction,he shook his head, a signal for Anderson to continue.
"Well then I'll try to end on a good note. As of yesterday evening we now have 4 carriers in San Diego. They should all be ready for action in 72 hours." Despite being exhausted, Anderson knew he did well. By tomorrow General Bradley would be well enough to take his rightful place and maybe Anderson could catch some well deserved sleep.
"If you have nothing more Colonel, you are dismissed. And Colonel, thank you." Stimson didn't bother watching Anderson leave. Strangely, neither did any of the men in the room. Maybe if he was carrying a pot of coffee the way Helen had earlier...
Sorry about the delay. I should be able to continue later this evening.
Take your time man. Victory can bought but cannot be rushed.
Quote from: Sir Slash on July 28, 2015, 11:48:28 AM
Take your time man. Victory can bought but cannot be rushed.
Thanks for your patience Sir Slash. The kids sport commitments take precedence unfortunately.
But I thought WE were your children. Though the IRS might disagree.
So we are up to January 3rd, 1942 and I haven't lost any carriers. I'm happy about that. Here's an update as to where we stand.
There are still a butt load of subs around Hawaii.
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He's either rotating them in and out or my ships and pilots just aren't doing any damage. Only you guys know for sure.
I've redirected most of the convoys south of Hawaii to avoid these subs.
Would you like to know what happens when you reroute ships south of Hawaii?
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Those ship that say "near Canton" are many of the rerouted ships. His KB moved incredibly fast from the Pago Pago area
and got into the waters around Canton. The good news was that his first wave of bombers were unescorted. They were met
by a just deployed squadron of P-39s. The Airacobras hacked them up pretty good.
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Notice how many of the top pilots are P-39 drivers. I only have 1 squadron of P-39's deployed.
I hope the loss of aprox. 50 of his bomber pilots is worth the loss of these troops:
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I'm pretty sure any of the killed units assigned to the Pacific Fleet were killed by his carrier pilots.
We did manage to stop 2 invasion attempts at Baker Island. Both times it was 4 lowly DDs who happened to be near by. Three of the four DDs
have sustained some type of damage so they are off to be fixed. I left a B.A. Patrol Craft and the undamaged destroyer to dissuade him she he consider further attempts but I have a feeling his CV's are going to clear the way at Baker.
Quote from: Sir Slash on July 28, 2015, 03:44:34 PM
But I thought WE were your children. Though the IRS might disagree.
Claiming you guys as dependents to the IRS means having to claim I know you guys. Do you see the dilemma? ;)
Here's the remaining ships running from the KB.
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I'm not sure where that KB of his is going but I'm going to try not to be there.
I do have Torpedo Bombers at Canton and Johnston if he strays too close. I make no promises that any of those planes would get through his fighters though.
I have managed to populate these bases:
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I'm trying to get more troops and supplies to that area. As soon as the KB finishes its destruction I'll resume sending stuff. This time they may have an escort. :knuppel2:
I did learn, through experimentation, that I can use subs to refuel other ships. That means I can send subs to Ambon and Salajar to refuel those dry ships.
The blockade at Ambon continues:
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I've tried bombing and torpedoing these ships but I can't score any hits. Maybe they'll run out of gas. I'm not sure what he's waiting on.
Also, I put almost all of the DD's here into the shipyard. The problem is I can't figure how to get them out. When I do I'll use subs to refuel them and then confront the blockade. I also have the CA's and CL's from Australia headed that way but they're probably a week out.
Yeah, I could see that.
There will be another delay as I'm on vacation for the next week.
This is such a huge campaign, I think you'll prefer not to do a narrative version, Kyz. Took a lot longer to cover the info.
Your non-narrative reports have been fine, so don't worry about that. :)
I prefer bullet points and discussion of strategy
After a much needed vacation, I am back. Before I continue let me address the AAR style for a moment.
I've only written one AAR prior to this one. It was a short lived Football Manager career that I posted around here somewhere. It was pretty easy to stick to one style because I was playing as an alter ego and, again, it was short lived. This AAR however, would be too narrow in scope if I played it as just one person's view. I also think AAR will be too long to stick to any one particular style. Bullet points and screenshots are probably the easiest route to take but every once in a while I think a detour is necessary to break up the monotony of a really long AAR. I hope you'll bear with me.
After being gone nearly a week I expected UCG to have sent the turn already. I was wrong. So while he continues to crash spaceships and kill of forum members I'll fill you guys in on what I've been pondering while on vacation.
Remember my silly idea of trying to invade his northernmost islands? I'm kind of liking it again.
Pros:
-Distraction. It would certainly refocus his attention for a (short?) while.
-Destruction. I would get to pick the time and place of a battle. Hopefully it would allow me to hit him piecemeal rather than fight a well organized force...initially.
-Location. I could attack at a place close to friendly waters yet very close to the heart of the enemy. If it goes sour I can get out quick, under the cover of friendly air units.
Cons:
-Unnecessary Risk. I've read a few AAR's where the Allied player just sits back and conserves his forces until 43 and then unleashes them with predictable results. I don't have to invade anywhere for awhile but I want this to be fun.
-Failure. This plan, if discovered, could cost me, at minimum, 2 CV's and 2 LCU's. More on this later.
-Ridicule. I could be forever known, to Grog's, as The Idiot Who Tried To Invade Japan...In 42. That signature line isn't as cool as some that I've seen here.
I have 4 CVs available but only 5 squadrons of Wildcats and a squadron of Buffaloes. I won't get anymore Carrier Capable squadrons until May or June. All the Wildcats and Buff's would be assigned to 2 CV's and provide CAP for both the invasion and the bombardment TF's. That's about 115 fighters. They are also my best pilots so they should be an equal or better match to anything he can initially throw at me. Once his carriers show up though it will change and I may have to bug out. The good thing is he lost 50 of his best bomber pilots at Canton so the threat to my ships is diminished somewhat.
I will begin assembling the Bombardment TF at Dutch Harbor. Once assembled, they will work their way west to Attu. There they will wait until bad weather rolls in. The invasion force will do the same. We have to use the bad weather to stay undetected. If we tip our hand at all then I'll have to cancel.
The infantry and engineer units will all be set to train for Rabual until they are loaded on their ships. If he gets the same kind of intel that I do then this may not only draw his forces south towards Rabual but it may force UCG to hold back some units he is planning to use for Port Moresby. I may suffer a few more casualties but I don't expect a ton of resistance.
If I can get 1 division, 1 engineer unit, and one base force onto each island I should be able to keep him distracted long enough to get a bunch of convoys through to OZ. I really didn't like what he was able to do to my convoys.
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The time table for this is almost immediately. I have to wait for a few more AP's to arrive at San Fran and L.A. but then we begin.
I know it's a bit crazy and a lot dumb but I warned you guys that I wanted to have fun with this.
Victory belongs to the Bold but not the Foolhardy. Guess you need to decide which your plan falls under. Am I wrong in assuming that northern Japan will be lightly defended?
Here's the big question I have, would you be able to setup any airstrips and launch bombers against mainland Japan with any of those captured islands. If you can, then I would say it's worth the risk.
Guadalcanal cost the Japanese a lot and if you can get an airfield up and running you could cost UCG a lot. If you go light, he may not need to divert as much as you may hope and still be able to pound on your southern convoys and troops.
Go Big or Stay Home!
The big gamble lies in not knowing how well defended those islands are. I don't want to recon those islands until right before I go. I don't want him to have any idea I'm coming. I would think a division thrown at each would do the job, if the islands are too well defended then I turn back. The problem is I want to do this in the worst possible weather so I may be going at this blind.
If I get an Engineer unit onto each island I should be able to get airstrips set up quickly. I'll move some Warhawks and Marauders onto to the airstrips to protect them while I expand the strips until the bigger bombers can move in. He'll have to move resources that way. It's just too close to the Home Islands. Remember, I'm trying to buy time. The more assets he sends in the wrong direction means he's not invading/holding something he had originally planned.
I'll probably chicken out at the last minute but it's giving me something to plan for.
Squee: The Thousand Mile War!
Historically, Japanese blocked this move pre-emptively by taking the western Aleutians -- and threatening to roll up with their own invasion into Alaska, which might sound insane to us considering how large Alaska is, and the environment they'd have to operate in, but there was a very real fear in American upper ranks that the Japanese would be able to effectively take the wholes state with one division of troops.
(Might make for an interesting Grog thread, to consider how feasible that really was, or how disruptive it would have been for the Japs to even have tried if unsuccessfully.)
While I know the map has fog of war, the flags on the islands are still American, so despite UGeek running up a small recce force it looks to me like he isn't really thinking about doing anything there yet. CINCPAC seriously would have tried to take the northern border islands from Japan (like that one they share with Russia), for an early super-base-building effort, had they not been blocked early. So I think it's a viable plan to try even if he eventually kicks you off.
Quote from: JasonPratt on August 04, 2015, 02:32:29 PM
Squee: The Thousand Mile War!
Historically, Japanese blocked this move pre-emptively by taking the western Aleutians -- and threatening to roll up with their own invasion into Alaska, which might sound insane to us considering how large Alaska is, and the environment they'd have to operate in, but there was a very real fear in American upper ranks that the Japanese would be able to effectively take the wholes state with one division of troops.
(Might make for an interesting Grog thread, to consider how feasible that really was, or how disruptive it would have been for the Japs to even have tried if unsuccessfully.)
While I know the map has fog of war, the flags on the islands are still American, so despite UGeek running up a small recce force it looks to me like he isn't really thinking about doing anything there yet. CINCPAC seriously would have tried to take the northern border islands from Japan (like that one they share with Russia), for an early super-base-building effort, had they not been blocked early. So I think it's a viable plan to try even if he eventually kicks you off.
Thanks Jason! Now I won't feel like such a fool if this doesn't work.
KyzBP, taking this chance may not work out, but I don't think you should feel like a fool. You've put some thought into it. You're going to try and hold on to it an use it to take the war to the home islands. Just sitting around and assuming that UCG will allow you to wait until '43 is not the thing to do. Perhaps the AI would, but don't count on any human player to do that.
I support your plan. Just because it's different. But downside is he can just igore you and your divisions are in the middle of no where gaining little VPs.
January 4th, 1942
UCG continues to be frustrated at Baker Island. He's had, I believe, 3 landing attempts interrupted. Today was no different.
There seems to be some type of competition between Destroyer Captains as to who can be the most daring.
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Today LCMR H. "Hard" Wood of the Destroyer USS Ford single handedly took on the Invasion Force. You can see the results above.
The Invasion Force turned away again and looks to be staging for another attempt. Unfortunately, I don't think we have what it takes to stop him this time.
The KB tried numerous times to bomb the Smith by air but was unsuccessful. I now have the Smith under the Airacobra CAP at Canton.
The waters near Pearl continue to clear up.
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I'm speculating that the Air and Naval ASW efforts around Hawaii finally became too much so Geek moved them to the open water between
Hawaii and the West Coast. It's also possible that they're going all the way to the West Coast in an effort to blockade me there. If that's the case then I'll follow him with the always eager DD's. He'll find the West Coast no more hospitable than Hawaii. Maybe he just left to resupply.
Java continues to disappear. There's really just the two strongholds at Batavia and Soerabaja remaining. The brave forces at Tjilatjap are still putting
up a defense despite knowing what's in store for them.
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This happened a couple of times with similar results. We'll lose Java but it'll be nice knowing that we're hurting his transport capabilities in the process.
The Chinese forces are still, mostly, getting kicked around. One exception is the fine men stationed in the port city of Pakhoi. You'll remember Pakhoi as the port from which the P.T. Boat raid against Haiphong was launched. Here's what they're capable of on land:
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It would be nice if they could keep up the 10-1 kill ratio but the fortification level was knocked down to 1 so it'll probably fall in the next turn or two.
Nothing has changed in the India/Burma theater. I'm continuing to reinforce the Blair-Rang-Bang line. Also, a British CV will be arriving in Colombo soon to add to my defensive fleet located there.
There were no bombing raids in the Philippines this turn. I continue to dig in and wait. We have plenty of supplies for now so we'll just stand by.
The blockade at Ambon continues. The small cruiser task force sent to break the blockade is less than a week away. I've been trying to break it by air but nobody can hit his DDs. The small carrier task force of his doesn't seem interested either.
Australia/Port Moresby/New Zealand are still gearing up for offensive operations but quiet overall.
Preparations for Operation Arctic Monkey has begun. All participating LCUs have had their preparation location changed to Rabual. They have all been placed into Strategic Move mode and are headed up to Seattle by train. There they will meet up with their AP's and begin loading. The BIG problem is the AP's. I only have 12 of them readily available in the area. I'm really hoping that's enough. Now that the subs around Hawaii are gone I'm going to start sending the Bombardment ships up to Dutch Harbor. But first I have to deal with this guy once and for all:
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I think TF108 will be able to deal with his annoying little suicide ship. TF108 will stick around there and be part of Arctic Monkey. I hope having a BB in Alaskan Waters doesn't raise any eyebrows.
Thank you for your support of Operation Arctic Monkey. I think just knowing that the Allies are on Japanese soil in 1942 will eat at Geek enough that he'll have to try and retake the islands. I can't imagine him ignoring it. I know I couldn't ignore it. We'll see how this plays out. A lot of thing can happen that could end up cancelling the operation. :(
Sorry for the delay. We had a Dropbox snafu but are now back on track.
January 5th, 1942Let's get right to the bad news. UCG hit Sabang. It was completely and totally unexpected .
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First he smashed everything in the small harbor, including a troop transport that was unloading an armor unit. Bad timing on my part.
Then he began unloading troops.
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He has a 2 to 1 advantage on me right now but I'm hoping to weaken him by putting all my fighters at Sabang to Ground Attack. I sent a Bombardment TF to Sabang from Colombo but they may not make it in time. I don't think I have enough assets in the area to hold Sabang but maybe I'll get lucky. The good news is Port Blair and Rangoon continue to build up defenses and supply caches.
Over in China, the boys of Pakhoi continue to put up strong resistance against Geek's IJA.
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Geek finally knocked down the fortifications there so they may end up falling soon but they put up one heck of a defense.
The rest of China continues to roll over for their Japanese masters. I really need to go through all of the Generals and make changes but I also want to save the PP's for switching other HQ's in the South Pacific.
When will Geek learn that the boys in the P-35's mean business?
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I doubt it's anywhere near enough to sink that CVE but it's going to lay it up for a while at least. The P-35 squadron has just taken on the nickname "Honey Badgers." When things begin to look bad in the Philippines I may have to disband them and hope the pilots are returned to the pool. If I can I'll reform the Honey Badgers somewhere else.
This is for that one person who may not know why they are now called the Honey Badgers:
The area around Baker/Canton seems to be stabilizing. It looks like Geek is moving his carriers out of the area, possibly his landing forces as well. I've sent a Surface Combat Group from Hawaii to standby at Canton in case the attacks on Baker continue. Only one DD from the original group remains serviceable.
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For the first time in this game I was unable to locate a single sub in the Hawaiian waters. My guess still is they moved to that Black Hole between the West Coast and Hawaii. I'll continue to run ASW patrols between America and Hawaii.
I am excited to see the results of Arctic Monkey. Hope it goes off!
Here's an update on Arctic Monkey's progress, just for you Airborne.
First we have to make sure no one is snooping around our secondary staging area.
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The Warspite and her friends took care of Geek's pesky AMC. Those 3 will head back to Dutch Harbor to await the rest of the ships. They will also be on standby should any subs or surface ships get too nosy.
All LCU's that are participating have been sent by rail to Seattle, the Primary Staging Area. All AP's are also being sent. The air cover for the operation will be supplied by the Lexington and Saratoga. They will have a combined 140 fighters and 36 dive bombers on board. I truly hope 140 Wildcats and Buffaloes are enough air cover for anything he sends. Remember, it's a true 140 set to CAP. I will not be sending out any offensive sorties with fighter cover. The dive bombers are there to clear the beaches. I don't expect to see any naval presence for the first week. 12 subs are being detailed to the area to provide initial interdiction of any surface vessels.
On the deception front, I've set a couple of Aussie and one NZ unit to plan for Rabual. Just before Lexi and Sara (The Girls) leave, I'm going to send the Enterprise and Yorktown, with DD escort, to Christmas Island for some R&R. Hopefully his subs will spot them moving in the direction of the South Pacific and attempt to follow, drawing off any prying eyes that may see the Girls and her AP pals cruising up to Seattle.
Now it's just the waiting while everything moves into place. Then we wait on the weather.
Warspite? She's far from home.
I hope Arctic Monkey works. I cannot wait until B-17's are flying from those islands hitting the homeland :)
Seriously though, are you planning on leaving your fighters and dive bombers on the islands or are you plans to leave the islands with just ground forces.
The Warspite started in the shipyards of Seattle, I believe. Somewhere on the West Coast for sure.
The whole intention of Arctic Monkey is to draw the Japanese carriers away from the South Pacific so I can get my aircraft and LCU's to the South Pacific and Australia unmolested. A great secondary consequence would be to hold a couple of those small islands and fly bombers over the main island. For either to take place I have to be able to hold those islands long enough to draw his attention there. If I fail during the invasion or am defeated within a week then it'll probably be for naught.
Here's hoping Artic Monkey becomes a Northern King Kong. I think Geek will expect you much further south and either be totally rattled by the move or maybe suspect a diversion and ignore it allowing you to make a clean get-away. Either way it should be a show worth watching.
Quote from: Sir Slash on August 10, 2015, 10:17:10 PM
Here's hoping Artic Monkey becomes a Northern King Kong. I think Geek will expect you much further south and either be totally rattled by the move or maybe suspect a diversion and ignore it allowing you to make a clean get-away. Either way it should be a show worth watching.
I hope so Sir Slash. O0
Right now our turn progress is crawling. Usually one of us has something going on that delays the turn. I'll update as soon as I receive the file.
Without getting into what I do or don't know from reading UGeek's side, I am super-interested in Arctic Monkey and how it goes. :smitten:
Quote from: JasonPratt on August 16, 2015, 11:51:32 AM
Without getting into what I do or don't know from reading UGeek's side, I am super-interested in Arctic Monkey and how it goes. :smitten:
The wheels are in motion. It'll take a little bit to get everything staged but as of right now everything is still a go.
I should be posting an update within the next 24hrs. Our turn exchange has slowed down a bit.
Monkey got frozen?
One simply cannot rush a Monkey. Artic or otherwise.
There are many different kinds of monkeys.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qe_zbyn1hQE
From the team that gave us NCIS, and yes that is Commander Decker.
Oh, and John Hillerman does a great Heinrich Himmler.
Quote from: besilarius on August 19, 2015, 06:51:27 AM
There are many different kinds of monkeys.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qe_zbyn1hQE
From the team that gave us NCIS, and yes that is Commander Decker.
Oh, and John Hillerman does a great Heinrich Himmler.
The pilot is currently stationed at a Top Secret base north of Midway...waaay North.
January 6th-7th, 1942
I know you guys have been patiently awaiting an update and here it is. The only downside is not a lot is happening right now.
Things at Sabang have been heating up.
Day 1 of the battle has the Dutch ground forces putting up a stiff resistance.
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He brought about 14k worth of troops to the party while we have about 5k of our own. We need to keep up these kind of kill ratios
to give us a shot of holding Sabang.
Day 2 shows a slightly better kill ratio.
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Unfortunately we have no bombers in range that can provide support. The fighters based at Sabang don't seem to want to go into Ground Attack mode.
Our Bombardment task force is still about 4 days away. The good news is Geek didn't attack on Day 3 so our TF is that much closer.
The rest of the area has India sending supplies and fuel wherever it can. Rangoon continues to build up. I'm feeling pretty confident should he decide to try and take it.
Except for the 2 main ports, Java is almost completely under Japanese rule. He will have a hard time taking both of those cities due to the fortification levels and the amount of troops that have retreated there. He will take them, don't get me wrong, it may just take him a bit. The P.T. Boats at Salajar are fueled and will hopefully make a run at an unsuspecting AK convoy passing nearby (screenshots upcoming if they attack.)
Our old friends the Dutch subs made an appearance
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That was the second attack on that convoy. The first one also resulted in a damaged AK.
Speaking of subs, the subs around Pearl have returned...yea
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The next day shows even more. I had really hoped they'd left. :(
The Battle for Baker Island continues:
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This time he got the better end of the bargain. That also clears the way for him to land. I don't have anything close enough that can handle that little Surface Combat Group of his. I may try to get some PBY's into the area to disrupt the landings but there aren't many of them.
Other than Geek waltzing his way through China, nothing else noteworthy has been happening. Arctic Monkey is progressing as planned. The submarine screen is headed North and the troops, equipment and naval assets are headed to their rendezvous sites. I'll keep you posted as soon as I get the next turn back.
January 8th, 1942
Let's go straight to Ambon.
Geek finally started his Ambon invasion. As luck would have it, I finally figured out how to get my ships out of repair status...3 days too late.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-08-21%252013.36.03.png&hash=1ae5d6daecffd36bff9ba2003db14e62e18279ed)
He's landed about 6000 troops so far. I have a whopping 2000 there to defend.
The Garrison is going to try to take the fight to the enemy. These guys seem committed. Maybe there's a chance we can repel the invasion and drive the evil Geekanese back to the ocean.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-08-21%252013.58.25.png&hash=8bea39595ae4ecc593790f2257c09d8e1fff73b0)
The blockade breaking TF will arrive tomorrow. I don't think they'll be strong enough.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-08-22%252009.29.46.png&hash=b596e4752dd10163900965a7ac6ac10fa3ec1ad2)
If I can get lucky maybe I can catch the transports first. I doubt I'll have that kind of luck. If we can damage some of his ships though, it might make them just slow enough for our bombers to score some hits and finish them off. What I should have done was set the bombers to Ground Attack and let them disrupt any assaults. If they survive today then I'll switch it tomorrow.
I also sortied a (very) few more ships in that direction in case we manage to stay combat effective.
The P.T. Boats at Salajar did manage to make contact with the passing convoy.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-08-21%252013.43.23.png&hash=55e44c5c4f88a81065f236eff37258305bc1ee20)
We did some damage, even took a little, but some of the AKs managed to steam away.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-08-21%252013.45.25.png&hash=94debb7e89978effeae8483a7f4ba8de7d0019cc)
The PT's are back at Saladjar repairing and rearming. What I should've done is sent them North to interrupt an invasion taking place there. Hopefully I can do that next turn but I have a feeling Geek will be sending something towards the PTs to get rid of them.
The Bombardment TF headed for Sabang arrived earlier than I expected.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-08-21%252013.56.02.png&hash=587fda6cea5dc7b3f66ea1b6bf1c5f0f48633237)
I was hoping for more death and destruction. Hopefully it'll disrupt him for a bit. Sadly, I have no reinforcements to send. They're well supplied though.
Other than the Dutch pilots, those crazy Low-Landers have accounted well for themselves.
Did someone sully the proud name of the Dutch Air Force?
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-08-21%252013.54.21.png&hash=34c7aadf257aac0f9685b05541814db57886c191)
See, we can hit stuff.
Java continues to hold out but the end is inevitable.
The Philippines continue to be bombed. Geek is sending the bombers in without escort so the P-35 squadron is has been switched to CAP for the next 24 hours. Let's see if we can surprise him a bit and maybe thin the bombing herd.
Over near Port Moresby the Banshee squadron continues to peck away at the Geekanese shipping.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-08-21%252013.51.24.png&hash=005f552779a61191eab848872505977d3a673193)
Soon he'll have Rabaul up and running and the easy pickings will be gone.
Baker Island finally fell.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-08-21%252013.58.00.png&hash=37720ec187d1efbae3377395f0a2e2c99797f9ee)
Canton should be fine. It's maxed out on troops and the Squadrons present are all very experienced.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-08-22%252010.00.34_1.png&hash=6be317a22b3375d54b335a38aa481bd515f16be5)
His carriers are leaving the area and headed toward the Coral Sea. I have some bases up and running but I'm low on aircraft. We'll just turtle for now.
Too bad Geek's AAR sea to have stopped.
Quote from: jomni on August 23, 2015, 08:11:14 PM
Too bad Geek's AAR sea to have stopped.
His turns are coming back slow as well. I think Rimworld has a hold on him for now. This game is a marathon. There's bound to be lulls.
Not to mention he may be a bit busy with another game he just purchased- Restaurant Manager Pro..
I'm okay with just one side to the AARs, if UGeek is busy. Keeps some mystery in what the other guy is doing.
I talked to Geek this morning and it is indeed the Restaurant Pro game that's got him distracted. I can certainly cut him some slack for that.
Quote from: JasonPratt on August 24, 2015, 10:43:24 AM
I'm okay with just one side to the AARs, if UGeek is busy. Keeps some mystery in what the other guy is doing.
But I want to see his reaction on that Monkey expedition.
Me, too! Fortunately he posted a new entry himself yesterday. Though I'm not going to say here whether he shows any sign of knowing what's transpiring up north or not. ;)
Now that school is back in session for the kids the WiTP computer is in constant use. Our file swapping has turned into a trickle on both ends.
January 9th-10th, 1942
The task force I sent from Brisbane/Sydney finally arrived to break the blockade at Ambon.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-08-25%252016.40.57.png&hash=c41ccf0467b78f745423d601601efa1a409d28ea)
I think we gave a bit better than we got in round 1.
In Round 2 we managed to engage the invasion fleet.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-08-25%252016.42.17.png&hash=9c1fd8a23a2c38430e81f698defb83e70b748984)
Unfortunately we engaged them a day too late. All those Aks were empty.
And finally, after all the effort that was spent on holding Ambon and saving the DDs that were in repair, this is the end result:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-08-25%252016.55.03.png&hash=5e1de4d31f74afa9f44c8f92df1134ce5f55063e)
All the DDs(7) in port were scuttled. This could have been avoided if I would have figured out sooner how to get ships out of repair. The loss of those DDs will haunt me I'm sure.
Now Geek can start getting ready for a Northern Australia invasion if he so chooses. He's almost done with Java and the Celebes. Timor will fall fast. The new push is to prepare Northern Australia.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-08-30%252008.23.14.png&hash=5b05fa522f5caeea4b56adefbbf157ca397555cc)
But wait! There's more! If you act now we'll throw in Invasion Philippines absolutely free! You just pay extra shipping and handling. See, free!
I made a big miscalculation by switching the P-35s to CAP in anticipation of another unescorted bomber group passing by. While those P-35s were hanging around at 12,000 ft, Their bread and butter moved into Philippine waters.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-08-25%252016.51.25.png&hash=0510648e745bd665e8ded410b636cadf0966e398)
Some Seagulls gave it a shot but compared to the P-35s they're the Freshmen team of Anti Ship Warfare. I guarantee the 35's would've of taken a few of those ships out.
I've unleashed all of the subs left in Manila and the P.T. Boats are making their way North to interrupt the invasion.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-08-25%252018.34.00.png&hash=615c48d4893ca56043ddc9497f8c8d4f7f500301)
The P-35s are set back to Naval Attack. The ground forces continue to prepare defenses. The best we can hope for is to drain as much manpower from Geek as possible. He seems to have an endless supply of troops though.
This is why I need to try Arctic Monkey:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-08-25%252016.53.13.png&hash=f7644952af966a0e39fed1bc3de91e1179ebf4ce)
His CVs roam freely through the South Pacific, blowing up my troop transports for sport. My choices are to wait him out (I'm too impatient for that), take him on head on (suicide unless I send those fighter only CV's in first and then follow up with bomber equipped CV's once his fighters are attritted), or make him move. I think option 3 is my best, safest choice. Thus, The Monkey.
Now, there may be a delay with Arctic Monkey. Half of the Infantry units set aside for this are under West Coast command. I need to switch their command to Pacific or North Pacific. That costs Political Points. I don't have a ton of Political Points. I could try to replace those units with others but most of the movable units are under commands in the South Pacific. I'm going to reevaluate this next turn. Also, I'm pretty sure he spotted my CVs headed for Seattle. There's a sub that popped up near the mouth of the Sound. I'm hoping he just thinks I'm spreading out my repairs or something. I have to clear the area of ALL subs before I move the invasion force or the CV's. A single lost AP could end the invasion.
There are other things going on, and I'll touch on them when I get a chance but I just wanted to cover the big things for now.
:smitten: Just wanted to encourage you to keep going. :smitten:
Quote from: JasonPratt on August 30, 2015, 11:01:46 AM
:smitten: Just wanted to encourage you to keep going. :smitten:
Thanks Jason! We're trying.
Congrats on the first Allied naval victory of the war-- I think it was the first. Certainly the first Dutch naval victory in what, 200 years? Anyway the Geekster's gotta be going Artic Monkey Shit trying to figure out where your CV's are at. West coast... sure but why aren't they in the middle of the Pacific throwing themselves in front of my invasions and where my long range recon air and subs can find them, he's probably wondering. The same thing Sauron was asking himself, "Where the hell are they hiding that damned ring at" until it turned up right behind him. I bet you got him in Nipponese frenzy right now. Probably can't sleep at night.
Quote from: jomni on August 18, 2015, 07:43:49 PM
Monkey got frozen?
So has this game suffered the fate of most WITP games?
Quote from: jomni on September 13, 2015, 11:57:39 PM
Quote from: jomni on August 18, 2015, 07:43:49 PM
Monkey got frozen?
So has this game suffered the fate of most WITP games?
No, the game is still going, albeit slowly. Geek and I both have outside commitments that are sucking up gaming time. My part of the AAR has slowed down because the kids are back in school and the computer that can run WiTP is constantly in use for homework. I promise I'll update this soon.
Just when you thought it was safe to give up hope on this thread, I return with an update. :)
January 10th/11th, 1942.
It was a P.T. Boat kind of day. Some good news, and of course, some bad. One of the bad first.
Geek managed to catch my P.T. Boats near Salajar.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-09-11%252010.00.06.png&hash=a2f2c5d39b65fa493df5b4e0bf9896acaea5ec00)
It didn't end well.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-09-11%252010.00.45.png&hash=07d393f3ce17f488d0450727e003dcf18f9ea554)
But the P.T. Boats in the Philippines were facing the real test.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-09-11%252010.03.01.png&hash=e293bb255feb66b18e9af5e6969d28a87a8c1f76)
They managed to get some hits in on the AK's before being chased off by the escort ships. Luckily we managed to escape before taking any hits.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-09-11%252010.03.54.png&hash=209607d0315964535ae1dbaefd85e916b3397c15)
Geek still managed to land a sizable force. I really think not having those P-35's set to Naval Attack is going to cost me more than I originally thought. If I could've taken out some of his troops while they were still aboard the transports, then I may have been able to delay his timetable a bit. I only hope by not attacking the Philippines in December, he gave me time to better fortify.
Over near Port Moresby the Banshee squadron continues to harass Geek's shipping and troop movement.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-09-11%252010.13.06.png&hash=9c01986f4f79853fec4214abe4a16787699d7e74)
They were at it again the next day:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-09-16%252017.21.44.png&hash=41a411455126880146930f6b94f54066c187755d)
I'm not sure why he doesn't have CAP over this area yet but, given the success of the Banshees, I expect it soon.
I was hoping the Banshees would've went after the troop transports to the Southwest. Maybe next turn.
Our sub forces around Truk are starting to notch victories.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-09-11%252010.15.12.png&hash=675722423a3a3a350e8f5ac59bd9727ab98792c0)
The big problem though, is the amount of ordinance that my subs spend to get hits on ANY ship. Any given SS will fully expend it torpedo supply because the torps are usually duds or the just flat out miss. The subs then surface to use deck guns, which work fine except the subs are then vulnerable to return fire. After one encounter the sub usually has to return to port for refit and repair.
Sabang continues to hold out.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-09-11%252010.38.57.png&hash=97dfd177b9644647f0c0b595eda0c575c0ff350a)
The brief bombardment of his troops here may have disrupted him and bought me some time. I still can't figure out why the fighters based here won't attack his ground forces. It's about the only support I can provide to the troops here. Port Blair's airfield isn't big enough to handle bombers yet and the waters around Sabang aren't safe.
I had an armor battalion headed for Sabang but I've had to redirect it to land farther to the Southwest. It will have to bust a$$ north if it wants to join the party before it's over.
I've decided to use Baker Island as a spot to use as a "Troop Sink" for him. I will give it no rest and force him to continually have to reinforce and replenish the island.
I'll start with a little bombardment:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-09-11%252011.26.14.png&hash=ace9341d751156d3757b3ea19fd43558062d4cc6)
It's not much but it may grab his attention. I'm tempted to bring the other CV's (the ones with all the bombers) and do a hit and run on the island and the shipping in the area. I have enough PBY's to let me know if his carriers start heading that way. It may also pull them out of the area a bit if he decides to give chase. I think I just talked myself into it. ;)
More to come.
Baker Island shall be renamed in the local tongue: The Place Where UGeek's Troops Go To Die. O0
January 11, 1942
As a guy I used to coach football(American) with would always say "Some days you eat the bear..."
Both confidence and desperation were high today, if that's possible.
We start with a raid on the landings on the west side of Java.
A small force of Light Cruisers and Destroyers meet the Geekanese transports.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-09-16%252016.55.27.png&hash=671d6be3a9916fbfc549dd7214382460b629982b)
Results of Round 1:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-09-16%252017.01.01.png&hash=99aafac6bc3c4d5ecdbd72e21b5656a1e7bfd844)
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-09-16%252017.01.20.png&hash=029344ce5ead94e40fb95b0c8d71eec876934819)
Finishing off the stragglers:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-09-16%252017.01.57.png&hash=e7c55a935b79099f3694ff2be660f9d015f81172)
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-09-16%252017.02.24.png&hash=4ca9a12875fea85c77844270f7bf3a01492ced7a)
Round 2:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-09-16%252017.05.43.png&hash=686c6ab0cb44fcab708af0c987f65cdaea7c9550)
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-09-16%252017.11.03.png&hash=bc5117dc2c6be864b3af12e6070de8b45793b656)
The raid went much better than expected. Allied ships returned to port with minimal damage. Sadly, the raid did nothing to deter Geek from continuing his invasion of Java. It will be about a week before he has conquered it and begins having his way with the local women.
Dutch subs continue trying to contribute:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-09-16%252017.03.14.png&hash=670302de4de8b2f59d8c1e4b186f24723de5c36e)
I only wish I had more of these guys. Their torps seem to actually explode (I know you can hear me American torpedo makers).
As you know Ambon now belongs to Geek but I was able to exact a bit of revenge:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-09-16%252017.09.20.png&hash=c6bb8d597da35df79fc6bfb41cf04f5f0cd69ca9)
Geek sends more Raiders into the waters near Hawaii:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-09-16%252017.11.52.png&hash=d92556a3d6ddd61e4f1d13e8ac83459329194d33)
I'm still not exactly sure of his intent here. Is he simply sending expendable ships into the convoy lanes or is he probing in order to enact something much larger and more sinister? Either way, these guys aren't long for this world.
Some Zeroes and Betties were sent to get revenge on the task force that hit the landings on Java.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-09-16%252017.15.15.png&hash=2e2ad13631543d2abff009d45409c668904d499b)
It didn't go so well.
The Allied air forces in China went a' bombing:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-09-16%252017.17.24.png&hash=58a9f7e268968e2354fcad670152d4db7b766dcd)
This is nothing more than harassment. I don't think I'm really accomplishing anything here.
Geek managed to capture Taiping and Changsha in China and Iba in the Philippines. Even with isolated victories, the war is not going well for the Allies. Geek seems head for Port Moresby and then, probably, Australia. Arctic Monkey is now a priority. We have to give him something else to think about other than Australia. All troops that were scheduled for islands in the South Pacific are returning their sunscreen and being issued hand warmers. These guys are already attached to HQ's that'll allow me to transport them. The units currently slated for Arctic Monkey will be changed to the South Pacific as soon as I have enough Political Points. Hold on tight boys, it's about to get interesting.
And interesting it is. The pic of all those juicy, fat transports all alone gets me hot.
We now join the transportocalypse already in progress. >:D
Whether those hulls had troops in them or not, his ability to move troops around has just been reduced a significant percentage. You should appreciate that in the long run.
Quote from: Sir Slash on September 28, 2015, 02:39:01 PM
And interesting it is. The pic of all those juicy, fat transports all alone gets me hot.
When Geek sent that turn he let the cat out of the bag congratulating me on a well executed ambush. I was pretty surprised to see that as well.
Quote from: JasonPratt on September 28, 2015, 04:22:52 PM
We now join the transportocalypse already in progress. >:D
Whether those hulls had troops in them or not, his ability to move troops around has just been reduced a significant percentage. You should appreciate that in the long run.
I don't believe they had troops loaded. He may not have really needed them anymore given the way he's tearing through the Far East.
Maybe they'll be marooned in Java until the bomb drops.
I wonder how feasible it is in the game mechanics, for the Japanese player to play a long strategy of setting up Greater Japan 2 in China, with Japan 1 being the shield interfering with an eventual American thrust. I somewhat doubt the game has details enough to support building China up enough to try that, but I'd sure look into it.
Quote from: JasonPratt on September 29, 2015, 02:41:38 PM
I wonder how feasible it is in the game mechanics, for the Japanese player to play a long strategy of setting up Greater Japan 2 in China, with Japan 1 being the shield interfering with an eventual American thrust. I somewhat doubt the game has details enough to support building China up enough to try that, but I'd sure look into it.
That's a really interesting thought and an even more interesting strategy. I'd have to look but I'm sure the victory points for the cities on Japan are much greater than those in China. When I fire up the game for the next turn I'll take a look.
Naturally, a VP win couldn't be achievable. I'm thinking more along the lines of what usually, practically happens: one player loses the will to fight sooner than another player. >:D
I'd be interested in both of your thoughts about the role China plays in this game. I thought it was kind of just for show.
Lord, no, it's practically a whole game to itself. At the very least it's a troop sink for relatively easy resources, so it's a hard question whether to ignore it or how far to prosecute it. Ditto for Burma and the rest of SE Asia; and then the question, which is also true for China, is: just how much are you willing to let the Allies set up an Asian landwar situation in their favor nearby? -- do you try to push for India?? Or taking the other extreme, if you ignore China and the Asian landwar, are you prepared to throw back an utterly massive Allied army with the world's largest possible aircraft carrier (i.e. Asia) parked just over the horizon from the Home Islands?
I'd go so far to say that, arguably much like real life, China is why any Japanese player ultimately loses the war, either in the sense of not being able to force the US player to lose interest and quit soon enough because Japan is busy dealing with CHINA, or in the sense of being surrounded and overwhelmed early because CHINA got its act together and wasn't pacified any/enough.
I think it'd be worth asking UGeek his opinion on the matter, too (uh... in hindsight that may have been what you originally mean, Slash... :-[ ::) ), and how his view of China in the game is coloring the actions he's taking in China and related Asian land areas.
Yeah that's what I was wondering. If China really has an effect on the game from either side. Or can be largely ignored. I'll ask Hiro-Geek-To what he thinks about it too.
I agree 100% with what Jason said. I've been semi-ignoring China. I haven't taken any real offensive actions nor do I currently have plans for any. I'll revisit China once things begin to stabilize.
January 13th, 1942
The rest of that coach's quote finished with: "...and some days the bear eats you." Today seems to be one of those days.
The invasion of Port Moresby has begun. The first line of defense, the destroyer Voyager.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-09-26%252015.10.06.png&hash=6ee292be334bfc4f3069e8358e0c47e6bff2c0ff)
Outnumbered 36 to 1 the captain of the Voyager seems to believe he finally has a fair fight on his hands. The Voyager was not only able to escape but managed to get a hit or 2 on the invasion force. (Sorry, but I missed that screenshot.) Other ships in the area, eventually to include the Voyager, were not so lucky. Everything that was unloading troops or equipment was either sunk or badly damaged. The Voyager herself was caught by the carriers escorting the invasion force.
But the good old Banshees struck back.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-09-26%252015.21.14.png&hash=4f04e3744137e0d6967b30949387217df86c5851)
It wasn't much but at least they're trying which is more than I can say for the next set of pilots.
The theme continued over at Point Blair.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-09-26%252015.12.01.png&hash=faf0fcfc0ffc2ef4ff9dfbc49cd05f16463bebf8)
First an ASW task force was sent to the bottom by this surface combat group. Then nearly every other ship at Point Blair, and there were a lot, received the same fate. We lost a lot of men and supplies as well. My fighters that are set to Naval Attack couldn't be bothered with actually taking off and shooting at something.
Here's a list of all the ships Geek sunk today:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-09-26%252016.05.07.png&hash=396e784ff34ebb0dfcabbe7ff020b316e2c124e9)
I liked being the bear better.
The bombardment of Baker Island has begun.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-09-26%252015.14.43.png&hash=c3997ad4aa445467db30414434244929315cab36)
Not as dramatic as I hoping but the airfield and those that are building it should be disrupted for awhile. We will return tomorrow and hit it again. Hopefully we'll get more casualties and a few more aircraft if there are any.
This is the Bombardment Force:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-09-26%252016.01.44.png&hash=1a77e9b399343baaabf34e0afc9793f1822305f8)
In the waters just west of Palmyra the SBD's go to work.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-09-26%252015.24.38.png&hash=e10ab53563d60b073f4bc16da8adb755a2bfdcb7)
This seems to be a lot more than just a group of surface raiders. If it's an invasion force then I may be in trouble. I don't have much defending Palmyra and anything that can help out is too far away. If it is an invasion force then I'll have to make a decision about the SBD groups there. I'd like them to stay and fight but their pilots are too valuable to lose right now. I'll wait another turn to see if it is an invasion and then fly them of to Johnston if it is. I do have the bomber laden CV group in transit to that area but this will probably be over before they can get there.
The first wave of assaults on Batavia has begun.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-09-26%252015.28.51.png&hash=be5161975cc27078be7ae5a969c1cdcc0a4851ea)
And it didn't turn out too well for the good guys. If those kind of loses continue then Batavia will fall rather quickly. I'm really hoping for more resistance next turn. If/When Batavia does fall, I'll be moving everything I can away from Java. I knew it was a lost cause but I couldn't help but hope maybe things would be different.
That was pretty much all the action for this turn. Geek is definitely on a roll and I don't know where he can be stopped. I don't have much hope in Port Moresby, the Philippines or China. He seems to have an endless supply of Geekenese men and boys willing to devour the beautiful and peaceful people of China, and the South Pacific like the locust they are.
The kid's sports schedule is beginning to lighten up so the updates should start appearing more frequently now. Thanks for your patience.
JANUARY 14th, 1942
This was probably the busiest day yet. The Geekanese war machine is rolling at full speed now.
First he began unloading at Port Moresby.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-10-03%252007.44.26.png&hash=e78097ec9ca932a6d05bbd57fd326d3fa978a31a)
He took a few casualties but he's going to have to take a lot more if I hope to stop him here.
More landing loses:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-10-03%252007.45.22.png&hash=8ce8b07367f3d61bd1d899c56a7719388fc150c5)
The daylight landing produce fewer casualties but more hits on the transports. I think I'd rather have it the other way.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-10-03%252007.53.09.png&hash=93fb66b3838801383cae390e20ae1a3a26bb2d9d)
Geek's first attack on PM:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-10-03%252008.18.14.png&hash=cc34f66cd3dc2f4a1b93d655e735755e2f1bdd20)
If we can keep up those kind of ratios then we have a chance. I have a little of help close by in the form of 2 companies traveling overland to PM. Both should arrive any day.
Palmyra will be a focal point for a bit. I wasn't expecting him to come after it and I'm poorly prepared to defend it or retake it should it fall but I can't just roll over here.
Pre invasion force rolling in and meeting VERY light resistance.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-10-03%252007.46.12.png&hash=024a2dc93032d47d14a70b5c894bab54d8e5c8de)
At least he let him know he was there.
I had forgotten I retreated to Palmyra some of the transports headed to the South Pacific.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-10-03%252007.54.19.png&hash=141b83fa62ad6c203f2124482c6d646212b08f99)
And I payed the worst possible price for that mistake.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-10-03%252007.55.00.png&hash=8e5fc85e9c6b5e98210149630951ef31143b8889)
That is a big loss to swallow at this stage. It's going to be near impossible to hold some of the islands that the Allies usually take.
At least the Dauntlesses were able to mark their territory.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-10-03%252008.02.33.png&hash=ae48c71ac5ec3f6794b3c6562186ce1c2b6de23e)
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-10-03%252008.03.41.png&hash=dc08aacc93a90bd34315e6ae81ed1f2af43a0c3a)
Both groups managed hits and probably knocked a couple of ships out of commission but I really wish they would've went after the transports.
The assault on Palmyra begins:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-10-03%252008.16.35.png&hash=28a865e71c3a9d1222b62ef88b0778caba6d5e70)
He knocked down the fortifications at a bit of a cost but I don't expect these kind of results for long. I just don't think I can hold the island.
More to come.
Hey KyzBP, we talked about China already but what's Australia's role in this game? Do they have a lot of production, troops and or VP's? Or are they kind of a liability?
Quote from: Sir Slash on October 19, 2015, 10:11:28 AM
Hey KyzBP, we talked about China already but what's Australia's role in this game? Do they have a lot of production, troops and or VP's? Or are they kind of a liability?
I've never gotten far enough into this game to be able to judge Australia with any authority but from reading other AAR's a few things are clear:
1. If you lose Australia, then you've pretty much lost the war.
2. If Australia gets attacked then you get extra troops as sort of a Home Guard but they don't seem to be enough.
3. Australia eventually becomes helpful but usually once the tables have turned.
Right now they're providing me with decent troops that are, for the most part, locked into Australian Command. That is unfortunate as they would've been more helpful near Port Moresby and some of the other islands. They provide a serviceable naval presence but I don't think they add much after their initial allotment of ships (I'm not 100% sure about this). Lastly, as of now, they provide substandard aircraft and pilots. The exception being the Banshees so far. They're low on pilot experience but they still seem to be hitting stuff.
I would bet that Geek has his sights on cutting off Australia buy taking Palmyra and Christmas Is. Once he has Port Moresby he will then, probably, begin his invasion of the Eastern Coast of Australia, which will cut Darwin off. Once he's done with Java he will bring those forces south and knock out Darwin.
Arctic Monkey holds my hopes of redirecting his train of thought. It's just taking a while to get everything there rolling.
OK. Thank you. Fingers are crossed for A. Monkey.
You boys are certainly providing us with some first class entertainment!
Quote from: bob48 on October 19, 2015, 03:19:21 PM
You boys are certainly providing us with some first class entertainment!
Thanks Bob! Blame me for the slow down of the game though. Now that sports are starting to wrap up we should be getting more turns in.
January 14th, 1942 continued:
Over on the other side of the globe Geek has decided to deny me access to Sabang.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-10-03%252007.48.32.png&hash=3eaed7d45c45c80856345bac2a98c6956ec56250)
He seems to have a knack for getting his ships to Sabang at the same time as my transports and cargo ships. That's not good for me.
Geek ramped up his bombing of Batavia.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-10-03%252008.00.36.png&hash=d3305ed7417b76f572d1af676a7e470f7eb57968)
He then followed it up with a ground assault which spelled the end for Batavia.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-10-03%252008.15.42.png&hash=6f9649e0770498952cad074acda53b9bd5c1ab0d)
Only one stronghold remains on Java. However, given how easy my troops seem to surrender, I don't expect it to last very long.
We have been able to launch some raiders out of the last Java port though
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-10-03%252007.56.50.png&hash=67741db867d38c411c8bbe5e0337d0adc847191e)
Even the subs are still trying to get into the action.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-10-03%252007.57.49.png&hash=a168cc1fe9c37599e5c9604dfbbcab151acf73f0)
I wish I could catch some of these AK's full of troops but I'll take every little victory I can get right now.
Over in the Philippines our friends in the Honey Badger squadron continue to punch above their weight.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-10-03%252008.12.09.png&hash=a0585c6dc374e8c50877d7fc77f9de87db9a0f1a)
Very soon Geek will have air cover in this area and the P-35's will either ground themselves or be shot down. I can not stress enough how awesome this squadron has been. They absolutely crushed any expectations I had for them. If anyone reading this ever plays this game from the Allied side, please set these guys to Naval Attack and turn them loose. You won't regret it.
Back near Port Moresby, Geek has landed troops at an unidentified island.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-10-03%252007.50.59.png&hash=888e47c633f041e938406b2bdf17d0fe8db6208b)
If he's able to build an airstrip here it will provide good mutual support for Port Moresby should he manage to take it.
A hand full of Banshee's attempt to disrupt that landing.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-10-03%252008.12.41.png&hash=d5ec7232bba8af448cfdb015369c579a98df1fed)
At Baker Island we continue to bombard Geeks troops.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-10-03%252007.50.03.png&hash=962d4b44beb6d6e246c06955d5a3b97e21ffa5df)
We're expending a lot of ordnance for very little result. I'm not sure if I'll continue doing this. If I do it will be to deny him an air base. I don't think he'll miss 18 troops.
Especially when 5 PBY's can do a near equal amount of much damage:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-10-03%252008.10.44.png&hash=ebef4dfb8e6f96c4529aa0e03eb73d5519ef389b)
I'm looking forward to one day reading Geek's thoughts on PBY's. ;)
And now for the real conversation starter:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-10-03%252008.06.48.png&hash=4ba17cb18cdd87f00e09efdcd7536544d125e0c8)
Those 11 Devastators are from my Carrier group with almost no fighters present. Geek now knows (if he didn't before) where some of my CV's are. The big questions are:
-How many CV's does he think/know are there?
-What does he believe their intentions are?
-How and with what will he respond?
Given where he encountered them I could see him thinking they are just headed to Pearl, possibly to stage for the big attack on "Rabaul". That could work in my favor. I could also see an "accidental" CV meeting engagement near Palmyra. I will lose these guys if I that happens so I have to be careful not to get too close but I want to catch some of his ships landing troops or supplies. I really hope he thinks all or most of the CV's are in this group. There's no way of him knowing what type or how many aircraft are on these carriers. Then again, he may not care at all and may continue doing whatever it is he's doing.
How far off is the (hopeful) commencement of Operation AM? (acronym for opsec)
Quote from: Staggerwing on October 24, 2015, 08:14:53 AM
How far off is the (hopeful) commencement of Operation AM? (acronym for opsec)
I'd say around 1 game week. There's a couple of big support ships due out of drydock in a couple of days and a couple of AP's still headed to port. Plus, a few extra days may allow me to build up enough Political Points to get another Ground Unit involved.
January 15th, 1942
As each day passes, the momentum seems to swing further and further in Geek's direction. Maybe today is the day something big swings the momentum back towards the good guys (my team).
This was certainly NOT that event.
The Armor BN that I've been trying to land near Sabang is finally caught by Geekanese naval units.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-10-15%252007.52.01.png&hash=a902c634431255171b8c514b1bf8860d371d3135)
They could've made the difference at Sabang. This is one of those soul crushing losses that make you want to take your toys and go home. :'(
Then there's the pesky Geekanese subs:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-10-15%252007.56.33.png&hash=4dec0b3e1ea75d24bcbf3bb831468126bda2e1fd)
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-10-15%252008.01.52.png&hash=26454cd46eee6b32e8c2d3c98cc549272ce3bb8d)
They're like cockroaches of the sea, though less delicious. You can kill/damage one but 3 more show up in it's place.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-10-15%252009.35.14.png&hash=57fa0c972c38f5d760097bed06ffdb72b564d8da)
Case in point: Hawaii. >:(
And one of these subs had the audacity to take a shot at the Enterprise:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-10-15%252007.58.33.png&hash=517b18835f00f1627d8eb1589fd4fc4a5b65dd62)
This was actually a hold your breath moment. A damaged CV would put quite a crimp in our plans.
I do wonder how much information these subs are passing on to UCG and how accurate that information is.
His subs did manage to score a hit though.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-10-15%252007.52.23.png&hash=323c293840162b86c626866fe1d5e521c4a2de90)
At least she's close to port and I'll be able to get her fixed up quick.
Over in the Philippines our P-35's are at it again.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-10-15%252008.06.10.png&hash=72e2ef68eff19ca79554f63608bc09596fc60010)
They hit a convoy to the South of the main island thereby avoiding any potential CAP presence. These guys are smart.
Geek did take Lingayen.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-10-15%252008.12.05.png&hash=ab93bb22488e02b4d933c26f505bfbb7256e00b1)
I doubt it'll be long before he's sipping cocktails in Manila.
He made other ground attacks. All nail biters. I can't afford for any of these to fall.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-10-15%252008.13.10.png&hash=4eed0a68f9cf68619616628f03ac3de6b5fc2dff)
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-10-15%252008.10.51.png&hash=2b4b89d9975292f634ee3349f7391a00da9befe0)
Fortunately, for now, he seems to be taking the brunt of the losses. I can't get any help to either of these locations in a timely manner so we're going to need some luck.
My faith in the Baker Island Bombardments has been rewarded.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-10-15%252007.54.13.png&hash=8411e166a04e9d857a40ca5c9b49a43b8780ba37)
I have no idea how many ships he lost but the combat report indicated 110 ground losses. Hopefully this fills up his shipyards for awhile.
In another surface engagement, our Dutch raiders ran into an IGN Surface Combat Group.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-10-15%252008.00.08.png&hash=6ad57e4d62e70ed5b6382b52dfbadd9722ebaa26)
We both limped away. I'll call it a draw but my Dutch raider group will now have to disband.
On the Arctic Monkey front, we were able to learn that Chi Chi Jima has about 4282 troops present. I'll bet it's about 70/30 infantry to support troops. It'd be nice if it was the other way around. We are still making preparations and assembling the participants. We will set the wheels in motion shortly.
"Geekanese"
:2funny:
How did you obtain the intel on Chi Chi Jima?
BTW, I have a book, still to be read, called Flyboys (http://www.amazon.com/Flyboys-Story-Courage-James-Bradley/dp/0316105848/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=)by James Bradley. It is about some American pilots who were shot down over Chi Chi Jima where they were captured by the Japanese and never returned home and also about one pilot who did (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_H._W._Bush#World_War_II).
Quote from: Staggerwing on October 24, 2015, 02:47:15 PM
How did you obtain the intel on Chi Chi Jima?
I have a bunch of subs in that area watching for any naval activity. I imagine the info came from a radio intercept. Ultimately it was listed in my Intel report.
+1 for Flyboys. Excellent book and one I've been wanting to re-read for some time now.
Quote from: Banzai_Cat on October 24, 2015, 03:04:04 PM
+1 for Flyboys. Excellent book and one I've been wanting to re-read for some time now.
I guess I have a new book to read.
Quote from: KyzBP on October 24, 2015, 02:57:43 PM
Quote from: Staggerwing on October 24, 2015, 02:47:15 PM
How did you obtain the intel on Chi Chi Jima?
I have a bunch of subs in that area watching for any naval activity. I imagine the info came from a radio intercept. Ultimately it was listed in my Intel report.
A correction of sorts: Chi Chi Jima is NOT part of Arctic Monkey. The islands I'm looking at landing on both end in Jima. Given the amount of subs I have in the area of the operation I just assumed that Chi Chi was one of them.
Side note: I just started reading Flyboys. Thanks for the recommendation Staggerwing.
Quote from: Staggerwing on October 24, 2015, 02:47:15 PM
How did you obtain the intel on Chi Chi Jima?
BTW, I have a book, still to be read, called Flyboys (http://www.amazon.com/Flyboys-Story-Courage-James-Bradley/dp/0316105848/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=)by James Bradley. It is about some American pilots who were shot down over Chi Chi Jima where they were captured by the Japanese and never returned home and also about one pilot who did (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_H._W._Bush#World_War_II).
+1. Great book. Gave me a whole new perspective on the elder President Bush.
January 16th, 1942
The South Pacific seemed to be getting all the attention today. The pace at which Geek is kicking my butt is becoming demoralizing. I see why the Allied player sometimes just packs up and goes home. Don't worry I'm in it for the long haul.
My original plan was to build up Luganville and the other nearby bases so they could mutually support each other once Geek arrived. Two things happened to prevent that:
1. Geek sent his CV's into the transport lanes Southwest of Canton Island, preventing(and sinking) the initial wave of troops from getting to those islands.
2. Geek got here a bit earlier than expected. I've only played against the AI, and the AI is gentlemanly enough to allow me time to build up this area. Geek is no gentleman. ;)
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I have absolutely nothing to stop him in this area. The bombers and fighters that were enroute are either at the bottom of the ocean or being dropped off near Suva rather than risk having them destroyed while crated.
Now Geek is trying to further isolate the area by taking bases further East.
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Savaii may turn into another Baker Island for him. I think it's too far away for him to support and Suva, which is just off screen to the West, is about to have a bunch of planes ready for action. The TF that has been bombarding Baker could head this way once the area around Baker is clear or when the Enterprise arrives at Canton.
The small Surface Combat Groups accompanying the convoys to the Northeast of Savaii are DD's.
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I'm breaking them off escort duty and sending them after the landings. Maybe I can catch him with some full boats. If I can't, then they'll be around should Geek try reinforcing what he already has. I really hope he's starting to spread himself thin.
The Battle for Sabang continues. Geek has started dropping off more troops.
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While he's (hopefully) disorganized, I'm going to try attacking him. Intel shows me having slightly more Infantry than he does plus I have a fair amount of artillery so we'll see if that catches him off guard at all.
I also have some help on the way to deal with his constant harassment of my transports near Sabang:
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I don't know if he'll have any CAP assigned to cover his Raider TF's. I only have a handful of Seafires to cover these guys unless I re-position so I can get land based CAP from Point Blair. The planes at Sabang have been utterly useless so I may fly them away rather than lose them to bombardment.
Now for the really bad news: PORT MORESBY FALLS!
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Once again, without much of a fight, a major bases lands into the hands of the evil Geekanese empire.
I was really hoping having all my AM units set to "plan for Rabaul" would keep him from committing enough units to quickly take Port Moresby. I don't even know if he checks his Intel Reports but either way Port Moresby is gone. The troops that were at Moresby are now headed to Buna on the East Coast. There are no supplies there so they won't be able to make a stand there either. I also lost all the aircraft that were at PM. There were some decent Banshee's and crew present.
I'm not really sure how to proceed from here. The East Coast of Australia is almost wide open. I imagine that's his next major target. More now than ever I need AM to succeed. Here is the big, glaring weakness with AM:
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All the units set to Rabaul were to take part in the operation. However, I don't have near the amount Political Points needed to convert those units from West Coast to Pacific Fleet. The Marine Armor Bn will be converted and that's about it. I will have only 1 Infantry, 1 Tank, and 1 Combat Engineer units hitting the beach. I'm going to have to scale down to just one island and build it up as fast as I can. If I can grab one of the islands then I should be in decent shape to hold it. I have a metric buttload of Combat and Construction Engineers ready to turn the island into a frigid beacon of freedom but I have to take it first. In about 2 days, supply and troop convoys will be headed towards the South Pacific. At the same time the ships and troops involved in Arctic Monkey will be loaded and leaving for the final staging area. The first shots should be fired in about 10 days +/-.
In other happenings:
Georgetown was lost.
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But Wenchow continues to resist.
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And did some decent damage in the process. It doesn't seem like Geek has any problem absorbing these kind of losses though.
I'm open to any suggestions on how to stop the Geekanese Steamroller (not to be confused with Mannheim Steamroller). I don't know if giving suggestions is possible though as I'm sure all of you are following Geeks surely more entertaining AAR.
I love this AAR. It's the more entertaining because of the fact you're having to adjust your plans quickly rather than just plodding ahead with a pre-conceived strategy. What's the status of the US sub fleet? Any chance it can get deep into the Geek sea space and hit some juicy shipping, maybe peel-off some of Jap surface fleet from the front lines?
Quote from: Sir Slash on October 26, 2015, 10:04:19 AM
I love this AAR. It's the more entertaining because of the fact you're having to adjust your plans quickly rather than just plodding ahead with a pre-conceived strategy. What's the status of the US sub fleet? Any chance it can get deep into the Geek sea space and hit some juicy shipping, maybe peel-off some of Jap surface fleet from the front lines?
Thanks Slashy! I'm nearly 100% reactionary at this point. Geek is moving much faster than the AI so I found, probably historically, that I'm woefully unprepared and under equipped to handle Geek's well oiled machine. I can only hope to force him to start reacting rather than acting. I've done a more thorough search of units for Arctic Monkey and may be able to hit 2 islands after all. Unfortunately I have to go in blind. Any recon action will grab his attention and surely raise his suspicions.
The subs are in Geekanese waters but are finding, and much less, hitting anything. I'm still trying to pin down his convoy routes. once I do I'll be sending more subs in that direction.
Damn, that's too bad. Surely if Geek tries an Australia invasion, that would take a huge commitment of his resources. Or would it? It just seems to me the Japanese player shouldn't be able to be on the offensive everywhere indefinitely. Or is it possible in this game?
Depends on what you mean by "indefinitely". Historically, the Japanese were on offensive operations for a while, until a few key American counter-attacks sharply altered their naval force constitution; plus they eventually got to the point where continuing offensive operations would spread them too thin in manpower (with air and naval support) to defend their Co-prosperity Sphere, whether on the Asian mainland or on the Pacific Islands.
Once that happened, they themselves shifted into defensive holding mode, hoping to defensively smash the Allied will to fight while benefiting from the increased supplies of conquered areas.
The game models these general phases of development pretty well. Geek is still in "Take" mode, and hasn't entered into "Hold" mode. If he overreaches, you'll have an easier time mopping him out later. From the Jap side, it's a hard choice about when to consolidate and how far can be safely pushed, or whether pushing more than safely is worth it. After all, as in real life, there's a definite advantage to pushing so hard that the other side gives up early.
Quote from: JasonPratt on October 29, 2015, 03:32:28 PM
The game models these general phases of development pretty well. Geek is still in "Take" mode, and hasn't entered into "Hold" mode. If he overreaches, you'll have an easier time mopping him out later. From the Jap side, it's a hard choice about when to consolidate and how far can be safely pushed, or whether pushing more than safely is worth it. After all, as in real life, there's a definite advantage to pushing so hard that the other side gives up early.
If he pushes hard enough he'll trigger the Auto Victory and this will have been a short game. :(
Opps, forgot about that. :-\
January 17th, 1942
Today was a busy day. It may take a few posts to get everything in. Let's start at Sabang.
I was hoping Geek might give up on his Sabang folly. He had been losing a fair amount of troops and I was pretty well dug in and supplied.
He didn't.
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He began re-bombarding Sabang and off loading troops. Since I have NO help on the way in the form of ground combat units, I decide to do a little preemptive strike. My hopes were to catch him on the beach and disorganized. My goal is to make Sabang too expensive to take.
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I failed miserably! Not only did I not inflict many casualties nor disrupt him much, I basically got everyone killed who, 24 hours prior, were safely tucked away in their foxholes putting up solid resistance. He now merely has to preform any type of offensive action, or drive by in a "Free Puppies" van and Sabang will fold. This was flat out stupid on my part. Lesson learned. This kind of result makes me seriously reconsider Arctic Monkey.
I think you need to take the offensive whenever you can, or whenever it looks like an opportunity presents itself. You need to try to put Geek-san on the defensive to react to your moves for once, even if relatively a pinprick. Anything that makes him hesitate or rethink his strategy will help you slow him down.
Quote from: Banzai_Cat on November 04, 2015, 12:39:10 PM
I think you need to take the offensive whenever you can, or whenever it looks like an opportunity presents itself. You need to try to put Geek-san on the defensive to react to your moves for once, even if relatively a pinprick. Anything that makes him hesitate or rethink his strategy will help you slow him down.
I agree BC. Although, being highly competitive, I hate the idea of knowingly doing something that may cause me to lose. However, when I started this game I fully intended to do things in unorthodox ways, and I still do. All in the name of fun, right? :uglystupid2:
Sure thing...hey, bottom line, it's your game and we're along for the ride! Do what you think is more funner.
The remnants of my Dutch raiders trying to make their way to OZ.
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The CL Java goes down. It feels like an Omen.
The bombing of Soerabaja (Java) continues.
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Soerabaja is basically the last city/port remaining on Java. Geek has hit the city with multiple air raids and will bring the troops in very soon. Everything that can float or fly has been sent away in hopes of contributing later. The floaty things probably won't make it.
Geek continues his illegal actions against the peace loving people of Tarakan.
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Actually it's more like the Red Light District of Borneo which explains why they're fighting so hard...no pun intended.
The beginning of the end is starting in the Philippines but it won't end quietly.
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In case you didn't recognize it, that was a Sea Unicorn. An actual American sub doing damage to a real Geekanese ship...with a torpedo! I think according to the House Rules Geek has to surrender now. I'll have to look those up again.
Here we see the last effort of the 24th Pursuit Group/ 35th Pursuit Squadron (Honey Badger).
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Without planes or hope I was finally forced to disband them.
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I wish the game kept track of tonnage sunk by aircraft. These guys more than earned their pay, admiration, and thanks. A unit citation is in order.
Geek has begun landings on Timor starting with Koepang.
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He's getting ever so close to Darwin.
B-17's, launched from a secret base, attempting to do some damage at Port Moresby.
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They ended up turning back without doing any damage. I may try to increase the raid size and add some drop tank equipped escorts. I need to harass PM
as long as I can. Next will be a blockade using subs.
Down near Pago Pago, at Savaii, the detached destroyers catch up to the transports disgorging troops at Savaii.
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They didn't do much damage though. As a matter of fact, hardly any at all.
That allowed Geek to take the island.
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I've landed some troops and aircraft at Pago Pago. I'll begin a campaign, much like the Baker Island one, to turn Savaii into a meat grinder. I should be able
to deny him use of the island. It is starting to become apparent that Geek won't be able to protect everything.
Speaking of Baker Island...
Quote from: Banzai_Cat on November 04, 2015, 12:39:10 PM
I think you need to take the offensive whenever you can, or whenever it looks like an opportunity presents itself. You need to try to put Geek-san on the defensive to react to your moves for once, even if relatively a pinprick. Anything that makes him hesitate or rethink his strategy will help you slow him down.
Also known as the Doolittle Raid Doctrine. O0
The Beast known as Baker Island continues to demand sustenance in the way of Geekanese troops, ships, and planes.
The Beast's appetite knows no bottom.
It takes little bites...
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...and big bites.
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It doesn't mind reaching for it's food either.
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The only way the Beast of Baker Island will stop eating is if Geek stops sending troops. Until then, it will continue to consume.
At Palmyra, the relief force from Hawaii has arrived and has found a lone Geek ship hanging out a little too close.
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I had to shuttle these guys over to cover for the group of CL's, CA's, and DD's that were hitting everything in the area.
That group is headed to Pearl for some much needed repairs. The bomber filled CV TF is inbound and will be here shortly.
The first order of business for the CV bombers will be to rid Palmyra of these overambitious lads.
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This is why I think Geek may be a bit over extended...for now. He can't hold onto Palmyra, Baker or, probably, Savaii.
Soon though he'll be able to free up troops from Java and other already conquered places. He'll either strengthen his gains or,
most likely, prepare for Australia. It all seems to keep coming back to AM. If I can force him to react for a bit it may buy me enough time
to keep him from launching an invasion of Oz or the further taking of islands in the South Pacific.
It's always coldest before dawn! I think even if Arctic Monkey fails it may be able to pull just enough away that you can start to stem the offensive.
Quote from: Airborne Rifles on November 05, 2015, 12:11:33 PM
It's always coldest before dawn! I think even if Arctic Monkey fails it may be able to pull just enough away that you can start to stem the offensive.
I hope it does something, Rifles. My biggest fear is it getting blown out of the water, by air, before anyone can land. I think I have enough planes, with my best pilots, on those carriers to provide cover though.
OpSec is the key. The troops won't have their "Future Objective" changed from Rabual until they push away from Dutch Harbor. I'm still hoping Geek may think something is headed towards Rabual and keeps his CVs down south a little while longer. I just launched a bunch of supply ships towards the South Pacific. His subs may spot these and and report back that there are, indeed, many ships headed that way. The presence of my 2 CVs near Palmyra should add to the myth, especially once they launch the equivalent of 4 CV's worth of bombers at Palmyra or Geek warships.
I'm dying to know what he's thinking.
Quote from: KyzBP on November 05, 2015, 02:26:58 PM
I'm dying to know what he's thinking.
Maybe something like this:
Mmmm. Lemon Curry.
Have you been risking any further recon in the AM operational area at all?
Also, have you read The Thousand Mile War yet? Because damn, you're about to beat that drum even harder than they did, and you might appreciate the comparative perspective.
Quote from: JasonPratt on November 05, 2015, 06:23:57 PM
Have you been risking any further recon in the AM operational area at all?
Also, have you read The Thousand Mile War yet? Because damn, you're about to beat that drum even harder than they did, and you might appreciate the comparative perspective.
Thanks for the book suggestion, Jason. I'll pick that up after I finish
Flyboys.
The only recon I've done is loading the area with subs and hoping to pick up a random radio transmission or spot any shipping in the area. Once the invasion force is 2 turns out I'll get some PBY's and CA based aircraft to try and grab me some info. If it looks like I have no chance then I'll turn the ships around. If it looks favorable or if I'm going in blind then it's game on with fingers crossed.
Are you short on transports? if not and you can stand to lose a few old ones you could try a feint against some Geekanese-held island down south just before kicking off AM. Put a very small number of troops on each transport if possible just so any action reports back to Geek show a few casualties to sell the ruse.
Quote from: Staggerwing on November 05, 2015, 07:25:24 PM
Are you short on transports? if not and you can stand to lose a few old ones you could try a feint against some Geekanese-held island down south just before kicking off AM. Put a very small number of troops on each transport if possible just so any action reports back to Geek show a few casualties to sell the ruse.
It wouldn't be a bad plan except troop transports (AP's) are at a premium for me right now. I barely have enough to try AM, and would prefer a few more so I can't spare any. Keep the ideas coming though. O0
January 18th, 1942
The day/morning begins with a little predawn bombardment.
First Palmyra.
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Then Baker.
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I have to believe that the troops on those 2 islands are wishing they were in China right now. I don't have any way of reinforcing Palmyra
or taking back Baker right now but I will make them costly to hold.
As I feared, Geek continues to land troops at Sabang.
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I don't know if I would've been able to hold Sabang but without those troops I wasted I can almost guarantee I can't.
I am bringing a couple squadrons of Hurricanes to Point Blair.
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They may end up at Rangoon. The airfield at PB is full. I need more engineers to expand these bases.
Soerabaja continues to get pounded by air.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-10-26%252010.36.47.png&hash=14f6c7552601c4d08f41704fda0169a0970ee215)
This was one of 3 or 4 raids to hit the city. Given how fast my major cities keep falling, I expect this one to go soon too.
Here one of our AK's is sunk.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-10-26%252010.39.25.png&hash=21bdd4ce0d0005dfa1d410fd657c9fbfebdf57ef)
The fact that he sunk an empty AK means little. What matters is I think I can account for all his carriers. None of them are anywhere
near the AM AO. If he does begin sending them North, they should have to refuel and repair before engaging me. I don't think there's
a better time for AM.
A quick peek at the oft ignored China:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-10-26%252010.41.50.png&hash=8b1204eed28210d7744d5b4d1c58dc039f7bd4a8)
That about does it for China. Actually, I need to start focusing here. If I can keep him busy here then here then he can't send troops
elsewhere.
Operation "Journey To The West" aka "Chinese Monkey"?
>:D
Quote from: JasonPratt on November 07, 2015, 09:40:45 AM
Operation "Journey To The West" aka "Chinese Monkey"?
>:D
If he doesn't come after India soon, it will be Journey To The East as I have a lot of troops in Rangoon just licking their chops.
January 19th, 1942
I was so close to getting some aircraft into the New Hebrides area.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-10-31%252008.40.27.png&hash=b7b62ee860ef491445cfe456da45f3cd4c932b0b)
Right now all I have are scout planes in the area and there are too few of them for me to "Naval Attack" the PBY's.
If I ever get anything through to Suva of Pagp Pago I may be able to base hop them to where they can do some good.
The American subs are finally starting to hit stuff.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-10-31%252008.46.36.png&hash=05739ac769e3af8fd431333860d754b425e45849)
I hope this is a future trend. They haven't contributed much so far. Many of them will be supporting Arctic Monkey for awhile so it may be
even longer before I can fully unleash them.
Arctic Monkey setting sail for the staging area at Dutch Harbor.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-10-31%252009.18.34.png&hash=c73f37b9ce0d34c1554c8bfa0362dbaf11d24cab)
There are also a small compliment of ships leaving from Pearl and Prince Rupert. I'm still uneasy about this. I wish I had a few more units and
a few more ships. I imagine every commander thinks the same thing though.
Here's a list of the ships Geek sunk this turn.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-10-31%252010.26.43.png&hash=d48baa43df4558bc554532ceb4297231939ddc9e)
It still seems impossible that I can continue to absorb these kind of losses and still have a chance at winning the war.
This little task force of his has been raiding the coastline for a few days but manages to get back to port before the sun comes up.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-10-31%252008.49.02.png&hash=d46bdd90cce5de423b8dfc8f11dd911a7f9453d4)
I'm going to pull all the nearby ships into port and set all my aircraft to Naval Attack in hopes that he strays too far North and can't get back
in time.
I was trying to get whatever I could out of Soerabaja .
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-10-31%252008.51.00.png&hash=d8759608c9a5180d0e1bbbf9bd566342c7dd0e57)
This was one of about 5 or 6 groups to sortie out and try to get away. They're probably not going to make. I tried to combine ships
of similar speed so no one ship held back the rest. Stay tuned to see if any make it to safety.
If they can't find safe harbor they won't be able to return to Soerabaja either.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-10-31%252009.02.25.png&hash=b52423a211dbee65b208e3013b03b22036c2167c)
Another base down with barely a fight. I wonder if there's a messed up game mechanic or if I'm defending cities using the worst possible
unit combinations/tactics. I find it hard to believe these things fall so fast.
I tried a little blind port attack.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-10-31%252008.56.36.png&hash=f242f10c44f318069cc71aa5ad548911c59f632a)
Sadly there were no ships in port. I'm switching these guys over to Naval Attack in hopes they can inflict some damage on those
previously mentioned task force ships.
I apologize if these little snippets get boring.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-10-31%252008.59.11.png&hash=ee6ea6c6cad7f1558b8f9f8c5b33aae8986a9a74)
I just never seem to tire of watching PBY's damage/sink unsuspecting Geek ships. I really hope they frustrate him at least a bit.
It looks like the extra time the boys at Clark Field were allowed was put to good use.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-10-31%252009.03.44.png&hash=96c9a20b8f4ebaf2fa69ee2b631dd7fe37798513)
I hope that put a dent into his troops. Clark is probably my best defended base in the Philippines. If he continues to bang his
head up against it, then he will be much weaker when he comes after Manila. The defenders at Clark are also buying more time
for Manila to prepare defenses.
Nothing boring about your snippets, KyzBP. O0
Quote from: Banzai_Cat on November 07, 2015, 01:23:20 PM
Nothing boring about your snippets, KyzBP. O0
Thanks BC. I always wonder what people really want to see in these things. I tend to post the things that are favorable to me. I figure you can go to Geek's AAR to see how the war is
really going.
How long does it take you, on average, to run a full turn?
Quote from: Staggerwing on November 07, 2015, 03:03:46 PM
How long does it take you, on average, to run a full turn?
Between watching the results and then working my way through the turn itself is around an hour. It seems to be getting shorter as Geek captures more bases. :tickedoff:
The AAR takes a bit longer. I don't know if Geek keeps his up to date but mine is about 2 days behind. I hope to catch up this weekend though. If I have more time today I'll post another day.
January 20th, 1942
The refugee ships, loaded with women, children, and small cuddly animals, continue to flee Java...
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-11-05%252009.46.59_1.png&hash=f560adde17ddc3599c36fc895cff7d6c5840b405)
...without much success. I guess I'm ahead of the game if any ship from Java makes it to safe harbor.
He hunts me down by air as well.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-11-05%252009.55.10.png&hash=5a7f3669cbc80beb32d5a0d39d3d3a9279737bb2)
I doubt these guys make it safely anywhere. They've been herded into a kill pen. I may just kamikaze bombard them into
some random Geek owned base. There's just nowhere for them to go.
The previously mentioned annoying task force that keeps raiding my coastline. Maybe it's not technically mine but possession
is 9/10ths of the law.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-11-05%252009.49.29.png&hash=3b848dc1e40b5bda80c06900191f85ec88d9ab00)
They get away again. All planes in the area are now set to Naval Attack. I just need him to overextend and I may catch him out
of port.
The daily bombing of Nanchung.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-11-05%252009.57.46.png&hash=c0bb222e120aeeca407db4401aa52421ce4d189e)
Allied bombing has moved into the number 3 spot, behind syphilis and animal bites, as the as the biggest killer of Geekanese troops
stationed in China. I'm probably not accomplishing anything by bombing these guys but it makes me feel like I doing something in China.
The Dutch would just like to remind you that even though they have no homeland in Far East they're still in the fight.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-11-05%252009.52.58.png&hash=90570f0ecb0ec01890b57791139ebbd708fbe85a)
Their subs have been nothing short of great so far this game. I have no complaints of their actions and wish I had more of their subs.
My favorite result of the day:
Two PBY's encounter CAP of 6 Zeroes. The wily Cat pilots manage to evade the Cap,
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-11-05%252010.01.08.png&hash=2f000d2f3f8de85d90a1ac92c7a5fdcf857d67c3)
and score a couple of hits on the tanker the Cap was protecting. How can you expect to win a war with pilots that can't stop
a couple of flying boats from bombing your ships? ;)
The softening of Lautem begins:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-11-05%252009.51.01.png&hash=0953e72f7127faf0b5d4de152c5876ce29f3bb42)
I do like when the pre-invasion bombardment kills more of Geek's men than mine.
Geek troops hit the beaches of Lautem.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-11-05%252009.51.31.png&hash=5c97fa2a8e851e08e96dfae9617d9733a71c1b46)
I think we all know how this will end.
A pairt of B-17's try to stem the flow of Geek troops into Lautem.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-11-05%252009.58.07.png&hash=ff32105cd65aa0da831c8eab240f6d958f49a7fe)
Way too little, way too late. I would think a couple of bomb hits from a B-17 would sink a ship pretty fast though.
The Enterprise and Friends begin dislodging the bad guys from Palmyra.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-11-05%252009.56.15.png&hash=ee30b7cdca3c71a7c68bcf04ee6da9e055b1c2f9)
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-11-05%252009.56.43.png&hash=4f73176f3ec196830909229abb27de370c3beb71)
I was hoping that the number of bombers involved would give the impression of more CV's. Sadly, it looks like exactly what it is.
Either way I don't expect Geek to try reinforcing Palmyra unless it's a crucial cog in some plan of his. So in the mean time I'll
just keep bombing his troops until he sends carriers this way. Then I'll run.
Speaking of his CV's, this CV task force appears to be headed towards Pago Pago. I have my bombardment group headed to Savaii.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-11-05%252010.07.44.png&hash=1038d78a4f6e588c039bcd7fc3521b3ffa10d8a0)
I've decided to change course and try to engage the CV's in a night time surface engagement. I think it's my best chance at
damaging his carriers. All I need is a little luck.
The guys struggling to decrypt Japanese intercepts, affirm that Tojo is quite irked by American PBYs. O0
Not actionable intel, but maybe will help morale a bit.
O0
Quote from: JasonPratt on November 07, 2015, 08:02:30 PM
The guys struggling to decrypt Japanese intercepts, affirm that Tojo is quite irked by American PBYs. O0
Not actionable intel, but maybe will help morale a bit.
January 21st, 1942
Geekanese troops vacationing on the resort island of Palmyra are awoken by the reality that "Oh yeah, we're at war and we were left here to wither."
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-11-07%252007.50.29.png&hash=3fa066f12dfbd71aa78b052518d20afac58decdf)
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-11-07%252007.52.25.png&hash=91d736248c5257fbee6ac108dd195f0b61e1d579)
Again, my goal is to bomb and bombard these guys out of existence. I have no way of getting any reinforcements there short of using PBY's.
That would take forever.
And since the normal bombardment group is headed back to Pearl to repair and refuel, I detached the escort ships from the CV group and are giving
them the chance to throw some lead at Geek's troops on Palmyra.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-11-07%252008.45.44.png&hash=0ca3a3a85f1105ecbb076423142aa7899c70906c)
I can't forget to reattach them.
Remember the bombardment group that was headed to Savaii? The one with which I decided to take on Geek's carrier TF? Here's what happens when you miss
the carriers:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-11-07%252007.53.14.png&hash=4178bd7b845a5b2e0f9994efba4b95f029fd6fc8)
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-11-07%252008.00.09.png&hash=9e0ad6e0ed68ced1ae05706fae9480e00dff0739)
And when those carrier planes get bored of chasing CA's around, they do this:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-11-07%252007.54.33.png&hash=f61a30e40d9ea2dd2d97b962afdb0da7c8d76a5d)
I really didn't need to lose another AP, especially one carrying troops and vehicles.
Here's his coastal raiders.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-11-07%252009.08.42.png&hash=b9ad1b960ebba468843f8e2bf68a9a6cdbc6196f)
They are out in the open at Moulmein. Every plane in the area is set to Naval Attack. It's mostly fighters, but given
what the P-35's did in the Philippines, I'm not going to discount using them against ships.
Another day, another air raid on Nanchang.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-11-07%252007.51.50.png&hash=b9d81ab7ecb26cd95defd25847f18d437e72ebc0)
It's just a matter of time before he puts a CAP there and eats up all these planes. I did spend some time in China this turn. Hopefully we'll get
good news out of there soon.
Here's the matchup at Clark Field:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-11-07%252008.03.37.png&hash=66ffd6d5713c833a18a40a2cdc9ee4415afbd2e2)
He'll eventually take it I'm sure but he's going to have to regroup before going after Manila. If some of the units at Clark can get away and
retreat back to Manila it'll be that much tougher for him. Both Manila and Clark are well supplied. There's a chance that the Philippines will be
far more costly than Geek probably anticipated.
The Houston and friends are being chased all over the sea near Java.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-11-07%252007.56.57.png&hash=d35cf532dab9e20d79b388d266c50c1003b4733e)
These guys are as good as sunk. If I had it to do again, I'd pull most of the ships out of this area far sooner.
I had completely forgotten that I still had bases and troops in Malaya.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-11-07%252008.05.30.png&hash=d69a36b737f66d3812aeea7ab7c3ab8f914fc41d)
The troops at Alor Star certainly sent me a big reminder. There's nothing I can do for them other than admire their tenacity.
Lautem was lost this turn leaving only Dili as a safe haven on Timor, the last stop before Darwin.
I didn't show it, maybe Geek did, but I lost a metric buttload of ships this turn. Most were part of the refugee armada from Java. That was expected.
I'll end this report with the screen you've been waiting for:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-11-07%252008.34.40.png&hash=27dd4cb7b24f2e539a26566e8cf8dee0acfaa29b)
The Monkey Armada heading for Dutch Harbor to await all the AM units. There are still a couple transports on the West Coast loading and a TF a few days north of Hawaii. When they all reach Dutch I'll reorganize them and then launch the invasion. Aircraft have also been staged around Alaska, awaiting the opening of the first allied airfield on Geekanese soil. Keep your fingers.
Quote from: KyzBP on November 08, 2015, 11:54:18 AM
Keep your fingers.
:o That... sounds ominous, when put like that...
Quote from: JasonPratt on November 08, 2015, 12:53:44 PM
Quote from: KyzBP on November 08, 2015, 11:54:18 AM
Keep your fingers.
:o That... sounds ominous, when put like that...
I'm just not super confident. I don't think I have enough troops to take one island let alone two. It'll really depend on how well I can soften those islands up before landing. If I delay the landings by a week I could have enough Political Points to bring another infantry unit and/or some combat engineers. Plus I'll have 2 more BB's online in the next couple of days. Decisions, decisions.
With this update we'll be up to date. However, this is kind of a long one and I'm short on time so I want to at least get part of it out.
January 22nd, 1942
Let's start with the sub activity shall we?
The now infamous Dutch subs go to work again on any ship crazy enough to sail the high seas alone.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-11-08%252007.28.42.png&hash=e71509a139cb31093df503fe14731e2037723af5)
For once we hit a loaded AK. 17 Geek soldiers were killed and the ship is on fire and heavily damaged. Let's see if we can find more.
Well look here. We find another unsuspecting AK.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-11-08%252007.41.10.png&hash=869b7ef9236f44f40b30c8e7f1dbf1bd78191c70)
I'm guessing the Dutch didn't take too well to losing Java. Their subs seem extra focused.
The meat grinder at Savaii has begun.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-11-08%252007.31.16.png&hash=424ee0a2cd27072338e3aaed404c7e2000f091fc)
I'm still convinced he's over extended here...and here:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-11-08%252007.34.01.png&hash=9283c9916f721c98e9de30d261024ae52acae665)
The detached carrier escorts manage to pound Palmyra again. I'll reattach them this round and pull the CV's back east a bit. I'll wait and see if he tries to reinforce
Palmyra. If he does, I hope to be ready for him.
These crazy, over ambitious ships chased me right into port.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-11-08%252007.40.05.png&hash=04f7bf23bff156f1cf04d98e223eff1d27f3a5ed)
And then slapped me around in front of all my friends. It was a little humiliating and there's nothing I can do about it unless the planes at Darwin
decide to launch.
That's it for right now. I'll finish this tomorrow, plus I'm saving all the juicy stuff for last. O0
Looks like you're starting to get some good licks in. Lets see if the Geekenese Jauggernaut backs-off a bit now.
Quote from: KyzBP on November 08, 2015, 01:05:58 PM
Quote from: JasonPratt on November 08, 2015, 12:53:44 PM
Quote from: KyzBP on November 08, 2015, 11:54:18 AM
Keep your fingers.
:o That... sounds ominous, when put like that...
I'm just not super confident.
I was thinking ominous more like...
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn.meme.am%2Finstances2%2F500x%2F2821620.jpg&hash=b59920e9fd2238b5af95307eca197467a70da98d)
Continuing the 22nd
The SBD's head back into the breach at Palmyra.
First the carrier based SBD's hit...
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Then the Palmyra based SBD's add to the count.
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I wish I had some type of offensive unit to land there and boot him off the island but everything is tied up with the Monkey.
The bombings will continue until they swim away.
The carriers are going to rendezvous with the escorts and standby east of Palmyra.
In a surprise move, the AVG took advantage of the Geek raiders up near Moulmein
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Then some Buffaloes joined in the fun.
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Then the AVG and the Buffaloes got together and said "We should try this together." And so they did.
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Now, I doubt any of these attacks did anything more than scratch the paint but he should get his ships out of there or bring in some CAP.
If he brings CAP, the AVG should rack up some kills. If he stays without CAP, then the bombers I've moved over should get some work.
I promised I'd spend more time with China, well we have or first land victory of the war.
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I don't remember what our losses were but I'm just happy we won one. If he cares about China, and I think he does, he'll have to move some
troops around. It'll be nice to have him react for once.
Now to some ominous events.
First this:
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Another of his AMC raiders north of Hawaii. Not a big deal by itself. I have a bunch of ASW TF's in the area and plenty of bombers at Pearl to handle this.
What bothers me is: Last time he sent some of these raiders near Alaska after sending them to Hawaii. If Geek is a man of habit he may send some raiders
right into Arctic Monkey.
That may be a long shot but then there was this:
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A sub just happens to show up in this area, days before AM is supposed to arrive. I'm putting everything in the area on ASW. I can't have AM discovered before it leaves port.
Now here's the real reason I'm getting nervous:
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What the hell are these guys doing at the epicenter of AM just a week before AM is due to launch?????
I have a lot of subs in the area so maybe these guys are hunting subs. To me they look like a TF set up to lay and maintain minefields. Someone correct
me if I'm wrong. Another crazy coincidence.
Do I have an OpSec problem? Did some random sub near Seattle spot the invasion force leaving the Sound? Did Geek put 2 and 2 together?
I'm feeling more and more like this operation may be compromised and I'm walking into a trap. At this point it won't take many more coincidences for me
to cancel the Monkey. I think it's better to be safe than sorry though.
Here's a parting screen of AM inching their way towards Dutch Harbor:
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That turn went better than most. His CVs in the South Pacific did manage to hit my CA's and DD's again. This turn though, they should be under the CAP of Canton. Those P-39's are itching to knock down some more bombers.
I really am on the fence as far as AM goes. I have some minesweepers that will go in before the bombardment but he looks like he's serious about fortifying that area. The timing of it stinks.
I have a secret base that I'm quietly building up. Once it's finished I'll let you guys in on it and the reasons for having it.
*Side Note: I haven't built a model plane since I was a teenager (30+ years ago) but I found myself shopping online for model planes today. I want a 3D version of all these aircraft involved in this game so far. Has this or any other game inspired you to do something similar? I would be surprised if I was the only one.
Quote from: KyzBP on November 10, 2015, 07:05:39 PM
*Side Note: I haven't built a model plane since I was a teenager (30+ years ago) but I found myself shopping online for model planes today. I want a 3D version of all these aircraft involved in this game so far. Has this or any other game inspired you to do something similar? I would be surprised if I was the only one.
Yup. It was my failed search for a good PC game covering bomber command that got me back into board gaming and now has me looking at dumping too much money into a WWII era air combat miniatures game.
If it helps you feel any better, whenever you finish and go look at UGeek's thread, you'll see no loose lips sinking ships even by accident. O0 Observers have been very quiet on the topic, to avoid suggesting anything. I think anyone else going between threads will corroborate that, so you can feel secure. O:-)
Now tell us about the secret basewait that might be too eager. >:D
Yes, I agree. I go between both threads and there's been no loose Monkey talk. Question. Can your own subs get killed by your own mines? If Geek is laying mines in an area, does this mean he probably wouldn't have subs there because of the minefields? And how great a threat to your forces are his possible minefields?
I didn't mean to imply that anyone was sharing secrets. There's enough people reading both of these threads to keep them both well policed. I was/am more frustrated at the string of coincidences, all telling me to hold off on AM. I'll continue on schedule for now but, again, I'm really on the fence.
Slash- I don't think I've ever seen one of my subs hit one of my own mines. I don't think that's part of the mechanics but I'm not the most knowledgeable person when it comes to WiTP. I've already had a sub hit a mine in that area so I'm giving the islands themselves a little room.
Quote from: Silent Disapproval Robot on November 10, 2015, 08:51:14 PM
Quote from: KyzBP on November 10, 2015, 07:05:39 PM
*Side Note: I haven't built a model plane since I was a teenager (30+ years ago) but I found myself shopping online for model planes today. I want a 3D version of all these aircraft involved in this game so far. Has this or any other game inspired you to do something similar? I would be surprised if I was the only one.
Yup. It was my failed search for a good PC game covering bomber command that got me back into board gaming and now has me looking at dumping too much money into a WWII era air combat miniatures game.
Which game, SDR? I really shouldn't ask because I have no will power when it comes to Miniatures.
Wings of Glory.
Sorry. I seem to have hijacked the thread. Back to the money business!
SDR-I remember having a WWI boardgame, Dawn Patrol or something like that. This game looks like a 3D version of it w/cards. I could see myself spending a lot of money on that game. And don't worry about derailing this thread. We're going to be here awhile so a little diversion will keep it interesting.
January 23rd, 1942
A relatively quiet day. We'll start with Palmyra.
A rather in effective bombardment.
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His troops are either digging/dug in or there's fewer of them to hit.
His men crawl from their holes to bask in the morning sun. The last morning sun for some.
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The air attacks are still achieving a body count. I have to keep the pressure on him and not let his troops organize.
At last report there are about 6900 Geek troops on the island. That gives him about a 6 to 1 advantage. My men have to hold.
I continue to bombard Savaii as well.
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All these guys do is tear up the landscaping. I need to be hitting his men. The facilities can wait...and I'll just have to fix them
anyway when I retake it.
Geek's carriers have decided to try and finish off the hapless bombardment TF that earlier had tried to intercept those carriers.
The Good Guy TF was trying to get under the Airacobra umbrella at Canton.
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This is the Airacobra squadron that decimated his unescorted bombers about a month earlier.
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They account for themselves pretty well again by knocking down a couple of planes, including a Zero, while being outnumbered and only losing one
of their own. Most of all, they prevented any ships from being hit.
Geek sent his planes back for a second try.
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This time the Airacobras were ready and were able to splash 2 Geek Zeros and damage 2 bombers while losing none of their own. The tradeoff however,
was the Dale taking a couple of bombs. She was at Canton so she'll probably be saved. It may be a while before I can safely send all the damaged ships
here back to Pearl for repairs. That carrier TF of his has to be drooling yet almost paralyzed by the number of targets in the area. They've accounted
for a lot of my losses though. I'm hoping they run out of gas soon.
A few of the B-17's in OZ paid a visit to Port Moresby.
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Nothing really noteworthy. I'll try to send them again and this time try to hit the port or airfield. I don't think hitting the troops is a good use of
their abilities right now. Not here at least.
I hate China.
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Nothing more needs to be said.
Geek continues to soften Manila and Alor Star. Both are seeing massive bombing efforts. I so wish I had just one decent fighter squadron to sneak
into Manila. There would be flaming bomber wreckage everywhere as Geek knows he can send his bombers in escorted with impunity.
I've decided to unload all the troops that are taking part in the Monkey at Dutch Harbor. I need to reorganize them and set up a landing order so the first wave isn't an AA unit or something. Plus, it allows some of the second wave support units to get closer to the first wave. I figure I have to have everyone unloaded in 3 turns or less before it starts getting crazy.
That's really it for the 23rd.
January 24th, 1942
A bit of sub action to start the day.
The Sealion makes it's presence know.
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Every Geek merchant ships that sinks or is damaged is a minor victory. My early war goal was to knock out as much of his transport capability
as possible.
The Sealion finds another target.
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This one fires back though and does some damage to the Sealion. American torpedoes are so bad. The Sealion was forced into a surface attack
because she ran out of torpedoes. Her damage isn't that bad but she will have to head back to Manila to rearm while Manila is still there.
Another nosy Geek sub is spotted around Umnak Is.
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The KVs make quick work of the meddling intruder. I have to make sure I destroy everything I find in this area. I can't let him detect the invasion
force once it sets sail.
The CA Houston and her 2 CL friends are still trying to fight their way out of the Java Sea.
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The Houston takes some hit but makes sure she isn't going to go out without a fight. That should buy time for the 2 CL's to get clear of the area
but the Houston is probably a turn or two from a watery grave unless I can get her to one of the small ports on one of the small islands that I still
control.
Geek did manage to pull off a Pearl Harbor like attack Suva.
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This was launched from his other, larger carrier group in the area. Luckily all the troops had disembarked before the attack or it could have been
much worse. That being said, I did lose another AP and another seriously damaged. My hopes of getting troops to the South Pacific are dwindling
with every AP lost. I sent the remainder of the long leg AP's from Australia to the U.S. West Coast a few turns back. They'll have to reroute to the
far south Geeks carriers remain in the area. The good news is the longer Geeks carrier planes are down south, the better my chances of Monkey being
successful.
In the Philippines, Clark Field absorbs another bombardment.
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I know I've asked it before but why does the attacker take so many casualties during a bombardment?
A strange turn of events near Buna.
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It doesn't look like he has anyone occupying the base. I'll attack it with the small force fleeing Port Moresby and hopefully capture it in time
for that small supply ship to dock and resupply Buna. In the very remote chance that he lets me hang out there a little while, I'll get a small
contingent of bombers over there and hit some of his shipping while I can.
The bombardment of Palmyra produced almost no results. I have another contingent of surface combat ships inbound from Pearl. When
they arrive I'll swap them with the carrier escort contingent and send those guys back to Pearl to refit and rearm. They'll then have to head
right back to Palmyra so we can keep the pressure on Geek there.
That bombardment casualty calculation seems like a bug. What, do the Japanese guns just self-destruct when being fired?? Or do the defenders have so many artys ready for counterbattery, that they can score that kind of counterattack??
Quote from: JasonPratt on November 15, 2015, 10:39:04 AM
That bombardment casualty calculation seems like a bug. What, do the Japanese guns just self-destruct when being fired?? Or do the defenders have so many artys ready for counterbattery, that they can score that kind of counterattack??
I have no idea but it doesn't seem right. I think this also happened in the original version of the game as well. The designers were pretty thorough in their research for this game, I wonder if there were some real life statistics to back up these numbers.
January 25th, 1942
We start today with a little good news:
The SS Pollack stumbles across a Geek troop transport.
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We found another rare, loaded, troop transport. The Pollack killed 70 troops. It looks like it was loaded with either Engineers
or a Base Force. My fingers are crossed that the ship sinks. I still have a lot of getting even to do on the Sinking Transports front.
Geek didn't let the hitting of his transport go unanswered. He later sank one of my empty AP's headed for the U.S.
The AM Wollongong then attempted to get retribution for that attack.
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The short of the long is: I don't have enough ASW assets near Australia. The ASW are doing very little as far as I can tell.
CV and Land Based bombers continue to pound the attackers at Palmyra.
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The problem is I still don't think it's enough. The CVs are headed back to Pearl now. There are 2 Bombardment groups enroute to
Palmyra. Once they hit it a couple of times they'll have to leave and that'll leave the Land Based SBD's to go it alone until the CV's return.
That may be the window he needs to make his assault.
Geek let an AV stroll a little too close to the mainland of OZ.
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If the RAAF can keep hitting the ships that stray too close it may send a message that any invasion attempt will require carrier
based air cover. If one of his carrier groups begins to head towards OZ, that may be the early warning signal that the invasion
is imminent. I'll have to set the B-17s to hit the Port Moresby airfield to deny him that option and force his carriers to move.
The small contingent of Airacobras at Canton are attempting to provide CAP for the various ships that are attempting to flee the area.
Here they manage to fend off one such attack:
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Unfortunately this one gets through:
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These guys are going to need to be beefed up soon. I may be able to island hop some P40's with drop tanks to Canton. If not, I'll have to slow boat a squadron
from the West Coast.
A little more, a little later.
In other news on this 25th of January, 1942:
The Australian troops that were "strategically retreating" from the Port Moresby area managed to capture an ungarrisoned Buna. The random supply transport that was in the same area docked at Buna and is unloading. The race is on to see if I can get the rest of the troops there from Port Moresby before he retakes it.
There were massive bombing runs on both Manila and Alor Star again. I'm not sure why he's waiting to attack Alor Star, maybe because he can. Manila is slowly being tenderized.
The CA Houston lost her battle to stay afloat and sunk in a small nondescript port on an equally nondescript island close to Java. The other 2 ships that made up the Houston's TF are headed to safety and the chance to fight another day.
Geek seems to be mopping up all the straggler units that were evicted from their respective bases. None of these troops are putting up much resistance.
Now for AM related news:
PBY's from bases in the Aleutian Islands were able to get intel on one of the potential target islands.
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If the intel is close then I stand a good chance of securing that island but I think I want to be closer to the home island so I'll keep looking. I want him to feel pressured to do something, hopefully the wrong thing, whatever that may be.
Quote from: KyzBP on November 15, 2015, 10:48:49 AM
Quote from: JasonPratt on November 15, 2015, 10:39:04 AM
That bombardment casualty calculation seems like a bug. What, do the Japanese guns just self-destruct when being fired?? Or do the defenders have so many artys ready for counterbattery, that they can score that kind of counterattack??
I have no idea but it doesn't seem right. I think this also happened in the original version of the game as well. The designers were pretty thorough in their research for this game, I wonder if there were some real life statistics to back up these numbers.
Counter-fire is more effective at taking them out? All defender's guns are trained at them as there were no attacking ground troops. Plus defenders are in more prepared positions?
Quote from: jomni on November 16, 2015, 05:29:00 PM
Quote from: KyzBP on November 15, 2015, 10:48:49 AM
Quote from: JasonPratt on November 15, 2015, 10:39:04 AM
That bombardment casualty calculation seems like a bug. What, do the Japanese guns just self-destruct when being fired?? Or do the defenders have so many artys ready for counterbattery, that they can score that kind of counterattack??
I have no idea but it doesn't seem right. I think this also happened in the original version of the game as well. The designers were pretty thorough in their research for this game, I wonder if there were some real life statistics to back up these numbers.
Counter-fire is more effective at taking them out? All defender's guns are trained at them as there were no attacking ground troops. Plus defenders are in more prepared positions?
All of those could be possible. I was hoping someone more familiar with the game than me would know.
January 26th, 1942
I don't think today will go down in history as the best day for the Allies.
The CL Adelaide and the ships she was charged with protecting are pulverized by this force marauding in the Solomons.
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Of course I lost more AP's. At least they were unloaded. This is really beginning to annoy me. I may have to turtle up just because
I'm losing the ability to move troops.
The good ole Dutch subs continue their sneaky, destructive ways.
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According to the In Combat report this DD was flooding and there was fire. The after combat report makes it look like she was only
scratched. At worst, it'll be out of action for awhile.
The nightly bombardment of Palmyra.
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The 6th Base Force has been taking quite a beating. I wish we were hitting the units that can hit us. I'm not sure if a beat up
Base Force is going to slow Geek down here.
The carrier based bombers continue to add to the 6th Base Force's daily dose of misery.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-11-16%252018.47.14.png&hash=c705a427b4124aee480f3110886055ce6edd8133)
The land based bombers at Palmyra change things up and hit the 61st Naval Guards unit.
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Variety is the spice of life.
A skeleton crew of B-17's manage to hit a troop laden ship from 13,000 ft.
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It's a matter of time before these guys are all damaged and out of the game. I think I only have 5 or 6 total and they
are always down for repairs.
Once again the Chinese are being pushed around.
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I wish I could spare the Political Points to sack all the Chinese generals. Most are useless.
Dili fell.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-11-16%252018.54.10.png&hash=32e3c2c3c3107f8e2dc5a5509b2b6646fa46827b)
That means Timor belongs to Geek now. He now has Timor and Port Moresby as jumping off points for an Australian invasion.
There was also another day of very heavy bombing at Alor Star. The troops there seem to be holding up well but if they're anything like
all of the rest of the Allied troops so far, they'll crumble as soon as Geek attacks.
Geek is also moving his smaller carrier force towards either Canton or Palmyra. I can't tell yet but it's eastbound. It my pass them both and try for one of the other islands I'm using as a refueling point for the South Pacific convoys. Time will tell.
January 27th, 1942
As the Combat Report began rolling along there seemed to be almost no action taking place today. The time span in which I usually have 4 or 5 screenshots collected, I had none. I was wondering if I was about to have a day of me just telling you that Manila and Alor Star were heavily bombed, that Palmyra was shelled again, and that I hate the China part of this war...
...then this happened:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-11-17%252017.43.37.png&hash=c961ad6e48785353a7d3b90315a5caed35f43c3a)
WHAT IN THE HELL IS A LOADED GEEK TROOP TRANSPORT DOING IN ALASKAN WATERS?????
I literally stared at the combat screen for over a minute to make sure I was really seeing what I was seeing.
We officially have a situation. The situation has been named "Frosty Carp".
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-11-17%252017.58.35.png&hash=29d55ebc1cba78c0c61e455a7daa7b16d87bb9c0)
First off, he pulled this off without it being detected by my SigInt guys. I'm guessing he is/was using the same deception method I am.
Second: Has he been doing scouting of the area? If so, does he know about or is he suspecting the Monkey? I'm thinking he doesn't or he
wouldn't have sent a bunch of unescorted troop transports into the hungry and vengeful mouth that is the Northern Fleet of the United States Navy.
I'm going to destroy this invasion fleet in it's entirety but I have to do it with as few ships as possible. I can't show my full hand yet or he'll get very
suspicious as to why there are Battleships, Cruisers, and oh yeah, Aircraft Carriers in the area. At Attu Island I have 4 or 5 DDs and a CL. They are going
to make a beeline for the first group of ships. If we can catch them at sea they should all go under. I have 4 subs (2 off screen) that can get in
the path of these guys. They will pick off any stragglers. Then I have the Cats :smitten: at Attu which will hopefully add to the destruction.
If his destination is Dutch Harbor then he'll be in for a real big surprise as nearly all of the Arctic Monkey units are disembarked and itching for action.
No matter what, economy of force is my best course of action here.
The good thing is the units he's using for Frosty Carp are units he can't counterattack the Monkey with.
So that gives me enough to think about right? No, Billy, there's more!
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-11-17%252017.45.57.png&hash=14f20af5433d42e6b6faef11960467563ed53d8c)
Why is there a small invasion TF headed to Australia already? Doesn't Geek know I'm not ready for this yet?
Luckily, the Banshees made short work out of these guys and I've changed every aircraft in the area to Naval Attack. According to my
SigInt there are Geek units planning for Cairns. I'll try to get what I can there but my best hope is to catch his ships at sea.
I've sent what's left of the Royal Australian Navy in that direction. It will probably be their last Hurrah.
A few other things happened this turn but they pale in comparison to those two events.
Here's a current map of the world:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-11-17%252018.56.38.png&hash=744e213836fca3eed161ed3d87c74c22a7d69607)
The Good Guys are in a precarious position near Oz. The next few turns could determine the outcome of this game.
Quote from: KyzBP on November 19, 2015, 05:04:21 PM
WHAT IN THE HELL IS A LOADED GEEK TROOP TRANSPORT DOING IN ALASKAN WATERS?????
I know this is kind of a sideshow in the greater scheme of things (see world-game map), but :smitten: :smitten: :smitten:
(Not that that implies anything. I just love the Thousand Mile War.)
Quote from: KyzBP on November 19, 2015, 05:04:21 PM
The Good Guys are in a precarious position near Oz. The next few turns could determine the outcome of this game.
One side only has to be annoyed out of fighting. Stay the course. A thousand points of light. Stay the course. O0
Quote from: JasonPratt on November 19, 2015, 06:49:09 PM
Quote from: KyzBP on November 19, 2015, 05:04:21 PM
WHAT IN THE HELL IS A LOADED GEEK TROOP TRANSPORT DOING IN ALASKAN WATERS?????
I know this is kind of a sideshow in the greater scheme of things (see world-game map), but :smitten: :smitten: :smitten:
(Not that that implies anything. I just love the Thousand Mile War.)
Quote from: KyzBP on November 19, 2015, 05:04:21 PM
The Good Guys are in a precarious position near Oz. The next few turns could determine the outcome of this game.
One side only has to be annoyed out of fighting. Stay the course. A thousand points of light. Stay the course. O0
I imagine this is what you guys were waiting for. I hope he's equally surprised when my transports start dropping troops off on Geek soil.
Thanks for the encouragement Jason. O0
Without spoiling anything one way or another, I can hardly wait to hear comments from Geek this weekend.
Quote from: JasonPratt on November 19, 2015, 06:59:55 PM
Without spoiling anything one way or another, I can hardly wait to hear comments from Geek this weekend.
The files for the next turn arrived a few minutes ago but I won't be able to get to them until tomorrow. I may have another update by evening if everything goes right.
I wish
I could hear Geek's comments. :-\
It would be in Japanese so you wouldn't understand it. But it'd probably sound something like this, :tickedoff: >:( :-\ :knuppel2: Sorry for the language. Who'd have thought the Aleutians would be so busy this time of year?
Quote from: Sir Slash on November 19, 2015, 10:19:55 PM
It would be in Japanese so you wouldn't understand it. But it'd probably sound something like this, :tickedoff: >:( :-\ :knuppel2: Sorry for the language. Who'd have thought the Aleutians would be so busy this time of year?
I don't think the Aleutians will be a Japanese tourist spot any time soon.
January 28th, 1942I debated whether to address the Aleutians now or at the end of today"s report. Thanks to Sir Slash giving me a nice segue-way into the events
taking place in the waters of Alaska we'll start there.
The DD's and CA managed to catch the invasion force in the open, frosty waters of the Bering Sea...or some other icy water near Alaska.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-11-20%252007.50.52.png&hash=4a73f70e92ee33cf0d139f7a67aadb6fc96b7aff)
If that wasn't enough, the Cats that originally spotted these guys get in on the action.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-11-20%252007.57.13.png&hash=8156773801788e667082432b0c247c6775015a2e)
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-11-20%252008.00.35.png&hash=8e989bf5550d057069909195c46c5289effe1bd1)
When all was said and done approximately 2500 Geek troops were killed. I'm not sure what his target was but I think it'll be safe for awhile.
There is still a force of AK's headed East but I imagine they'll turn around and head back home. The DD's and CA are in pursuit of the
damaged ships headed West to try and finish them off.
So far I got lucky. If I wouldn't have been planning AM then I doubt I'd have had much up here to stop him. What would've been funny is
if both invasions would have kicked off at the same time, complete with unarmed transports passing by each other in the night.
Back to reality:
Those damn Geek carriers are still terrorizing my poor, innocent merchant ships.
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He has a resupply/refueling convoy heading to meet up with his carriers. I have a couple of subs close by. It would be
nice to knock the resupply convoy out and force him back to port. Soon though, he'll be sending them far North...I hope.
There are some Geek troops pursuing some Dutch troops seeking shelter at the Semi-Secret Base.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-11-20%252007.59.31.png&hash=a2a27335c7a6f852ad1f38271ef685fcceb46848)
British carrier based aircraft hit the surprised Geek units and slowed their pursuit.
In case you hadn't figured it out, Padang is the base. Everyone is fleeing there plus I landed some armor and infantry from Cape Horn there.
I have some engineers and a base force from India enroute to Siberoet. Siberoet is an island just West of Padang. My plan is to get aircraft
into both places as fast as possible so they can mutually support each other. All of the orphaned Dutch warships are headed to Sabang and will
operate out of there as well. It will be easy to supply both of these bases from Cape Horn and Diego Garcia. I'm sending some AA in that
direction as well. I have to keep him busy in this theater or he'll be able to turn his full attention to the East...which would be bad for the East.
In other news from other places, the Eastern coast of Australia is being seriously threatened. I'm not sure I'll be able to do much about it right
now but the Banshee's promise to do their best.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-11-20%252008.02.01.png&hash=856aba94a16acc39d381f1672495c164ba7f554e)
Everything points to Cairns as Ground Zero for the invasion of Oz. I'm moving as much as I can that way and am hoping Cairns isn't a diversion for something
big further South. The Banshee's have been exemplary so far during this war. I may be able to contain him at the beaches with the units I have plus
the aircraft that continue to sprout up along the coast.
Alor Star continues to represent the middle finger of the Allied fist.
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These guys have endured more than any other Allied unit. The bombings and bombardments are massive and relentless. Each
turn I expect them to fall and yet they continue to thumb their noses at Geek's troops. They basically spit in Geek's general direction.
I'll continue the turn in a bit. My computer is giving me problems so I want to save here before I lose everything.
Congrats on the Aleutian win but damn is this game tough on transports or what. The last transport wins the game? Still, nice to see the Allies landing some punches.
I eagerly await Geek's Aleutian WTF? version of the events.
Quote from: Sir Slash on November 20, 2015, 09:20:59 PM
Congrats on the Aleutian win but damn is this game tough on transports or what. The last transport wins the game? Still, nice to see the Allies landing some punches.
So far, at this early stage of the game, I am in serious need of Troop Transports (AP's). I have Material Transports (AK's) coming out of my ears but you can only move equipment and aircraft with those. If I lose a bunch of them during AM then I'll be eating popcorn while watching Geek take over island after island.
Quote from: Staggerwing on November 20, 2015, 10:18:53 PM
I eagerly await Geek's Aleutian WTF? version of the events.
You'll have to let me in on his general mood at least. ;)
Continuing the 28th...
The boys at Clark AB decided to unleash their own bombardment.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-11-20%252008.05.50.png&hash=13b36fb0f475e47ecbdb8a6cf4597efd2bc894a8)
There's no sense in leaving Geek any supplies when he takes this base so I've begun shooting back.
Ready or not the invasion of India is about to begin as well.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-11-20%252010.25.44.png&hash=2bc57af640c9b2346414e7ce0f93e17a0332f958)
That Geek unit near Moulmein is actually 13 units. I've got all the aircraft in the area set to Ground Attack to slow
him down a bit. The troops at Moulmein will no doubt be ejected after his first assault. I'm trying to move the few
bomber I have in the area to Rangoon. I think I'll bring the British carrier TF back here in case Geek decides to bombard
any of these bases. The carriers will sit under the AVG CAP near Rangoon. Rangoon itself is about as ready as it'll ever
be.
On a lighter note: I've found a blind spot between Manila and Midway. I've sent a few single ships to Midway and all of them have made it.
I'm now sending every ship that still floats from Manila to Midway. I wish I had spare Political Points. I could've saved a HQ or 2 but I just
can't afford to use them for that purpose right now. I may change my mind though.
On a side note: I stopped by the local Hobby Shop and picked up this:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2Frevell_48_p39_1_t.jpg&hash=49d66ead9ce769802c1ee538989fbf66e4932fbc)
I really wanted the Wildcat but the store didn't have one. I decided on this because it comes with decals that represent a P-39 squadron
that was based on Canton Island. I should see if anyone carries a P-35 model. :smitten:
Quote from: KyzBP on November 21, 2015, 06:47:01 PM
I should see if anyone carries a P-35 model. :smitten:
How about this instead?
http://www.amazon.com/Academy-Consolidated-PBY-5A-Catalina-Black/dp/B0006O06F4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1448150586&sr=8-1&keywords=pby+model
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fecx.images-amazon.com%2Fimages%2FI%2F71EYdYEWpVL._SL1008_.jpg&hash=b22a4a1894c382c1be0c784f483b92b7bc31a493)
Quote from: Staggerwing on November 21, 2015, 07:06:15 PM
Quote from: KyzBP on November 21, 2015, 06:47:01 PM
I should see if anyone carries a P-35 model. :smitten:
How about this instead?
http://www.amazon.com/Academy-Consolidated-PBY-5A-Catalina-Black/dp/B0006O06F4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1448150586&sr=8-1&keywords=pby+model
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fecx.images-amazon.com%2Fimages%2FI%2F71EYdYEWpVL._SL1008_.jpg&hash=b22a4a1894c382c1be0c784f483b92b7bc31a493)
That's a must! Good call Stagger. O0
Note that the artwork shows the Thousand Mile War! I don't know if PBYs were any good at bombing historically anywhere else, but the only place I've heard or read of them kicking substantial amounts of ass was in the Arctic campaign -- better than the B-17 squads.
Airacobras: I remember flying them in
Aces of the Pacific. I liked them better than anything, even slightly moreso than the Lightnings.
Quote from: KyzBP on November 21, 2015, 08:21:54 AMQuote from: Staggerwing on November 20, 2015, 10:18:53 PM
I eagerly await Geek's Aleutian WTF? version of the events.
You'll have to let me in on his general mood at least. ;)
Decrypts suggest Imperial HQ are calling this their "First real blunder of the war". The commodore-equivalent who set up that slaughter may perhaps succumb to "victory disease" himself soon. O0
Quote from: JasonPratt on November 21, 2015, 10:44:48 PM
Note that the artwork shows the Thousand Mile War! I don't know if PBYs were any good at bombing historically anywhere else, but the only place I've heard or read of them kicking substantial amounts of ass was in the Arctic campaign -- better than the B-17 squads.
Airacobras: I remember flying them in Aces of the Pacific. I liked them better than anything, even slightly moreso than the Lightnings.
Quote from: KyzBP on November 21, 2015, 08:21:54 AMQuote from: Staggerwing on November 20, 2015, 10:18:53 PM
I eagerly await Geek's Aleutian WTF? version of the events.
You'll have to let me in on his general mood at least. ;)
Decrypts suggest Imperial HQ are calling this their "First real blunder of the war". The commodore-equivalent who set up that slaughter may perhaps succumb to "victory disease" himself soon. O0
I was a little surprised that Geek sent these guys in without any protection. His invasion force at Oz only had minimal air cover. I may be retreating too fast for his support unit to keep up. ;)
Decrypts suggest that no air cover for the force sacked by the Aleutian defenders was ever planned to begin with, although it would be logical to suppose that when/if they established a foothold somewhere then air power would be brought in eventually. How or when (or even if!) is a secret they're managing to keep off coded channels.
Whether air cover was intended for this first (?) invasion of OZ, on the other hand, is much murkier. If so, there may have been some kind of organizational error, though of what kind and whether it's something you can exploit, who knows?
Quote from: JasonPratt on November 22, 2015, 10:18:52 AM
Decrypts suggest that no air cover for the force sacked by the Aleutian defenders was ever planned to begin with, although it would be logical to suppose that when/if they established a foothold somewhere then air power would be brought in eventually. How or when (or even if!) is a secret they're managing to keep off coded channels.
Whether air cover was intended for this first (?) invasion of OZ, on the other hand, is much murkier. If so, there may have been some kind of organizational error, though of what kind and whether it's something you can exploit, who knows?
Thanks Jason. I appreciate your immersion enhancing SigInt SitReps. O0 I hope Geek is receiving the same entertaining reports.
Where applicable, and just as non-actionably. >:D
January 29th, 1942
The turn started with Allied sub missing a bunch of sub shots. I almost gave up hope on getting a hit until this:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-11-23%252006.08.54.png&hash=397a75a5629a6c9b02c7a549ed7b601d9692fcec)
Because the American torpedoes suck (I know, I've said that before) the Trout had to surface and go toe-to-toe with
this tanker. Because of that the Trout took hits and will be heading back to Pearl for repairs. The good news though,
is this is one of his tankers headed to refuel his carriers, I think. He may stray into range of the TBD's and SBD's at Canton.
I might get a chance to finish him before he can replenish the carriers.
Then this little short range sub hits one of the remaining Frosty Carp transports.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-11-23%252006.09.55.png&hash=64e354c4f8c79623ae9de08b22f9b97f4c0e2dd4)
I was unable to locate the rest of the Carp transports. Either they were sunk or the crappy weather is preventing me from
seeing them.
The pre-invasion of Cairns begins:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-11-23%252006.11.37.png&hash=24389f6624829a8cb8418c9a9faa866f222fe6cd)
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-11-23%252006.12.15.png&hash=1dbf3acb791861b379985e4dc990fa45344d0065)
He took a few losses but I expect this to be a pretty big force.
The Banshee's at Cairns say goodbye to the Geekenese invaders as they fly to Charters Towers.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-11-23%252006.18.17.png&hash=4b8c42b7f45f254c39dd1aafa8e97398456c0531)
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Again, considering this is probably a large force, this is really nothing more than a scratch. My best hope is to continue
hitting his transports and keep his repair yards tied up. The Warhawks are of the Very Low Experience variety. The Banshee's
aren't much better but do seem to do their fair share of damage.
A random Dutch sub hit a random Geek transport.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202015-11-23%252006.13.17.png&hash=2f51282e98541ad0ccd1f76b88a013473aca6a1e)
I have no idea where these guys were headed. This took place in waters solidly controlled by Geek.
Geek's carrier groups struck again.
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It was just a supply transport but he's straying further and further Southeast. That's not good because that's the
route most of my convoys are trying to take.
That leads me into this dilemma:
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The small surface task force at Canton consists of 3 DD's and the Indianapolis. At Baker Is. is the CVL+CVE task force. It's a super tempting target
for a nighttime surface engagement. Recon shows only a DD and a couple of CL's as escort. If I got lucky I might be able to hit a CV or 2 before getting
beat up later in the day by the remaining aircraft. The problem is the other TF at Baker contains a few BB's and CA's. That TF is supposed to be moving
East. If it's still there when I get there I'll be cut to pieces. Do I take that risk?
The Geek ships at the bottom of the screen are the resupply ships. I could quickly zip down there and try to engage and finish them off. The downsides are:
a) I may miss the chance to hit those CVE's
b) His carriers may be coming back to meet the resupply convoy. That would leave me vulnerable to his aircraft if I miss his ships.
I moved the SBD's that were at Palmyra to Canton. I figure Palmyra is about reap what they've been sowing. All other ships are fleeing the area, including
all the ships that were bombarding Palmyra. Unless he pulls his carriers back towards Canton or Baker, Palmyra will fall in the next couple of days.
Most of the units and ships participating in AM are at Dutch. We are waiting on the BB New Mexico to arrive from the West Coast. Once she gets
to Dutch Harbor we'll begin the reloading process.
Is the theory there that the BB will need enough time to refuel and restock, that the transports would be loaded then?
Quote from: JasonPratt on November 23, 2015, 06:53:59 PM
Is the theory there that the BB will need enough time to refuel and restock, that the transports would be loaded then?
The theory is: I'm too scatter brained/disorganized to remember everything I was sending on the Monkey folly. :idiot2: This way I'll have everything in one place and I can then organize the assault wave and the follow up troops into nice little echelons. I've already noticed I don't have a Base Force inbound to Dutch Harbor, so I've got to get one going there pronto except I'm out of troop transports. I won't need them until the future airfield is opened up but I have to find one close to the next available troop transport.
January 30th, 1942
Things are picking up on all fronts. Our turn exchange pace has also sped up.
I had spotted a large number of transports headed towards Horn Island, between Australia and New Guinea. I sent a sub that
was in the area to intercept the transports.
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The sub did it's part and managed to hit one of the transports. What sucks is I also sent a CL and DD to intercept them as well.
I was fully expecting a good number of transports to be sunk. That was not the case though as somehow the CL/DD missed the
TF completely. There's not much room to get by Horn Island so I'm unsure what could've happened.
The Allied subs continued to harass his transports.
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I'm sure that was more of an irritant than any real tactical victory but it is showing both of us that the Allied subs in the area can hit
things. If he wants to keep supply and troop convoys safe, while ferrying back and forth to Oz, he'll need to escort them. That's fewer
ships to participate elsewhere.
Speaking of the Great Oz...
The last of the Royal Australian Navy gets their licks in on the Cairns landing force.
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The RAN didn't do as much damage as I had hoped. The landing force was able to land with comparatively few casualties.
They'll try to hit them again but it won't matter much....
...because Cairns fell. :'(
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No one surrendered so what's left of the defenders is moving to Townsville with the exception of a base force which is
moving to Charters Tower to assist with the sudden bonanza of aircraft there. I have to be careful not to rush a bunch of
units up there and leave my underside exposed. The Aussies will have to make do with what they have up there.
So Geek is in Oz. :knuppel2:
As usual, Geek's carriers went to town on the unprotected shipping in the South Pacific.
First he hit the ships that were hiding at Christmas Island.
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The inexperienced P-40 pilots were no match for his seasoned Zero drivers. The farther East and South he goes, the more
time my subs have to get in the area. I'm not going to be able to stop him by air or on the surface of the sea but maybe
under the sea lies my best hope.
The smaller carrier TF of his appeared to be moving out of the area. They didn't leave without saying goodbye though.
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The only good news is that these were empty transports headed back to the West Coast. I may start holding the empty
ships until the coast is clear.
The dilemma I had about where to send those surface raiders from Canton didn't end up mattering. I sent them towards the resupply
convoy but they whiffed. I sent them back to Canton to wait for another chance to jump something. We haven't hit Baker in awhile...
Geek troops continue to bombard Clark Field. In the process they lose a few troops. Clark decides to show them how its done.
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I've definitely gotten the better end of the stick at Clark. In the meantime though, he continues to bomb the crap out of Manila. That
place is going to look like the moon when he moves in.
Just when Geek was probably counting all of the troops he will free up when he takes China the Chinese fight back.
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Geek lost about 7000 troops there to my 3100. I'm already looking for places I can condense my forces and then hit
a few more cities. I've got to prevent him from freeing up troops and this seems like the best way.
Geek is still dominating the game but I'm starting to see glimmers of hope. The Aussies probably won't agree with me.
Wouldn't and invasion of Oz trigger some reserves or something?
Quote from: jomni on November 24, 2015, 10:13:07 PM
Wouldn't and invasion of Oz trigger some reserves or something?
From what I've read it looks like the reserves get triggered if the Japanese take territory further south, near Brisbane or there about. I don't know for sure though.
January 31, 1942
A few big developments this turn but not really much content. This should be fairly quick.
The Royal Australian Navy takes another shot at the landing force.
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Again, we didn't hit anything real important. I wanted to keep Geek from getting a toehold here but it's not looking good.
The landings in the North of Oz are underway.
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I'm going to try to hold Darwin but considering the amount of troops he has available after sacking Java I am preparing Katherine as my fallback base.
The sun comes out an Geek's Navy goes hunting. Unfortunately they manage to bag the RAN.
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That should just about spell the end for the Australian Navy. :'( Everything is either in drydock or the bottom of the sea. I believe I'll get some ships later but
they may not have a port to launch from.
The Brit CV pilots continue to harass the 1st SNLF.
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This seems to be working. The guys that the 1st are pursuing are starting to gain distance on them. The should make it to Padang without further incident.
We'll hit them one more time and then start heading home. We may have overstayed our welcome.
The Dutch Boys at Tarakan continue to give Geek his money's worth.
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The coastal guns continue to pound anything in range. I know these guys can't hang on forever but they've done a lot better than other units. I'm still talking to you Singapore.
Geek hits Moulmein again.
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He takes some losses in doing so. I can't seem to get my aircraft to help out much here. I'm going to make some tweaks and see if I can get better results.
That was really it except for the usual stuff. Geek's planes fly everywhere almost unopposed. AM is still staging. The last few ships are arriving so I'll start organizing
the loading priority. Before AM officially leaves port I'll give you guys a breakdown on how I envision the battle taking place. It'll help me make sure I've accounted for
everything as well.
February 1, 1942
If you thought the last update was short this one will really amaze you.
The SBD squadron on Canton decided to forego fighter escort and attack the CVL/E group that was transiting past Baker Is.
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The Geek Zeroes cut them up pretty bad. We didn't damage neither ship nor plane. It was a waste of 8 perfectly good planes and pilots.
That group will be grounded for a bit.
I knew the Brit CV's had stayed longer than they should have.
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We got lucky that none of the ships were hit. We lost a fighter but it can be quickly replaced. Brit carriers are a little more difficult.
I've sent the CV TF off to the West at full speed in hopes of getting out of range. The Geek Land Based Bombers have some long legs, and since
I don't know where they came from, I figure it's time to adios.
The U.S. subs are starting to make some noise.
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I know I keep saying it's not much but everyone of these will be missed later.
Unfortunately a few more of my bases fell:
-Tarakan :'(
-Cooktown
-Derby
-Moulmein. The units are "retreating" to Pegu. I'm really counting on Pegu sapping some of Geeks strength before it falls.
I've got Engineers building it up and it also has a river that Geek will have to cross. I'll also try to get some of the
local air units to start hitting his troops while they move towards Pegu.
It looks like Geek isn't going to give up on Attu afterall.
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There's at least 9 ships headed that way and my DD's and CL are all the way over at Dutch. I'm going to send them to Attu at
full speed. They may not get there before the landings start though. I do have a secret weapon at Attu though...The Penguin!
"Waaagh! WAAAAGGHHH! Avast, my fine finny finks!" -- The Penguin
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February 2nd, 1942
Attu continues to attract attention.
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This was one of my short range subs. If I ever get AM underway, which will be delayed if Geek can take Attu, then these guys can finally move out of Alaskan waters.
Whichever island I take it'll have to be a sub base as well. These guys apparently don't carry much in the way of ammo though.
Shark Attack!
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The SS Shark takes down a tanker. The subs in this area are becoming more active. The problem is Manila is out of torpedoes so my subs will have to go to
Midway or Darwin to rearm.
In the Air War:
Over the skies of Darwin 25 Warhawks went toe to toe with 16 Zeroes.
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They were soundly beaten. We eventually lost 9 planes to his none courtesy of a second sweep . That doesn't bode well should Geek come for Darwin.
I can't just give up the skies but I don't think I'll be able to keep them either.
The Cats finish off the wounded Maru near Attu.
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That only leaves 8(?) more AK's to go. I don't think my CL/DD TF will make it to Attu in time. I'll have to use some of the AM units to retake
Attu if he's able to capture it. He'll have all kinds of advanced warning if I leave him there.
Here's how Northtern Australia looks:
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Derby is already in Geek's greedy mitts with Wyndham soon to follow. I'd say Darwin is the next logical stop. This games isn't
looking too good for me at this point.
Here my subs are moving into place.
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With Monkey in jeopardy, I need to find a plan B to get his carriers out of the area. I'm going to begin diverting all subs to
this area in hopes of taking a few shots at his carriers. They don't have to hit, they just need to make him uncomfortable. I
have a bunch of ships, filled with planes and supplies, on the way to the South Pacific. These carriers have to move North or I'm
going to have a lot of vulnerable boats sitting just East of Christmas Island.
You're barely almost two months into the war. If it does look good for you at this point, Geek would be doing many somethings horribly wrong and/or the campaign would be busted at any or all of several levels. O:-)
Granted, he's on Australia. (....in February 42...) But that might translate later to him having stretched too far early in the game, giving him more trouble later.
His side of the game is setting up in such a way that you give up early, or if he can't manage that then being able to defend the coming counter-attack better than historically.
Your side of the game is to preserve and set up for the coming counter-attack, and to fight off the temptation to give up early.
Quote from: JasonPratt on December 05, 2015, 11:08:52 AM
You're barely almost two months into the war. If it does look good for you at this point, Geek would be doing many somethings horribly wrong and/or the campaign would be busted at any or all of several levels. O:-)
Granted, he's on Australia. (....in February 42...) But that might translate later to him having stretched too far early in the game, giving him more trouble later.
His side of the game is setting up in such a way that you give up early, or if he can't manage that then being able to defend the coming counter-attack better than historically.
Your side of the game is to preserve and set up for the coming counter-attack, and to fight off the temptation to give up early.
Very good points Jason. He's done a great job of keeping me on my heels. Just as I cock back to throw a punch he jabs me in the nose though.
We'll have to see how Attu plays out. If I can keep him from taking Attu without showing my hand then AM should succeed. If he takes Attu then
I'm going to be forced into an "AM Rehearsal" there. I just need to keep the big boys hidden for awhile.
Attu is the new Midway. But for which side?
Quote from: Sir Slash on December 05, 2015, 11:48:13 AM
Attu is the new Midway. But for which side?
It might be for me. :-\
I know where his carriers are, at least I think I do so I don't have to worry about them. I can always escalate and end this by using the troops and ships designated for AM but I'll lose any element of surprise I may have had. No matter what I don't think I can launch AM if he takes Attu.
February 3rd, 1942
Attu continues to be the center of my attention.
The DD/CL Group make it to Attu just in time.
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The DD/CL group had to sprint to get to Attu in time. Unfortunately, they're now all carrying large amounts of damage/wear and tear.
They'll head back to Dutch to fix what can be fixed there and then they'll make their way to Vancouver and Seattle to fix the rest.
I'm sending a duplicate group from Dutch to replace them. I'm hoping Geek will believe they are the same TF and not figure out
that the bulk of the U.S. Navy is wintering in Alaska.
It looks like he's fleeing Attu though.
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I'll try to pick off some of the stragglers and then head back to Dutch.
Another "Short Boat" takes down an AK
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There's really no other use for these shortlegged subs. To their credit they seem to be hitting the AK's at a good rate.
In a big "Where the F did this come from?" moment, Geek takes Male. (Use that title as needed) ;)
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I had zero idea this was coming. No warning from anyone anywhere. I suspect Star Trek technology to be in play.
My Brit carriers are on their way to Colombo so they'll stop by and say hi. I also have a BB on it's way to Colombo. This
little move should end in failure but he did show me I have some serious gaps in my coverage.
Do you want to know what the AVG is not good at?
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Ground Attack! All remaining AVG pilots/planes will be assigned to Escort/Cap only. I just wasted a lot of good planes
and pilots. I'd like to try and Bombard Moulmein and take out his airfield. I'll have to take care of Male first. When the Battle for Rangoon begins I don't
want his planes to be so close.
Along the beleaguered coast of Eastern Australia, A-24 Banshees continue to do anything they can to stem the flow of Geek troops.
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These low experience A-24 squadrons continue to punch above their weight. I didn't expect much from them but they serviceable, at
the very least, in whatever role I put them in. They haven't been tested yet in an Escort role yet. Maybe they'll fare better than the P-40's.
They can't be worse.
The stalwart defense of Changsha continues.
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10,000 plus troops lost is nothing to sneeze unless you have another 300k waiting in the wings. I'm very short of supply here so
Changsha should fall anytime. There's no good fall back position either. We'll hold on as long as we can.
Our Intel Report gave us a hint that Geek may be sending troops to Normanton.
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Normanton is on Australia's Northeast coast. I have a few DD's and CL's left at Darwin.
I'm going to gamble and leave Darwin unguarded to see if I can catch these transports before they can land troops. I don't expect
them to be heavily escorted. He can't think I have much left and, well, I don't. :(
The tension is palpable... (https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fold.wargamer.com%2Fforums%2Fsmiley%2Funderbed.gif&hash=685421518ba6f418d3ceb0903a90a19de16fb285)
Decrypt reports that the Imperial court thinks Catalinas may be cursed by the gods as harbingers of doom, and so the Emperor shall make them illegal to construct once Japan takes over the world -- along with cursed women, whatever that means.
Quote from: JasonPratt on December 05, 2015, 02:26:57 PM
Decrypt reports that the Imperial court thinks Catalinas may be cursed by the gods as harbingers of doom, and so the Emperor shall make them illegal to construct once Japan takes over the world -- along with cursed women, whatever that means.
Thanks Jason! I'm glad to know they're getting under his skin a bit. If he gets through to Attu all he'll find are cursed women and promiscuous seals.
February 4th, 1942
The Attu Turkey Shoot continues.
DD's and CL catch another one of Geeks transports.
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This is looking like a pretty costly endeavor for Geek. It's still tough to tell if Attu was the only target. He certainly put
a lot of men into this.
The subs don't want to be left out.
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And the Penguin gets into the action in a big way.
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Not bad for a ship that should've been sunk at Guam in the opening days of the war.
Here's where the situation gets sticky.
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Losing a Cat always hurts but the big question is: Where did these Zeroes come from? I don't think their legs are
long enough to reach Attu but I could be wrong. If I'm right that means there's a carrier out here that I didn't account for.
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I'll put the Cats on full Naval Search and start to creep forward the carriers at Dutch. If there's one there I should be
able to eliminate all it's fighter contingent and then send my surface ships in to finish her off. In case you forgot, the
carriers I have attached to AM are carrying 7 squadrons of fighters and only 1 squadron of bombers. I don't know if
a single bombing squadron can take out a carrier and her support ships. I bet 3 BB's could though.
Monkey will be put on hold until the Attu situation is resolved. :-\
The AVG continues to underwhelm me.
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I was licking my chops when I saw this match up. I thought for sure the AVG would slice and dice these Oscars. In other
few other games I've played the AVG was pretty effective and usually racked up a good number of kills. This must be the
AVG B Team.
Fierce fighting continues at Changsha.
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He outnumbers me somewhere between 3 and 4 to 1. Taking nearly even losses will only speed up the inevitable.
Given everything that's going on there really wasn't much more that was noteworthy.
Heck, I'm impressed the Cats escaped with only one loss, considering the number of Zeros buzzing around in that thunderstorm! (A thunderstorm in the ass end of the Arctic North Pacific in February, for that matter. {shuddering})
February 5th, 1942
Surface Combat Group 2 manages to arrive at Attu.
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A total ambush. Not a single AK slipped away. A complete victory, right? Nope. They were empty. The troops managed
to land on Attu. "Insert F word here"!!!! That will delay the Monkey.
Later in the day, the remainder of Geeks troops attacked the Coastal AA unit holding down Attu.
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The Coastal AA never had a chance. DOUBLE F!!! Geek now holds Attu. I'll remove him in short order but this will
no doubt alert Geek to the presence of extra troops, ships, and aircraft in the area. I think he'll expect me to retaliate and
he'll expect it right where I was headed. This may put the Monkey to bed. I'll try to get some PBY's to start overtly checking out
some of the potential landing spots in the Kuriles...as soon as I replace the ones he destroyed when he took the island.
The group of CL's and DD's that were sent to Normanton, based on a single line in an Intel report, encountered a sizable landing force consisting
of a BB, CA, 3 DD's and some transports. Things looked bleak with that BB present.
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We may have gotten the better of this if the BB goes down. He also lost 600 men + equipment. He still managed to take Normanton.
We didn't have anyone defending it.
I'll have to continue 2/5/42 a little later. Photobucket is being a little "B" word today.
Consider that Geek might not be interested in following up with Attu since you spanked him, even though he did get troops ashore. But who cares? It's Attu. I think you need to decide what's more of a priority - retaking Attu or sticking it to him where it hurts. :coolsmiley:
So you spanked him with the Monkey, but if he retaliates that may put the Monkey to bed, requiring you to find some alternate landing spots in the Kurlies.
Got it. O0
Quote from: Banzai_Cat on December 09, 2015, 05:46:32 PM
Consider that Geek might not be interested in following up with Attu since you spanked him, even though he did get troops ashore. But who cares? It's Attu. I think you need to decide what's more of a priority - retaking Attu or sticking it to him where it hurts. :coolsmiley:
+1
Strictly speaking, Attu (and AM generally) was always about (1) pulling off Geek to somewhere mostly unimportant so that Kyz can stick it better where it hurts (not in the Kurlies per se) (man this discussion always seems to get weird fast); by (2) threatening to use Attu as a long range platform for bombing Japan.
So I would say the plan so far is doing well for at least (1) and maybe even still for (2) depending on what the outcome of (1) is. He can't just jump to (2) anymore and set up afterward for (1), which would have been admittedly ideal, but that doesn't mean the overall rationales are busted: that would have been great if possible, but not the primary rationale. The primary rationale is THREATEN THE HOME ISLANDS WITH NEVER-ENDING DOOLITTLE RAIDS IN ORDER TO FORCE GEEK TO DIAL BACK SOUTHERN OPERATIONS TO A POINT WHERE HEADWAY CAN BE MADE EARLIER. To me this rationale is still active.
After taking everything you guys said into consideration, I've decided to proceed with AM. I will bombard Attu with the DD/CL TF once more and then assign them carrier protection duty. Unless Geek brings seaplanes to Attu, which is what I'd do, he won't be able to launch anything from there for awhile so I'll just ignore it until after AM.
Continuing February 5th, 1942
The subs sent after Geeks carriers and resupply managed to find the oiler.
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That oiler was hit only one hex from Geek's carriers. If it were me I'd be clearing the area. It would totally demoralize me to lose a carrier to a sub.
The bad news is I think this guy already met up with the carriers.
Here's a better look.
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Don't be fooled. Those BB's are really CV's. The subs will continue to pressure him.
At Townsville, the Banshees manage to put a hurting on the Heavy Cruiser Kako.
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As much as I like hitting these big warships, I'd really rather be hitting his transports. I should really just be happy I'm hitting
anything at all.
At Cairns I get my wish.
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Except it's empty, again. >:(
Here, the last of the Manila Flotilla "slip the gap".
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If I would've paid more attention earlier I could've gotten a lot of ships out using this route. These guys will be at Midway in a week.
I'm sure we lost a base or two but nothing noteworthy.
February 6th, 1942
Overall a quiet day. Absolutely nothing happening on the AM front. There were a couple of things worth mentioning:
Something I've never seen before.
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A little sub on sub action. ("Usually you have to pay extra for that, Cotton."). I can't recall seeing that in any of the AAR's
I've read or games I've played.
The CA Kako takes a few more bombs from the Banshees.
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I wonder how many more it'll take to put her down.
Geek's troops try Clark's defenses.
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And certainly take the worst of it. We've stopped our bombardment as our supplies were beginning to run a bit low.
I'd really like to keep that ratio.
Things didn't go so well at Changsha though.
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The surviving troops retreated West, across a river. I hope that'll buy us a little time to regroup. Unfortunately, there is almost
no supplies here.
Going over the daily Intel Report I noticed Geek has a new target.
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The first line is the one that caught my eye. I immediately dispatched all the Mine Layers at Pearl to re-lay the Midway minefield.
I'm also sending the 2 CV's at Pearl in that direction. They're the ones loaded with bombers. I'll sit the carriers just East of Midway and wait
for him to show. As of right now I don't think he'll have any air support for this landing unless he brings his carriers up from the South. If he
does that then the Monkey invasion force will turn and head for Attu and the carriers with all my fighters aboard will steam south and try to hook up with
the others.
This game seems to be about 4 months ahead of the real war.
Sub vs sub happens more often that you think. But usually inconclusive.
A showdown at Midway sounds interesting. Wonder how much of the Japanse carrier force will appear.
Quote from: jomni on December 13, 2015, 01:41:45 AM
A showdown at Midway sounds interesting. Wonder how much of the Japanse carrier force will appear.
Luckily I have decent PBY coverage still so I'm able to keep an eye on his carriers. If they start heading that way I should know.
February 7th, 1942
Another very quiet turn.
First, a sub attack just outside Port Moresby.
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It seems the Allied subs are doing a little better lately. Now if I could just catch his carriers with some of these.
Another assault on Clark.
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He lost significantly fewer troops this time while I lost about the same. The fort level held at 2. When these guys finally do break
I hope they head for Manila and not Bataan. I bet it'll be Bataan though.
Risky Intercept.
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I'm sending my short on fuel Bombardment group North to try and intercept those AK's coming down towards the South.
I don't know what their intentions are but I think they're going to rendezvous with his big carrier group. If I can catch them
at night I stand a great chance of sinking everything in that AK group, which is probably full of troops. After that though, my
ships will be at the mercy of his carriers. I hope it's worth the risk.
No further developments on Midway. AM units are moving to the secondary staging point. As soon as they are gathered up the fun begins.
Looking forward to AM O0
Quote from: Airborne Rifles on December 13, 2015, 01:38:48 PM
Looking forward to AM O0
Don't look too forward to it, Airborne, things are about to get really sticky.
Thanks for following. ;)
February 8th, 1942
Not a ton of action but there could be a Turning Point coming up in the next couple of days. More on that later.
One of our subs again foregoes the torpedoes and goes straight to guns.
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A pretty ballsy move considering the action took place just outside of Port Moresby. The subs there have been
pretty successful but I think he'll up the ASW effort there so I'm moving the subs to the coast of Australia. There seems
to be an overabundance of targets around there. :(
Geek lands more troops in OZ.
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I'm sure you've noticed the number of Australian towns that now belong to Geek. Townsville will be a tough nut for him and
should grind down his advance for a bit. I'm still waiting on all these Aussie troops that I'm supposed to get but so far nothing
appears to have triggered. The Northern Coast isn't faring much better with only Darwin left.
I did effectively bombard his troops as they prepared for the attack.
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I need to keep him from attacking for a few more turns. I have some armor on the way and they may help.
In the skies above Moulmein there were multiple battles for air superiority.
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This was the first one. Although we had fewer aircraft, we were able to go one for one with Geek in kills. The other battles leaned
a bit more in our favor and when the Hurricane II's arrived they gave us an edge. I'm standing everyone down for a day to get my
numbers back up. If he keeps his CAP near 100% while I rest and repair I should be able to take control of the air here in the next
couple of days.
And now for the turning point I was mentioning:
Carrier based planes attacked a couple of my BB's that were marshaling south of Attu for AM. (Sorry no screen shot. I accidentally clicked passed it.)
At first I was in a panic. There are a lot of ships moving to the final staging area for AM. That staging area is well within range of these guys:
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This is the small CV force of Geeks. It's the one that I thought was headed to the Indian Ocean to take care of the Brit carriers there. I last saw
them headed west from Baker Island. This is also the carrier force that had it's bombers slaughtered over Canton. Rather than run from these guys
I've decided to make Attu the new "Midway". I'm pulling all of the AM TF's south and hopefully out of harms way. The BB/CA bombardment group is
going to move straight east to meet up with my 2 CV's and begin hunting his carriers. If you recall, my CV's contain over 100 fighters and 2 squadrons of
bombers. The key will be to trap him in the Bering Sea. Once I take down his fighters I should be able to destroy his carriers with my bombers,
BB's and CA's. I don't think he expects me to have carriers here so this has a great chance of succeeding if he lingers here just one extra turn.
I'll have to wait and see how his main CV force reacts before sending AM forward. I can't take that force on head-to-head yet. In a month the Wasp
(or Hornet. I can't remember which right now) will arrive. I can then begin offensive operations in the South Pacific provided Australia is still there and
the game hasn't gone to Auto Victory for Geek.
Speaking of Midway, I received another Intel Report of a division of infantry headed towards Midway. My 2 bomber laden CV's are standing by to the East,
waiting for a sighting report of the transports. Unless Geek is going to move one of his carrier TF's in that direction, I should be able to send these ships
to the bottom as well.
Even though I'm clearly getting my butt handed to me, I feel the war just may turn here shortly. If it wasn't for Australia I'd be down right confident that we
could win this in an abbreviated fashion.
Looking at it from that perspective, "Pacific war may turn around for Allies in mid/late-Feb 42" is a pretty impressive situation to have accomplished! -- especially with Japan having seriously invaded Australia!
But then again, that might have been the island (the really really really big island) too far. The Japanese player has some horrible dilemmas about how far to git while the gittin' is good. If he has reached past the nebulous foggy point where he has spread himself too thin too soon, you won't need much to start kicking ass. Y'all haven't had a real down-home shootout or two on the seas yet, and the US can afford (in the long run) to lose a few of those. The Nips really cannot afford to lose even one. And once their sea game is shot, the writing will be on the wall.
On a different topic, how great would Australia be for some epic armor action?! It's too bad neither the US nor Japan at this point have the kit and experience to make it the Pacific equivalent of the African coast and Middle East.
Great AAR KyzBP. I was wondering what you thinking the CV numbers Geek has and how many you have? What's the CV vs CV comparison?
Quote from: JasonPratt on December 17, 2015, 09:52:35 AM
Looking at it from that perspective, "Pacific war may turn around for Allies in mid/late-Feb 42" is a pretty impressive situation to have accomplished! -- especially with Japan having seriously invaded Australia!
But then again, that might have been the island (the really really really big island) too far. The Japanese player has some horrible dilemmas about how far to git while the gittin' is good. If he has reached past the nebulous foggy point where he has spread himself too thin too soon, you won't need much to start kicking ass. Y'all haven't had a real down-home shootout or two on the seas yet, and the US can afford (in the long run) to lose a few of those. The Nips really cannot afford to lose even one. And once their sea game is shot, the writing will be on the wall.
On a different topic, how great would Australia be for some epic armor action?! It's too bad neither the US nor Japan at this point have the kit and experience to make it the Pacific equivalent of the African coast and Middle East.
I agree 100%. A lot rests, right now, on 3 things/battles:
1. The Battle of the Bering Sea
2. The (Impending) Battle of Midway
3. The Battle For Australia
If the first 2 of those go my way, and I'm finally able to launch AM, I should be able to get troops to Oz and help turn the tide there.
Quote from: Sir Slash on December 17, 2015, 11:10:15 AM
Great AAR KyzBP. I was wondering what you thinking the CV numbers Geek has and how many you have? What's the CV vs CV comparison?
Thanks Slash and thanks for following.
I think he has 10 or 11 right now compared to my 4, soon to be 5. I thought I was tracking all of them until that small group of CVL & CVE's popped up in the Bering Sea. I really think I can get the jump on them as long as they stick around one more turn. If they try to chase my BB's then they'll fall right into my ambush. I only hope my Wildcat and Buffalo, yes, Buffalo pilots are up to the task.
Damn, I had no idea he could have so many. Even if -- half maybe?--- are CVL's. And Buffalos? When do you get some new aircraft?
Quote from: Sir Slash on December 17, 2015, 12:50:49 PM
Damn, I had no idea he could have so many. Even if -- half maybe?--- are CVL's. And Buffalos? When do you get some new aircraft?
Here's a list of Japanese Carriers. It shows 10 carriers plus one training carrier.
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I suspect 4 of the CVL's and CVE's are in the Bering Sea. With any luck they'll never leave. The Buffaloes should be upgraded to Wildcats in March or April. They were the only other Carrier Capable planes besides the Wildcats. I hope to overwhelm him with numbers.
Where the heck is the "inland sea"? ???
Because apparently that's where the Shinano (the world's largest carrier at the time, if not ever) was stationed. Or will be stationed when it comes online.
Quote from: JasonPratt on December 17, 2015, 08:43:53 PM
Where the heck is the "inland sea"? ???
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seto_Inland_Sea
Jason, you have never read "Run Silent, Run Deep"?
No, but I've watched the first modern Gamera movie several times, and I recall the turtle resting from wounds in "the Inland Sea", which is the only other time I've ever heard it described that way.
In my mind, an inland sea is a sea surrounded by land, being, y'know, inland. ;) Like the Caspian Sea. I've seen that area on maps forever, but never thought of it being inland.
Oh well. Now I have an answer to something that always puzzled me about a Gamera movie! :D
They called it that so it could stay hidden from everybody. Think-about-it. :o
Soooo exciting!!!!
February 9th, 1942
Sub activity seems to be picking up steam on both sides.
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This sub managed to sink a tanker headed for Colombo. She was later sunk by ASW patrols. There are subs lurking off Rangoon, Darwin,
Sydney, and Brisbane. I'm still making a full attempt at sinking as many of these as I can find.
I also have a line of subs off of Palmyra.
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Geek has some AK's headed to Palmyra to reinforce his troops there. The subs are the only things I have to stop him from landing. We'll see how
that works out.
I bombarded Baker Is. again.
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For some reason I'm no longer hitting troops. I guess I gave them enough time to dig in. The ships I'm using to bombard are now almost
out of fuel and Canton Is. is dry. I diverted a tanker to Canton but it'll be a couple of days before these guys can sortie out again.
We trade bombardments at Clark Field.
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I'm still getting the best of him on these but I'm also eating through supplies. I've decided to bombard every third day to conserve
supplies. He's still bombing the crap out of Manila. There's usually 2-3 sorties of ~70 bombers each sortie. By now the place must
look like the moon.
I'm still trying to keep his forces at Townsville disorganized.
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I'm simply buying time for my reinforcements to arrive. I'm throwing everything I have at him but once he decides to attack I'm sure I'll
be knocked back. The inexperienced Warhawk pilots are getting their asses handed to them. Reinforcements for Australia are beginning
to arrive...off map. :tickedoff: It'll take at least a month to get them to Oz. By that time though, there may not be a place for them to land.
Geek moves his carriers out of danger.
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He didn't fall into the trap. That's fine. I'll have almost everything for AM assembled tomorrow and then we'll launch.
If his carriers stick around I'll end up running right into them. I don't think he can win a battle here. I have a very powerful surface fleet that
includes 3 BB's. The two carriers I have are loaded down with fighters so I don't think he'll get through my CAP. If everyone is staged, then
tomorrow we launch, Two days at the latest.
February 10th, 1942
The line of subs at Palmyra Hit some AK's
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The subs managed to hit 4 AK's...unfortunately only ONE torpedo actually detonated. It heavily damaged
an AK but it should've been much worse. As his task force passes a group of subs, those subs will turn head east in
an attempt to finish off any damaged ships. Eventually the subs will all meet at Palmyra at the same time his TF arrives.
They'll then reestablish the line and hopefully hit some of the empties on the way back. Then we go CV hunting. :knuppel2:
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Now you may not believe this but, other than the same old bombardments and bombings, that was it for combat. Since there
was hardly any combat I'll give you an idea of how I hope AM will work out.
First: The Targets.
The primary target will be Shimushiri-Jima (Code Name: ISH). The secondary target will be Ketoi-Jima (Code Name: Jack)
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Map courtesy of Operation Glacier( http://operationglacier.com/Home/Index?game_name=OperationGlacierI (http://operationglacier.com/Home/Index?game_name=OperationGlacierI))
ISH has the potential for a level 3 port and a level 6 airfield. JACK has the potential for a level 3 port and a level 4 airfield. These bases were chosen because
of proximity to the Home Island and potential airbase size. JACK is there solely to provide mutual air defense and it's port will not be improved.
ISH has the following units assigned to it:
-201st Separate Infantry Regiment
-108th Infantry Regiment
-4th Marine Defense Bn
-193rd Tank Bn
-1/151st Combat Engineer Bn
-19th Combat Engineer Bde
-154th Field Artillery Bn
-70th Coastal AA Bn
JACK Has the following units assigned:
-87th Mountain Regiment
-1st Rocky Mountain Bn (Canadian)
-1st Marine Defense Bn
-206th Coastal AA Bn
-34th Combat Engineer Regiment
Base Forces will be along afterwards because, well, I forgot to assign them. :uglystupid2:
I have ZERO intelligence as to what I'll be facing when I land so I'm hoping that 2 targets isn't 1 too many.
The attack will be led by minesweepers clearing ISH on Day One. The minesweepers will then move to JACK and clear it on Day Two.
The Bombardment TF will hit ISH on the morning of Day Two. They too will then head to JACK to pound it on the morning of Day Three.
Invasion Force ISH will hit the beaches on the morning of Day Two. If Geeks CV's haven't shown up at this point, the carrier based bombers will
hit ISH as well. Invasion Force Jack will hit JACK on Day Three. Both invasion forces are carrying extra supplies as I don't foresee supplies getting
through once Geek's main carrier TF gets into the area.
The landings and support ships will be covered by the carrier aircraft. There is a Float Plane Tender assigned to the ISH TF. As soon as we gain control
of the island PBY's will immediately be dispatched to ISH to provide early warning of the approach of Geek's main carrier group. At that point all ships will bug out and head
to Dutch. All subs will remain in the area to harass Geek's carriers and intercept any invasion force sent to retake the islands. All the subs in the area of Palmyra will tail
Geek's carriers until they settle in at AM.
That's pretty much AM in a nut shell. Once Geek's carriers are out of the Central/South Pacific I'll release all the ships I have destined for that area. Maybe then we
can start taking the pressure off of Australia. Fingers crossed.
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February 11th, 1942
The gauntlet of subs at Palmyra continue to attack, with mixed results.
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The Plunger's Captain goes to guns after 2 torpedoes fail to detonate. Many a Geekanese sailor, soldier, and ship have been saved by
those involved in the development and deployment of the Mk.14 torpedo. The good news is I only have to wait ~360 turns until they
are improved.
Here the Narwhal manages to get a couple of hits with torpedoes.
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I think Geek switched tactics slightly. All of my hits on his transports have resulted in very few actual casualties. I think he's using more
ships to transport smaller units. Not a bad plan if you can spare the transports. I don't have that luxury right now.
We bombarded the obscure island of Male.
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I imagine Geek took it to either keep tabs on traffic coming into the Indian Ocean or something more ambitious like turning it into a sub
base or something. No matter, it will be recaptured shortly. The one thing I'm not short of in this theater is transports.
The assault on Palmyra begins anew.
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The fort level was taken down to zero. The island will probably fall tomorrow. I'm preparing some troops in Hawaii to retake Palmyra
if/when it falls. I can't let him hold this one for very long. If he were to get bombers stationed here, I'd be forced way south when
shuttling convoys in and out of the area.
Australia is a mess.
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The aircraft I have are pretty ineffective and I don't have enough of them. My troops, while stout, are few in number and the Aussie Navy is
mostly at the bottom of "insert name of body of water". It's going to take a real stroke of luck to slow Geek down.
The slap fight over Moulmein continues.
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The morning raids had all the squadrons going in separately which resulted in me losing a few more planes than Geek. The afternoon
raid went into together and, with 60+ planes involved, only resulted in 3 kills total. I don't think either of us have to worry about air
superiority at this point. Both of our air groups stink.
I think I was bamboozled at Midway. I have no sightings nor reports of anything moving towards Midway. I'm wondering if Geek used Midway to
tie up my carriers while he moved his transports to Palmyra. I'll stick around Midway a little longer and then I'll head back to Pearl an get ready to
retake Palmyra.
You've got a follow here, too. From the beginning. :)
Quote from: MetalDog on December 28, 2015, 01:27:37 PM
You've got a follow here, too. From the beginning. :)
Thanks Metal! I appreciate you following along.
February 12th, 1942
This will be short since not much happened except at Palmyra. More on that in a minute.
The OTA (Other Than American) subs seem to be doing the Lion's share of the work.
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Again, it stinks that I couldn't get a hit while the AK was full of troops but a ships is a ship, I guess. I may be running out of time in Oz though. Geek's Pacific Uber
operation is dropping troops off in Australia at a pretty quick pace. If I don't make a stand somewhere, and in a hurry, then Oz will fall and the game will probably end. :'(
Townsville is seeing a lot of action.
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There have been bombardments by both sides, air battles, sub attacks, you name it. Maybe Townsville will be where I stop the Geekanese advance. :knuppel2:
Some angry Aussie fishing trawlers manage to pummel a sub they found in their nets.
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Most of his sub operations seem to be centered around Australia and, soon, the South Pacific. I observed a migration of his subs from the waters NE of Hawaii
towards the Palmyra-Canton area. I'm guessing he's reacting to my rerouting of convoys South to avoid the Hawaiian waters. It looks like I'll have to reroute
again. I also have a butt load of ships standing by at Johnson Island are just waiting for the coast to clear.
Sadly Geek got enough troops onto Palmyra to take the island.
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I have some CA's at Pearl about to come online. They will begin bombarding Palmyra until I get some transports loaded. Palmyra is now Priority One. It should be
difficult for him to keep supplied unless he dedicates his big CV TF to it or at least splits them up.
In other news: Geek continues to bomb Alor Star. He could walk in there with two guys and a box of doughnuts right now and what's left of my men would kill each
other just for the doughnuts. They're out of supply. I think Geek is using Alor Star to build up the Experience of his bombing crews. There's no other reason not
to take it.
I believe the AM invasion force has been detected by a sub launched seaplane. The good news is their path takes them close to Attu so Geek may think this is a force to
retake Attu. It may misdirect him for a short time or draw his smaller CV force to try and intercept the landings. Time will tell but our carrier pilots are on standby should those carriers appear.
February 13th, 1942
Another day much like the last. The day was light on action but what did happen was significant.
Geek captures Siangtan.
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Another Chinese city, another Chinese city lost. That part isn't too big of a deal yet. What has me concerned is Geek had to attack
across a river and that river didn't slow him down. I was counting heavily on the river being a force multiplier at Pegu (near Rangoon)
but now I'm not so sure.
Townsville falls. :(
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The loses were almost even but he had many more troops than I. We also lost a lot of our armor in the retreat. All the units, minus
the base force, made it back to Charters Towers. Charters Towers is my largest airbase in the area. The minute it looks like Geek is
going to attack I'll fly everything out of there. Charters will fall quickly. I wonder if Geek is bored of kicking my butt all over the map.
Just for fun.
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I've been able to send this Armored Merchant Cruiser (AMC) up to Buna to resupply the troops pushed out of Moresby. Now I'm
using it to move the troops stranded at Gasmata over to Buna. Next, I'll either send her back for more supplies or send her North to
try and rescue some of the Dutch units stranded on New Guinea.
This is potentially good news.
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If that scout report is accurate then his big CV force maybe moving out of the area. If that happens I will immediately release the ships
standing by at Johnson and also begin the harassment bombardments of Baker and, now, Palmyra. There are also a bunch of convoys
getting ready to begin their transit through the area. Those convoys are carrying more than a few squadrons of fighters and bombers.
The big question though is: Where's he going?
AM and it's targets on the same screen.
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The invasion force is moving too painfully slow for my liking but it's destination is now insight. As I mentioned before, the TF runs very close
to Attu. I know Geek knows it's there but where does he think it's going? If he thinks Attu then we may end up with a very dangerous naval
engagement somewhere in the North Pacific. The next game week will be extremely tense for me.
En Passant et tu. >:D O0
Quote from: JasonPratt on December 29, 2015, 09:52:55 AM
En Passant et tu. >:D O0
Thanks Jason. I like the reference. O0
Goodness, I missed a lot while I was away! Philippines invaded (not that that's a surprise), Australia invaded (which is)...this is one heckuva war. O0 Interesting to see that -- with a handful of exceptions -- the action appears to be focused almost entirely on southeast Asia and the South Pacific.
Quote from: KyzBP on December 28, 2015, 03:23:45 PM
In other news: Geek continues to bomb Alor Star. He could walk in there with two guys and a box of doughnuts right now and what's left of my men would kill each
other just for the doughnuts.
Ha! (And at the same time, ouch! That's a rough supply situation, all right.)
KysBP, I'm reading American Ceasar right now, and the Australians had actually planned to withdraw to the "Bribane" line if the Japanese invaded, abandoning the whole continent except the populated southeast. Could you do something similar?
Quote from: Airborne Rifles on December 30, 2015, 09:06:04 AM
KysBP, I'm reading American Ceasar right now, and the Australians had actually planned to withdraw to the "Bribane" line if the Japanese invaded, abandoning the whole continent except the populated southeast. Could you do something similar?
Lol, it's not really "could I" but "how fast can I?" Geek is pretty much forcing this strategy on me. I still plan to defend Darwin if just to tie up troops but he can have the rest of Northern Australia. If I lose Brisbane then Australia may be in trouble.
I did read another AAR (I think it was titled the world s worst and longest AAR on WitPAE). It was a major read (very very funny though) but part of their strategy as the allies was to turn Northern Australia into the largest POW camp with hordes of emaciated starving Japanese mindlessly stumbling around like zombies up there as he choked off their supply lines.
food for thought
http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=2341315&mpage=1&key=
Con
Quote from: Martok on December 30, 2015, 07:43:49 AM
Goodness, I missed a lot while I was away! Philippines invaded (not that that's a surprise), Australia invaded (which is)...this is one heckuva war. O0 Interesting to see that -- with a handful of exceptions -- the action appears to be focused almost entirely on southeast Asia and the South Pacific.
Quote from: KyzBP on December 28, 2015, 03:23:45 PM
In other news: Geek continues to bomb Alor Star. He could walk in there with two guys and a box of doughnuts right now and what's left of my men would kill each
other just for the doughnuts.
Ha! (And at the same time, ouch! That's a rough supply situation, all right.)
Welcome back Martok! :)
Quote from: Con on December 30, 2015, 06:24:56 PM
I did read another AAR (I think it was titled the world s worst and longest AAR on WitPAE). It was a major read (very very funny though) but part of their strategy as the allies was to turn Northern Australia into the largest POW camp with hordes of emaciated starving Japanese mindlessly stumbling around like zombies up there as he choked off their supply lines.
food for thought
http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=2341315&mpage=1&key=
Con
That's a pretty good plan in general, I think. I'll let him overextend and then begin cutting him off as soon as I have the troops to do so. The trick is surviving long enough to pull off that maneuver.
February 14th, 1942
Happy Valentine's Day.
Another very quiet day. This time there wasn't even any real losses.
We went on the offensive in China.
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We didn't do so well this time. Maybe tomorrow will be better.
Here's the Lark Bn being dropped off at Buna, right under the noses of Geek's preoccupied troops.
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I'll keep shuttling troops as long as I can. He'll figure it out soon.
I know I should be concentrating all my efforts at stopping his ground forces at Townsville.
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But he has 27 ships in port. If I can get some bombers through his CAP I might be able to do some damage to his ships
just milling around there. There may even be some high value targets at anchor. I think it's worth a shot while I still own an airfield
in the area.
We're inching closer to AM.
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I expect some type of reaction by Geek next turn. If that small CV group is still in the area, they make their presence known shortly.
There wasn't anything else other than the usual stuff.
February 15th, 1942
The airwar over Moulmein had reached a level of boring stalemate, so I decided to shake things up.
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I didn't expect these kind of results. The DD bombardment effectively neutralized Moulmein as an airbase. This should
give me temporary air superiority over the area. I'm sure Geek will have an answer for this though.
The bombing of the Port of Townsville was far less successful.
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I was hoping to hit something bigger. He's got about 50 Zeroes running CAP over the place. There's really no point in
continuing the air attacks here. We will lose Charters Tower. It's just a matter of time.
I thought his large CV force was headed NW and out of the area.
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Wrong again! All the convoys that were released from Johnston Is. are now headed back there at full speed. I think I have a hole
in my search coverage in this area. This is the second time this has happened. Very soon though, those carriers will be steaming out of the area.
Surprisingly, Alor Star continues to hold.
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I'm not sure why these guys are still fighting but God bless 'em. There will be Unit Awards passed out to everyone here...that survives.
The AP's sent from Australia have the West Coast in sight.
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This is one of three groups of AP's that are about to arrive. They'll pick up American reinforcements and begin steaming back to Oz.
I don't know if they'll get there in time but the will at least make it to New Zealand provided AM draws his CVs out of the area.
The Minesweepers leading AM should arrive on target tomorrow followed by a bombardment and then the troop landings. Cross your
fingers because the mythical AM is about to become a reality...and I'm very nervous.
February 16th, 1942
The pace of this war is about to pick up steam.
A couple of my subs bounce some fish off the sides of Geeks boats.
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A lot of boats! I doubt my early strategy of going after his transports was ever realistic. He has tons of them. If you
kill one, two more respawn.
I decided to bombard Moulmein again.
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This time the Oscars seemed to have disappeared. I think it's time to leave before we draw the attention of Geek's angry
navy.
No plan survives first contact.
No troops were supposed to land until tomorrow. However,...
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Not only did troops start landing (and dying) already, but they're landing out of order. Ketoi wasn't supposed to get troops
for another 2 days, after it was cleared and bombarded. Luckily it looks like the island is empty. It also looks like the landings
will be costly. These Canadian Rangers already lost about 25% of it's strength and they're not even all off the boats yet. :-\
I would say the cat's out of the bag now. I'm very interested to see Geek's response and probably won't have to wait too long.
Here's the current situation at AM:
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It doesn't look like the islands are occupied so I'm not going to bombard them. I'll keep the BB's tucked away in case a surface
engagement looks eminent. I have about 120 fighters flying CAP right now and a squadron of dive bombers standing by should
his small CV force show up. Now I just need to get the troops off the ships, in one piece, and get everyone out of there.
Btw, Alor Star finally fell. :(
Whether Arctic Monkey is a resounding success or not, you landed on Japan!
Brilliant work.
Finally! We've been waiting on tenterhooks for weeks and weeks to see Arctic Monkey hit the beaches!
Quote from: besilarius on January 03, 2016, 07:29:00 PM
Whether Arctic Monkey is a resounding success or not, you landed on Japan!
Brilliant work.
Thanks! I can't tell you how many times I almost pulled the plug on this operation. I get the feeling though, that I'm going to wish I did.
I hope this ends up being worth the wait.
Now you can boast to all WITP players that you have landed in Japan in 1942!!!
Quote from: jomni on January 04, 2016, 12:54:06 AM
Now you can boast to all WITP players that you have landed in Japan in 1942!!!
Lol. The Landing may have been the easy part. The Holding will be the part worth boasting.
Long Live the Mighty Monkey!!!! O0
So, Tojo, you landed in Oz, did you? TAKE THAT! ;D
Doolittle would be peeing his pants at this triumph.
(Although strictly speaking, Geek did successfully invade the US first. ::) )
Geek finally posed in his thread. AM was just an insect bite. Nothing to be worried about.
Applause for doing it, though.
AM's purpose was to occupy his CV's for awhile so I could get some troops and aircraft through the Central/South Pacific. I have 2 day's worth of AAR's to update. On the surface, without giving any spoilers, it appears to be working.
Thanks again to all of you for following and participating in this AAR. O0
Couldn't quit now if I was being held at gunpoint.
Quote from: Sir Slash on January 05, 2016, 07:28:40 PM
Couldn't quit now if I was being held at gunpoint.
Thanks Slash! I'm glad Geek and I have been able to keep this interesting.
February 17th, 1942
So, I had a sub try to take down part of this herd:
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It missed and was chased away. I then counted at least 23 AK's and AP's. That's a lot of troop moving capability. I'm
kidding myself if I think my original strategy of knocking out his shipping is going to work. :idiot2:
Since Geek's large CV force is out of range, we revisit our daily bombardments of Baker Is.
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Not many casualties but we did do some damage to the island's facilities. I have a CL and a couple more DD's coming
up from Suva to join in on the harassment. The idea is to force Geek to react to multiple annoyances. When he realizes
he can't be everywhere at once maybe he will split up the large CV force into something my CV's can handle. A return to
Palmyra is next.
Some of Geeks aircraft located my Brit CV TF.
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They weren't able to score any hits but I don't think I'm sticking around to see if they can. I'll take them back to Colombo
and prepare for some type of offensive action on Sumatra. I'll need to tie up his aircraft and navy here while I slip past a bunch
of Aussie reinforcements. I'm getting a good amount of Australian troops at Aden which is off map and at the top. I have
to convoy them all the way down the west side of the map and then over to Australia. I'll either unload them at Perth or take them
all the way to Melbourne. Perth might be the way to go. I can send them, by rail, to where ever I need them AND I can turn the AP's
around faster to go get more troops.
Geek caught on to my Gasmata-Buna ferry service.
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That Armed Merchant Cruiser (AMC) is stuck there for now. It has the rest of the Lark Bn aboard. It's doubtful that they'll make it
to Buna. The fact that he used DD's rather than aircraft tells me Rabaul may not have much of an offensive air force present. I'm not sure
how I can exploit that yet but I'll keep that tucked away.
Geek's large CV force is near Johnston Is.
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I don't have much in the way of air cover for Johnston. The troops are bracing for a large scale air attack and the few fighter pilots have
written their "If you're reading this..." letters. AM has just started so let's see if it grabs Geek's attention enough to forego Johnston and
start heading North.
On to AM.
Raid One.
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Geek sent whatever was in range of AM. Neither side took significant losses, although I thought I'd chew him up, this round.
Raid Two.
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The results were about the same. There were 2 more raids where I did much better but, of course, I didn't grab the screens
of those. I am a little concerned at the low effectiveness of my fighters. None of his planes got through to the main landing
force or the support ships but I expected more kills.
Unfortunately, one raid did manage to get through to the ships at Ketoi.
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This was the only ship hit, so far. I suffer fewer losses when being bombed than when unloading. :idiot2: This AP eventually
sinks. I hate losing AP's right now.
Here's a look at today's Air Losses:
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When you look at it using this we have about a 3 to 2 kill ratio versus the Zero. That's not too bad. His pilots, I believe, are
harder to replace and all his best pilots are aboard his CV's. When you throw in the bombers we start to look like we're doing pretty
good. The one thing that really concerns me is Geek has a turd load of long range land based bombers that he's been using to bomb Manila.
He may transfer those over to here. If he does, by overwhelming numbers, he'll get some through to my ships. Now, will Geek bring his
carriers North to scratch this pesky little mosquito bite or will he leave the mosquito alone to drink it's fill and signal others to come join the feast?
I'll close today with a WiTP rarity, I think.
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Please notice Ketoi. Not bad considering, by plan, troops weren't even supposed to be landing there until tomorrow.
February 18th, 1942
The lovable AMC Westralia tried to make a break for Buna.
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So close. A bit of overkill I'd say. I have another AMC and an AK loading supplies for Buna right now. I figure these guys
will return to port before my supply ships arrive in the area. If he really doesn't have much in the way of bombers at Rabaul
then I'll try to sneak supplies to Buna. I think his planes at Port Moresby are preoccupied with Australia.
Air battles rage over Padang.
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Maybe "rage" is a strong word here but the Hurricanes are faring pretty well. Geek does manage to get a wave through though.
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Here they were less than spectacular. I hate when I lose transports. I especially hate when they're loaded with Tanks. Some of
the disabled ones will not doubt be repaired and pressed into service.
Remember when I decided to pull my Brit carriers North to Colombo? Well, we nearly ran smack into these guys:
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I'd rather not have a surface engagement here. Our forces are about even but I have more to lose. If I can avoid him this
turn then may may be able to inflict some damage using the carrier based bombers.
Charters Towers fell pretty quick.
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Geek now has access to a level 4 airfield on Australian soil. That's really bad news. I still can't muster anything that
can slow him down. I'm just going to have to try and paper cut him to death for awhile.
Northwest of Johnston Island:
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I guess that mosquito bite itches a little. Geek has changed course and is now heading towards AM...I think. This is
the area of the map where I have no PBY coverage. He'll be out of range of the Cat's based at Johnston and won't be picked
up again until either Midway or my new PBY base at Ketoi. Either way it looks like AM is working. Full scale bombardments of
Baker and Palmyra are now underway and troops for Australia are loading up on the West Coast of the U.S. AM just has to
distract Geek long enough for me to get them past Canton Island.
AM:
Geek hardly sent any raids today.
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There was this one and maybe one other. Nothing got through. None of them really need to though because I'm losing
more men to landing than to enemy contact. I lost close to 500 men this turn alone, all of them at Shimushiri. There are
no enemy troops present so as soon as I take the island the losses should stop.
Going back to Geek's large CV force; I figure if he runs his CV's at Full Speed he can be within range in about 5 days. I've given
myself 4 more days or when the PBY's at Ketoi spot him to unload everything. Then everyone bugs out back to Dutch.
If Geek runs his CV's at Full Speed that long he'll have to send them to port for repairs. If he uses Mission Speed to get
them there then I probably have closer to a week to unload. Either way there will be no scary Geek carriers in the Central/South Pacific
for awhile. If he doesn't take the bait then we'll make Ketoi and Shimushiri a more permanent home.
Local Ketoi residents will surely be happy if you stick around
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Hey sexy!
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And the boys were worried they wouldn't be able to go "clubbing" while they are there.
.
.
.
.
No animals were hurt in that last statement.
February 19th, 1942
We start with a Dutch sub scoring a hit on a Tanker in port.
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Given how many ships Geek has, this won't be even be noticed. It is nice to damage something though. I've ordered most
of the subs to start attack ships in port. I was having a hard time interdicting anything in transit. At least I know they're here.
A small contingent of the AVG is jumped by some Oscars.
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The AVG didn't much appreciate that. I know I'm jinxing myself but we seem to be controlling the air in the few places we are
in contact...except Australia.
There were multiple raids over Padang.
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There were at least 100 bombers in one raid and probably another 100 in the other raids combined. I got my butt handed to me
in sunken ships. I lost troops that were unloading as well. I'll try to get the troops off the ships and then get everyone out of there.
I won't miss the ships much but I don't want to lose anymore troops.
A raid managed to get through at AM.
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There were hardly, if any, raids other than this one. For some reason the CAP didn't launch. I'm very fortunate that no larger raids
were launched or got through. The AP was only lightly damaged and unloading continues. I've decided to send the empty ships back
piecemeal. As soon as a ship empties it will head back towards Dutch Harbor. The carriers will be the last to leave.
Geeks CV's are leaving.
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It looks like they are leaving. I'm not sure why he's going West though. He may be trying to skirt some perceived threat that doesn't exist.
I'll probably lose track of these guys next turn. If I do, then the countdown clock will start and in 5 days I'll have to pull everyone out of AM
without regard to their load status. My fighters are doing pretty well so far, no point in losing them just yet.
Quote from: KyzBP on January 07, 2016, 04:26:01 PM
And the boys were worried they wouldn't be able to go "clubbing" while they are there.
.
.
.
.
No animals were hurt in that last statement.
OMG! Are they Canadians? (No offence)
Thats why so many non mechanic Canadians admit to having blown a seal
Con
There are some things in this thread I can never, ever unsee. :buck2:
"Seal clubbing" is a sad activity. You can Google about it. I won't be posting links.
Quote from: jomni on January 08, 2016, 01:04:33 AM
"Seal clubbing" is a sad activity. You can Google about it. I won't be posting links.
I totally agree. I do not condone such actions.
February 20th, 1942
A David vs Goliath battle was the opening act today
4 Geek Destroyers vs 4 CL's, a CA, and the Battleship Royal Sovereign. The Brits should make quick work of 4 DD's, right?
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Here's something I learned after this battle: Avoid fighting Japanese DD's at night! I did some research after this battle and
discovered that the Japanese Destroyer Doctrine was to be very aggressive and they fitted their DD's to reflect the doctrine. They
preferred fighting at night as it allowed them to utilize their Long Lance torpedoes while remaining somewhat undetected or
difficult to get a fix on. In our engagement the torpedoes didn't play as much of a factor as the shells did but it took my ships forever
to start hitting Geek's ships. The Sovereign was already damaged before she even fired a shot. Bravo to the developers for paying
such attention to detail.
The Sovereign and the Ceres are both limping home. No fires on either but there is 60% float damage on the Sovereign. I'm sending the
carriers back to escort these goes in to port. Geek had a surprise for me (see below) and I don't want that surprise catching up to these
guys.
We said hello to Baker Island again, in our own special way.
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His troops are well dug in already but we are making the island unusable as a base for subs, ships, or planes. Again, I plan on bombarding
all his little island bases around here until his carriers return. If he sends anything but the big CV force then I'll have some surprises of
my own waiting for him. More on that in the coming days.
The boys around Rangoon got a little revenge on the DD's that raided Rangoon.
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Weather kept most of the planes grounded but these guys managed to get airborne, shoot down a few Oscars, and then drop a bomb
on a DD. This "raid" has me wondering if it wasn't more of a "probe". Maybe Geek is considering assaulting Rangoon by sea/river rather
than on land, bypassing Pegu. The only problem, for him, would be that you can't get large convoys/TF's up the river to Rangoon. Everything
has to be small or broken down into small elements. I may have to consider this a possibility though.
Now for Geek's surprise for me:
Taadaa!
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Those little red boats just happen to be CVE's and CVL's. Did I know they were in the area? Yep. My subs spotted them at Singapore. Did I
know they left Singapore? Nope. I thought they were still there. Geek's land based bombers haven't bombed Siboret so I thought Siboret was
out of range. I was watching for signs that his CV's were on the move but never got any warning so I never retreated my transports. My plans
of slowly recapturing Sumatra are now on hold. If he keeps his CV's in the area then I have to stop the Australian reinforcements bound for Perth.
Damn it!
We'll end the day on a good note.
In the skies above AM, the Navy pilots continue to dominate.
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One positive side effect to AM that I didn't consider is the experience my carrier pilots are getting. Many of my pilots started in the 50 experience
range, which is at the low end of competent, I think. My pilots that were originally based on the carriers have experience around 70 but because
of the air battles over AM the guys in their 50's are already improving. It helps too that we're facing Geek's reserve pilots. When his carrier pilots
show up it will be a different story, well, except I won't be here anymore. ;)
Heres' the days Aircraft Losses:
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We are winning the air war right now. I'd say it's because we chose where the battle would take place. That philosophy will be one I'll try to
adhere to during the early part of the war.
As I was typing about AM I started to think a little about how I would approach AM from Geek's side. My conclusion is I may need to leave
a day earlier than planned and here's why:
Geek could do 2 things at once and not expose his carriers at all.
1. Fly his planes off his carriers to the bases at Bihoro (level 4 airfield) and Kushiro (level 2 airfield) as soon as his planes are in range of these bases.
2. Dock his CV's in Tokyo to rearm, refit, repair while his planes go to work on anything left over at AM.
Both airfield are easily within range of AM. Given the amount of aircraft we've shot down, I don't think he has to worry about there being enough aircraft
support at the bases. Plenty of empty hangers. All the while he could be getting his CV's ready to head back out to sea. This would greatly decrease the
turn around time I had anticipated for his CV's and their return to the South Pacific. :-\ Geek may get greedy though and try chasing my carriers back to Alaska.
I guess we'll have to wait and see.
February 21st, 1942
As usual, we start with some sub attacks. Our campaign to attack his ships in port seems to be doing better than the one at sea.
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We hit another one but I figure you guys are tiring of sub vs transport screenshots.
Our Brit carrier planes made a run at Sabang.
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Nothing earth shattering but we took down a couple ships. All this carrier activity will certainly draw Geek's attention. Hit and Run
is the best possible tactic for these guys.
The slaughter continues at Padang.
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We lost a couple more transports and more troops. I really should have been more patient and more discreet here. What I thought
would be a good staging area for the reconquest of Sumatra has turned into a graveyard for my troops and ships. If Geek doesn't
follow up with ground units then maybe I'll trickle units into this area and stay on plan but if he takes it then we'll have to revisit this
later.
The 2 CL's that were hit at Padang and fleeing were caught again.
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Both were hit and received damage. They're trying to get out of the area but they can't out run Geek's aircraft. I may try to split
them up and send them on different courses to try to save at least one of them.
Well, Photobucket is being a dick again so this will have to be a 2 part update.
Thanks so much for this AAR KyzBP!.. I know the game itself is a lot of work, never mind doing an AAR as well! But you're making it a little more tempting to try a full campaign game some day. Checking for updates every day! O0
Quote from: Tuna on January 12, 2016, 08:41:59 AM
Thanks so much for this AAR KyzBP!.. I know the game itself is a lot of work, never mind doing an AAR as well! But you're making it a little more tempting to try a full campaign game some day. Checking for updates every day! O0
Thanks a lot Tuna! The full campaign really isn't that bad once you get into a rhythm. Early on it gets easier for the Allies because the Japanese kill most of your units and take most of your bases, decreasing the amount of time you need to put into a turn. Losing has it's advantages. :uglystupid2:
Quote from: KyzBP on January 12, 2016, 09:18:08 AM
Quote from: Tuna on January 12, 2016, 08:41:59 AM
Thanks so much for this AAR KyzBP!.. I know the game itself is a lot of work, never mind doing an AAR as well! But you're making it a little more tempting to try a full campaign game some day. Checking for updates every day! O0
Thanks a lot Tuna! The full campaign really isn't that bad once you get into a rhythm. Early on it gets easier for the Allies because the Japanese kill most of your units and take most of your bases, decreasing the amount of time you need to put into a turn. Losing has it's advantages. :uglystupid2:
LOL! I wonder in Jason feels the same in our DC3 campaign... I seem to be killing lots of his units.... although... more seem to come outta the woodwork fairly regularly...
February 21st, 1942 continued...
The AVG decided to try their hand at Ship Strafing:
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Not bad results. They probably scratched the paint but I doubt the did any noticeable damage. It may scare these
ships away though. Geek may fear me bringing something bigger than spitballs next time.
Sub sunk off Christmas Island.
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Geek moved his subs that were terrorizing innocent cruise ships in Hawaiian waters to the waters near Christmas Island. We had
a welcoming party waiting for them. Having planes that would otherwise be idle set to ASW really help in keeping track of Geek's
sub fleet.
With the Cat away, the mice are back to playing.
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Since AM forced Geek to move his carriers out of the area I'm now able to resume bombarding Palmyra and Baker Island. I'll do my
to deny Geek the use of these islands as forward bases. There's a convoy of transports just west of Palmyra and they're headed East.
I have my BB+DD group standing by at Palmyra and a group of CA's and CL's trying to trap them in to the west. Hopefully I can return
the favor for all the troops he eliminated off Sumatra. I'm also sending the 2 CV's that are loaded with bombers from Pearl as soon as their
escorts return to service tomorrow.
And what's a turn without me losing some random Chinese city.
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Does it make sense that I don't blink an eye when I lose 17k+ troops in China but get bent out of shape when I lose 2000 in Sumatra?
AM is still going according to plan. The troops are still off loading and I'm sending back any ship that is empty. I'm starting to get antsy though.
I feel like we've been here too long. I'll wait 2 more days and then we're out of here. I'll leave behind a squadron of Wildcats to cover any of the
slower ships that begin to straggle. Geek sent a few fighter sweeps but they were turned back. No bombers today. He may be running low. If I were
Geek, I would have brought the bombers over that are bombing the crap out of Manila. Geek's not dumb. I'm sure he's got some kind of reaction planned.
I just need to be long gone when he initiates it.
Quote from: Barthheart on January 12, 2016, 09:38:10 AM
Quote from: KyzBP on January 12, 2016, 09:18:08 AM
Quote from: Tuna on January 12, 2016, 08:41:59 AM
Thanks so much for this AAR KyzBP!.. I know the game itself is a lot of work, never mind doing an AAR as well! But you're making it a little more tempting to try a full campaign game some day. Checking for updates every day! O0
Thanks a lot Tuna! The full campaign really isn't that bad once you get into a rhythm. Early on it gets easier for the Allies because the Japanese kill most of your units and take most of your bases, decreasing the amount of time you need to put into a turn. Losing has it's advantages. :uglystupid2:
LOL! I wonder in Jason feels the same in our DC3 campaign... I seem to be killing lots of his units.... although... more seem to come outta the woodwork fairly regularly...
It seems like you're swimming upstream against Jason. It's fun to watch though. O0
Quote from: Barthheart on January 12, 2016, 09:38:10 AM
Quote from: KyzBP on January 12, 2016, 09:18:08 AM
The full campaign really isn't that bad once you get into a rhythm. Early on it gets easier for the Allies because the Japanese kill most of your units and take most of your bases, decreasing the amount of time you need to put into a turn. Losing has it's advantages. :uglystupid2:
LOL! I wonder in Jason feels the same in our DC3 campaign... I seem to be killing lots of his units.... although... more seem to come outta the woodwork fairly regularly...
All part of my master plan to trap you in the Ural foothills and the Persian border mountains when mud arrives in September.
:'( :'(
Quote from: KyzBP on January 12, 2016, 09:18:08 AM
Quote from: Tuna on January 12, 2016, 08:41:59 AM
Thanks so much for this AAR KyzBP!.. I know the game itself is a lot of work, never mind doing an AAR as well! But you're making it a little more tempting to try a full campaign game some day. Checking for updates every day! O0
Thanks a lot Tuna! The full campaign really isn't that bad once you get into a rhythm. Early on it gets easier for the Allies because the Japanese kill most of your units and take most of your bases, decreasing the amount of time you need to put into a turn. Losing has it's advantages. :uglystupid2:
I think it's the idea of setting up and maintaining all the logistics that really scares me off! :crazy2:
Great work KyzBP. Sweet revenge on that sub I'll bet. I was wondering when the AVG will be able to get better planes? And do you have an option to move them elsewhere, like India or China if Geek threatens Burma?
Quote from: Sir Slash on January 12, 2016, 10:44:27 AM
Great work KyzBP. Sweet revenge on that sub I'll bet. I was wondering when the AVG will be able to get better planes? And do you have an option to move them elsewhere, like India or China if Geek threatens Burma?
The next scheduled upgrade for the AVG is P-40E's. The AVG is originally based in China. I thought bringing them to Rangoon get them more action and thwart any attacks in the area. So far they haven't met my expectations but they are getting better. Once I have enough Brit fighters in the area I may move them back to China. Geek seems to be getting pretty feisty there.
February 22nd, 1942
Geek's troops at Palmyra requested an early wake up today so they could clean up the house for their expected guests.
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Geek's transport convoy is only a day away. They'll have to work their way through my sub gauntlet and then past TF Mississippi.
If they chicken out and head back I have the CA-CL TF waiting for them. Let's hope my little trap isn't really a trap for me.
The Royal Sovereign and Ceres take more hits.
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They're still afloat but not long for this world. They'll be split with hopes of the Sovereign getting away. Very little chance.
Same with these guys.
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Reality is they are all probably goners.
Geek made another assault on Clark.
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The losses were almost even which is bad news for me. Geek has about 170k troops to my 23k. Even using Common Core math I
think he's going to take Clark soon. Again, I really hope these guys retreat towards Manila and not Bataan. Murphy's Law will no doubt
dictate the direction of retreat.
Geek made his first assault on Pegu.
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I don't think he'll be back for awhile. Pegu is about 14k troops strong while Geek only brought about half of that for the attack. It took
everything I had to fight the urge to counter attack. I learned my lesson at Sabang. I'll just let him bounce off me for awhile.
Another day of light fighter sweeps over AM. Neither of our pilots seemed too motivated. We shot down 4 Zeroes and lost a Wildcat and a Buffalo.
I blame the weather. The PBY's at Ketoi haven't seen any large TF's yet. We should leave tomorrow. AM accomplished exactly what I needed it to.
I'll have free roam of the Central/South Pacific for another week, maybe more if he gives chase to my CV's. There are Combat Engineers landing at
a few of my undeveloped bases within the week. They are closely followed by aircraft and support. A few of the AP's that were sent from Australia
are loaded and about to make their journey back to Oz with reinforcements. Today we see light at the end of the tunnel, tomorrow we see the train.
Quote from: KyzBP on January 12, 2016, 10:59:32 AM
Quote from: Sir Slash on January 12, 2016, 10:44:27 AM
Great work KyzBP. Sweet revenge on that sub I'll bet. I was wondering when the AVG will be able to get better planes? And do you have an option to move them elsewhere, like India or China if Geek threatens Burma?
The next scheduled upgrade for the AVG is P-40E's. The AVG is originally based in China. I thought bringing them to Rangoon get them more action and thwart any attacks in the area. So far they haven't met my expectations but they are getting better. Once I have enough Brit fighters in the area I may move them back to China. Geek seems to be getting pretty feisty there.
So AVG's legendary status was due to facing poorer pilots and aircraft in china?
Quote from: jomni on January 12, 2016, 06:00:42 PM
Quote from: KyzBP on January 12, 2016, 10:59:32 AM
Quote from: Sir Slash on January 12, 2016, 10:44:27 AM
Great work KyzBP. Sweet revenge on that sub I'll bet. I was wondering when the AVG will be able to get better planes? And do you have an option to move them elsewhere, like India or China if Geek threatens Burma?
The next scheduled upgrade for the AVG is P-40E's. The AVG is originally based in China. I thought bringing them to Rangoon get them more action and thwart any attacks in the area. So far they haven't met my expectations but they are getting better. Once I have enough Brit fighters in the area I may move them back to China. Geek seems to be getting pretty feisty there.
So AVG's legendary status was due to facing poorer pilots and aircraft in china?
I learn something new, literally, every day I update this AAR. I was always under the impression they fought in China with only minor forays into Burma. After some reading it looks like, so far, I've followed the historical path of the AVG. Here's what I learned:
The first squadron had flown up to Kunming to defend the terminus of the Burma Road and saw some combat action on 20 December 1941 while defending Rangoon from Japanese bombers, taking down four of them and disrupting their attack on Burma Road.
At this time, the focus of Japan's offensive efforts in the AVG's coverage area was southern Burma. The 3rd Squadron – 18 aircraft strong – defended Rangoon from 23–25 December. On 23 December, Mitsubishi Ki-21 "Sally" heavy bombers of the 60th, 62nd and 98th Sentais, along with single-engined Mitsubishi Ki-30 "Ann" attack bombers of the 31st Sentai, sortied against Rangoon. They were escorted by Nakajima Ki-27 "Nate" fighters of 77th Sentai. The Imperial Japanese Army Air Force (JAAF) formation was intercepted by the AVG and RAF Brewster Buffalos of 67 Squadron. Eight Ki-21s were shot down for the loss of three AVG P-40s. The 60th Sentai was particularly hard hit – it lost five out of the 15 bombers it had dispatched. Nevertheless, Rangoon and Mingaladon airfield were successfully bombed, with the city suffering more than 1,000 dead. Two Buffalos and two P-40s were destroyed on the ground, and one P-40 crashed when it attempted to land on a bomb-damaged runway.
On 25 December, the JAAF returned, reinforced by Ki-21s of 12th Sentai and Nakajima Ki-43 Hayabusa (Oscars) of the 64th Sentai (Colonel Tateo Katō's Flying Squadron). A total of 63 bombers escorted by 25 fighters were committed. These were intercepted by 14 P-40s of the AVG's 3rd Squadron and 15 Buffalos of 67 Squadron. In the two encounters, 35 Japanese bombers and fighters were shot down. The Allies lost two pilots and five P-40s. Mingaladon airfield was once again damaged, and eight Buffalos were destroyed on the ground.
They were credited with almost
300 kills while only losing 14 pilots before being disbanded in July of 42.
Some further reading I did doesn't sound like they faced any lesser quality of pilot later in China than they did in Burma. I'm probably not using them properly and am getting diminished results because of that.
Thanks for the research.
February 23rd, 1942
Since Photobucket and I are "taking a break" (Its idea, not mine), this update will be a little light on screenshots but heavy on attempted humor and self depreciation.
Here is where you would've marveled at another bombardment of Baker Island. I'll tell you that we continued beating up the port and airbase. A few of his Mavis seaplanes were damaged. I haven't brought big enough guns yet to get through to his troops but that may happen in a month or so.
In the waters near Palmyra the trap was sprung.
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It was the smaller blocking force that made contact with his task force. We hit a good number of his transports and his escorts but there are still plenty afloat. I'm not 100%
sure where he's headed. I'm guessing Christmas Island. The BB task force is headed down to greet any transports that make it that far. There is also a squadron of Dauntless
Dive Bombers on Christmas for just such an occasion. My goal is for none of his ships to return to Japan. Two things have made this possible: AM and PBY's. AM forced his
carriers north which allowed me to return to the area and the PBY's have been priceless. They've been able to keep tabs on everything so I at least get a warning when Geek's
ships about.
Here's the current situation:
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I think I have all my bases covered.
The Royal Sovereign is just about done.
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I wish I could have a do over with her. I think I wasted her without ever really using her. I'm wondering If Geek is going to make a run at Colombo. If he does, I have
3 squadrons worth of Spit's and Cane's waiting. A successful Port Attack at Colombo though would be devastating. All my warships for this theater are there now.
Clark Field was captured. We lost around 6000 troops while Geek lost around 3500. If there's any good news here it's that all retreating units retreated to Manila. Manila is getting low on supplies and having a bunch of extra mouths to feed won't help the situation. I doubt they'll last more than a week. It's too bad because these guys were tying up a lot of
troops that will now be free to send into the Central/South Pacific or Australia.
Intel reports that a few Geek transports are loading up and heading to Rockhampton. I'm going to race everything I can to Rockhampton and try to make a stand. I've sortied out a couple of Minelayers and the rest of the Aussie Navy is on standby. The surviving B-17's at Sydney will try bombing any ships that show. Unfortunately their escort will be P-40's flown by pilots with an experience level of about 35. I really have my doubts of being able to hold Australia.
The skies were quiet at AM. There were no flights by Geek's fighters. It may have been the weather. Tomorrow is the day I should pack up and leave. The PBY's haven't seen anything yet. I'm tempted to stay one more day. That might allow all the supplies to be off loaded. These supplies may be the only supplies these guys get. I'll have to see how everything looks tomorrow. AM would be a loss if I lose a carrier.
Man, you're going to have to weigh potential disasters there. You don't know what future supply situations will be, but you can make a near-term guess about what he's likely to throw at you. (And I'm saying this in complete neutrality of anything I do or don't know about that.)
Subs can supply small outposts -- I feel about 80% sure I've seen that in the game -- and you've got plenty of subs in the area anyway. Keep an underwater trainpack running; send a larger task force when you feel safe trying. But even then, assume he'll find out you've got your TF in port and be gone by the time he sends any surface fleets to mess with you.
Of course, he could chess you and send a fleet large enough to cause bombardment (and maybe counter-invasion) trouble, trying to draw out a rescue response; then thwap you with a larger surface-to-surface battle once he draws you out.
I've followed both of your threads, but don't worry, I'm not going to release any spoilers. I don't remember what Geeksan's reaction was to your incursion anyway so it's all good.
I will say from my point of view, were I the Japanese, I'd be worrying about your AM venture insofar as thinking this is the prelude to an occupation of all those islands north of Hokkaido. I'd think you might get encouraged by a lack of response and maybe even go after Hokkaido.
Then again...I'd also know you don't have a lot of carrier strength, and if I need to push my luck as the Japanese, it would be now, before your big Essex-class carriers and slew of trained pilots come online. I'd keep pressing in Aussieland and keep trying to tighten the noose on the South Pacific. However, I'd keep an eye on what you're doing in AM up there. Sooner or later I'd have to do something about it, if anything to gain the initiative in that theater again.
He has a large navy that hasn't really taken a big hit yet, but then again, he has a LOT of territory to cover now. He can't be everywhere at once. I'd stick around if I felt I had the strength to hold off any recon attempts.
Thank you both for the input. :)
I have the next turn in hand but can't get to it until tomorrow morning. So, here's what I'm thinking: I will stay until the PBY's pick up his carriers or my transports are empty, whichever comes first. If his carriers show up I can sprint to the Northeast and into the Bering Sea, all the way to Nome if I have to, rather than head East. I should be able to out run him as I'll have about a 15-20 hex head start. The big variable is weather. If he happens to get into the AOR during one of the frequent storms and my planes don't launch then things could get ugly. I don't plan on pushing my luck too much, 3 turns is the max, 2 should do it though.
In 2 weeks the Hornet comes online. If he hasn't removed me from AM by then, then I may consider grabbing another island and trying to make this more permanent. The reality is: He is about to free up about 100k+ in troops from the Philippines. There's no way I could withstand that kind of onslaught. AM did what it was supposed to, now I'll try to keep his interest up here long enough to relieve Australia.
Are you keeping tabs on Attu?
Quote from: jomni on January 15, 2016, 06:40:53 PM
Are you keeping tabs on Attu?
I have a sub parked there to let me know if any ships slip through, I have a Minelayer loading up to mine Attu, and I just bombarded it a couple of days ago. I'm with you, Jomni. I'd hate to see that suddenly built up.
Hm. Since he's pretty clearly going for an early victory point win in Australia, he might not even bother contesting AM, not merely for a potential threat of who knows what. Granted the real Imperial government would never accept the insult to their honor and would send some troops to deal with it, but I would expect those experienced Philippine troops under UGeek's leadership to finish off Australia.
If I were Geek, I would be wondering what you could be planning next. Maybe something that looks like you plan to continue aggressive in the north like some sub recons or air action might have Geek-amoto thinking you're moving closer to the Home Islands. And really pull him out of position. I think your move caught him off-guard and now he maybe prone to over react to what he's afraid you might do next. :knuppel2:
Quote from: KyzBP on January 15, 2016, 06:59:41 PM
Quote from: jomni on January 15, 2016, 06:40:53 PM
Are you keeping tabs on Attu?
I have a sub parked there to let me know if any ships slip through, I have a Minelayer loading up to mine Attu, and I just bombarded it a couple of days ago. I'm with you, Jomni. I'd hate to see that suddenly built up.
He must be thinking AM is surrounded by Japan on one end and (a built up) Attu on the other. Your boys there will starve.
KyzBP, I would imagine you're planning at some point for a showdown with Geek's carrier force. Is there some sort of minimum force you're trying to achieve befor sending your carriers into harms way? His lunges at the LOCs to Australia would seem a decent opportunity for an ambush a la Midway.
Quote from: JasonPratt on January 15, 2016, 10:48:03 PM
Hm. Since he's pretty clearly going for an early victory point win in Australia, he might not even bother contesting AM, not merely for a potential threat of who knows what. Granted the real Imperial government would never accept the insult to their honor and would send some troops to deal with it, but I would expect those experienced Philippine troops under UGeek's leadership to finish off Australia.
What you're say is mostly true, Jason. I think he will contest it though because his large carrier force disappeared from the Central/South Pacific. My only real blind spot is between Johnston Island and Tokyo. Since I haven't seen his carriers in awhile I believe he's headed to AM. I believe it's at least important enough to him that he'd risk trying to reinforce Palmyra without any air cover. You're correct in believing he's going for the early victory in Oz. It makes perfect sense. Clearing the Central/South Pacific of his carriers was the main goal of AM. With that accomplished I may be able to get troops to Oz to prevent that victory.
Quote from: Sir Slash on January 15, 2016, 11:14:26 PM
If I were Geek, I would be wondering what you could be planning next. Maybe something that looks like you plan to continue aggressive in the north like some sub recons or air action might have Geek-amoto thinking you're moving closer to the Home Islands. And really pull him out of position. I think your move caught him off-guard and now he maybe prone to over react to what he's afraid you might do next. :knuppel2:
Geek hasn't tried to bomb AM for a couple of turns now. I think my CAP has deterred that for the time being. I imagine he'll resume as soon as his carriers get here. Just to try and push his buttons a little more, I've considered sending the dive bomber squadron to hit his main airfield on Hokkaido or one of the ports there. I'm sure that would get his attention but it might pull my carriers out of position and get everyone killed. it's so tempting though.
Quote from: jomni on January 16, 2016, 12:53:53 AM
Quote from: KyzBP on January 15, 2016, 06:59:41 PM
Quote from: jomni on January 15, 2016, 06:40:53 PM
Are you keeping tabs on Attu?
I have a sub parked there to let me know if any ships slip through, I have a Minelayer loading up to mine Attu, and I just bombarded it a couple of days ago. I'm with you, Jomni. I'd hate to see that suddenly built up.
He must be thinking AM is surrounded by Japan on one end and (a built up) Attu on the other. Your boys there will starve.
I don't think Attu is built up at all yet. I think I sunk most of the troops he was going to use to build up the island. Attu is just 2 days away from Dutch Harbor by ship. I can continue to bombard him to keep the island from being useful to him. I have base forces headed to Kiska and Amchitka. Once they arrive I'll be able to not only hit Attu by air but keep an eye on the approaches. I think he'll end up with the emaciated troops defending a frozen volcano. I've been wrong before though.
Quote from: Airborne Rifles on January 16, 2016, 06:52:20 AM
KyzBP, I would imagine you're planning at some point for a showdown with Geek's carrier force. Is there some sort of minimum force you're trying to achieve befor sending your carriers into harms way? His lunges at the LOCs to Australia would seem a decent opportunity for an ambush a la Midway.
In 2 weeks the Hornet will arrive.
If I don't lose any carriers between now and then, I'll rendezvous all my carriers and put my hastily constructed "
Plan Z" (Reference: Sponge Bob movie) into effect. As you'll see in the next update, without Geek's carriers in the Central/South Pacific I can bombard and interdict with impunity. He'll have to send carriers in to regain control of the area.
Plan Z is reactionary but should force the first carrier battle and it will be on my terms. Here's how: Once my carriers are formed up into a single TF I'll watch for his reaction, courtesy of my PBY's. If he leaves his big force at AM to protect his transports that will be used to dislodge me, then he'll most likely send a small carrier force to the Central/South Pacific. If he does then I will attempt to jump him with my 5 carriers. If he sends the big boys down to C/S Pacific, then the carrier force will return to AM, with all 5 carriers, and not only attempt to disrupt his efforts to retake AM but I WILL hit the homeland this time. My fighters have gained experience and are competent. Within the next 2 days my bomber pilots will also gain experience, as we'll soon see. If his small carrier force is up there I should be able to take them out. If he does neither and leaves AM alone then I will take another island, get base forces and planes in there and begin a bombing campaign he can't ignore.
Whatever can help Australia is already enroute. Anything else I send, at this point, will get there too late. I have troops at Seattle on standby for a second wave at AM or to shore up Alaska. I have troops loading that will reinforce my small bases along the rim of the Coral Sea. In the words of The Tragically Hip: "This is where it all starts getting good."
February 24th, 1942
As I was saying in previous posts, if Geek doesn't keep carriers in the area this will happen:
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I am able to interdict his reinforcements, sink and damage many ships, bombard his(my) island, and even damage
his subs. Palmyra and Baker are too far into my AOR to resupply and reinforce without air support. The only way he can get
air support into the area is with his carriers. I will continue to deny him the use of air bases in the area by bombarding the poop
out of them until he stops me. I have to keep him reacting so he can't activate his own plans. This overall strategy should buy
me enough time to get MY reinforcements to where I need them.
This is why my carrier pilots are about to gain more experience:
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Geek is trying to get his ships out of the area but the Enterprise and Yorktown, loaded with bombers and not worrying about enemy
fighters, are planning on stopping the exodus. The BB/DD TF is also in the area and will mop up whatever the bombers miss.
The Royal Sovereign finally succumbs.
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It took 3 raids to do it but she finally went down. I'm pretty mad at myself for wasting her. The CL Tromp joined her at the
bottom of the sea. I'm guessing his next move with these guys is to hit Point Blair. I moved the most experienced squadron
to Point Blair as CAP for the ships unloading there. There are 2 squadrons of Buffaloes there already but I don't think they'd
stand up to Geek's carrier pilots.
Here's what survived on Sumatra:
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The Aussie brigade should've been sent to Oz but these guys got here at about the same time Geek invaded Australia. It's from
here I hope to reconquer Sumatra. Ok, maybe not reconquer but to harass Geek so he can't just leave skeleton forces everywhere.
The name of the game is tying up troops until we can start permanently retaking bases.
We did the same thing on Java.
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I don't have near the number of survivors here that I have on Sumatra. Also, all available troops in this area are headed to Australia. These
guys will lay low until the tide of war turns in this AOR.
Here's why China sucks:
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61 Fing units! I'm not sure I have 61 units left in all of China. It looks like Geek decided to recreate the Golden Horde and is going to pillage
and plunder his way to India. I have nothing that can stop him if he decides to do that.
A quick look at the area around Attu.
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I feel pretty confident that I'm ok here. I'll start to worry if the Philippine units don't show up in Australia. If Geek massed his carriers,
filled his transports, and headed to the West Coast, I don't know if I could stop him. Everything is forward deployed. I'm counting on my
steady stream of new units to keep my rear areas protected.
February 25th, 1942
A mostly quiet day except at AM. I thought Geek had given up trying to attack the ships here. I was wrong.
But first, giving Baker Island it's daily dose of iron, lead, and steel.
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The airfield should be almost unusable by now. I don't think he's even bothering to keep anything other than float planes there
any longer. No matter what I can't let him keep planes anywhere near where I'm running convoys. I can't afford a repeat of December.
Geek was waiting for me at Buna.
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It was just a single supply ship but the troops at Buna are in fairly desperate need of supply. Adding the Lark Bn and our efforts to
fortify the base have depleted the existing supplies much faster than I had planned. I never saw his ships anywhere near here. I have
one more AMC coming up a day behind. I'm hoping these guys move on.
On to AM.
Wave 1.
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Geek loses 14, but only 2 Zeroes, to my 5. Unfortunately 4 were Wildcats.
Wave 2.
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Geek loses 4 (18 total) to my 5 total. I'm not sure why these launched unescorted.
Wave 3.
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Another 4 for Geek brings him up to 22. I add a Buffalo to the tally bringing me up to 6.
There was another wave but I didn't grab the screen. He lost around 4 again and I lost 1 or 2. We are certainly
wearing down his bombers but aren't hitting his fighter as I had hoped. The good news is that not a single bomb
was release by any of the waves. Whatever got through to the ships was taken care of by the shipboard AA, which
on the BB's is massive.
I'll continue in a moment. If you've been following this AAR, you'll know why.
Continued...
Here's how Shimushiri and Ketoi look as we prepare to depart after 10 days of operations.
Shimushiri:
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Shimushiri has more troops, including armor, mines, and a squadron of fighters. Because of my oversight in leaving
the Base Force behind, those fighters may never get off the ground.
Ketoi:
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Ketoi is a smaller island and has less of everything. I did bring a couple float plane tenders so the PBY's can operate
from here and keep an eye on the approaches to AM. The Engineer's here seem to be working a little faster.
I'm still trying to bring in a couple of Base Forces so I can operate aircraft on these two islands but they may get turned away
depending on Geek's arrival. I'm not ready to call AM a success until I get the carriers and BB's out of there but I'm feeling
pretty good about it.
Back to the rest of the war.
We, again, perform a preemptive bombardment at Pegu.
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Recon shows Geek building up these forces. I'll try to keep him as disrupted as I can. It may even discourage him a bit.
We completely wiffed on Geek's trapped TF.
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The previous last direction had them heading NW. Of course it went South instead. It's still trapped. I have some ships
headed to Palmyra should he head there and I'm still trying to block him from heading North. If we don't get him tomorrow
then the carrier planes should locate and sink him the following day. I haven't seen either of Geek's main carrier TF's in awhile.
He could be sending the smaller one (last seen leaving the Bering Sea 2 weeks ago) this way. That means I need to knock this
TF out quickly and get my ships back under friendly air cover.
Lastly, I think the waters between Pearl and the West Coast may be quiet enough to send the BB's damaged 12/7-12/8 to Almeda.
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This will open Pearl up as a Forward Repair Base again. These guys were taking up a lot of space. Many of these won't be ready
for action again until 1943. I couldn't have them clogging Pearl up that long.
I detached as many DD escorts as I could find and have them steaming to Rockhampton to disrupt that invasion. I've also flown
the 2 squadrons (7 planes total) of LIB-30's towards Oz. They have very long legs and big bellies so they should contribute
as soon as they get there. Intel still indicates Rockhampton is a go. Another troop transport is reported to have left port and
is headed here. This has to be where we bloody Geek's nose. If we don't make a good stand here, the reinforcements won't
arrive in time and the game could be over. We don't want that.
Kind of a side note/observation here but I was comparing where Geek and I are to the boys at Operation Glacier:
http://operationglacier.com/Map?side=Both&date=latest (http://operationglacier.com/Map?side=Both&date=latest).
They're a little over a month behind us but the comparison is dramatic. Our conflict appears much more aggressive and violent. At the pace we're going I don't think this war will make it to 1944. One of us will exhaust our resources before we hit 44. Either Geek is an Uber Agressive, Tyrannical, Despot...and a superb tactician or the Japanese Commander at OG is a very cautious and deliberate player. He's gained almost none of the ground Geek has and appears to be letting the Allies retreat at their leisure. Geek gave me a little room at the beginning but hasn't let me breathe since.
I just found the contrast interesting.
Over stretching is a real concern. Imagine all his forces in Australia when you can just bypass and isolate them during the big counter-attack at the end of '42 and '43.
He is clearly trying to get an early victory by taking a lot of territory early and not worrying about how to defend them.
Quote from: jomni on January 17, 2016, 06:51:45 PM
Over stretching is a real concern. Imagine all his forces in Australia when you can just bypass and isolate them during the big counter-attack at the end of '42 and '43.
He is clearly trying to get an early victory by taking a lot of territory early and not worrying about how to defend them.
I agree, Jomni. If I can achieve some sort of stalemate in Australia before auto victory kicks in I should be able to isolate a large chunk of his forces.
February 26th, 1942
My war with Photobucket continues. That was the reason for the delay. The struggle is real.
The SS Skipjack drops into a port on Hokkaido.
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I keep trying to harass him and see if I can draw his attention but he's not really retaliating up here. Maybe I need to do something
more dramatic.
Buna's supply AMC is sunk.
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It's pretty clear that Geek is not going to let me resupply the troops occupying Buna. Their supplies are very low. I'll try to find a
spare sub and see if I can get some supplies in there that way.
The Carrier Pilots find their targets.
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I think we got them all. I'm hoping this deters Geek's further ambitions for Palmyra and the Central Pacific. I'll bombard Palmyra
again and then send everyone to Pearl to regroup and figure out what my next course of action will be.
Geek retakes Dili.
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While this may not seem like a significant action, it solidifies a thought I had and has me considering a new strategy/tactic to delay
Geek's potential Auto Victory. Follow along:
In a few places where Geek has steamrolled through my bases he's left remnants of my forces on these islands. These remnants have stumbled
into bases that Geek had captured only to find them empty like Dili and Tjilatjap. I think he's using a locust type tactic of capturing a base and
then moving on without leaving a garrison. I'm considering trying to retake the west side of Java. It will not only return me some Victory Points
but it may divert troops destined for Australia.
AM may end up being more permanent than planned and the troops headed for Australia from America may not make it in time. Why? This:
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This appears to be his large carrier TF...nowhere near AM. :tickedoff: Some of the transports should slip through but the most needed convoys
will have to head towards Canton until we see where these guys are headed. These guys showing up here and now may have sealed the fate of
Oz.
If you are trying to draw him north what about giving him a whiff of possible medium or heavy bombers near your AM holdings? Is there any way to leapfrog a few B-25 or even a Fortress or two near there just long enough to tease his spotters and then pull those planes back? Does the game make it possible to recreate the Doolittle raid in a place of your choosing?
Photobucket was giving me endless grief yesterday with my FCN AAR, so I definitely feel your pain there, KyzBP.
I'm dubious that the game engine allows putting B-25s even temporarily on a carrier. Doolittle's raid worked partly because he was crazy.
If Geek hadn't taken Attu, something could have been arranged (once Attu's field facilities had been improved a bit perhaps), but as it is... we're talking a huuuuuuuge leap from Dutch.
Maybe something could be worked out with the Russians in-game? Or are there other possible fields besides Attu?
Quote from: Staggerwing on January 23, 2016, 09:11:36 AM
If you are trying to draw him north what about giving him a whiff of possible medium or heavy bombers near your AM holdings? Is there any way to leapfrog a few B-25 or even a Fortress or two near there just long enough to tease his spotters and then pull those planes back? Does the game make it possible to recreate the Doolittle raid in a place of your choosing?
What you're suggesting, Stagger, is pretty much what I'm going to have to do. First though, I need the airfields completed (3 more days is my guess) and then I need Base Forces.
Bases Forces provide the support for the units at the base. Most importantly they provide ground crews for the aircraft stationed at a base. Without the ground crews the aircraft
pretty much just sit in hangers or crates. They don't fly. In my haste to kick off AM I neglected to send any Base Forces with the landings. This wasn't a problem at first. I was only going to be here long enough to draw his carriers out of the Central/South Pacific. Since it doesn't appear that Geek took the bait, I'm loading some Base Forces now and will be sending them shortly. That means my carriers will have to escort them in. AM has just turned permanent.
I have some B-26's and a few B-25's in Alaska that will either be flown in, once the airfields are done, or they will be crated and shipped in. I'm also very tempted to bombard one of his ports on Hokkaido and see if that grabs his attention.
As far as I know there's no mechanic to recreate Doolittle's Raid. For a plane to be based on a carrier it has to be "carrier capable". The only planes that are carrier capable are the Navy bombers (torp and dive) and the Navy Fighters. I'm not sure if later in the game something changes. I've never played this far into the AE addition.
Quote from: Banzai_Cat on January 23, 2016, 09:17:06 AM
Photobucket was giving me endless grief yesterday with my FCN AAR, so I definitely feel your pain there, KyzBP.
It's frustrating as heck. I think it has something to do with the ads that run. I'm almost tempted to pay the damn $.99 a month and be done with it.
I understand, but even for such a cheap price, I won't cave. I can't complain too much since it's a free service, but it's hardly ever given me issues before. Was it hanging for you, too? Mine kept getting stuck at 90%. Every so often, if I waited two minutes and refreshed, it would appear in my library. That quickly stopped working, though.
Quote from: JasonPratt on January 23, 2016, 09:27:34 AM
I'm dubious that the game engine allows putting B-25s even temporarily on a carrier. Doolittle's raid worked partly because he was crazy.
If Geek hadn't taken Attu, something could have been arranged (once Attu's field facilities had been improved a bit perhaps), but as it is... we're talking a huuuuuuuge leap from Dutch.
Maybe something could be worked out with the Russians in-game? Or are there other possible fields besides Attu?
I'm going to get the airfield at Amchitka Is. up and running shortly. I'll try to fly something out from there but the reality is they are probably going to be shipped in.
Quote from: Banzai_Cat on January 23, 2016, 09:36:09 AM
I understand, but even for such a cheap price, I won't cave. I can't complain too much since it's a free service, but it's hardly ever given me issues before. Was it hanging for you, too? Mine kept getting stuck at 90%. Every so often, if I waited two minutes and refreshed, it would appear in my library. That quickly stopped working, though.
Lol. That's pretty much exactly what keeps happening. If I try to load screens by bulk it sometimes only loads a few and then will refuse to load the others. I don't see any better alternative so I'll just keep plugging away.
February 27th, 1942
I say good bye to Palmyra with a parting shot.
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I'm leaving the area for a bit so I thought I'd bombard Palmyra a final time. I'm going to gather everyone up at Pearl and see
what kind of mischief I can cause. I'm also hoping he sends his carriers this way so I can release the convoys that will be
holding at Canton, Pago Pago, and Suva. If I can get some of the troop transports through to the bases around the Coral Sea,
I can get the airfields up and running. I'll then load them down with fighters, bring the bomber laden carriers here and, protected
by land based CAP, see if I can't find a favorable battle.
Ships and troops lost at Port Blair.
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Geek rolled into port and sunk a convoy that was unloading, ironically, a Coastal Defense unit. I've been trying to pin down this raiding
group with aircraft but it's been nothing but thunderstorms for almost a week. What's the fun of temporary air superiority if you can't
use it.
The air war over Siberoet.
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Our small group of determined fighters made a good showing as Geek continues to go after my transports unloading here.
Unfortunately, we couldn't stop him forever.
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I lost a lot of transports in this area. I have to make sure I plan better the next time I begin base building in enemy territory.
Geek beats me to Rockhampton.
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This sucks! I have remnant troops just 2 days away and a bunch of DD's, CL's, and a CA 2 days away as well. I'll divert the ships
to Brisbane so they can form up. The troops will continue to Rockhampton. As much as I want to try bombing his ships I'll have to
focus on bombing his ground troops to try and keep them disorganized to buy myself more time.
The troops begin landing at Rockhampton.
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Something good needs to happen, and quick. I don't know what Geek needs for Auto Victory but if I lose Brisbane and Sydney I would
bet this game will be over. I need to not only stop him but take some points back as well.
February 28th, 1942
Sorry about the delay. Let's get to it.
The morning (mourning?) begins with a bombardment of Rockhampton.
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Not a lot of casualties but he's certainly softening up my troops. There's still some troops on the way here. If they get here in time
I may be able to delay the inevitable long enough to get troops in place at Brisbane and Sydney.
The Banshees strike.
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Maybe that was a little exaggerated but they did hit the Fuso. One bomb, unless straight down the stack , isn't going to make much
of an impact. Considering that the Banshee pilots average about 38 experience I'll take what I can get with these guys.
The sub war continued.
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We actually hit a ship with troops aboard.
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Here a ballsy sub captain goes to guns in the an enemy harbor, in broad daylight.
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All 3 of these attacks were by Dutch subs, I think. They have easily been the most effective of my sub forces. I don't post any of the
American misses. They take a lot of shots but the damn torps won't detonate. I wonder if fully functional torpedoes could've changed
the course of the war.
I think Geek is officially tired of Buna.
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It looks like he's coming ashore. I have some decent troops there but they're woefully under supplied. There's nowhere for them to run
this time so if they're defeated then they'll be surrendering. I really need these harassment troops. Anything that keeps him from fully
focusing on the front lines buys me time.
Geek continues to hammer my supply ships at Siberoet.
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At least there were no troops on any of the ships in harbor. I need to distract him away from here for a few turns so I can get the Hurricanes
assembled and in the air. I'd like to ambush him in the air here or in one of these places where he sends a large formation of bombers and a
small escort. I'm still planning on trying to build up this area. Once I get my airfields staffed I should be able to not only preoccupy Geek but
start taking back territory.
Geek's large carrier TF.
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It looks like he's headed to either Suva or into the slot between Suva and the New Hebrides (The New He-Brides could be a cool band name.).
I have over 50 Airacobras at Efate and about the same in Warhawks at Suva. We should be able to put up a decent fight should he decide to
attack either of these areas. What I don't have is bombers. I have a couple of small, obsolete torpedo squadrons at Suva. I don't hold much hope
in them getting through to his carriers though.
AM is silent. I decided to keep the CV's on station since his carriers showed up in the South Pacific. I have a couple of squadrons of PBY's keeping
me up to date on all the ship movements in the area. If a carrier force does show up I should have enough warning to get out of here...if I chose.
Has Geek's landings in Australia effected your sub war at all? I mean in terms of the bases he's taken. Has this hurt your sub forces at all?
Quote from: Sir Slash on January 30, 2016, 09:49:24 AM
Has Geek's landings in Australia effected your sub war at all? I mean in terms of the bases he's taken. Has this hurt your sub forces at all?
Not as Australia goes. The bases I use for subs there are still intact. The bases on Java and Manila ARE affecting my sub forces. Manila has no more torpedoes and Java has no more bases. The subs in this area now have to go to Colombo, Midway, or Pearl to rearm. Darwin is almost out of sub supplies and I haven't been able to get resupply through yet.
Phew, I was going through withdrawal!
Quote from: Tuna on January 30, 2016, 12:53:43 PM
Phew, I was going through withdrawal!
Blame Photobucket. I had some time yesterday but Photobucket was down for "maintenance'. I'll get a couple more days worth up here shortly.
As always: Thanks for following along! O0
Quote from: KyzBP on January 30, 2016, 01:08:30 PM
Photobucket was down for "maintenance'.
I saw that pop up, somewhere. Hopefully that was the issue they were having. I'll have to get back to my AAR as well, now, if they have their stuff together finally.
Quote from: Banzai_Cat on January 30, 2016, 01:23:06 PM
Quote from: KyzBP on January 30, 2016, 01:08:30 PM
Photobucket was down for "maintenance'.
I saw that pop up, somewhere. Hopefully that was the issue they were having. I'll have to get back to my AAR as well, now, if they have their stuff together finally.
I gave in and got the $1 a month subscription. No Ads=MUCH faster!
March 1st, 1942
Just a week to go and we'll have survived 3 months with no CV's lost. Knocking on wood with a wooden hand.
Geek tests the CAP at Darwin.
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He's got to be grinning from ear to ear because that's about all I have there. I expect an invasion force launched soon. I'll try to
harass him as much as I can using subs and unescorted bombers but the reality is he's going to be on his way soon and I can't really
stop him. I need a big turn of events somewhere.
Rockhampton captured.
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Damn, Damn, Damn! This is becoming an all too regular occurrence. I wish I could have gotten those planes out of there before Rockham'
fell but I thought I had another turn or 2. Time to get Brisbane ready.
Air war over Moulmein continues...
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...sort of. This is the most boring battle for air supremacy ever. Geek reinforced his fighter squadrons at Moulmein. I can't seem to
attrit him by air. This looks like a job for the Royal Navy. Stay tuned here as it'll take a few days to get ships from Colombo over here.
The boys at Buna are still hanging on.
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Without any chance of resupply these guys won't last a week. Too bad too because I had visions of grabbing random bases with these units.
His CV's.
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I'm still not sure what his target is but I'm pulling the convoys in the area to Suva and under the CAP there. If he heads East I should be able to
get some stuff through to Australia. He's got enough bombers and fighters in that group to do whatever he wants. I'm much more comfortable
staying at AM knowing these guys are here. I'm even considering some offensive action against the Japanese Home Island. :uglystupid2:
Do you think that maybe his carriers are taking a scenic route to Australia?
Quote from: Banzai_Cat on January 30, 2016, 03:37:26 PM
Do you think that maybe his carriers are taking a scenic route to Australia?
I think when I thought he was reacting to AM he really just went to Truk and repaired, rearmed, and resupplied. I'm starting to believe he never had any intention of reacting to AM. I think he's now moving into a blocking position to cut off Australia. He really doesn't need to take his carriers there as I have nothing that can stop his forces currently present. We'll see shortly though.
I see.
When do your Essex-class carriers come online? And do you have airpower to go on them? Sounds like you're scraping the bottom of the barrel...I'd think there's a torrent in the near future. Hope you can hang on until it arrives.
Quote from: Banzai_Cat on January 30, 2016, 03:44:15 PM
I see.
When do your Essex-class carriers come online? And do you have airpower to go on them? Sounds like you're scraping the bottom of the barrel...I'd think there's a torrent in the near future. Hope you can hang on until it arrives.
The Wasp is due on the
East Coast >:( in less than a week but it will take awhile to get it over to San Diego. The next carrier I get is in June and then I think I'm done for 42. I've got a decent stream of Navy Fighters coming in plus the ones at AM are getting a lot of experience. I'm toying with the idea of doing fighter sweeps over his Main Island as I don't think he has anything more than 2nd line pilots there and my guys should be able to handle them. If successful, it could pay big dividends later when he's suddenly short of planes and pilots. Just an idea right now though.
If he's not coming after you up around AM, do you have the strength to consider doing a little island-hopping up there?
Quote from: Banzai_Cat on January 30, 2016, 04:11:35 PM
If he's not coming after you up around AM, do you have the strength to consider doing a little island-hopping up there?
The transports that were used for AM are beginning to arrive at Seattle. I do have troops I could load up and send so that may be an option. The carriers should comeback soon to repair and refit. I'll keep this idea on the front burner for now. I may have to be more aggressive somewhere to buy time for Australia.
March 2nd, 1942
Overall a very quiet turn...sort of.
Baker Island gets bombarded...again.
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They banged up the island a bit but didn't hit anyone. I guess that's a good thing. If he has to keep using supplies to continuously
repair the facilities here then he won't be able to adequately fortify and reinforce the island. If I can keep this up, when the time comes,
I should be able to retake this without much effort.
Remember how I was wondering what his carriers would do?
Answer:
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F me! I had 50 Warhawks flying CAP so I thought I was fairly safe. I was VERY wrong. He sunk pretty much every supply ship or tanker
in the area. If anything good came from this it's that none of these were troop ships. Everything in the area is already pretty well supplied
so all I really lost was the some ability to move cargo and fuel but that is pretty minor considering how many of those types of ships I have
sitting idle. What sucks is all those ships that sank give him Victory Points. That's the last thing we need to be giving him right now. I have
to hope he doesn't head West and catches up with the ships that are transporting troops and planes.
Over at Ketoi-Jima(AM), the boys opened up the first Allied airfield on Geekanese soil.
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They've named it Pratt Field. As other fields begin to open up, I'm sure they will continue to be named after contributors to this
thread. The Base Force for Ketoi is already inbound but still a ways away. I'll have to keep the carriers around until they arrive, if Geek allows
me.
I've given more thought to the expansion of operations around AM. I think that's what I'll do. Realistically I can't get troop ships through to Oz
right now so I might as well put those troops to work somewhere and here is as good a place as any. I looked into the Troop Reinforcement Schedule
and Oz should be getting a few units during the next week and the US will be getting units as well so I'll press my position by taking another island
around AM.
That was really all that was worth mentioning for the day.
What's the range from your nascent airfields to the closest Geekanese home island port of any consequence?
Quote from: Staggerwing on January 31, 2016, 01:55:14 PM
What's the range from your nascent airfields to the closest Geekanese home island port of any consequence?
Shimushiri-Jima is my closest field. It is 9 hexes Bihoro, which has a level 4 airfield. Kushiro is 10 hexes away with a level 3 port. I don't have fighters that can escort bombers that far so I'll have to get closer. Etorofu is 5 hexes from both of aforementioned bases. Capturing that would give my fighters a much shorter trip. That may be the next target but will certainly require another carrier to provide cover during the landings. I'll keep monitoring that situation.
I was practically shedding a manly tear already for the opening of that field in such dire circumstances! :smitten:
March 3rd, 1942
Geek's subs around Christmas Island get aggressive.
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The sub commanders are starting to get ballsy. This guy drew first blood against an ASW TF. I certainly got the worst
of it. The damage to the Ward is pretty severe and she may not make it to port.
The SS Triton attacks an AK at Rockhampton.
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The unsuspecting Triton was ambushed by the AK. An intense surface engagement ensued with both ships being badly damaged.
The Triton is dead in the water and will be finished off if a seagull so much as lands on her.
Remember when I said I was sending the Royal Navy to take care of Moulmein? I probably shouldn't have said it so loudly.
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Obviously, I had no idea his small carrier force was still around.
Round 2.
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His Kates are getting shot up pretty well but it's coming at a steep cost.
Round 3.
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This little operation failed miserably! I've transferred some of the fighters at Rangoon to Port Blair to provide some Long Range CAP.
If he attacks again I should at least get a few licks in. I'm bringing the survivors to Port Blair. Whatever can still bombard will be cobbled together
and sent to Moulmein to exact our revenge. I've got to be a little less careless.
The Battle for Manila is in full swing.
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He outnumbers me about 4-1 and I have almost no supplies. This is guaranteed to signal the end of the Philippines. When the
Philippines fall Geek will no doubt ship some of these guys up to AM to remove me from there. War is hard.
Here's a shot of the transports that got through before Geek's carriers returned.
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Almost all of these are carrying fighters or bombers as all of our troop transports were allocated to AM. I'm going to try and
build up the rim of the Coral Sea as well. If Oz holds then these will be good places launch raids from until I get my troop strength
built up.
The supply situation in Northern Australia is becoming dire.
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I sent some small, single ship supply transports to Darwin. I hope that by using single ships I stand a better chance of not being
spotted. If I send enough of them some of them are bound to get through, right? Geek also continues to run fighter sweeps over
Darwin. My 2 Warhawks can only do so much. Maybe one of these supply ships will be loaded down with spare parts.
I've decided to push my position a bit.
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If you use this screen in reference to Staggerwing's question, you can see which islands I need to take to be able to not only bomb
some of Geek's bases from the air, but to also launch CAP in support of any major offensive actions on Hokkaido. What I decided to do
is send my BBs' and CA's to bombard Bihoro. I suspect that this is home to the largest concentration of aircraft in the area. My carriers
don't have enough of a bomber presence to make an impact by air so I'm sending the big guns. I'll have the carriers trail the bombardment
TF and provide CAP. What bombers I do have will be set to Naval Attack in case something juicy floats into range.
If you look closely at Shimushiri-jima you'll be able to pick out the newly opened BC Field. The Locals keep pointing at it and yelling Banzai
so some of the men are now referring to it as such. I guess we'll just wait and see which name sticks.
You wouldn't want to use the name Banzai.
Banzci maybe? :D
Bonsai?
Fonzi?
Floozy?
Your opponent seems to know how to trigger the Australian reserves.
Found the answer. You picked the right bases for AM.
http://witp-ae.wikia.com/wiki/Emergency_Reinforcements
Quote from: jomni on February 02, 2016, 08:12:24 PM
Your opponent seems to know how to trigger the Australian reserves.
Found the answer. You picked the right bases for AM.
http://witp-ae.wikia.com/wiki/Emergency_Reinforcements
Wow, Jomni, this is fantastic info! Thank you. I thought Geek had already triggered it. It's good to know there are more troops coming if he keeps pressing. I got lucky on the islands I choose for AM.
Does this mean your troops can sit one hex south of Brisbane and be un-touchable by Geekamoto? Because if he crosses that line you get the reaction forces?
I would say that's exactly what that means, Slash. It also means I'm not setting foot on Hokkaido any time soon. :-\
March 4th, 1942
Hang on to your hats fellas, the next 2 days are not only long but very eventful. I may have to break each day into multiple parts. I noticed Geek updated his AAR so you may already know what's coming. If he didn't say anything then bare with me. ;)
The Skipjack heads into Bihoro Harbor to do some hunting.
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And she not only hits her target but the torpedo actually exploded! And there was great rejoicing...yea. What I have noticed is that his harbor may not be
mined. That is good information...if I was thinking of landing troops here. :uglystupid2:
The Dutch sub KXII refuses to be outdone.
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It's always nice to hit these guys when they're full of troops. 26 casualties isn't much but maybe this was the officer's ship or some great general's.
I can always hope.
Geek brings his small CV TF in range of Ceylon. The RN responds by sending in the Swordfish.
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These guys had to try. They're the only offense the Brits have here today. The Canes did their best to buy time for the fish but what ones did get
through were cut down before the could drop ordnance. 32 Zeroes is a lot to get past for the old biplanes.
Geeks small CV's then went after Colombo.
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The Canes flying CAP were able to whittle down the number of Zeroes we'll have to deal with later. We were very fortunate that the Revenge was unhit.
At this point we can't lose anymore warships in this theater.
Geek then tried his luck at Tricomalee.
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Given how few planes I had flying CAP, we were really lucky he sent these guys unescorted. The best part about these raids is that Geek is losing
valuable pilots and hard to replace planes and so far he has nothing to show for it. Let's hope our luck keeps up.
Geek's main CV group continues to reek havoc in the South Pacific.
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I moved the Airacobras from Canton to Pago in hopes of stemming the flow of blood Geek keep releasing here. They managed a nice kill ratio but
Geek still sunk a ship.
Geek came back again.
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We didn't fare as well this time. We still knocked out a couple of Zeroes but we're starting to lose too many AK's. I have a lot more AK's but I was planning
on using Pago and Suva as depots and leaving these AK's here to shuttle supplies. Technically, I guess they are still here. :(
Then he hit my troop transport and friends at Upolu.
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This one hurt a lot. I lost some engineers that were supposed to build up Upolu plus I lost a bunch of fuel and supplies that were destined for Suva. When
my Airacobra squadron takes these guys on they do a pretty darn good job. Unfortunately, they were already tied up at Pago. I have more squadrons inbound
but I have to wait until his CVs move before I can off load them anywhere.
On to AM:
I couldn't let Geek have all the carrier fun.
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I actually forgot I had these guys set to Naval Attack. I was pretty surprised when they went after these Geekanese AK's.
Then things got serious.
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This was the first of 3 raids against my carriers. None of his bomber scored a hit. I honestly don't know if there's anything more tense than watching
planes dive bomb your carriers. I'm not sure I have the stomach for this. I'm dying to pull the carriers out but then they do things like this:
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There's very little opposition to my CV's right now and when Geek's second line pilots do try to take on my pilots, their experience shines through and
Geek's guys get cut down pretty quickly. It's so hard to leave when I'm having a good amount of success but all it will take is one of his planes to
get lucky and this could head down hill fast.
Geek flew a bunch of raids over Padang.
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The few aircraft I have here did fairly well but eventually gave up the airspace to Geek's superior numbers. Geek then bombed the crap out of the
troops there. He never went after the airfield so I should be able to get a few birds in the air tomorrow. I need to get more aircraft here but he bombs
the bejesus out of any ship that floats by. Flying them in is out of the question. I'll have to come up with something.
Geek hit Manila again.
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The next attack will probably do it. I'm trying to get some subs here to hit his transports. I'd like to trap these guys on the island. I have big dreams.
Here's the day's loses.
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Notice these 4-1 kill ratio in Air to Air combat. I think that's a big deal this early. When the time comes for our carriers to battle each other I'll have a
much better chance if his best pilots have been eliminated.
I guess that wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. O0
AM is actually making him mad. Finally. O0
^ If that's the case, watch your 6, KyzBP.
That's good news. I was a little surprised he let it go this long. I'm not sure what you guys know but my AAR is 2 days behind. If Geek's is up to date then you know why he's mad, if his isn't up to date then stay tuned. :knuppel2:
Don't be taken aback at the tension of dive bombing your carriers.
During the raids on the Marshall Islands, one airfield was spotted with Betty bombers. Rather than loiter and launch another attack to catch them on the ground, Baldy Pownall tried to run away.
As Jocko Clark noted, a ship can't run away from a plane.
http://pwencycl.kgbudge.com/P/o/Pownall_Charles_A.htm
Yeah, Geek is two days ahead of your report, although he isn't necessarily telling all the details.
Everyone should be extra careful about what we talk about in whichever threads, at this tense juncture. Meaningful radio silence has been good so far, but a slip of the lip etc.
Quote from: besilarius on February 03, 2016, 08:44:02 PM
Don't be taken aback at the tension of dive bombing your carriers.
During the raids on the Marshall Islands, one airfield was spotted with Betty bombers. Rather than loiter and launch another attack to catch them on the ground, Baldy Pownall tried to run away.
As Jocko Clark noted, a ship can't run away from a plane.
http://pwencycl.kgbudge.com/P/o/Pownall_Charles_A.htm
Thanks Besilarius. The best thing about this thread for me is all the stuff you guys post. I was an Eastern Front guy with only a working knowledge of the Pacific Theater but between snippets like this and the book recommendations, I'm gaining a far greater understanding of the theater. Keep it up.
Quote from: JasonPratt on February 03, 2016, 10:41:54 PM
Yeah, Geek is two days ahead of your report, although he isn't necessarily telling all the details.
Everyone should be extra careful about what we talk about in whichever threads, at this tense juncture. Meaningful radio silence has been good so far, but a slip of the lip etc.
No harm, no foul this time. Given what's transpired over the last couple of days it would be impossible for him not to be pissed, or at least annoyed. At this point I think the
only thing that can scare me out of AM is his large carrier force and I have eyes all over them. My fighter squadrons on the carriers are averaging 73 in experience, which should be 20 better than anything he can throw at me right now. I'm back to watching his carriers and am prepared to start the bailout countdown the day I lose sight of them.
I'll shut up.
It's cool, jomni. I don't think anyone's been dropping too many hints, though I think we've probably come close a few times. It's just natural to want to yell at the movie screen something like "GIRL DON'T GO IN THERE HE GONNA KILL YOU" :2funny:
My post was out of surprise at the, "Hex of Doom" rule and certainly not meant to be any kind of advice or hint. Anyone who would actually take my advice, would be in so much trouble that nobody could probably save them any how. ;D I played this game long ago and never knew about the HOD rule-- my shock ruled my emotions.
The really great part of this AAR is hearing the thought processes of both of you, strategies and tactics and planning. Along that line, I was wondering... it's March now. The warm weather is ahead. Does weather affect your play at all? Are there storms that you have to plan around and such? And what about the colder weather in the fall, will it affect AM any?
Quote from: Sir Slash on February 04, 2016, 10:11:56 AM
My post was out of surprise at the, "Hex of Doom" rule and certainly not meant to be any kind of advice or hint. Anyone who would actually take my advice, would be in so much trouble that nobody could probably save them any how. ;D I played this game long ago and never knew about the HOD rule-- my shock ruled my emotions.
The really great part of this AAR is hearing the thought processes of both of you, strategies and tactics and planning. Along that line, I was wondering... it's March now. The warm weather is ahead. Does weather affect your play at all? Are there storms that you have to plan around and such? And what about the colder weather in the fall, will it affect AM any?
Weather does play a part. Blizzards and thunderstorms reduce visibility, restrict operations and even ground aircraft. If you remember when I was planning AM I was looking for a blizzard to conduct my landings in just in case I didn't bring enough air cover. Thunderstorms seem to be playing a big part in the air operation, or lack there of, near Rangoon. What doesn't seem right, for now at least, is how operations in Alaska and AM seem to be unaffected by the climate. I've been reading Thousand Mile War (based on someone's recommendation. Great book! Thank you!) and conducting operations in the summer were near impossible. I haven't even gotten to winter yet. Based off of what I read I never should have been able to launch AM.
I'll keep on planning operations with little to no regard for weather until the games shows me I need to pay attention to it.
Weather should be a big factor. I recently read a 3-book series about the air war in the Solomons and the weather played a huge factor especially when trying to cross the Owen Stanley mountain range near Pt. Moresby. The weather accounted for quite a significant portion of losses suffered on both sides.
March 5th, 1942
I know I've used my "Eating the Bear" reference earlier but today it seems appropriate. Today we had bear for breakfast, for lunch, for dinner,
and even dessert...and it was delicious! :)
Surface combat off the coast of Hokkaido.
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The Minneapolis ran into a picket of sub chasers. It looks like my subs have 4 less problems to worry about. I love hitting these ships around
Geek's home islands. It's really all icing on the AM cake. I never thought we'd actually be on the offensive here and certainly not at this point in the
war.
As dawn broke, nothing near Hokkaido was safe.
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We hit Sapporo multiple times.
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The first thing I noticed is Geek has no fighters flying CAP. I imagine he has them all set to Escort and will try to break through my CAP.
EXCEPT...
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...Not a single fighter escorted any of his raids, and his bombers were cut down accordingly. Have we depleted Geek's reserve fighters?
Sending unescorted bombers against my fighter pilots at this point is suicide. I understand that he has to do something but his planes
and pilots are being massacred. I know that sounds a little dramatic but all my fighter squadrons at AM have 30+ kills, some have 50+. I want
to keep pressing my air superiority here but soon Manila will fall and/or his carriers will head north. That will force me out of Dodge. I'll be sad
to close the chapter on AM but I think the clock is ticking again.
The Little Planes That Could continue to put up a valiant effort at Padang.
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These guys will benefit greatly once the Base Forces from Sabang get here. Those guys are still marching and are next to Sibolga. They're on
a road which should speed them up a bit.
B-17's get some work done.
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I'm always impressed when these guys can hit a ship from 10,000 feet up. And it was carrying troops!
Geek gets into the ship sinking business as well.
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There was nothing I could do here. The Airacobras were all at Pago. I transferred them back up here and moved some Hawks to Pago. We should
be able to give him a hard time if he returns. I want to keep atritting his carrier based planes. Those guys are almost irreplaceable.
What was I so excited about at the beginning of today you ask? ???(As if you don't already know.)
Geek underestimated the tenacity of the pilots of the Royal Navy.
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They fought their way through 26 Zeroes to score hits on 3 :o carriers!! I was literally grinning from ear to ear.
Then I was brought back to earth.
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They came in unescorted. I'm seeing a pattern again. The single bomb hit didn't even show up as damage. I was scared though.
Even if that bomb hit would've caused damage, this would've made it worth it.
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SCRATCH ONE FLATTOP! Actually I think they both went down. We lost a lot of planes in the process though.
I'm surprised that not only did we sink the first carrier of the war but it was done by the Brits AND with biplanes.
Vegas would've cleaned up on that Prop bet.
Smelling blood in the water, I'm sending everything I can scrounge up to try to keep the pressure on his TF. I'd love to take down the rest
of these carriers but I should just be happy with what I got.
It was a good day!
(//)
Quote from: Silent Disapproval Robot on February 04, 2016, 05:35:33 PM
Weather should be a big factor. I recently read a 3-book series about the air war in the Solomons and the weather played a huge factor especially when trying to cross the Owen Stanley mountain range near Pt. Moresby. The weather accounted for quite a significant portion of losses suffered on both sides.
I agree, SDR, and it
does seem to play a factor to a point but what I was trying to note is how crappy
everything was in the Alaska theater and how difficult it should be for either of us to undertake any operation. The Thousand Mile War book is really eyeopening. What is the name of that 3 book series?
It's called the Rabaul trilogy by Bruce Gamble. Books two and three are excellent. Book one was released after two and three and you can probably skip it as much of the information in it is already covered in book 2. It's basically a very depressing retelling what happened to the small Aussie garrison on Rabaul once the Japanese invaded.
Invasion Rabaul: The Epic Story of Lark Force, the Forgotten Garrison, January - July 1942
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Fortress Rabaul: The Battle for the Southwest Pacific, January 1942-April 1943
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Target: Rabaul: The Allied Siege of Japan's Most Infamous Stronghold, March 1943 - August 1945
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BTW: I had no idea the Japanese had a ship named the Manko Maru. That's comedy gold! Pervy little buggers! (I'm sure it's actually supposed to be Mankou Maru but Manko Maru is much better).
Ah, the reading list keeps getting longer. Thanks SDR!
* Googles "manko" *
;D
That is an unlikely turn of events. The US will have to be buying the Brit pilots a lot of beer since right now they lead the war in Carriers sunk and damaged!
A book that I loved and was very very instructive (though its a dense read) is Fire in the Sky. Lots of interesting detail and analysis on why the Allies (US ) won the air war. It turned out to be a couple of strategic decisions even before the war was started on designing simple robust planes, focusing on revetments/runway repairs and having a large standing pool of mechanics (many who were naturally interested in building cars etc) available.
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Quote from: Banzai_Cat on February 04, 2016, 07:15:36 PM
* Googles "manko" *
;D
Yep, I did the same. :2funny:
Quote from: Con on February 04, 2016, 07:34:21 PM
That is an unlikely turn of events. The US will have to be buying the Brit pilots a lot of beer since right now they lead the war in Carriers sunk and damaged!
A book that I loved and was very very instructive (though its a dense read) is Fire in the Sky. Lots of interesting detail and analysis on why the Allies (US ) won the air war. It turned out to be a couple of strategic decisions even before the war was started on designing simple robust planes, focusing on revetments/runway repairs and having a large standing pool of mechanics (many who were naturally interested in building cars etc) available.
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That book is at the top of my wish list. The Kindle version is a little more than I like to spend on an ebook but I might grab a used, physical edition.
I would get it. Its really worth it plus it would make a great companion read as you are playing this game.
Con
Quote from: Con on February 04, 2016, 07:51:26 PM
I would get it. Its really worth it plus it would make a great companion read as you are playing this game.
Con
As soon as I finish up the 1000 Mile War I'll grab that and the Rabual Book 1. I'm intrigued by the Lark Bn. They've developed an interesting story so far in this game. I'd like to see what really happened with them.
Thanks to both of you guys for the recommendations. O0
Historically it is a very sad story for the Lark forces
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Rabaul_(1942)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_Montevideo_Maru
Quote from: Con on February 04, 2016, 07:51:26 PM
I would get it. Its really worth it plus it would make a great companion read as you are playing this game.
Con
+1
His other book, Touched with Fire, does the same as this one but for the ground war:
http://www.amazon.com/Touched-Fire-Land-South-Pacific/dp/0140246967/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1454638513&sr=1-2&keywords=touched+with+fire (http://www.amazon.com/Touched-Fire-Land-South-Pacific/dp/0140246967/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1454638513&sr=1-2&keywords=touched+with+fire)
Congratulations to the Commonwealth Pilots for sinking a carrier before the Americans did.
Congrats on the Naval Victory KyzBP--- you got to come up with a name for that historic battle. The Ho-Sho-Nuff-Got-Sunk. Didn't she? The secret to Allied victory---- more bi-planes. O0
Quote from: Sir Slash on February 04, 2016, 11:10:36 PM
Congrats on the Naval Victory KyzBP--- you got to come up with a name for that historic battle. The Ho-Sho-Nuff-Got-Sunk. Didn't she? The secret to Allied victory---- more bi-planes. O0
Swordfish is stuff of legend.
Quote from: Con on February 04, 2016, 08:09:50 PM
Historically it is a very sad story for the Lark forces
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Rabaul_(1942)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_Montevideo_Maru
Yup. In all honesty, I don't think book 1 is worth it. The author goes into enough detail about Lark Force in the other two books.
Eh, prequels never seem quite as good as they sound on paper. ::)
Just to clarify, I didn't think anyone had leaked any info yet. But with the time differential and a lot of tense important action at the moment, I could see a potential slip occurring more easily under these circumstances.
I'm one of the several people recommending 1000 Mile War, and you're welcome Kyz. O:-) But also many thanks to those who mentioned it around summer of last year (I think) in the main reading thread.
I am about to go
at least wishlist the Rabaul and air/land strategic war analysis books. :smitten: Anyone familiar with the 1000 Mile War book, will immediately recognize this point:
Quote from: Con on February 04, 2016, 07:34:21 PM[The Allied decisive advantage] turned out to be a couple of strategic decisions even before the war was started on designing simple robust planes, focusing on revetments/runway repairs and having a large standing pool of mechanics (many who were naturally interested in building cars etc) available.
And now that we're kind of caught up on Ceylon, I wanted to ask your thoughts on Geek's thrust there, Kyz -- not only on the surprise failure, but more broadly in the context of what else is going on.
Quote from: Silent Disapproval Robot on February 05, 2016, 02:00:28 AM
Yup. In all honesty, I don't think book 1 is worth it. The author goes into enough detail about Lark Force in the other two books.
What if they were read in sequence instead of publication order? Would book 2 suffer from the redundancy?
I ate Swordfish once, ironically at a Japanese restaurant. It was pretty good. Probably doesn't taste so well to Geekamoto right now though. ;D
Quote from: JasonPratt on February 05, 2016, 09:48:31 AM
Quote from: Silent Disapproval Robot on February 05, 2016, 02:00:28 AM
Yup. In all honesty, I don't think book 1 is worth it. The author goes into enough detail about Lark Force in the other two books.
What if they were read in sequence instead of publication order? Would book 2 suffer from the redundancy?
No. The bulk of book 2 covers the build up of US air assets in the region, the personalities of the leaders involved, and the appointment of General Kenney because Dugout Doug didn't want Doolittle showing up and upstaging him.
Quote from: JasonPratt on February 05, 2016, 09:47:27 AM
And now that we're kind of caught up on Ceylon, I wanted to ask your thoughts on Geek's thrust there, Kyz -- not only on the surprise failure, but more broadly in the context of what else is going on.
I looked at his move towards Ceylon more as one of opportunity rather than any great plan. I figured he was just destroying ships as he went and just ended up there. His early success was a part of the cause of his failure there. I was bottled up at Ceylon because I was afraid to move closer to Rangoon with anything heavy. Like Geek's untimely move towards Alaska, this one was untimely in the sense that I had a bunch of units there chomping at the bit for something to do.
I suspect Geek is in a mood for revenge. I'll try not to present him any opportunities the exact that revenge. I'm going to try to do more damage around Hokkaido before he forces me out of there. If he delays sending carriers towards AM then I'll take another island up there. Surprisingly, it's the only place I'm really on the offensive. :idiot2:
I'll try to get the latest update posted tonight, for sure in the morning. Thanks again to all of you guys for following and contributing to this AAR. You guys keep me motivated to keep this up. O0
Fascinating As Spock would say...intriguing insights on your strategy and your opponents intent. Now we get to sit back and watch.
Going on the vein of good WWII pacific books I just found a favorite author of mine released the second in a trilogy of books on the Pacific Theater. I recommend his first book as a must read for anyone interested in WWII Pacific. I have just ordered his second the Conquering Tide on Amazon. You will see he gets excellent reviews as well
http://www.amazon.com/Pacific-Crucible-War-Sea-1941-1942/dp/0393068137/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8
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http://www.amazon.com/Conquering-Tide-Pacific-Islands-1942-1944/dp/0393080641/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8
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With any luck I'll be able to read all these books before the game ends.
Con, how are these books AFA maps go? I'm considering the kindle versions but it's hard to read very detailed maps on 6" e-ink readers.
March 6th, 1942
I decided to reek as much havoc on Hokkaido as I can before I have to leave.
I let the Battleships lead the way.
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They did a lot more damage here than I thought they could. First, Geek had way more planes stationed here than I suspected. There were
fewer fighters than I thought there would be. Secondly, I'm very fortunate that he was never able to get all those bombers in the air at once.
I think the could have overwhelmed my CAP. I think we put a good size dent in Geek's air power around Hokkaido. I'm also pretty sure he's
going to be upset by this.
The Minneapolis came in to lick the plate.
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Again, I'm just trying to do as much damage as I can. I don't know if there's anything really being gained by all this but it is making me
feel better.
According to the End of Day Report we destroyed 55 planes on the ground.
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I'm not sure what -7 planes means for me. Did I grow 7 planes?
The banged up Northern Waters Attack Force, consisting of a CL and 2 DD's (pretty much all that's left near Darwin) limped out of port.
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They shambled their way to Wyndham where they jumped an unsuspecting, and unescorted convoy. I got lucky here, sort of. Once again PBY's
were able to inform me that this convoy contained no warships. I rolled the dice. They didn't stop there though.
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They picked up an extra DD that was lagging behind and went to work again. All of my ships have some type of critical damage that can't be repaired
at Darwin. I can't send these guys anywhere to be repaired so I guess they fight until they sink. If I carefully choose my targets I may be able to
prolong their usefulness.
Bataan did fall today but I never really expected it to hold out more than a day or two.
Nothing else really happened.
Here's confirmation of the first carrier casualties of the war.
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I'm sure Geek is not happy.
I forgot if the pilots die along with their planes when hit in the ground. Anyone knows?
Quote from: Staggerwing on February 05, 2016, 07:01:12 PM
Con, how are these books AFA maps go? I'm considering the kindle versions but it's hard to read very detailed maps on 6" e-ink readers.
I just went to check my hardcover version of Pacific Crucible and couldn't find it. I think I loaned it to my dad who is an ex navy (Korean War Vet) guy. As far as i recall the maps were adequate. The authors talent IMO is how he brings the characters to life and makes you feel the weight of history as they make their decisions. For maps of the most famous battles you can always look them up online (here is a nifty animated version that I found interesting)
http://historyanimated.com/verynewhistorywaranimated/?page_id=20
Paul Dull's book, forget the title "A Battle History of the Imperial Japanese navy?" has some very detailed action maps. Long out of print, might be available used.
As luck would have it all the Rabaul books are on sale on the Kindle for $2.99 a piece. Looks like I'm buying books today. :)
Quote from: KyzBP on February 06, 2016, 09:44:12 AM
As luck would have it all the Rabaul books are on sale on the Kindle for $2.99 a piece. Looks like I'm buying books today. :)
Thanks. I grabbed the first one. I'll give it a read and buy the others if I like it, though the story does sound fascinating. O0
March 7th, 1942
Fresh off the successes of the previous day my forces go on the attack on what looks like a quiet day.
Inspired by the bombardment of Bihoro, a small TF bombards Moulmein.
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We weren't as successful at taking out Geek's fighters on the ground here but we did knock out some ground troops.
I'm going to come back tomorrow and hit it again. I really want to deplete his fighters across the board. Bombarding them while
they're on the ground seems like the most efficient way.
His carriers are moving near Point Blair. I have everything set to Naval Attack in hopes of hitting another carrier. I doubt i can repeat
my earlier success. I was trying to catch up to these guys with my carriers until I looked at how many aircraft were left on my carriers.
I'll be sending them back to Colombo to replace the lost aircraft. Both carriers are very low on planes.
A sub hiding at Rockhampton came out to take a shot.
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A hit on a transport. I hope these types of attacks will continue. Unfortunately, Geek tends to go ASW crazy after these attacks and
my subs are forced out of port or worse. I have a good number of subs limping their way back to port for repairs.
Geek goes "Pearl Harbor" at Canton.
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This one hurt. I've lost my raiding ability in this area. It was nice to be able to send out DD's and CL's whenever one of Geek's
troop or supply convoys would show up. There's no way to interdict that many bombers, especially when I only have a minimal fighter presence
in the area. I have a few convoys between Canton and Hawaii that contain fighter squadrons. I'll try to find a place to unload them in order to
increase my chances of catching some unescorted bombers but it seems like he's caught on to that being a bad tactic. Again, I have to destroy his
fighters wherever I can catch them on the ground. In most places his pilots will be better than mine. If they don't have planes to fly then they'll just
be poor infantrymen. I'd also like to know the answer to Jomni's question about the pilots being killed on the ground with their planes.
Here is the damaged ship list at Canton:
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Not pretty and I bet he comes back. :-\
Intel reported an AK loading up and destined for Marysborough(Mary).
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I'm going to go for broke here. I'm sending All my Surface Combat Vessel's to Mary to see if I can catch his landing force. I know that sounds familiar
and it never seems to pan out but I have to try. I'm sure he'll lead his convoy into Mary with BB's but I don't have a choice. Maybe we can damage a few
ships during the surface engagement which should allow the bombers to finish them off the next day.
Quote from: Banzai_Cat on February 06, 2016, 09:50:56 AM
Quote from: KyzBP on February 06, 2016, 09:44:12 AM
As luck would have it all the Rabaul books are on sale on the Kindle for $2.99 a piece. Looks like I'm buying books today. :)
Thanks. I grabbed the first one. I'll give it a read and buy the others if I like it, though the story does sound fascinating. O0
I totally agree.
Without going into spoilers, I think you'll be pretty happy reading Geek's side of the AM operation someday. O:-)
Re -7 planes: maybe they were repaired back to operational status? I assume if they were arriving in the theater this would be obvious in some other way?
Re shooting his planes on the ground: Tom Clancy would approve. O0
Re the Rabaul trilogy being $3 each on Kindle today: DANG IT! {sigh} {clicking}
STOP THAT. Now I'm wondering if I need to buy the other two while they're so cheap. :-[
Quote from: Banzai_Cat on February 06, 2016, 01:17:35 PM
STOP THAT. Now I'm wondering if I need to buy the other two while they're so cheap. :-[
I gave in immediately and got all 3 for under $9. Almost better than a Steam Sale.
Damn you!
Quote from: JasonPratt on February 06, 2016, 01:06:51 PM
Without going into spoilers, I think you'll be pretty happy reading Geek's side of the AM operation someday. O:-)
Re -7 planes: maybe they were repaired back to operational status? I assume if they were arriving in the theater this would be obvious in some other way?
Re shooting his planes on the ground: Tom Clancy would approve. O0
Re the Rabaul trilogy being $3 each on Kindle today: DANG IT! {sigh} {clicking}
There's plenty of days that I want to surrender just so I can read Geek's AAR.
He doesn't update remotely as often as you do, unfortunately.
Once nice thing is that you both are using different map designs, which helps distinguish things visually. (And I like both map styles, so that's nice. O:-) ) Also, most of his commentary is on the map itself now (although he didn't start out that way).
March 8th, 1942
I really could use more of a warning when his transports are headed to their next adventure.
But first I lose another AP.
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I was trying to chase this sub away with PBY's but they never hit him. I don't have any ASW ships close by so I'm going to
detach some escort DD's from one of the convoys to try to shoo this guy away.
One of my subs returns the favor plus some.
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The sub war seems to be intensifying even more. I don't post any of my misses or duds but there are a good number of
little sub battles going on. I have 4 or 5 damaged subs that should limp into Sydney within the week.
Bombarding the airfield at Moulmein.
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I need to do this as often as Geek will allow me. There's almost zero risk for me and all reward. If I can get rid of the
fighters here, I can begin bombing Pegu and eventually launch an attack before he does. I want to look like I'm on the attack
here and maybe draw some interest from his troops in the Philippines. I really don't want an attack at AM yet. I'm becoming
attached to that area.
Geekanese forces already at Mary.
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He was here the day after I got the warning. I expected him to come by land. I don't have any chance of interrupting the landings
so I'll look for softer targets for my raider TFs.
The chase is on!
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Geek has those CA's and DD's taking the pressure of his injured CV's. I can't catch those carriers so I'll do my best to trap these
guys and send them to the bottom. As long as I keep pecking away at them they won't be able to get up to Mission Speed. That should allow
me to get my CA's and DD's on them and finish them off. So far this Indian Ocean gambit has been a good one for me.
Canton continues to get pounded.
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We're taking a drunk college girl kind of pounding here. By time he's finished my port will not contain a single functioning ship. Again,
there's nothing I can do about it.
Manila barely hanging on.
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We did ourselves a small favor and increased or Fort Level right after the attack and bought ourselves another day at the expense of
supply. We might as well use up all the supply and not leave Geek any when he takes this.
Padang continues to be bombed 4-5 times a day. I'm going to pull all the planes back to Siboret and try to put a full squadron together.
Once I have a decent number of planes I'll unleash them on Geek's unsuspecting(hopefully) bombers.
Nothing noteworthy at AM. I think we did enough damage to keep him grounded for awhile. One thing I'm beginning to see that really
scares me is...SUBS. :( I'm going to try to get some sub chasers up here but it may take awhile.
March 9th, 1942
Sometimes a mistake can be a blessing.
I had originally sent some DD's and a CL to Mary, or so I thought. I actually sent them to Rockhampton by mistake.
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I got REALLY lucky. It looks like we hit some transports dropping off troops for Geek's ongoing stroll through the Land
Down Under. We got chased out of there though when some BB's showed up. Neither side fired a shot so we got out
while the gotten was good, or something like that. There are a few BB's at Mary right now so it's a good thing we didn't
up there. I wish there was a way to hit some of those transports at Mary but I'd lose whatever warships I have left here.
Daily bombardment of Moulmein.
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Ground casualties are just gravy at this point. It's the planes and the airfield I'm after. I'm not sure if he'll send some
big ships here to stop me since my carriers are still chasing him around the Indian Ocean. I will certainly be ready for him
if he comes around again.
We kept up the pressure on his screening force.
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The screening force is about done but it did it's job and allowed his carriers to get out of the area. I'm trying to guess
where he's headed next so I can try and finish him off.
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Manila still holding.
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I'm not sure how these guys are doing it. It won't last long but I'm enjoying every extra day these guys are buying me. I know
I say it nearly every update but I fear what he'll be able to do once these guys are freed up.
Mary was not so lucky. She fell instantly. Geek now has a straight shot at Brisbane. I've built it up the best I could. I expect he'll
be here in a couple of days so we'll find out if I did good. I will try to beat him down by air as long as I can. If he does come by land
I'll try bombarding the coastline as he moves down to Brisbane. I'm officially committing the kitchen sink.
We continue to hit targets of opportunity at AM.
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It's taking forever for my bombardment force to get to their target. I get more and more nervous every turn. After they hit here
I'll return to Bihoro and hit it one more time. I'll then pull back to AM to provide CAP for the arriving transports. Once those Base
Forces are unloaded I'll finally be able to remove the carriers. That can't happen soon enough.
Padang took 5 more air raids today. Most of the raids averaged 100 bombers. Those guys are getting seriously beat down.
Finally, Geek seems to be bugging out of the area around Canton.
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Given his success here, I'm surprised to see him headed out. More importantly, where is he going?
It's gonna KILL Geekamoto to find out that beating at Rockhampton was an accident. Can't wait. :2funny:
Kyz, I've spent the last 5 days reading all 36 pages of this post, and I've got to tip my hat to both you and Geek for the great gaming, your detailed accounts, and great writing. It's truly been a pleasure! I had so many witty comments to throw out, but I'll limit myself to a few here:
1) I give a very hearty endorsement to Bergerud's Fire in the Sky. It's a fascinating read, although the level of detail he goes into numbs my mind from time to time (I'm still trying to understand why going upside down for any significant period of time caused more fuel pump-related stalls in some engine types but not others).
2) Pacific Crucible is also a fascinating book. I haven't read the others, but I strongly recommend both of those.
3) Another book that gives a great account of what carrier operations were like in the opening stages of the war is Parshall and Tully's Shattered Sword. It's the definitive retelling of the Battle of Midway and provides a more balanced account (incorporates more info from both sides and draws on a lot of Japanese academic sources since the last generation of Midway books was written 30-40 years ago). Shattered Sword is the best of the books I've mentioned here, but since nobody's shot anything down at Midway... :'(
4) At least the British have left the Americans with a shot at the more dubious title of First Monoplanes to Sink a Japanese Carrier. At the rate of attrition I'm seeing there, I'm imagining you're going to end up with one damaged Swordfish trying to drop a beer can full of nails on a flaming Japanese DD...
Seriously, keep it up. This is frickin' awesome!
Quote from: Sir Slash on February 09, 2016, 04:53:24 PM
It's gonna KILL Geekamoto to find out that beating at Rockhampton was an accident. Can't wait. :2funny:
Lol. In case you haven't noticed, Slash,
most of my
great tactical achievements have been, let's say, unplanned.
Quote from: FarAway Sooner on February 09, 2016, 05:32:39 PM
Kyz, I've spent the last 5 days reading all 36 pages of this post, and I've got to tip my hat to both you and Geek for the great gaming, your detailed accounts, and great writing. It's truly been a pleasure! I had so many witty comments to throw out, but I'll limit myself to a few here:
1) I give a very hearty endorsement to Bergerud's Fire in the Sky. It's a fascinating read, although the level of detail he goes into numbs my mind from time to time (I'm still trying to understand why going upside down for any significant period of time caused more fuel pump-related stalls in some engine types but not others).
2) Pacific Crucible is also a fascinating book. I haven't read the others, but I strongly recommend both of those.
3) Another book that gives a great account of what carrier operations were like in the opening stages of the war is Parshall and Tully's Shattered Sword. It's the definitive retelling of the Battle of Midway and provides a more balanced account (incorporates more info from both sides and draws on a lot of Japanese academic sources since the last generation of Midway books was written 30-40 years ago). Shattered Sword is the best of the books I've mentioned here, but since nobody's shot anything down at Midway... :'(
Seriously, keep it up. This is frickin' awesome!
Thanks very much, FarAway! The book recommendations have been excellent and I'll add Shattered Sword to the mix.
4) At least the British have left the Americans with a shot at the more dubious title of First Monoplanes to Sink a Japanese Carrier. At the rate of attrition I'm seeing there, I'm imagining you're going to end up with one damaged Swordfish trying to drop a beer can full of nails on a flaming Japanese DD...I love every part of this sentence...mostly because it's true. O0
March 10th, 1942
I mentioned a few days ago that the sub war had intensified. Here's a day's worth of hot, steamy, sub action.
First the SS Gudgeon (whatever that is) takes a shot in Mary's harbor (not a euphemism).
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It would've been nice if he could've hit this AK last turn but beggar's can't be choosers and I'm always grateful when
a US torp explodes.
The SS KXV hits an AK at Port Moresby.
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I have almost no idea what's going on at PM but he'll have 1 less ship in which to do it.
Back at Mary, the Gudgeon goes for the unheard of feat of 2 ships in 1 day.
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And it's in the hole! This Captain will receive some type of shiny medal for this and probably by more than one country.
But wait, there's more!
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This guy runs out of torps, says "F it!" and goes to guns! That's 3 AK's in one day at one location. The captain is now at
the top of Geek's Most Wanted-San list. I really hope this guy, E.W. Grenfel survives the war...or the week.
We continued peppering Moulmein.
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We're still getting good results here and I don't think there's anything Geek can do about it right now. He'll come
up with something soon I'm sure.
I also dropped in on North Male and let Geek know I hadn't forgotten about these guys.
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I'm still clueless as to the purpose of this conquest. It may have been just to show me he could but as long as the
Brit carriers are in the area these guys will go unsupplied and intermittently harassed. Once/If things stabilize in Australia
I'll send some troops here and reclaim what is ours.
That was really all for today. Manila took a bombardment but no assault. Geek looks like he's headed for Brisbane by land so
I should be able to get a bombardment or 2 on him, plus the bombings. His carriers near Canton disappeared. I'm not sure where
they went but I expect them to pop up soon. The bombings at Padang also continued. I desperately need CAP there. If only
I had a spare carrier with Martlet's (Brit Wildcats) at, let's say Diego Garcia...
Hey KyzBP. All those damaged ships, do they have to immediately return to base to be repaired or can they still perform a role while damaged? And do you have to create a separate damaged-ship convoy to get them home?
Quote from: Sir Slash on February 10, 2016, 10:05:49 AM
Hey KyzBP. All those damaged ships, do they have to immediately return to base to be repaired or can they still perform a role while damaged? And do you have to create a separate damaged-ship convoy to get them home?
The damaged ships can still function depending on the type of damage. Damaged engines and hull slow the ships speed, damaged guns reduce the amount of damage the ship can do or how frequently it fires during combat and so on. Usually if a ships is severely damaged in combat the computer will detach that ship and an escort from the main TF. I hope that makes sense.
March 11th, 1942
The subs go at it again.
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It's nice to get one off the coast of Japan. I'd like to get a few more, filled with oil or resources. One filled with troops
would be even better.
Then another one of these encounters takes place:
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I imagine the Perch was on the surface or trailing oil. She got beat up pretty good by some ASW activity off of Japan and
was heading home for repairs. I haven't had a chance to look and see if she survived. If she did then I'll try to get her to
one of the AM islands and bring the repair ship to her.
I continue to hit Moulmein.
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We're damaging a lot of planes and killing a good number of personnel but we're not destroying many planes. That's really
the whole point of this exercise. I'll keep doing it though. It's not costing me anything...yet.
The bombings have moved to Siberoet.
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After seeing how many bombers he can muster here, I don't think I'll bring any carriers here yet. If I misjudge how far I need to
standoff then I will certainly lose some carriers. I have to figure out a solution to these bombing raids. The good thing is once I
do I should be able to do some serious damage to them as Geek hardly sends any escort with them.
My TF of damaged Surface Combat ships strikes again.
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These guys are doing the impossible right now. One of the B-17's flying search missions spotted these guys unloading and unescorted.
I think, if Geek can, he's going to hit Darwin soon. If he knew the miserable condition these ships are in he'd do it now.
I found Geek's carriers.
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Err, should I say they found me. He hit a supply ship, which is no big deal. What is a big deal is I don't think he knew Ocean Island
was occupied and if he did, I don't think he knew it is a PBY base. Those Cat's have provided me with tons of info on ships moving around
the area. Losing Ocean Island would put a dent in my early warning system and it wouldn't be very tough to take down.
I'm going all in to save Brisbane. The next update should contain a lot of actions that determine whether this will be a long war or an Auto-Victory.
The AAR is up to date so I have no idea what will happen.
KzyBP, do you know if you can continue to play after an auto-victory? Or is it impossible?
Quote from: Excroat3 on February 10, 2016, 06:21:45 PM
KzyBP, do you know if you can continue to play after an auto-victory? Or is it impossible?
First, Welcome!
I think it gives you the option to continue. If that situation arises then Geek and I will decide if we keep going. Win or lose this was a lot of fun.
When the question was brought up in Geek's thread, he confirmed that the players can continue after an auto-victory. (That seems a topically neutral way of putting it. ;) )
I'd like to see the score and the "butcher's bill"
Quote from: jomni on February 10, 2016, 08:01:43 PM
I'd like to see the score and the "butcher's bill"
I'll try to post it tomorrow. I will say that all the gains I was making in the air war courtesy of AM have been erased by the frightful kill ratio over Oz. The Australian and ABDA pilots are horrifyingly inexperienced and are getting chopped to pieces.
I've never played the game (obviously), but from reading this thread, it sounds like the only real way for the Allies to get better there is to get some practice against "B Team" players for the other side. If you try rising up against far more experienced pilots, you won't survive. Period.
At the same time, you do everything you can to attrit the Kido Butai pilots of his main carrier force. I'm not sure the best attrition option--maybe just group your fighters together into big groups and hope they can jump an enemy attack force? Or bomb the air bases, but you need air superiority to do that... I begin to see how the whole South Pacific conflict shaped up!
One interesting note on Fire in the Sky: Bergerud's conclusion is that the single most important weapon system for the Air War in the South Pacific was... the tractor. American's ability to build and maintain new airfields allowed them to isolate and annihilate Japanese air bases throughout the theater. There were a number of factors behind that ability, but the availability of construction vehicles was a huge boon for the Americans as they worked to establish and upgrade air bases quickly.
Quote from: FarAway Sooner on February 10, 2016, 11:12:53 PM
I've never played the game (obviously), but from reading this thread, it sounds like the only real way for the Allies to get better there is to get some practice against "B Team" players for the other side. If you try rising up against far more experienced pilots, you won't survive. Period.
At the same time, you do everything you can to attrit the Kido Butai pilots of his main carrier force. I'm not sure the best attrition option--maybe just group your fighters together into big groups and hope they can jump an enemy attack force? Or bomb the air bases, but you need air superiority to do that... I begin to see how the whole South Pacific conflict shaped up!
One interesting note on Fire in the Sky: Bergerud's conclusion is that the single most important weapon system for the Air War in the South Pacific was... the tractor. American's ability to build and maintain new airfields allowed them to isolate and annihilate Japanese air bases throughout the theater. There were a number of factors behind that ability, but the availability of construction vehicles was a huge boon for the Americans as they worked to establish and upgrade air bases quickly.
Well, Geek's KB is located in some isolated island chain in the south pacific, so the Allies won't be able
to build airfields and reinforce air units there as planes have short legs and sea transport is vulnerable.
Yeah. It does give you an even better appreciation for why Midway was such a disastrous setback for the IJN.
"Its a plan, and if i had one id chew a cigar" -- Geekamoto
He's looking for a cigar now. Beware. Be very aware.
Quote from: JasonPratt on February 11, 2016, 07:02:07 PM
"Its a plan, and if i had one id chew a cigar" -- Geekamoto
He's looking for a cigar now. Beware. Be very aware.
I hope Geekamoto doesn't have a
new plan as his old one seems to be working just fine.
Quote from: KyzBP on February 12, 2016, 07:10:21 AM
Quote from: JasonPratt on February 11, 2016, 07:02:07 PM
"Its a plan, and if i had one id chew a cigar" -- Geekamoto
He's looking for a cigar now. Beware. Be very aware.
I hope Geekamoto doesn't have a new plan as his old one seems to be working just fine.
Maybe that's the key- make him think his old plan might be going off the rails so he will scramble to put together a new one, leading to an interim period of confusion and re-shifting of assets that you might be able to exploit.
March 12th, 1942
We continued our bombardment of Moulmein.
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A morning recon flight revealed there are no planes left at Moulmein. The field and base itself are in shambles. It may
take a week before Geek can bring his planes back here. In the meantime I'll pull the bombardment ships back for repairs
and begin bombing his troops at Pegu to keep them from getting much rest. The other day I noticed Geek had some troops
preparing for Rangoon. I still think he has to come by land as the river leading to Rangoon is too small for a large invasion
force...and he'll need a large invasion force.
Geek's sub campaign at AM has begun.
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I posted this pic because his subs launched 5 or 6 torps, hit 2 different AP's, and none of the torps exploded. He may have
wondered if he opened the right file. I thought we were going to get lucky.
Not so much.
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This one sinks and I think he sunk another. Both had just finished unloading so no troops were lost but I can't afford to
lose AP's. I'm sending ASW assets to the AM area as we speak and I may have to have the incoming ships standoff until
I clear the area of subs. I would be pretty angry if I lose any of the Base Forces that are just a few days away. So much
for AM being just a distraction operation.
Bombers appeared over Siberoet again.
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Our fighters fared a little better but still couldn't stem the tide of Geekanese bombers. I'm guessing he's launching them
from Singapore so there's no way I can hit them while they're grounded. I'm still looking at filling the Brit carriers with
fighters and parking them out of range but close enough to fly CAP over Siberoet. That maneuver will require math skills.
Expect it to fail.
Here's the situation at Sumatra.
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I was able to retake Sibolga as he left it unmanned. I should be able to get some supplies and aircraft there soon. The
troops outside of Sibolga are the remnant Base Forces from Sabang. I plan on building up the island of Sinabang (now
known as: Cinnabon) to provide mutual support with Sibolga.
At Padang, I interdicted a ground unit Geek was using to grab empty bases. I sent remnants of an armored unit and some
armored scouts. I haven't been able to get the upper hand and was about to send some infantry but Geek looks like he's
moving more troops up towards Padang so I'm going to pull back to Padang and prepare for his eventual assault.
I guess Geek got tired of my Lame TF sinking landing parties.
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He caught the Marblehead, which was the flagship of that TF, and now she's damaged to the point where she won't be
participating any longer. I have next to no fighters at Darwin and no real combat ships left either. I imagine the end is
near for these guys. I'm trying to sneak some supply ships in but I have a feeling the won't survive.
Here's the end of turn score.
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I lost ground in the air war courtesy of Australia. I did notice that 3 of his carriers were sunk (2 CVL, 1 CVE).
That's better than I thought but, unfortunately, yesterday's news.
Quote from: Staggerwing on February 12, 2016, 07:36:29 AM
Quote from: KyzBP on February 12, 2016, 07:10:21 AM
Quote from: JasonPratt on February 11, 2016, 07:02:07 PM
"Its a plan, and if i had one id chew a cigar" -- Geekamoto
He's looking for a cigar now. Beware. Be very aware.
I hope Geekamoto doesn't have a new plan as his old one seems to be working just fine.
Maybe that's the key- make him think his old plan might be going off the rails so he will scramble to put together a new one, leading to an interim period of confusion and re-shifting of assets that you might be able to exploit.
That's definitely something to explore, Stagger. O0 I need another surprise. Something in the spirit of AM. Hmmmm.
Codebreakers, examining chatter after the Rockhampton incident, have found a puzzling reference to the English word "rugby" -- they're sure that's the word, but can't figure out what it's a code for. Maybe disciplinary action...? Another mystery to be unlocked someday by historians after the war. :coolsmiley:
Quote from: KyzBP on February 12, 2016, 07:50:29 AM
That's definitely something to explore, Stagger. O0 I need another surprise. Something in the spirit of AM. Hmmmm.
Some place where you can unexpectedly concentrate enough force to be annoying, and yet feasibly protect your lines of supply.
A land thrust from somewhere on the western side of the map would fit that criteria (assuming my impression is right that you don't have enough sea power there to protect a reprisal strike on your logistic chain.) It would need to be 'thick' enough to protect a corridor of supply, but concentrated enough that you can feasibly build up an airbase capable of striking where he'd hate to see that much extra air power.
Historically the US was trying this in western China near the Himalayas, for a Superfortress base, except they just tried to leapfrog the base into place by flying in supplies and equipment. Logistically that didn't work: the planes were using more fuel to get there and back than they could practically bring in to supply the area. If you can reach a forward base and fortify it enough to protect itself and large enough to use air to shut down a transit/supply corridor, you would have at least forced him to adjust and eliminate some paths (if not expend strength trying to open that corridor again). Which would increase the chances of subs or other naval (or air) raiders scoring hits along the remaining, relatively safer paths.
Please note that I'm spitballing this after having shaken my brain like an Etch-a-Sketch so that I'm not accounting for anything I may know about what Geek is doing or not doing in that area of the map. Besides which you might consider the principles and apply them somewhere else.
But essentially that's what Arctic Monkey seems primed to accomplish, at best, under the current circumstances; so I'm thinking in terms of how to mirror its effects elsewhere.
Quote from: JasonPratt on February 12, 2016, 09:42:05 AM
Quote from: KyzBP on February 12, 2016, 07:50:29 AM
That's definitely something to explore, Stagger. O0 I need another surprise. Something in the spirit of AM. Hmmmm.
Some place where you can unexpectedly concentrate enough force to be annoying, and yet feasibly protect your lines of supply.
A land thrust from somewhere on the western side of the map would fit that criteria (assuming my impression is right that you don't have enough sea power there to protect a reprisal strike on your logistic chain.) It would need to be 'thick' enough to protect a corridor of supply, but concentrated enough that you can feasibly build up an airbase capable of striking where he'd hate to see that much extra air power.
Historically the US was trying this in western China near the Himalayas, for a Superfortress base, except they just tried to leapfrog the base into place by flying in supplies and equipment. Logistically that didn't work: the planes were using more fuel to get there and back than they could practically bring in to supply the area. If you can reach a forward base and fortify it enough to protect itself and large enough to use air to shut down a transit/supply corridor, you would have at least forced him to adjust and eliminate some paths (if not expend strength trying to open that corridor again). Which would increase the chances of subs or other naval (or air) raiders scoring hits along the remaining, relatively safer paths.
Please note that I'm spitballing this after having shaken my brain like an Etch-a-Sketch so that I'm not accounting for anything I may know about what Geek is doing or not doing in that area of the map. Besides which you might consider the principles and apply them somewhere else.
But essentially that's what Arctic Monkey seems primed to accomplish, at best, under the current circumstances; so I'm thinking in terms of how to mirror its effects elsewhere.
I agree with you here, Jason. I'm thinking Java or Sumatra. I have toe holds on both and a bunch of Aussies loaded on ships and headed for Perth. If Australia looks destined to fall then these troops may be rerouted and used on offensives in either or both places. In the meantime I just have to be annoying.
As long as it's somewhere you can feasibly protect your supply to the area while messing substantially with him. It doesn't have to be DECISIVELY messing with him, just enough that he feels he has to adjust to respond (and maybe only feels, but more than feels if you can manage it). Or if he decides not to respond, you can take the advantage of his absence to deplete him of power in the area. AM, at this point, as far as you know, could go either way.
(Those of us reading the other thread, of course, have a better idea of what Geek has decided to do or not do, or what he hasn't decided or can't decide to do yet. I'm trying to comment as neutrally as possible for comparison on a proposed strike/thrust elsewhere.)
Edited to add: I bolded the first sentence up there because, although I may not have pieced together the information you've been giving properly, my impression is that you're going to have a hard time establishing a feasibly protected supply line to a forward strike base in those areas.
(Reminder, I've not read Geek's AAR yet so I'm in no danger of betraying any confidences)
The destruction of 2 CVLs and a CVE is a nice start. The trick, I think, is to whittle down his non-Kido Butai carrier forces so he either has to split up those 6 CVs or so he can only be one place with dominant carrier-based air power at once. Then you need to start showing up at those other places with your carriers and start doing more harm somewhere else. Consider the surface ships (or even grounded planes) they could shoot up in the Philippines for a few days, if they could hit and retreat before he had his own aircraft set to do navy patrol and naval attack work in sufficient numbers.
The Japanese conduct of WW II was to use their main carrier fleet as a raiding force and force multiplier, but to rely on land-based air to do most of the heavy lifting and to keep command of the seas. Geek is using his carrier force as a floating air base in Australia (maybe because the Aussie air force has been beat down so far?), but that's left him vulnerable in other places for a massed carrier group marauding in his rear.
Those pinpricks don't have to be of profound strategic value (Arctic Monkey does have strategic value--I love the image of a white-furred monkey flinging his own dung at the Japanese mainland), they just have to disrupt his time tables enough to give you a chance to recover down under.
Looking at that last sentence makes me ask: Why do all the posts on Grogheads somehow turn smutty sooner or later? ;)
Historical aside: Midway was the first time that Japanese carriers ventured deep into hostile waters (and into the teeth of land-based Allied air superiority) with orders besides "shoot things up and get out quickly". Thanks to advance intelligence, the Americans were able to muster 126 aircraft at Midway before the Japanese had showed up. That Midway contingent often gets discounted in Allied histories as obsolete, but only 38 of those planes were the aged Vindicator bombers or Buffalo fighters, and the 31 PBYs stationed there were absolutely worth their weight in gold (arguably the most important aircraft--plane for plane--of any that either side brought to the battle).
It was that air presence that gave the Americans a commanding edge in the number of aircraft at Midway. And while most of those disparate American attacks weren't sufficiently well-timed or well-executed, they kept the Japanese busy enough with air operations that they never had a chance to launch a heavy attack against the American carrier force until late in the day, by which time they only had 1 carrier left.
The story about the Japanese planes rearming to attack naval targets instead of Midway has been thoroughly debunked in Japanese history on the topic. Consider: There were 7 different attacks on the Japanese carriers between 7:55am (when the first 16 bombers from Midway attacked) and 10:25am (when the dive bombers from the Enterprise and Hornet began their attacks). The Japanese had been too busy launching and recovering CAP, undertaking evasive maneuvers, and recovering strike planes to be able to actually launch any sort of force to go after the American flat-tops.
When those 47 dive bombers from Enterprise and Yorktown showed up for attack #8, they were able to land the first punches. Carriers are notoriously fragile (Japanese carriers even moreso; their damage control doctrine at the start of WW II was downright primitive), and it only took a couple bomb hits to send 3/4 of the Japanese carrier force to the bottom of the ocean...
I'm not sure what that says about the situation here, but I have a suspicion that you need to get those carriers closer to the front of battle even if it's just for one day's worth of raids here and there. It's not like he's got loads of bombers set to recon and long-range naval attacks everywhere, does he?
Quote from: FarAway Sooner on February 12, 2016, 04:23:27 PM
(Reminder, I've not read Geek's AAR yet so I'm in no danger of betraying any confidences)
The destruction of 2 CVLs and a CVE is a nice start. The trick, I think, is to whittle down his non-Kido Butai carrier forces so he either has to split up those 6 CVs or so he can only be one place with dominant carrier-based air power at once. Then you need to start showing up at those other places with your carriers and start doing more harm somewhere else. Consider the surface ships (or even grounded planes) they could shoot up in the Philippines for a few days, if they could hit and retreat before he had his own aircraft set to do navy patrol and naval attack work in sufficient numbers.
|I wasn't going to say anything but my other carrier group moved out of Pearl and is headed off on a Double Top Secret mission. I was originally going to have them relieve the CV's at AM but I have another plan for them, albeit small. The CV's still at AM are doing damage that might not be apparent now but will be later, I hope. Those guys aren't done yet either. ;)
The Japanese conduct of WW II was to use their main carrier fleet as a raiding force and force multiplier, but to rely on land-based air to do most of the heavy lifting and to keep command of the seas. Geek is using his carrier force as a floating air base in Australia (maybe because the Aussie air force has been beat down so far?), but that's left him vulnerable in other places for a massed carrier group marauding in his rear.
From what I can tell, Geek isn't using his carriers in Australia per se. His KB is near the Marshall Islands right now, possibly headed to Truk to prepare for whatever nefarious plan Geek has in mind. He has a mess of smaller carriers near Singapore. There's possibly another group of smaller carriers somewhere (Tokyo?) or they're all at Singapore
Those pinpricks don't have to be of profound strategic value (Arctic Monkey does have strategic value--I love the image of a white-furred monkey flinging his own dung at the Japanese mainland), they just have to disrupt his time tables enough to give you a chance to recover down under.
That IS my favorite image. :2funny:
Looking at that last sentence makes me ask: Why do all the posts on Grogheads somehow turn smutty sooner or later? ;)
Historical aside: Midway was the first time that Japanese carriers ventured deep into hostile waters (and into the teeth of land-based Allied air superiority) with orders besides "shoot things up and get out quickly". Thanks to advance intelligence, the Americans were able to muster 126 aircraft at Midway before the Japanese had showed up. That Midway contingent often gets discounted in Allied histories as obsolete, but only 38 of those planes were the aged Vindicator bombers or Buffalo fighters, and the 31 PBYs stationed there were absolutely worth their weight in gold (arguably the most important aircraft--plane for plane--of any that either side brought to the battle).
It was that air presence that gave the Americans a commanding edge in the number of aircraft at Midway. And while most of those disparate American attacks weren't sufficiently well-timed or well-executed, they kept the Japanese busy enough with air operations that they never had a chance to launch a heavy attack against the American carrier force until late in the day, by which time they only had 1 carrier left.
The story about the Japanese planes rearming to attack naval targets instead of Midway has been thoroughly debunked in Japanese history on the topic. Consider: There were 7 different attacks on the Japanese carriers between 7:55am (when the first 16 bombers from Midway attacked) and 10:25am (when the dive bombers from the Enterprise and Hornet began their attacks). The Japanese had been too busy launching and recovering CAP, undertaking evasive maneuvers, and recovering strike planes to be able to actually launch any sort of force to go after the American flat-tops.
When those 47 dive bombers from Enterprise and Yorktown showed up for attack #8, they were able to land the first punches. Carriers are notoriously fragile (Japanese carriers even moreso; their damage control doctrine at the start of WW II was downright primitive), and it only took a couple bomb hits to send 3/4 of the Japanese carrier force to the bottom of the ocean...
I'm not sure what that says about the situation here, but I have a suspicion that you need to get those carriers closer to the front of battle even if it's just for one day's worth of raids here and there. It's not like he's got loads of bombers set to recon and long-range naval attacks everywhere, does he?
Again, CV's are moving. Carrier #5 is on it's way to the Pacific from Norfolk, VA. Things are happening.
I have seen in other AAR on WitPAE that your own intelligence on enemy shipping sunk can be wrong. In one AAR the Soryu I think was sunk 4 times
Conrad
Quote from: Con on February 12, 2016, 05:01:21 PM
I have seen in other AAR on WitPAE that your own intelligence on enemy shipping sunk can be wrong. In one AAR the Soryu I think was sunk 4 times
Conrad
I've seen that too. This is a Glass Half Full of Beer kind of AAR. We sunk
3 damn it! :knuppel2:
STOP THE PRESSES!!
Christmas has come in February!
WiTP:AE has started working again on MY computer!! I don't know what happened but after installing an AVG update, the game started working again.
What does this mean and why is it important you ask? Well, I've been using my kids' computer for months after WiTP:AE just stopped running on my computer. Their homework and projects take priority over my game playing so returning turns and updating AAR's haven't been something I've been able to do promptly. All that has changed and I should be able to get the game moving at a better pace.
I now return you to your weekend.
Woo hoo! As you can tell, I'm loving this stuff!! :smiley6600:
And, just to be clear, never having even played the game, I wasn't trying to backseat drive on how you're using your carriers. I'm just trying to ask questions/make suggestions, partly to understand how the game works better. I've always been afraid to try this game (two small kids, limited time for gaming, etc.) but the reports you're giving have me seriously interested...
Quote from: FarAway Sooner on February 12, 2016, 06:18:24 PM
Woo hoo! As you can tell, I'm loving this stuff!! :smiley6600:
And, just to be clear, never having even played the game, I wasn't trying to backseat drive on how you're using your carriers. I'm just trying to ask questions/make suggestions, partly to understand how the game works better. I've always been afraid to try this game (two small kids, limited time for gaming, etc.) but the reports you're giving have me seriously interested...
No worries, FarAway. The questions you guys ask and suggestions you guys make help me understand, not only the game better, but the War in the Pacific in general. Please feel free to ask and suggest away. Also, don't let this game scare you. Once you get a general understanding of the mechanics it's not really that bad. Right now my turns are fairly quick because Geek owns most of the bases and has many more units. The Allies will get stronger and stronger. That's when my turns will start taking a long time, I think. I've never played this version past January of 42. If the cost of this game causes you to pause, don't let it. The Money Spent-Hours of Entertainment ratio is better than any game you'll ever own.
Good to know. In that case, I'll wait for the bestselling book... 30 Hours over Tokyo, by Kyz McKyz!
Now we know why you've been doing so well lately. Your kids have been playing for you. Keep Little Nimitz and Little Mc Arthur on the job man. O0
Quote from: KyzBP on February 12, 2016, 05:30:04 PM
STOP THE PRESSES!!
Christmas has come in February!
WiTP:AE has started working again on MY computer!! I don't know what happened but after installing an AVG update, the game started working again.
What does this mean and why is it important you ask? Well, I've been using my kids' computer for months after WiTP:AE just stopped running on my computer. Their homework and projects take priority over my game playing so returning turns and updating AAR's haven't been something I've been able to do promptly. All that has changed and I should be able to get the game moving at a better pace.
I now return you to your weekend.
Excellent news. :)
March 13th, 1942
With so much going on behind the scene of both sides you'd think every day would be exciting and combat filled. Today wasn't
one of those days.
Geek's subs continue to do what his aircraft couldn't at AM.
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He's sunk 3 ships in 2 days here. The DD's I detached from escort duty have arrived and will begin hunting the subs. I have
more on the way. The Base Forces are 2 days out so we have to remove those subs ASAP. I don't think I can afford a single
ship lost from those convoys.
Once those Base Forces are in place I can shuttle Marauders over from Umnak. The B-26's have a range of 11 which will allow them
to keep empty the airbases and ports on Hokkaido. AM continues to provide possibilities. It has more than exceeded my expectations.
The big boys bombard Bihoro again.
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I did this for 2 reasons. First, I wanted to see if Geek still had planes here. Not many and probably already damaged.
Second, I wanted to make sure the airfield at Bihoro was out of commission while we expand AM. I did mention I was expanding
AM, right? ;)
I hit Moulmein yet again.
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I don't even remember sending the TF back there. I honestly thought they deserved a break. I wouldn't think this base
would be usable for quite a while. I'm very seriously thinking about grabbing some AP's from Diamond Harbor, loading them
with troops, and trying to retake Moulmein. I would have CAP from Rangoon and Pegu. This requires some serious thought.
Geek continued to bomb the crap out of Siberoet. I moved all working aircraft to Padang. I still haven't seen the Surface Combat TF
that Geek had hanging around the West side of Sumatra. I have a lot of transports enroute to Australia and they happen to be getting
ready to transit through this area. It could be bad if he suddenly reappears. Then again, I may have a surprise for him if he does show up. :knuppel2:
Geek completed the encirclement of Manila.
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We now have nowhere to retreat. He'll probably attack today which should end the holdout. This is a bummer but not unexpected.
Here's the situation at Brisbane.
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I keep trying to bombard his troops with ships but for some reason it won't let me. I was really counting on that to help
disorganize his forces and buy me a little time. It doesn't look like that will happen. There's a decent amount of well supplied
troops at Brisbane. With any luck they'll hang on until help arrives. That plan has worked 0 times so far.
Here's something interesting...and purely luck:
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Take a look at which base is to receive the most air groups over the next 10 days. If you're wondering where that base is,
it's located on Java. It also happens to be the one base on Java we were able to take back using remnant forces. That base
currently has a supply ship docked and off loading much needed supplies. That base is Tjilatjap and that base is about to become
the launch point of unexpected air raids all around Java...until it gets shut down again.
Give a Jap a Slap in the Yap from Tijilap. Sounds like a plan or a Rap song.
Or an STD...
March 14th, 1942
Geek subs continue to pester me at AM.
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At first they were novel and kind of cute but now his subs are starting to piss me off. A very large contingent of ASW equipped
warships are headed this way. It may take a week to get here but once they're here they will seek vengeance. In the meantime
all the bomber type aircraft will be set to ASW Patrol until this problem is taken care of.
Baker Island is bombed.
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This was a test to see if these planes would launch without fighter cover. I suspect Geek will be resupplying Baker soon so I wanted
to make sure I have a chance of hitting supply ships docked at the island. I'll stand them down and hope Geek forgets I did this.
AK sunk at Cinnabon.
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What sucks is this AK was carrying a squadron of Hurricanes. I really need some functioning aircraft at Sumatra to counter his giant
bomber raids. I guess we'll try again.
I did say I'd have a surprise for him if he did stay here.
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I was hoping to do a lot more damage than I did. I suspect it's because my carrier squadrons are almost depleted. I'll try to either
catch him or chase him off and then head back to Colombo to regroup. I do have another plan in mind but I want to flesh it out a bit
before I throw it out there.
Looks like there's still a sub at Canton.
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He's been killing my shipping over the last couple of turns. I'll catch this guy soon as well.
Manila finally succumbs.
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We knew it couldn't last forever. Now the clock is ticking. He has a lot of troops he can use now in any way he chooses.
Which ever way he decides you can guarantee it'll be bad for me.
Changteh falls as well.
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We just lost 50k+ troops in one day. I think it's a great day when we're able to sink one of Geek's ships containing 1000 men.
I need to readjust my expectations. I'm sure Geek barely bats an eye at losing 1000 men. His enemy right now is time but he's
bought himself a lot of it with his Aussie maneuver.
March 15th, 1942
The Battle of the Kitchen Sink begins.
A fairly major naval battle took place near Brisbane.
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Geek has 3 light cruisers and 2 destroyers on fire. I lost 1 destroyer and the CA Australia is pretty beat up but everything else is
fixable. I'll try to get the damaged ships headed for Sydney and go after him again with what's left.
The chances of the CA Australia making port though, just got slimmer.
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Sydney harbor suddenly seems really far away. She's still afloat but just crawling along. I may have to send her to Brisbane
instead. I think the war may be over for her.
Geek found Tjilatjap(VD).
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He sunk that supply ship but it was just about empty. VD is supplied and ready to receive aircraft. I'll keep trying to force
supplies into here and eventually some more troops but now that Geek has found me I think he'll begin moving troops in
my direction. I have to keep his troops busy so they don't bunch up and head to Oz, AM, or India.
The daily bombings of Siberoet and/or Padang continue.
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If I could only get some decent fighters on one of these airfields. I need another AM-like setup where my Brit carriers
are loaded down with high experience, carrier-based fighters. The problem with that is the Brits don't have the planes
or high quality pilots I need to do something like that. I would end up getting 3 carriers sunk instead.
Geek is still trying to sink my Lame TF at Darwin.
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These 2 pesky Hawks have been thwarting his efforts though. He hasn't hit a ship yet and these guys keep answering
the call. I'm sure my streak will end soon.
The Haddock goes into Beast Mode.
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The Captain loosed 2 torpedoes at the AK Arima Maru and then, with Glenn Miller's "Don't Sit Under The Apple Tree" blasting
from the tower speaker, his crew unleashed the deck gun. The Haddock then slipped back under the surface. All of this took
place in the harbor and in broad daylight. No other ship tried to leave the harbor.
I found his CV's.
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Scouting by sub is very dangerous here but Truk is out of range of all my PBY's. I need to try to take an island that within range
but I'm sure that won't go unnoticed. I have no idea what his plans are for these guys but if they head North or Northwest I'll
lose them for awhile. It's such a bittersweet trade off.
Here's what AM looks like.
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It's not quite 12/8/41 Hawaiian waters level but I'm sure it'll get worse before it gets better. The only good thing is I know
where he's going to be so once all my ASW assets get here I should be able to scare him out of here. In the meantime he
continues to hit a ship a day.
March 16th, 1942
Overall today was a routine day. The Padang area was bombed and some torpedoes didn't explode. Here are the highlights though.
Surface combat near Brisbane.
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I was trying to bombard his troops headed to Brisbane but the remnants of his surface group made an appearance. This time I
didn't have the services of the CA Australia so my force didn't fare as well. These guys will start making their way to Sydney for
repairs. It's looking like the Battle for Brisbane will not contain naval guns.
ASW ships hit at Darwin.
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The 2 Warkhawks were powerless today. They got into the air late and were protecting the airfield before realizing the harbor
was the target. They managed to damage 1 bomber but it was hardly a scratch compared to the punishment the Betty's inflicted
on Australia's dwindling fleet. If Australia holds and is able to continue the war, they'll be borrowing a lot of boats from other nations.
Sub attack at AM.
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Filthy, dirty, stinking subs. I will show no mercy to these annoying (word not suitable for general audiences).
Geek has no need to test my air superiority here. Within a week I'll have ASW assets o'plenty on station so we'll get back to the
business of storming the castle.
AM
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Uruppu(no, you are!)-Jima is next on the list. Troops should be here in less than a week. This base will give B-17's and B-24's
the ability to hit Tokyo. I won't have the ability to escort bombers that far but I think we've depleted a lot of his fighters on the
Home Islands. Timing is the problem, though. Right about when I get this up and running he'll have moved his Philippine air force
back to Japan. It's always something.
Can he fly them into Japan or will they have to come by ship you think? If he has to ship them in, couldn't that offer up some juicy targets for your subs?
Quote from: Sir Slash on February 21, 2016, 10:48:58 PM
Can he fly them into Japan or will they have to come by ship you think? If he has to ship them in, couldn't that offer up some juicy targets for your subs?
Most of his planes have excellent range so he'll probably fly them in. He should still have a few juicy targets out there as his troops leaving Manila will still require transport.
Is there any "fatigue factor" associated with planes or ships that is related to usage rather than combat damage? I know that, with the Japanese navy in WW II, a lot of the breathing time that the Americans got in April-May was due to the Japanese need to refit their boats, but it seems to me like he's been running some of those forces pretty ragged...
Quote from: FarAway Sooner on February 22, 2016, 09:38:47 AM
Is there any "fatigue factor" associated with planes or ships that is related to usage rather than combat damage? I know that, with the Japanese navy in WW II, a lot of the breathing time that the Americans got in April-May was due to the Japanese need to refit their boats, but it seems to me like he's been running some of those forces pretty ragged...
As a matter of fact there is. Ships pick up regular wear and tear especially if run at full speed. Most of the non battle damage can be fixed by spending a couple of days in port but occasionally engine wear will need to be serviced at a shipyard. Shipyards require a minimum of 4 days stay. Upgrades can also pull a ship out of action.
Good to know, thanks.
Anything similar for planes? I see the "Operational Losses" entry in the "Airplanes lost" report, but am not sure what that represents or what factors in the game actually drive that.
Historical note: In the South Pacific, "mechanical breakdowns" were a huge factor. The Japanese maintenance was particularly disgraceful at times. Stories abound of planes grounded because of defective spark plugs, an absolute lack of any kind of cannibalization program for spare parts from other grounded planes, etc. Poor maintenance of planes was a huge factor in the Japanese losing the grinding air war of attrition in the South Pacific, along with non-existent replacement/training doctrine and limited capability to develop/improve runways (few revetments to protect airplanes on the ground, virtually no construction equipment to clear out new field space quickly, inability to lay down steel "Matson sheets" (Matsuki sheets?) to keep runways operable in the event of heavy rains or bomb hits, etc.)
If you look back through this AAR you'll eventually find an end of turn screen. It will show Operational Losses, both by the day and for the campaign. The Japanese usually have more losses in this category. I'd post a current one but I'm using my phone right now. I hope that helps.
March 17th, 1942
I can't believe it's only mid March and we're this far along in the game. If you've never read any other AAR's go to Matrix and you'll see how intense/advanced this game of our is.
The sub war continues to ramp up.
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A bunch of my subs have moved into position around Japan. I'm going to try to interdict any troops heading from the Philippines to Japan or AM.
I may even hit a random tanker or supply loaded AK if I'm lucky. The problem is Geek has a bunch of ASW capable ships just itching for something to do.
I'll have to keep my subs moving so he can't pin me down.
Geek has subs too.
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And his subs aren't afraid to take on the sub chasers. His subs have been particularly aggressive at AM.
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Our ASW doesn't take kindly to his brethren being attacked.
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More and more ASW assets are showing up so we should have this under control soon.
We return the favor.
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His transports seemed to be armed though, and inflict damage on my undersea fishing vessel.
The Sealion found one that wasn't armed.
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I'm telling you, the sub war is pretty intense right now.
Carrier planes ambush some unescorted bombers.
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I was able to sneak the carriers in to take advantage of the naked bombers but there are still a ton of them.
He didn't make that same mistake twice.
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This time he brought some Oscars to the party. We managed to inflict a little damage but most of the bombers got through.
Our fighter twins at Darwin are overpowered.
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They survived this raid by running away. The bombers came in alone and didn't waste their opportunity to hit a couple of the few
ships I have left up here. I can picture a big TF full of combat hardened Geek infantry steaming towards Darwin as I type. There's
very little hope of stopping him here.
Geek begins the day at Brisbane by launching a major bombardment.
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He pays the price for it. I still don't understand this mechanic but I'm not complaining.
We bombarded here too.
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First with the RAN then the Army.
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Our results turned out much better than Geek's. I know I keep saying it but I just have to delay/hold him here. Help
is on the way.
I hit Palmyra again.
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I can't imagine his supply situation here is good. I have no intention of letting him resupply either. Rumor has it
that a couple of transports have loaded up with Marines (the good kind) and are making their way here. It may be a side show but
this needs to be taken back and shouldn't be too hard if I soften it up.
Geek's big carrier TF (KB) is still MIA. That's not good but I at least have an idea where it is. I have that big blind spot around Truk and
more than likely that's where it is. I still have decent PBY coverage in most places so I should see him once he pops out of there. Geek not going after
my BPY bases has been a godsend. It keeps my carriers safe for the time being.
What do you estimate his strength at Palmyra is?
Quote from: Sir Slash on February 23, 2016, 07:51:26 PM
What do you estimate his strength at Palmyra is?
I'm going to guess a base force and maybe a battalion of infantry at most. I'll send a cruiser in close and use it's float plane to scout or maybe the PBY's from Johnston Island. The hypothetical Marines would hypothetically still be at San Diego. I'll continue to bombard Palmyra to keep reducing his supply.
March 18th, 1942
As usual we start with the sub warfare.
Geek hits yet another AK at AM.
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I can't get rid of these subs soon enough.
Then he hit a loaded transport(AP).
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The AP held up and is still offloading.
We tried to get a little revenge.
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I doubt it did much but maybe next turn we can sink him.
Even his sub at Darwin joined in.
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It took a lot of work to sneak in this supply ship only to have it sunk before it could get her supplies ashore.
Padang is still getting pounded.
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I wish there was something I could do here. These guys are receiving multiple raids each day which is beginning to take
it's toll. I'm not sure how strong Geek is on Sumatra but if her comes for Padang I doubt I'll be able to stop him unless
I reroute the transports headed for Australia. I think Oz will get the priority.
Geekanese troops shell Brisbane.
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Pretty much the same result as yesterday. I think he'll stop bombarding soon. I see no reason for us to stop though.
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Not much but it may be disrupting him.
Some of my Hudsons got through.
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Not a bad result there. I just have to keep the pressure up and it doesn't matter where it comes from.
AVG escorts bombers over Moulmein.
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Not only am I having no luck at hitting any of his ships but the AVG is getting chewed up. I think I'm going give them a
break as soon as I can get a few squadrons to replace them. They're down to less than 20 total aircraft.
That was kind of it for today. Tomorrow I should be bombarding Palmyra to soften it up for a hypothetical invasion. I should have
3 full squadrons of Marauders on line so we can begin to hunt shipping in the area and maybe an airfield bombing. A smarter commander
would set them all to ASW until that problem is taken care of.
Ouch for the heroic Silverbeech, so close and yet so close. :'(
Quote from: JasonPratt on February 24, 2016, 10:19:19 PM
Ouch for the heroic Silverbeech, so close and yet so close. :'(
Yeah, that was a bummer. I have quite the quandary at Darwin. Darwin needs supplies and Katherine (located South of Darwin) is desperately low. I can keep trying to bring supplies in by ship but Geek has subs posted nearby. If I sortie out the few ASW assets I have at Darwin then they'll be bombed from above since i have only 2-3 functioning fighters to provide CAP. In order to get more fighters in the air, I need more supplies.
March 19th, 1942
I know I keep showing Sub stuff, and it's probably getting boring but there's so much sub activity it's hard to ignore it.
(SS) Shark attack.
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A "Twofer" for the Shark. We continue to play a game of Cat and Angry Mouse. Hit and Run (or just Run) tactics are being
fully employed here. I mentioned it earlier but he has tons of ASW assets in the Home waters. I just have to keep moving.
ASW at AM makes it's presence known.
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Geek's subs got a few more attacks in but his torps either missed or were duds. I'd like to think this guy is headed home. A
small victory considering Geek has probably 20 more subs headed this way. If so, it makes the South Pacific that much safer.
The softening of Palmyra.
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Not a significant amount of damage but we did kill a few troops and destroy a few of his supplies. We'll try to keep this up for
a bit.
But we'll have to do it with out the CL Honolulu.
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She'll make it back to Pearl but it will weaken the bombardment TF by a CL and DD. I'll have to deal with that sub(s) before the
hypothetical amphibious TF's arrive.
The AVG underwhelms yet again.
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I really am disappointed in these guys. Maybe Geek is using his best Oscar squadrons here but the AVG continues to
get torn up. I will pull them out. I'm also going to cease offensive actions here for a little while. During the downtime I'll
move some Hurricane squadrons from Colombo to Rangoon and try to increase the number of bomber squadrons that can
reach Moulmein. I have a surface combat TF at Point Blair that can almost go toe to toe with the TF Geek has at Moulmein but
I'd like to weaken him a little first. A fair fight shows poor planning.
Geek makes his first attempt at Brisbane.
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The Aussies are taking this serious now. The attacker/defender ratio is barely 2/1, maybe a bit less now. I'll keep up
the pressure and keep him as disorganized as possible. I've even turned around may walking wounded TF and put them
on bombardment duty.
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This is it, all or nothing. Total War Australia (Rumored to be better than Rome 2).
That is it for today.
Radio intercepts suggest the attack on Brisbane happened due to an officer being subsequently named "fat fingers". Possibly this is a euphamism.
March 20th, 1942
Just when I think I may be getting a handle on the sub problem at AM...
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She's a hearty Queen so maybe she'll stay afloat long enough to get the troops off her. Truth be told, she didn't take much
damage and she's due out of theater in a week so I'm going to lose her one way or another.
Here's how AM looks right now:
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Geek has a large sub contingent in the area but ASW is arriving daily. I've decided to place all but 1 squadron of Marauders on full
ASW duty. The Dauntlesses as well. I'll leave one group on Naval Attack. What started as a diversion may turn into a full time operation.
Etorofu will be next once Slash Field is up and running on Urrupu. Once the P-38's come on line I may have the range to escort bombers
over Tokyo. I still have to keep an eye out for his KB. I haven't seen them in awhile so they may be slinking their way here.
Bombardment continues at Brisbane.
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I'm throw spoons and forks at Geek now. My surface combat TF's desperately need to make port and repair but I can't give Geek a break.
I've met no resistance while bombarding Brisbane. I fully expected Geek to protect his troops here and take the opportunity to sink my ships
but his ships never showed. I just found out why.
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It looks like he may be getting ready to invade Luganville. This may work perfectly into the hands of my super secret carrier mission. I'll let you guys in
on more over the next couple of days.
Geek sent unescorted bombers over Padang.
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The few Canes and Buff's I still have were able to take a few down. However, Geek's bombers were able to drop their loads and fly off into the sunrise.
My ground forces then reconnoitered by bombardment.
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If this is what I'm facing then I really have no hope of hold Padang. Quite a shame. It could've been fun.
Here's what guards Moulmein:
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It sure would be fun to get some shots at those BB's but I can't trust the AVG to take my bombers in. Once the exchange takes place I'll try to hit
Moulmein with land and carrier based aircraft and then turn loose the Surface Combat TF I'm building at Port Blair.
Quote from: JasonPratt on February 25, 2016, 10:11:42 AM
Radio intercepts suggest the attack on Brisbane happened due to an officer being subsequently named "fat fingers". Possibly this is a euphamism.
I intend to bring as much shame to Gen. Fat Fingers-son as I possibly can. :knuppel2: His grandchildren will suffer the humility of their grandfather.
"Slash Field". I'm honored. Unless it's just a couple of latrines and a PX selling condums. That's a hell of a lot of BB's at Moulmein. Any idea what class they are?
Quote from: Sir Slash on February 25, 2016, 11:34:29 AM
"Slash Field". I'm honored. Unless it's just a couple of latrines and a PX selling condums. That's a hell of a lot of BB's at Moulmein. Any idea what class they are?
A small token of "Thanks" for contributing to this AAR. I hope to get everyone a field. I wish it let me name ships.
No idea on the class without engaging them in some way. It looks like he just got tired of my shenanigans at Moulmein.
March 21st, 1942
Luganville seems to be the target.
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I had a couple of DD's run picket but they were quickly chased away. I'm not sure if this is an invasion or just harassment
at this point. I guess time will tell but I don't see any troop carriers just yet.
The sub battles continue.
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I think Geek won this round. The QE took another torpedo but seems to be holding up ok. She should have all her troops off
tomorrow and then it's just the supplies we need to unload. I may get her out of here as soon as the troops are gone. I
imagine she holds some pretty high Victory Points.
Geek also caught some AK's and AP's at Cinnabon.
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Of course they were loaded with troops and supplies. It seems like my reconquest of Sumatra is coming to a close before it ever
really opened.
Unescorted bombers appeared over Padang.
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The daily bombing continue. We were able to take a couple down but I'm sure Geek didn't even notice. It would have been sweet
if we could've gotten the fighter squadrons fully operational before the bombing started but we'll never get more than a few planes up
at this rate.
Geek's troops at Brisbane receive another care package.
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Everything that can fly and carry a bomb is hitting Brisbane right now. It's nice to see the 4E's doing some damage. All the bombers
have to go in unescorted. I've unloaded some p-39's at Sydney. I'll try to move them to Brisbane and see if they can give the bombers
a chance.
Most of the squadrons arrive at Tjilatjap.
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I was expecting a bit more. Almost none of the squadrons had pilots assigned so they were all handpicked by me from the veteran pilots pool.
More supply is inbound so we should be up and running within a week...and out of business in two.
Now for the secret plan. It's cancelled. Here's why:
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I believe this to be the KB. It is not where I thought it would be. Here was the plan:
I was going to run my bomber heavy carriers up towards Rabaul in an attempt sink a few ships and get Geek's attention.
I would then pull my carriers back towards Efate. Between the two bases at Efate and Luganville there are 150 fighters. There are also 40 fighters
on the carriers. ALL fighters would be set to provide CAP for the carriers. Geek has about 150 fighters in his TF. I would gamble that he would send
half as an escort for his bombers (about 270 of them :o). He'd have to get through my almost 200 fighters to get to the carriers. My carrier TF has all
my best AA ships as escort, he'd have to get through that too. I would hope to destroy many of his planes and pilots on his first wave.
I would have the carrier bombers off the carriers and on the fields. I would then act as if I was retreating South, hopefully bringing him South with me.
If phase one worked and I atritted his fighters I would then launch the bombers from the island fields using ALL the fighters as Escort this time since the
carriers would be moving away from the action. If I needed to I could've headed for Suva where I have about 120 fighters I could use for CAP.
It was a very risky plan but this isn't your grandpa's war.
Now I'm just going to try to catch these ships hovering at Luganville. I don't think he'll have any air cover so the should be a massacre.
Quote from: Sir Slash on February 25, 2016, 11:34:29 AM
"Slash Field". I'm honored. Unless it's just a couple of latrines and a PX selling condums. That's a hell of a lot of BB's at Moulmein. Any idea what class they are?
Slash, you don't need to use condoms if the only thing to mate with on the island is a seal...
How are things looking for Chiang Kai KyzBP in China?
QuoteI believe this to be the KB. It is not where I thought it would be. Here was the plan:
I was going to run my bomber heavy carriers up towards Rabaul in an attempt sink a few ships and get Geek's attention.
I would then pull my carriers back towards Efate. Between the two bases at Efate and Luganville there are 150 fighters. There are also 40 fighters
on the carriers. ALL fighters would be set to provide CAP for the carriers. Geek has about 150 fighters in his TF. I would gamble that he would send
half as an escort for his bombers (about 270 of them :o). He'd have to get through my almost 200 fighters to get to the carriers. My carrier TF has all
my best AA ships as escort, he'd have to get through that too. I would hope to destroy many of his planes and pilots on his first wave.
I would have the carrier bombers off the carriers and on the fields. I would then act as if I was retreating South, hopefully bringing him South with me.
If phase one worked and I atritted his fighters I would then launch the bombers from the island fields using ALL the fighters as Escort this time since the
carriers would be moving away from the action. If I needed to I could've headed for Suva where I have about 120 fighters I could use for CAP.
It was a very risky plan but this isn't your grandpa's war.
Wow how did you get Admiral King to want to commit suicide by coming up with this plan. MacArthur will end up needing to win the war with the army!
My guess is the rationale went something like this: "Take a good look at Australia."
The idea was that the Allies can afford to lose a carrier or 2, the Japanese can't. I'm already up 3 carriers to 0. I wanted to take a chance and drain his carrier pilots now, on my terms, rather than have him pick the spot. The reality is I don't know if I could've pulled the trigger with that plan. Plus, like Jason (sorta) said "Have you seen Australia"?
Quote from: Silent Disapproval Robot on February 26, 2016, 06:05:46 PM
How are things looking for Chiang Kai KyzBP in China?
Where is this China place you speak of? Actually Geek is slowly pushing me around. He has air superiority and better troops. It looks like I have some reinforcements due in China soon. It may be time for a counter attack.
No I think in lieu of actually sinking Geek's Carriers, killing-off their best pilots would be an excellent way to Neuter them and even things up in the naval war. And Sooner, you've got a good point about the seals.
Sinking flat-tops also gets your Dauntless pilots more experience. ;D
I'm sorry about the delay on the AAR. My good friend Photobucket >:( has stopped working again. I tried all day yesterday to get the screenshots to upload but nothing I've tried has worked. I'll try again today, although I have less free time. Geek and I are still pumping out turns so once it starts working I should have no shortage of material.
We've had a lot of good material recently, so we can be patient. :)
Also, we can suggest you get an Imageshack account which is cheap. >:D
Just looked into ImageShack. $18.99 per year...not too bad...IF it's stable. ;D
You can sign up for a free 30-day account to try it out. KyzBP, you might want to do that...can't lose doing a free account for 30 days and letting us know how it treats you.
The only instability I've had with Imageshack so far, has cropped up recently where it says an upload fails and naturally doesn't provide an access code -- but then refreshing the window shows the image loaded after all, and the code can be gotten from the image's menu.
This has been going on since back around Christmas or maybe Thanksgiving; before then I had no problems. And it isn't really a problem (once I figured out what was happening, or rather not happening, or rather not not happening ;) ), only slightly annoying.
It's the uploading an image problem again. This time I can't blame it on ads as I'm forking out $.99 a month to keep the ads at bay.
I have an incredibly busy week this week and may not even get to the next turn until Friday so I'm not sure I'll be able to get to the AAR at all. :(
I'll take a look at Image Shack as soon as I get a chance. Thanks for the help.
March 22nd, 1942
Alright, I got Photophucket semi-working for now so I'll strike while the iron is at least luke warm.
Geek hits Luganville.
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I feel like he took a page from my playbook. Luckily he didn't do too much damage. I'll be sending the CV's after these guys and hopefully
show Geek one of the other plays in my playbook.
The carrier pilots at AM find some easy pickings.
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I'm still surprised Geek hasn't tried to kick me out of here yet. Each day that passes allows me to land more supplies and troops.
There may come a time when he simply can't force me out of here.
I'm starting to take out his subs at AM.
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I have a feeling we can scratch the I-19. I'm starting to get a nice collection of ASW assets now. Right now he can't do anything by air
or sea. As soon as I feel the sub threat is negated I'll turn the Marauders loose against the bases I can reach.
Brit CV's launch too early.
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Dang it! Not only did we get chewed up by a bunch of Oscars but all we hit was a Mine Sweeper. There are some juicier targets South
of the CV's. And I don't think they have air cover.
Now they launch. :-\
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And hit nothing. If the same amount of planes that launched the first time would've launched this time we may have hit something of
value. Instead, we lost a couple of Fulmars and got a Swordfish shot up. These guys will head back to Colombo to get some new aircraft.
Hopefully there will be some available.
The Big Boys do some damage at Brisbane.
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We're piling on the hurt here, albeit one scratch at a time. I'm continuing to throw everything I have at Geeks troops here. It seems to
be working. He hasn't tried to attack again so maybe we're keeping him disrupted.
We also released the Arty.
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I have a decent stack of guns piling up here. I have a bunch of supply as well. There's no reason I can't keep bombarding him and taking
out 200+ troops every turn. He's got a lot of troops here so it's hard to miss.
Tomorrow we should be sinking some unsuspecting Geek Ca's and DD's near Luganville.
It's obviously a balancing act, but have you thought about turning those B-25s (B-26s?) coming online in AM loose on his airbases for a few days before redirecting them towards ASW?
At this point, he doesn't yet know that the Arctic Monkey now has some pooh to fling at the Home Islands, so he might not have the air assets in place to defend his most vulnerable air bases. My sense from watching him do the same to you is that, if you can hit an air base hard enough in the first day or two, it's much harder to recover than if you to have to crack the nut once it's got credible fighter cover established.
On the other hand, if he sees medium bombers starting to damage subs up there, he's bound to wise up quickly and start taking prophylactic measures.
This uneducated opinion, along with $4, will buy you a very small latte at Starbucks... ;D
Quote from: FarAway Sooner on March 02, 2016, 09:36:04 AM
It's obviously a balancing act, but have you thought about turning those B-25s (B-26s?) coming online in AM loose on his airbases for a few days before redirecting them towards ASW?
At this point, he doesn't yet know that the Arctic Monkey now has some pooh to fling at the Home Islands, so he might not have the air assets in place to defend his most vulnerable air bases. My sense from watching him do the same to you is that, if you can hit an air base hard enough in the first day or two, it's much harder to recover than if you to have to crack the nut once it's got credible fighter cover established.
On the other hand, if he sees medium bombers starting to damage subs up there, he's bound to wise up quickly and start taking prophylactic measures.
This uneducated opinion, along with $4, will buy you a very small latte at Starbucks... ;D
The AAR is about 5 game days behind now due to Photobucket. What I will say, without giving too much away, is your line of thinking is headed in the right direction. O0
I'm going to try to get another update in here today. Maybe this one will answer some questions.
March 23rd, 1942
Well, the surface combat TF that the Brit CV's should've hit farted in my general direction.
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That's a lot of DD's. Even if the CV's planes would've hit these guys they still would've sunk these poor AK's. At least
it's a class of ship I have in abundance.
A single ship bombardment at Luganville.
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His ship did some light damage but nothing that can't be fixed in a day. I think I would've let the escort DD's bombard as well.
Even their smaller guns can tear up some parked aircraft.
Bombarding Marysville.
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Some of my remnant troops moved into Marysville so I'm softening it up before I throw my angry Aussies at the evil Occupation Force.
Bombers helping out as well.
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If I can disrupt these guys enough maybe we can retake it.
I finally got some fighters over Brisbane.
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These were part of the mess of troops and aircraft that finally got through the South Pacific once Geek left the area. I really hope they
can make a difference and turn the tide here.
Cats at Luganville.
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Just in case you guys forgot about how versatile these big beauties can be.
My CV aircraft ambush fails.
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These guys missed just about everything, and what they hit was of very little value. Geek's TF will probably speed out of range
before I can get another crack at them. I'll try to pursue but I don't have a lot of hope in catching them.
Bombardment at Brisbane.
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We continue nibbling away at the troops here. What you can't see is...he may be pulling back! If he abandons his efforts here then
we stand a great chance of counter attacking. There are a bunch of troops at Sydney and more arriving by rail from Perth. The tide
may be turning!
HUUURAHHH!
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Marysville recaptured! We now have his troops at Brisbane trapped, sort of. He's got about 45k worth of troops at Brisbane.
He'll probably head back North towards Mary. If he arrives intact he'll take Mary back pretty quick. I have less than 10k worth of
troops there. I have to bomb him as much as possible to keep him from becoming combat effective.
Subs chasing CV's.
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His subs have pulled out of AM and are chasing my CV's. I'll pull them North a little more and then cut back Southeast and out of
the Sea of Okhatsk. That'll give the AK's and AP's a break for a few days. By then I should have more ASW assets in place and I can
turn the bomber loose on Hokkaido. (I'm looking at you Sooner).
Geek's CV's spotted.
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India! He's going for India next. Those CV's are probably headed for Singapore and then the Indian Ocean. He'll be bringing the Philippine
forces behind them and he'll start his conquest of India...or Ceylon. I have a short time to prepare but at least it won't be a total surprise.
O0
It says something unique about the state of this game that you're kinda like, "Yaaaay, he's invading India or maybe Ceylon perhaps!" :coolsmiley:
Maybe your carrier-based bomber crews just needed the experience missing all those DDs and CLs to boost their experience?
Looking at the numbers, you had 25 SBDs up in AM score 4 hits in each of 2 attacks. Down south, you had 53 SBDs and 23 TBDs score 2 hits in each of 2 attacks. That's half as many hits per attack with 3 times as many planes.
Do those guys have significantly different Experience ratings, maybe? Or did they just forget to read their Dive Bombing for Dummies books?
Quote from: FarAway Sooner on March 02, 2016, 11:31:42 PM
Maybe your carrier-based bomber crews just needed the experience missing all those DDs and CLs to boost their experience?
Looking at the numbers, you had 25 SBDs up in AM score 4 hits in each of 2 attacks. Down south, you had 53 SBDs and 23 TBDs score 2 hits in each of 2 attacks. That's half as many hits per attack with 3 times as many planes.
Do those guys have significantly different Experience ratings, maybe? Or did they just forget to read their Dive Bombing for Dummies books?
I'm not really sure what happened there. Most likely it's because the DD's are far more elusive than AK's plus the DD's AA may make pilots a bit less effective. Both of those are guesses.
Sprinting DDs certainly make harder targets than CVs!
Japanese AA in the first half-year of the war was woefully inadequate, especially against dive-bombers (the addition of a third-dimension on a rapidly diving target called for more complex fire-control solutions than the Japanese had on any of the medium- and high-level AA). That was a lesson highlighted in Midway, but it was also one that was fairly easily remedied.
Japanese doctrine at the start of the war reflected a strong overemphasis on offense in virtually every aspect of their military. This was one of those. I have no idea if/how the game models that sort of thing, though.
March 24th, 1942
Geek's group of DD raiders continues to terrorize the West coast of Sumatra.
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Not a big loss but he's keeping my resupply and reinforcements at bay. I was going to send the Brit CV's back this way after they
were resupplied and rearmed but with Geek's CV's nearby I'll have to keep the Brit's near land based CAP.
Stupid sub vs. one of my tankers near Darwin.
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I have a mess of supply ships and tankers headed to Darwin. I'm hoping to overwhelm his subs and aircraft and maybe slip a few through.
This one didn't make it.
We continue to bomb the retreating troops at Brisbane.
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We managed to take out about 100 of his men but the CAP over Brisbane took out a few of my planes. I can't believe my 2 Airacobra escort
wasn't more effective. :idiot2:
ASW hits a sub at AM
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It was only one hit but Geek can't be enjoying my counter to his counter. The CV's are continuing North and pulling his subs with them. I'll
bring them back South in a turn or two. That should make for safer unloading of supplies and troops at AM. Plus, I want to pull the QE out
of here and get her back to either Pearl or Seattle.
The CV's:
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The Queen Elisabeth:
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Her 50 Float Damage scares me a bit. If her pumps fail she'll sink like a brick, and pumps tend to fail.
I also replaced the commander of the fighter squadron at Pratt Field.
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These fighters were getting eaten up by Geek's second line pilots. I'm hoping a change to a much better commander will
make these guys more combat effective. This squadron will be bearing the brunt of any attempts to retake these bases.
Good luck Col. Cole. O0
A glimpse at Wenchow.
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I think I can get B-17's and 24's to Wenchow from AM once the fields are improved. That would allow me to not only better bomb
Geek's troops in China but to take shots at Home Island bases. I'm kind of hoping Geek forgot about this base. I'll try to quietly
fortify and improve it.
Geek's CV's approaching Singapore.
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I figure I have less than a week before the air raid sirens at Port Blair come to life. I'm trying to get as many planes there as
the base will hold. I have that surface combat TF there right now. If I can keep them undetected I may be able to sneak them
out as his transports get into the area. To do that I'm going to have to have CAP going full time and at all altitudes. I have to
shoot down anything he sends to recon the island. If only I still held Sabang.
More Geek CV's.
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As if he didn't have enough around there already. I'm curious about the lack of planes. Either he sent them to Manila...orrrr
he transferred them to his other CV's and these are truly sitting here undefended. If they remain there I may try something
very, very daring....
I'm glad that Palawan is still in American hands! It is far and away the most scenic of the Philippine Islands, with tall granite cliffs that tower over the jungle and lizards the size of a dog that come up to within 10 feet of tourists and patiently wait for food.
Like most islands in the whole country, it's also got nice beaches.
Quote from: FarAway Sooner on March 04, 2016, 11:26:21 PM
I'm glad that Palawan is still in American hands! It is far and away the most scenic of the Philippine Islands, with tall granite cliffs that tower over the jungle and lizards the size of a dog that come up to within 10 feet of tourists and patiently wait for food.
Like most islands in the whole country, it's also got nice beaches.
It would be even better if it had plants that sprouted planes and mechanics. :smitten:
Man, even if that task force at Busunaga (or whatever) was chock full of planes, with no destroyer escorts I'd be sending every sub available after it.
March 25th, 1942
Zeroes appear over AM.
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And we do rather poorly against them. The Warhawk squadron here is simply overmatched. I'll adjust and have more
of the carrier planes provide CAP and see if I can scrape up a couple of better squadrons to base here. I will be leaving
a couple of the Wildcat squadrons here once the CV's depart. It will be hard to replace combat losses here so I need a lot
of fighters to start.
Bombers continue to disrupt Geek's retreat.
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If I can keep him disrupted, I may be able to chase him down with all my armored units...or should I just stay where I'm at,
behind my high walls?
Small air raid at Padang.
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It doesn't seem to matter what size raid he sends at me they always seem to find something to sink. Also, if you notice,
I think those were CV planes. They are the Val's natural habitat.
Geek tried assaulting Padang but came up short.
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I hope that makes him think I'm stronger than I really am here and he backs down. I'm still trying to figure out a way to
reinforce here but he controls the skies and will sink anything I send. I could try landing troops further North and walking
them down but that takes a lot of time.
Here's all the ships coming and going near AM.
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I never really thought this would be a long term operation but now I'm throwing everything I can find into the pot here.
Holding this area gives me a lot of possibilities not normally seen in this game, I think.
Intel Report.
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Notice all the units loading up and heading for Singapore. These are all in Manila, I believe. I'm going to try to get as many
subs as I can posted along the route. Maybe we can sink a few transports and soften the upcoming blow.
Supply!
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For awhile now I've been trying to figure out a way to supply the remnant troops on Borneo. I just realized that the B-25's
that have sprung up at Tjilatjap have the range to make it to Sintang. I'm going to begin ferrying supplies there. If I can stock
up any substantial amount of supplies I'll try building an airstrip there and maybe use it as a naval interdiction base, bombing transports,
tankers, and cargo ships moving around the area. If it works, and Geek doesn't like it, it'll take a long while to get troops there. DC-3's
and the like just became very useful.
Geeks CV's at Singapore.
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They're here. :-\ It may get ugly for me for awhile. I think, in the long run, Geek leaving the Pacific to me may hurt him.
This has been one crazy war so far.
Quote from: JasonPratt on March 05, 2016, 09:49:04 AM
Man, even if that task force at Busunaga (or whatever) was chock full of planes, with no destroyer escorts I'd be sending every sub available after it.
In a few days, once the AAR catches up with the game, you'll see I tried just that.
Looks like The Monkey is starting to turn into quite the brawl. Will this be the new Guadalcanal that sucks in all Geekamoto's assets that can't be replaced easily?
Quote from: Sir Slash on March 05, 2016, 11:28:52 AM
Looks like The Monkey is starting to turn into quite the brawl. Will this be the new Guadalcanal that sucks in all Geekamoto's assets that can't be replaced easily?
For now it looks like his high quality units are headed towards India. It may not hit Guadalcanal status if I can get this built up quickly. He may just have to concede it and prepare to defend the Home Islands. :knuppel2:
March 26th, 1942
Sub at Singapore hunts for Geek CV's.
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But finds a tanker instead. >:( I should be happy that he at least hit something. Still looking for Flattops.
Maybe this time?
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Just another tanker. I'm sure this is grabbing Geek's attention though. I'd feel really uneasy as I moved my CV's through
this area. All it's going to take is one lucky torp.
Why won't this guy leave???
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I toss depth charges at him nearly every turn. He'll stay one turn too long. Mark my words.
And he invited a guest.
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I just now noticed there are 2 different subs here. I thought I was only chasing one. I may send one of the ASW TF's from
XMas Island here. I'd like to use Canton as a staging point but not if the waters are teeming with angry fish.
The fighter sweeps over AM continue.
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I made adjustments and was expecting better results. That didn't happen this time.
This one was a little better.
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I really want to see heavy, dissuade you from coming back, type of losses on his part. I fear that the lack of splashed Zeroes
will only encourage Geek.
Twenty percent casualties this time.
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It sounds better than "one kill". :-[ I don't know if the new commander is helping much yet. Also, very few Buffaloes launched.
I'll have to look into why. The skies above AM are beginning to concern me.
I went on the offensive in China.
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That was a mistake. I'm just outclassed and outgunned all over this theater and I'm not sure how I'm supposed to hold him
back here. I should be doing much better here but, admittedly, the ground war isn't my strong suit. Actually, nothing really is.
CV's on the move.
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Here they come. I'm don't think I'm ready for him just yet but I don't have a feeling of dread either. I just have to keep my
surface combat TF hidden until the transports show up. They're under the CAP of about 70 Hurricanes and Buffaloes. It's not enough
but Geek may shy away if we manage a draw or better on the first day of air combat.
Tomorrow the bombardment of Palmyra should begin with landings following close behind. Let's hope we starved those guys out long enough.
My sense is that the early Allied game, much like the real war, is about holding the Japanese off and inflicting some attrition losses while you ramp up your own forces. The reality is that the South Pacific was a grinding war of attrition from mid-1942 until mid-1943, in which the Japanese got ground down and the Allies got some seasoning, before the flood of Allied planes, ships, and troops arrived in mid-1943.
When you've got reinforcements coming, a draw is an acceptable result.
I'm not sure if you're there yet, but the results seem much more even than they were 2 months ago...
Quote from: FarAway Sooner on March 05, 2016, 03:22:36 PM
My sense is that the early Allied game, much like the real war, is about holding the Japanese off and inflicting some attrition losses while you ramp up your own forces. The reality is that the South Pacific was a grinding war of attrition from mid-1942 until mid-1943, in which the Japanese got ground down and the Allies got some seasoning, before the flood of Allied planes, ships, and troops arrived in mid-1943.
When you've got reinforcements coming, a draw is an acceptable result.
I'm not sure if you're there yet, but the results seem much more even than they were 2 months ago...
The big difference between the game between Geek and I are playing and history is how aggressive Geek has been. I haven't had time to dig in and hold him. With very few exceptions, he's aggressively pushed me around the map. I think my best strategy is hit him where he's soft and get out. Death by many small cuts. Once I do start getting the flood of reinforcements I can start with a more conventional strategy.
I don't think the big difference has been Geek's aggression -- the Japanese were historically very aggressive in prosecuting the early war.
I think the big difference is that the Imperial forces in the game have 100% unity of command (namely UGeek); whereas in real life Japanese generals and admirals within and across services constantly lied to and kept important secrets from each other, in ongoing attempts to leverage the war for their own personal advantages. (Plus a sort of artistic cultural habit of speaking obliquely about formal matters, which translated into honor/shame guessing games about what each person actually means.) American (and it was mostly American) inter- and intra-service command rivalries were problematic enough to be the chief inspiration for Eisenhower's argument for a Supreme Allied Commander for the ETO, but they were pale shadows compared to upper echelon Imperial problems. (Mid-level military managers, having to deal with actual combat at the point of fire, tended to work out most of the real cooperation between and within the Japanese services. They didn't have the luxury of playing power games.)
Eliminate that factor (or mostly so, since Geek has to keep a Manchuria garrison except in dire emergency triggers), and Geek can put the full Imperial Army and Navy power into effect.
March 27th, 1942
Sub attack at Truk.
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The cool thing about this was the Greenling had hit a mine before engaging this AKL. Her tubes are damaged. I liked that
the sub attacked on the surface because of the earlier damage. It's the little details that make this game so awesome.
Attu bombarded.
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This may seem pointless but it served 2 purposes. First, I had a few ships at Dutch that weren't doing anything so this will help
them build experience. Second, I can recon through bombardment. The info at the bottom of the result screen tells me that the
79th Infantry Rgt. is present. It however, doesn't tell me the strength.
Rockhampton bombarded.
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This was the only way I could blunt his airstrikes. It won't last long but it may allow me to hit his ground troops for a bit.
I'm still surprised he pulled all his naval power out of here. I imagine the upcoming Burma/India campaign is going to be a
doozy.
ASW at AM.
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We continue to plug away at his subs here. We have to make the Risk/Reward ratio as unfavorable as possible.
Brisbane bombed.
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A much lighter attack courtesy of the earlier bombardment at Rockhampton. I would keep the bombardments up there but
his DD TF has been sighted near Rockham. Now isn't the time to get the rest of my Oz Navy beat up.
B-26's bomb Bihoro.
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We hit the airfield twice and neither time was there any aircraft present. He must have them farther back. I may send the CV's
a little closer and see if I can hit one of the other airfields. Once Slash Field on Uruppu-Jima is up and running I should be able
to hit anything on Hokkaido with the Marauders.
The invasion of Palmyra begins.
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So far so good but 41 coastal guns makes me a little nervous. Geek may have more here than I thought.
Geek troops attempt to stop me on the beaches.
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Crap! He has a lot more there than I thought. If those units are near full strength then he has nearly 10k in troops.
I'm bringing about half that to the dance. I may not be ready for this yet.
Nope. >:(
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I think I just wasted my Raider Bn's. I'll play this out a bit longer. There are still some inbound units but Palmyra may
need to be softened up a while longer before taking it.
The invasion force out paced the bombardment TF so they hit the beach ahead of the pre landing bombardment. That was a
coastly mistake.
AND we lost another Chinese base.
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Next time I play this I think I'll sub-contract out China. I'm clearly no good at it. :(
Quote from: JasonPratt on March 06, 2016, 11:25:53 AM
I don't think the big difference has been Geek's aggression -- the Japanese were historically very aggressive in prosecuting the early war.
I think the big difference is that the Imperial forces in the game have 100% unity of command (namely UGeek); whereas in real life Japanese generals and admirals within and across services constantly lied to and kept important secrets from each other, in ongoing attempts to leverage the war for their own personal advantages. (Plus a sort of artistic cultural habit of speaking obliquely about formal matters, which translated into honor/shame guessing games about what each person actually means.) American (and it was mostly American) inter- and intra-service command rivalries were problematic enough to be the chief inspiration for Eisenhower's argument for a Supreme Allied Commander for the ETO, but they were pale shadows compared to upper echelon Imperial problems. (Mid-level military managers, having to deal with actual combat at the point of fire, tended to work out most of the real cooperation between and within the Japanese services. They didn't have the luxury of playing power games.)
Eliminate that factor (or mostly so, since Geek has to keep a Manchuria garrison except in dire emergency triggers), and Geek can put the full Imperial Army and Navy power into effect.
That's a much better way of getting across what I was trying to say. The Japanese, as far as I know, never invaded Australia. ;)
They did. They were just much sneakier about it that you'd imagine.
That's good, SDR! ;D
Quote from: JasonPratt on March 06, 2016, 11:25:53 AM
I don't think the big difference has been Geek's aggression -- the Japanese were historically very aggressive in prosecuting the early war.
I think the big difference is that the Imperial forces in the game have 100% unity of command (namely UGeek); whereas in real life Japanese generals and admirals within and across services constantly lied to and kept important secrets from each other, in ongoing attempts to leverage the war for their own personal advantages. (Plus a sort of artistic cultural habit of speaking obliquely about formal matters, which translated into honor/shame guessing games about what each person actually means.) American (and it was mostly American) inter- and intra-service command rivalries were problematic enough to be the chief inspiration for Eisenhower's argument for a Supreme Allied Commander for the ETO, but they were pale shadows compared to upper echelon Imperial problems. (Mid-level military managers, having to deal with actual combat at the point of fire, tended to work out most of the real cooperation between and within the Japanese services. They didn't have the luxury of playing power games.)
Eliminate that factor (or mostly so, since Geek has to keep a Manchuria garrison except in dire emergency triggers), and Geek can put the full Imperial Army and Navy power into effect.
It's ironic, because you look at the shit that went on between American, UK, and French commanders, and you realize it's a miracle the Allies won the war in Western Europe. But then, you look at the absolute strategic bullshit that afflicted both the Japanese and the Germans--who had none of the cross-cultural challenges to deal with compared to the Allies--and you realize just how much better the strategic leadership was for the West.
Tactical leadership was a whole different issue. But strategic leadership? The German and Japanese high commands couldn't find their collective asses with their own two hands if they weren't wearing pants.
I think there were competent and even brilliant upper-echelon leaders among both the Germans and the Japanese. It's just that their social cultures encouraged fighting for power among themselves in two somewhat-different kinds of treacherous despotism.
Hitler tried to solve that problem by micromanaging from the top, which would have worked better if he hadn't been super-evil and insane. ::) :P
Tojo, by contrast, didn't have the personal horsepower to impose his will on the seething plots and counterplots to force strategic decisions coherently.
Agreed, Jason. No commentary at all on the smarts of the individuals serving under them.
Unsuccessful Fortune 500 companies are chock-full of smart senior leaders who couldn't function together effectively. Same story on both Axis high commands and the cultures in which they operated.
I have no idea how disfunctional the German high command was in the early years of the war. But my sense is that Hitler's micromanagement was a problem from the start, and as soon as he stopped getting lucky in his guesses (e.g., Stalingrad) it became obvious. If you look at the way Marshall handled the US war effort, even with all the gaffes they made and taking off the rosy-colored glasses, you could argue that it only took about 6-12 months for the Americans to get the right people in the right places to make reasonably good decisions.
Of course, it helps when you're manufacturing more artillery shells than the other team is machine gun bullets...
Just finishing the book, "The Most Dangerous Moment of the War" about the Japanese raid into the Indian Ocean in 1942. The author quotes Churchill as saying if Japan had successfully invaded Ceylon, his government would have fallen and a Peace Govt. would have followed. Leaving America to fight the rest of the war alone. :o
I just reached the point in Bergerud's Fire in the Sky (which I'm reading in tandem with his Touched By Fire), where he talks about the various strategic plans of "where next" that were being tossed around (and out) by the IJA and IJN senior brass (i.e., where Japan thought about going other than the South Pacific New Guinea / Solomon area). In his estimation, Ceylon would have been a disaster for the IJN (and the IJA) in the long run, although better than the other Far East plans on tap (i.e Persian Gulf or Madagascar, although had the North Africa and/or South Russian campaigns gone better those would have been worth exploring as long as Hitler decided to mutually cooperate. Which no Imperial senior officer at the time, nor Bergerud, thought he would.)
He doesn't think the British would have folded with any of those strikes, and might actually have reinvested. India was never going to play ball with Japan in any case, and was going to get its independence from Britain by then in any case, so mobilizing hard for a threat on Ceylon would have been a good political and strategic move for good faith future relations to Britain.
So it's interesting to see that Churchill thought a real possibility of folding existed with that success. One supposes he had a fair read of the political possibilities in which he was navigating. It goes to show that Japan had a theoretical chance of winning what they wanted by a political victory (cue the Clausewitz quote!) if they could just convince the other side(s) to give up and go home.
The author--John Clancy-- has written 15 books but all local histories of S.E. England and has a degree but in Archeology not History. He opines that India and Ceylon would have been very tempted to revolt against England if cut-off by the IJN from their control and they had also considered an invasion of Madagascar to completely deny the Indian Ocean to the Brits rendering their position in the Middle East untenable and allowing a link-up with the Germans if they could push to the Suez Canal. The threat of losing all that together would've caused Britain to cave and make peace. Plausible or not it's an intriguing argument.
It is intriguing. The simple math of the IJN merchant marine made the logistical burden of getting supplies to more further-flung colonies a real challenge. Unless they wanted to stop bringing oil back to Japan for their warships...
It sounds like it would have been a race between Japanese logistics and Commonwealth political will to see who wins.
If India were considering revolting, I wonder what Roosevelt might have been willing to promise in an effort to keep them on the Allied cause. I don't think the Indians were in any frame of mind to welcome the Japanese as liberators...
Bergerud's Touched by Fire is good but I found Fire in the Sky to be better. The only thing I really got out of the former was an appreciation of just how damn well the Aussie army fought in WWII. I was aware that they'd whupped Rommel in North Africa and I knew they'd overcome some of the toughest conditions imaginable on the Kokoda Trail campaign, but I'd never connected the dots on how well they fought.
As for Churchill, he is certainly a very qualified commentator, but he was also never above slanting the narrative to tell a better story and to make himself a more heroic figure. He was an instinctually political animal with a keen enthusiasm for being at the center of the spotlight, and I have a strong (although unresearched) impression that he sometimes let this color his analyses.
Honestly, I don't trust much British history around WW II.
I kind of doubt India would revolt so much as ante up with the Japanese Empire right on their doorstep -- maybe leverage their cooperation in mutual interest with a faster or smoother withdrawal of colonial authority. Regardless of the rank and file, the Indian leaders had very good relations with Britain (for a colony of non-British seeking independence) and wanted to continue the economic relationship at least, thus also the political relationship.
There was an article in the US Naval Institute Proceedings on the Indian Ocean Incursion. It was a success, but only if you treated it as a raid.
By the time KB headed home, they were basically out of bombs and torpedoes. Somerville recognized that he just had to keep a fleet in being to keep the Japanese from accomplishing anything long lasting.
Bergerud says he agrees with the Imperial critics who argued that any attempt at pushing out a holding force of any size whatever (and proportionately worse as the size increased) could not be realistically supplied; not without ceding the Pacific totally to America in order to protect the supply line even only to Ceylon. They just didn't have the ships and aircraft (and perhaps subs vs surface raiders). Troops they could have gotten, had they reduced their numbers in Manchuria and/or China at large (which no one wanted to do for fear of Russia -- the Sovs had stomped them hard in recent pre-war years after the 1909 Japanese stunning victory over the Tsarist forces. IIRC, Zhukov was a key player in that.) Transports they could have gotten, despite Army whining otherwise -- all those excuses evaporated when disaster loomed in the Philippines and encroached in the Central Pacific. Sea power, they didn't have enough of, even supposing they had converted the Burmese coast into a way station which they hadn't gotten close to doing yet (and by the time they took the Burmese coast they had beaucoups other problems.)
This leads to an interesting analysis of whatever Geek may be planning, if those ships as Kyz has guessed are going to Ceylon. (I'm putting it that way because those of us reading his thread have a pretty clear idea what his plans are and aren't.)
Which I could speculate theoretically on, but I don't want to give wrong or right ideas! :P ::) But I guess the question is, if he goes there, how do the map-edge game mechanics affect the possibilities of success for whatever he might try?
I'll second the thought that the IJN and IJA did not have the logistics train to supply India. Only if they had a rail route from the Chinese Ports do I think this could have been pulled off.
Enjoyed the AAR. Pretty shocking that the IJA is in Australia and the allies hold islands so close to Japan. How in the world the supply chains for both sides are pulling this off is beyond me.
The supply chain for the USA advance is a lot easier than the one for the Australian invasion, or should be: there's a few thousand miles less to travel, although the weather is much worse at any given time, and the lines are so far secure. Geek put an expeditionary force on Attu, around the time Arctic Monkey was activating, but they can't project air or sea power so they're just handy target practice for the Dutch Harbor fleet.
I'm not sure how much supply Geek is getting from just being in Australia; maybe a lot, compared to being in, for example, New Guinea. But the US isn't pushing more than a few inept subs and an occasional surface raider task force into the supply line from Japan to the fighting (in real life American subs didn't start getting uber until summer 1943), and Geek is winding down island-taking operations elsewhere, so he can afford to safely send a lot of tankers and cargo ships to Australia. His supply is inherently more fragile, though.
(Or maybe not, if he has already begun setting up and strengthening supply runs from the resources of conquered Pacific Southeast islands.)
We could of course just jump over to his thread and ask him. ;D
Zeno's Warbirds put up this video on PBYs for March.
http://www.zenoswarbirdvideos.com/PBY.html
Considering their important role in the AAR, this might be of interest.
I've said it before but I love when you guys begin discussing the game vs. history. I learn so much. And Besilarius, thanks for the video!
March 28th, 1942
Sorry for the delay but it's Kid's Sports season so the updates will be a bit sporadic for the next few months. Please bear with me.
We continue the landings a Palmyra.
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Of course the landings are taking place BEFORE the bombardment. I really need to soften Palmyra up considering how badly I
underestimated the number of troops here.
Ahh, here's the bombardment.
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That looks a little better. We may be able to pull this off if I can keep the pounding going.
The assault begins.
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And fails. Between the assault and the bombardment we did some decent damage, maybe 15% casualties for Geek. But we lost
on of the Marine units...completely. The units following aren't going to add much to the next assault so I may pull back and regroup.
I can continue bombarding until the island is a little softer. He can't replace his loses here so time is on our side.
Bombardments continue at Rockhampton.
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Far less costly than trying to bomb his fields by air. The problem is these guys are about out of ammo. I'll start heading them to
Sydney to repair and rearm. They should be ready to go in about 10 days or so I hope. I'll try hitting the airfield by air tomorrow
and see if the CAP is any lighter. His raids over Brisbane should be smaller for awhile.
The raids over Brisbane were smaller.
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The bombardment of Rockhampton seems to have affected his ability to send bombers and fighters. It figures my ships would run
low on ammo just as we gained a level playing field.
Geeks subs near Darwin claim some victims.
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The 2 things I have an abundance of are AK's and Supply. I can afford to lose a few as long as some get through to Darwin,
which they have:
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The supply situation is much better. I just have to figure out how to get that supply to Katherine. There's another wave of
AK's inbound. I'm sure we'll lose a couple but even if just 2 get through, Darwin will have enough supplies for a couple months of fighting.
Tomorrow we'll check and see what Geek's CV's are up to.
March 29th, 1942
Since I have a bunch of Brit and Aussie units up at Aden I thought it'd be a good idea to send a big AP that was just sitting
at Darwin.
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Add that to the list of bad ideas. She's still afloat and will head towards Perth for repairs. Of course she'll probably be out
for 6 months or something.
I sent a small raiding force after some ships that were spotted near Kushiro(Hokkaido).
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That one never stood a chance. I would consider invading Hokkaido if it wouldn't trigger a butt ton of reinforcements for
Geek. The last thing he needs is more troops. I've been having a decent run just raiding though.
Geek decides on a new tactic.
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He went for his first night raid. It wasn't very effective but if he keeps it up he may get lucky. I have no night fighters here
at all. I barely have any fighters. I have to dig some up soon.
ASW at Rockham
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The sub took some hits but should also make it back to port. The real news is how lucky I was that I pulled back my
almost-out-of-ammo Bombardment TF. Timing is everything.
Palmyra bombarded.
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That may be a continuing headline for awhile.
Geeks CV's.
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They're just South of Port Blair. I have every fighter on Port Blair set to CAP. I moved the bombers here to Rangoon in
exchange I sent the AVG to Port Blair. I also have my surface TF undocked so they can provide AA fire should he launch a
carrier raid at Port Blair. It'll be a bloodbath if it happens. Both of our blood.
Geek's Surface TF
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These guys caught an unsuspecting tanker that was returning to Colombo. This little TF will be able to run wild for a bit.
I'm setting up a Surface TF at Colombo to guard the port and airfield there. I don't want Geek to get any cheap shots like
the ones I take at his coastal fields. ^-^
The Brit's CV's.
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I don't want to take any chance of losing these carriers so I off loaded the planes onto Ceylon and am moving the carriers
to Bombay. If he's coming for Ceylon, the carriers wouldn't be much help anyway.
Darwin looking good.
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The supply situation is well in hand now. There's still a few more AK's on the way so we are set here.
Something the game is reinforcing that my recent reading is mirroring, is:
1.) Naval bombardments look great but achieve almost no real casualties. "The Navy pounded that beach for a day, and are complaining they ran out of targets to destroy!" 93 casualties. ::) :2funny: Casualties were always much less than expected. What bombardment did do is shake morale and somewhat mess up entrenchments (depending on the entrenchments).
2.) More importantly, carriers work great against (a) unprepared land defenses (of which after Pearl Harbor there were none); and (b) other carriers. Land based air is much more effective against anything, air, sea, or land, than carrier based air. Several carriers together in one fleet (or a couple of nearby joint fleets) can bring a moderate amount of air power to bear on a target for a day or two. This can produce some striking results with a few planes wiping an important battleship or two, at a cheap loss risk. But at the end of the day, land based air and sea based guns (and torps) won the air and sea war, and helped the land war more than the carriers did on either side.
What carriers were great at, even fleet carriers, were zipping a small to medium-sized air field somewhere to attack unexpectedly. Pearl Harbor and Doolittle's raid were different extreme examples of that principle.
Quote from: JasonPratt on March 09, 2016, 07:24:23 PM
Something the game is reinforcing that my recent reading is mirroring, is:
1.) Naval bombardments look great but achieve almost no real casualties. "The Navy pounded that beach for a day, and are complaining they ran out of targets to destroy!" 93 casualties. ::) :2funny: Casualties were always much less than expected. What bombardment did do is shake morale and somewhat mess up entrenchments (depending on the entrenchments).
2.) More importantly, carriers work great against (a) unprepared land defenses (of which after Pearl Harbor there were none); and (b) other carriers. Land based air is much more effective against anything, air, sea, or land, than carrier based air. Several carriers together in one fleet (or a couple of nearby joint fleets) can bring a moderate amount of air power to bear on a target for a day or two. This can produce some striking results with a few planes wiping an important battleship or two, at a cheap loss risk. But at the end of the day, land based air and sea based guns (and torps) won the air and sea war, and helped the land war more than the carriers did on either side.
What carriers were great at, even fleet carriers, were zipping a small to medium-sized air field somewhere to attack unexpectedly. Pearl Harbor and Doolittle's raid were different extreme examples of that principle.
Great observations, Jason.
What I think I like carriers for, right now at least, is attacking unguarded TF's. :knuppel2: Things like convoys or surface combat TF's are currently my favorite things to send my carriers after. Once I get more and better carriers I'll start looking for Geek's CVs. Right now they scare me.
Right, they can project artillery power. (As one officer said whose name I can't recall, "In the Pacific, artillery flew.") But that arty power, at the moment, isn't as good as what a battlecruiser raiding party could do: the plane gets a couple of bomb drops and then has to go home, and even against a little AK that might not be enough, even with seven planes. The nice thing about PBYs is that they fly slow and low enough to make level bombing more accurate, and can even do a bit of dive bombing from medium height -- still slow, so better aim. But carrier planes, even the dumpy ones, necessarily stress speed (relatively speaking).
Whereas a couple of cruisers and some destroyers, or a sub on the surface, would make short work of a lightly or unarmed task force. BUT they can't zip into an area, strike from over the horizon, and zip out again.
Oh, and American subs didn't start getting broadly uber historically until mid-43, so anything you pick up now is gravy; and obviously they're getting better.
Naturally what you want to avoid is a Battle of Coral Sea before you can get your Midway; and maybe delay the Midway as long as you can, as that battle was dicey. The Japs historically wanted to draw the carriers into a decisive battle and finish them off, while they still had a chance.
But carriers plus a full aircraft complement are horribly fragile and expensive, compared to, say, three battlecruisers. But they can trade three Dauntlesses for a battlecruiser.
The flip side is that you want to make Geek use his carriers in bad ways, being suckered by the mystique of them, and meanwhile play your game to their strengths since you can fairly safely anticipate the enemy will play to their strengths -- and if you can anticipate the enemy, you can mess with him. >:D
Quote from: besilarius on March 08, 2016, 08:04:10 PM
Zeno's Warbirds put up this video on PBYs for March.
http://www.zenoswarbirdvideos.com/PBY.html
Considering their important role in the AAR, this might be of interest.
Ehem...
http://grogheads.com/forums/index.php?topic=13998.msg366634#msg366634
It was a curious rock-paper-scissors kind of match-up. Land-based air beats carriers beats surface naval units, BUT under the right circumstances (or when land-based air units can both contest air space) surface naval units can absolutely wreck land-based air.
Where the Japanese really screwed themselves was in their failure to develop any system for training or rotating pilots. They took the naive "fighting spirit overcomes material challenges" approach that all the other combatants in WW II had lost in The Great War 25 years earlier. That was the Japanese approach to most of WW II, with absolutely devastating results for their homeland and their people.
March 30th, 1942
A busy day so let's get right to it.
Geek's Surface Combat TF catches some tankers.
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These guys are leaving nothing but burning hulks in their wake. I'm hoping they stray a little too close to Ceylon
before Geek's CV's catch up.
Sub attack of Hawaii.
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WTH??? I thought we were done with this phase. I guess that's what I get for sending 80% of my ASW assets to AM.
I'll have to send a few ASW TF's out to keep Geek honest.
At least that ASW at AM is doing something.
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I know Geek has a large sub fleet but it seems like I'm playing whack-a-mole with them. As soon as I feel like I'm
knocking a bunch out, another bunch show up.
ASW scores a hit at Port Blair.
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That was the good news. The bad news is now Geek knows exactly what I'm guarding Port Blair with. I'm fairly ready
for a surface fight but we'll both lose a bunch of ships. I have all the fighters ready should he come by air. This is getting
kind of tense.
Air over Brisbane.
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The air war over Brisbane continues. My fighters are just about depleted though. I have another squadron about to unload
at Sydney and then that's it for awhile. I may try to transfer some over from the Solomons but I need experienced pilots. I think
I know 2 places I can get some. One may take a little while. The other may be sailing nearby. ;)
Some of the 4 Engine Bombers over Marysville
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These guys have done pretty well. For whatever reason they're usually the last to launch and therefor hardly ever have to deal
with CAP. There is another squadron of B-17's that just disembarked at Sydney so they'll be online soon. Hopefully it won't be
too late.
Nevermind. >:(
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Dammit! I was hoping we could hold on a bit longer. I had sortied out all the armor from Brisbane to try to hit Geek's troops
before they won control of Marysville. The remnants will move up to Bundeburg but then that creates a strange situation where we
have each other cut off. If Geek sends troops from Mary to take Bund then I'll send troops from Brisbane to take Mary. Just when I
thought things were stabilizing in Oz Land.
Carrier planes sink an AK.
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I bet you were thinking AM. No, it appears Geek wants to take out my bases around Sumatra. I thought for sure he'd be
headed to Ceylon. Unless he thinks my carriers are around there somewhere. What this does do is force my supply and troop
convoys transiting through here to Oz to detour West before heading back South. For now it's a minor inconvenience but we'll
see how this plays out.
Sally raid at Sibolga
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This one kind of hurt. These were engineers that were going to prepare defenses and build an airstrip. Luckily about 900 of the
engineers were rescued by the other ships. We have to get these guys offloaded in a hurry.
More hits, more losses.
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I'd say Sumatra is on it's own for the time being. I'm really just giving away things to sink.
I retreated off of Palmyra. Here's what's there:
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I definitely need more troops if I'm going to take this. I'm beginning to think it may not be worth it and I'll just bombard
it at my leisure. Possibly just let them starve until I have spare units. I could probably use these troops elsewhere.
I lost another base in China but I can't find the screen shot of it. Neither one of those events should surprise any of you.
Looking grim for the allies. At least for the most recent turn.
Quote from: jomni on March 10, 2016, 08:35:20 PM
Looking grim for the allies. At least for the most recent turn.
I agree, Jomni. The weird thing is I feel like I'm just about to start getting momentum. :idiot2:
Yes. Pick up the pace and go give him a bloody nose. :knuppel2:
Greatly enjoyed this AAR (both of them).
Suggestion: How specifically can Geek win in 1942 -1943? What strategy do you have to stop Geek from winning? When 1943-1944 when the US production of carriers, subs, and everything else hits, you will have massive power to project. But how can you avoid losing in 1942-1943?
Strategy drives tactics, not vice-versa.
I'd second all the praise on this thread. Fascinating stuff.
Question for Kyz: Why are you using your 4-engine bombers to bomb his land troops, instead of whatever air fields he's using to attack you? Is the CAP over those airfields too murderous? Otherwise, it seems to me like one of the primary lessons to arise from WW II is that the easiest place to destroy a plane is on the ground.
In real life, the Aussies and Americans had great success with the B-25 by putting something like a dozen forward-firing .50 caliber machine guns on them and flying over Japanese air bases at tree top level. The tree-top level meant Japanese AA couldn't start firing until the planes were already there, and by the time that the planes got there, they were hosing the whole base down with .50 cal fire. The kill zone off those B-25s was horrific.
Combine that with the fact that the Japanese did a piss-poor job of building revetments or any other sort of protection for their craft, and the B-25s were a dominant air superiority craft, if not quite in the way envisioned when they were first built.
I'm pretty sure the "Mosquito" B-25s (I don't recall the real nickname for that gunship variant) were considerably later in the war than where Kyz currently is. He's barely into Spring 42, and to some extent he has to use what little he has available already.
Skip bombing started in July 1942 and the commerce destroyer B-25s with all the extra machineguns in the nose were put into operations in Feb, 1943.
The second book in the Rabaul series goes into fairly good detail on these developments as well as experiments with para-frag bombing. General Kenney was certainly an interesting character.
Quote from: airboy on March 11, 2016, 10:33:15 AM
Greatly enjoyed this AAR (both of them).
Suggestion: How specifically can Geek win in 1942 -1943? What strategy do you have to stop Geek from winning? When 1943-1944 when the US production of carriers, subs, and everything else hits, you will have massive power to project. But how can you avoid losing in 1942-1943?
Strategy drives tactics, not vice-versa.
Man, Airboy, I wish I had a strategy to stop him. Usually the Allied player pulls back and turtles up until 43 and then starts his(/her?) march towards Tokyo. I wanted to make this a different (and hopefully more fun) game by trying to fight him early and aggressively. That hasn't always been the case but I have tried.
Right now Intel is reporting a lot of troops making plans to attack Rangoon. I've got a sizable force there and if he comes by land then he'll have to deal with Pegu as well. I hope that stops him from heading into India. Intel shows a bunch of troops loading up and heading to Rockhampton so I've made plans to attempt to intercept him before he gets there.
Even though he's pushing me around in China I'm pretty sure that'll eventually stop. There's a couple of fortresses that are only getting stronger. Those should stop him before he works his way into India from the East.
As far as specifically goes, well, I'm not sure. I know there's a score that he can reach that triggers an auto victory but I don't know what it is. I think he's close though.
Quote from: jomni on March 11, 2016, 07:54:05 AM
Yes. Pick up the pace and go give him a bloody nose. :knuppel2:
I'm trying Jomni. Two things are slowing me down though, Transports(APs) and Political Points(PP). I need more PP to change the HQ's of certain units. This will allow those units to be moved freely around the map. Without the change then they are restricted to a certain area like the West Coast for example.
Quote from: FarAway Sooner on March 11, 2016, 11:54:51 AM
Question for Kyz: Why are you using your 4-engine bombers to bomb his land troops, instead of whatever air fields he's using to attack you? Is the CAP over those airfields too murderous? Otherwise, it seems to me like one of the primary lessons to arise from WW II is that the easiest place to destroy a plane is on the ground.
I simply haven't had much luck when bombing the airfields. More important to me right now, I think, is keeping his force at Marysville disrupted. It looks like he's going to try and take Bundaberg by leaving Marysville. I have a mess of units headed up to Marysville in case he does sortie out towards Bundeburg. If I keep pounding him he won't be as effective once he reaches Bundeberg or heads back to Mary. I hope that makes sense.
March 31st, 1942
We open the day with the now familiar Bombarding Palmyra
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What's interesting here is there's a DD in port. It may be a damaged leftover from the first months of the war. I'd be
very surprised if he was able to sneak some ships in here. I guess I'll just keep bombarding and find out.
Geek's CV's strike again.
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This time an AK was sunk and an AP was hit. I lost troops as well. There's no doubt that I have to abandon any hope of
getting troops in here to reinforce these guys.
Bombing Mary.
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I hope I really am disrupting something here. I'm not killing a lot of troops but maybe they're still being disrupted. The
worst part, as you know, is the amount of aircraft I'm going through.
My CV's hit some Ak's.
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I need to get a little closer to the Home Island to find any real targets but that may be a bit dangerous. I may risk it
just to shake things up.
Geek's raiders in action.
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These guys are cruising and pillaging with impunity. Pulling my Brit CV's back may have been a bad idea. Although, with his
CV's out and about it's probably better I'm in hiding. I really want to hit these pretentious bullies.
Here's something interesting.
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No sooner did I make mention of Wenchow when suddenly it was the focal point of 5 bombing raids. I guess I
jinxed this base. So far the few planes that are present haven't been hit but Geek's going to carpet bomb everything here
into dust.
Another Sub vs AK surface battle.
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I put the Trigger in the path of all Geek's troops headed from Manila to Singapore. I was hoping for a little better result.
The ships he's sending are packed to the gills with troops and so far I haven't hit a one of them.
April is on the horizon. Let's hope the war starts to turn in the right direction.
GEEK SURRENDERS! LAST ENTRY!!!
April 1st, 1942
Actually there was next to no activity today.
Geek's SC TF rolled into the port at Bundeberg.
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He caught the AK Iron Master unloading supplies and sunk her. Maybe the AK Iron Chef would of had a better chance.
Unescorted bombers over Brisbane.
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Those are my favorite kind of bombers. I started moving a couple more squadrons towards Sydney, and ultimately Brisbane.
It'll take a week for the first one to get there and about 10 days for the other. I'm hoping Brisbane still has an airfield then.
Geek's carrier planes go a huntin'.
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Same old story, I know. What I'm trying to figure out is why is he launching so few planes? Is he loaded with fighters? Recon
shows him to have nearly 200 bombers so I don't think that's it. I'm going to have to keep an eye on this and see if it's
something I can exploit.
Wenchow is the new Padang or Manila. It got hit by no less than 5 more air attacks. For some reason my 4 planes based there have
survived again. Now that he's focusing on Wenchow some of the other Chinese cities are getting a break. The Chinese fighters have
almost no range so transferring any help here is out of the question. All the fighters in Burma are needed there to protect Rangoon so
I can't relocate any of those. Wenchow will continue to be a bomb sponge for the time being.
Looks like you've stopped Geekamato at Brisbane cold. Maybe the tide has turned in Australia.
Quote from: Sir Slash on March 12, 2016, 10:20:51 AM
Looks like you've stopped Geekamato at Brisbane cold. Maybe the tide has turned in Australia.
That's what I'm hoping, Slash. I think he's going to try to take Bundeberg so his main troop concentration isn't trapped at Marysville. Intel continues to report transports headed to Rockhampton though so I expect another thrust within the month unless I can hit a few of those transports while they're inbound.
Either way, you've done an excellent job of holding him up and probably confounding the hell out of him. If I was playing as Japan right now I would be worried shit-less about trying to be everywhere at once and strong enough nowhere.
Quote from: Sir Slash on March 12, 2016, 10:34:21 AM
Either way, you've done an excellent job of holding him up and probably confounding the hell out of him. If I was playing as Japan right now I would be worried shit-less about trying to be everywhere at once and strong enough nowhere.
Thanks, Slash! My medium term goals right now are:
1. Expand AM. I want to start hitting stuff, by air and port raid, on the Home Island. Disruption now helps me later in the war.
2. Status Quo in Burma, India, and China. I don't want to lose anymore ground here.
3. Regain Marysville, protect Darwin, and hold the line. No more gains for Geek in Oz. Help continues to trickle in. We should be able to start countering by the end of the year.
4. Island grab. While his attention is elsewhere I'd like to grab a few of the islands the islands that aren't normally taken until late 43/44.
I'd be happy if I could pull these off.
April 2nd, 1942
AP hit near Perth.
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The same 2 or 3 subs have been hanging out here since the beginning of the war and have, for the most part, been minding
their own business. Then they had to go and blow up an AP that was loaded with infantry. Luckily most of the infantry was
rescued but the status quo has been broken. It's game on now my little submersible friends. :knuppel2:
Random port raid near AM.
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The bombers didn't even bother to wait for escorts. They simply went after a target of opportunity. I don't know if there
was any cargo or personnel present on these ships but they'll no longer be contributing to the war effort. I was actually going
to head around the North side of Hokkaido to see if I could find any targets in that area. I think I'll change direction and show
up on the South side next.
Bombers over Mary.
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The Mitchell's take this bombing stuff serious. They've been noticeably more effective than the other bombers in the theater
so far. I'll have to make sure they have escort at all times.
More bombers at Mary.
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Not quite as good as the B-25's.
Bombers over Brisbane.
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Those incoming squadrons can't get here fast enough. I may try a run at the airfield at Rockhampton. I don't know if I can
get escorts that far, and frankly don't know if I even have any escorts. :(
Wenchow is still being flattened. I don't see any troops headed this way yet, maybe by ship(?), so I'll still keep this base in mind
as a potential entry point into China.
Nice hit by the Dauntlesses near AM. 2 questions for you:
- Do you know if the pilots' Experience scores for those planes are going up quickly? Those pilots were less green than other US pilots at the start of the war, but I've got to think that the target practice they're getting now is good for 'em!
- With the benefit of hindsight, are you now wishing that you'd kept the airplane mix more traditional on your different CVs, as opposed to shifting a bunch of fighters onto the AM fleet?
Quote from: FarAway Sooner on March 12, 2016, 11:40:47 PM
Nice hit by the Dauntlesses near AM. 2 questions for you:
- Do you know if the pilots' Experience scores for those planes are going up quickly? Those pilots were less green than other US pilots at the start of the war, but I've got to think that the target practice they're getting now is good for 'em!
- With the benefit of hindsight, are you now wishing that you'd kept the airplane mix more traditional on your different CVs, as opposed to shifting a bunch of fighters onto the AM fleet?
To answer the first question; I think they have gone up faster. Maybe not the bombers so much, although they have gone up, but the fighters for sure. I'll post some screens of the fighter squadrons around AM a little later today.
As for Question 2; I think I
had to do it that way. If I would've went with a more traditional mix then more of his bombers would've gotten through and possibly hit a CV. That would've been the end of AM and my air superiority there. Without air superiority there's little chance I'd have solid control of 3 islands and a very steady supply chain. Taking for granted that the AM CV's survive, I'll be able to disperse these high experience fighter squadrons among the newer CV's so that every CV has at least 1 high experience fighter squadron. The bomber squadrons will be easier to "level up" by just bombing some of Geek's unguarded islands/bases.
Thanks for the questions, Sooner. O0
April 3rd, 1942
Another relatively quiet day.
Geek's planes visit Brisbane.
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My fighters performed a bit better. The American fighters are starting to hold their own but because the Aussies had such low
experience early in the battle, I gave Geek's pilots some easy experience that the American pilot's now have to deal with. My best
land based squadron is on the way but it may take a little time still. If you haven't guessed who they are, I'll let you know when they
get here. ;) The minor damage Geek does to the airfield at Brisbane is usually fixed the same day.
A couple of bombing raids over Geek's troops at Marysborough.
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I just realized I've been calling Marysborough "Marysville" (which is a town not far from home). I'll just refer to it as "Mary" from
now on. Once again the B-25's out perform the other bombers. I need more of these guys. They seem to be my most effective
and versatile bomber. I wish the Allied side had the ability to control production because I'd build a poop load of these.
Sinyang captured.
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Move along, people. Nothing to see here. The fall of China continues. The good news is it will eventually stop. I look at this theater
as China=Russia, Japan=Germany. I'll keep losing ground but getting stronger as I collapse and consolidate. Geek's troops should
get weaker as his supply lines get stretched and he has to garrison the bases he takes. Sometime around the end of this year Geek
will experience the Chinese Stalingrad and the tide will turn. Somewhere in China, right now, there is a force that can go toe to toe
with Geek's Main Army. Again, a fair fight shows poor planning so I'm going to wait for Geek to come to me. By then this force will
have absorbed many of the Chinese remnant troops AND have built up it's fortifications to a level unmatched by any other fortification
in the game.
Remnant units trapped behind the line will turn into partisans and attempt to take lightly guarded bases. Lack of airpower is my only
real concern in China. Hopefully Burma/India goes my way and I can start transferring planes to China.
Geek's CV's doing laps?
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His CV TF just did a lap around Sumatra. I'm guessing they were hunting for my Brit carriers. If not, then they were probably looking
for targets of opportunity. Either way, my planes around the area can stand down for a bit. Now that a lot of his transports are near/in
Singapore, I imagine the offensive will be starting soon. My big question is: Where will he start?
Quote from: KyzBPOnce again the B-25's out perform the other bombers. I need more of these guys. They seem to be my most effective
and versatile bomber. I wish the Allied side had the ability to control production because I'd build a poop load of these.
Historical aside You know, the history of aircraft production and utilization in WW II is one of the most fascinating areas of technology policy in the 20th century. The lead time to get a plane designed was huge--comparable to building an aircraft carrier. But, once they were in production, tweaks and changes were relatively easy to make.
Just as two examples:
- The P-51 was designed in 1940, but didn't come into its own as one of the best fighters of the war until late 1943, when they switched to a new Rolls-Royce Merlin engine. This brought the plane's high-altitude performance up to the level required for escorting bombers deep into Germany. The P-51D (which represented 2/3 of total P-51 production) didn't enter service until mid-1944.
- The F4U Corsair was designed in 1938, and released to the US Navy in late 1942. However, it had problems with carrier landings, and thus got a bad reputation in aviation circles. In February 1942, the initial production batches ultimately found their way to combat in that bastard stepchild of a bastard stepchild, the US Marine Corp air service. Nobody else really wanted it, and (like many planes) the combat debut was underwhelming. But, once pilots learned its strengths and weaknesses and developed appropriate tactics, it quickly became the best air superiority fighter in the South Pacific.
It's fascinating, because each plane had strengths and weaknesses, but it took some trial-and-error and pilots experienced in flying that particular plane to figure out how to work it. The P-38 had great firepower and good top speed, but below 22,000 feet, it's poor roll capabilities and other limitations made it a poor match-up versus the Zero. Above 22,000 feet, however, it's supercharger gave it a commanding lead over the Zero.
Previously, the P-40 had held its own against Zeros at lower altitudes but performed poorly when flown at higher altitudes (and thus had to surrender the altitude edge to the Zeros). By mid-1943, large Allied bomber missions in the Pacific were typically flown with a squadron of P-40s providing low cover (flying under the bomber formation) and P-38s flying top cover. The Zeros had to pick their poison, and attrition among Japanese fighter pilots climbed dramatically (as did the success rate of Allied bomber missions in the South Pacific).
It was a curious feedback loop between engineers designing and modifying planes, pilots flying them, and tactics evolving to suit the capabilities of those planes. This is just one example, but WW II aviation history is replete with others.
Good stuff, Sooner. Since this game seems to take every little nuance into consideration I'll make sure my P-38's are flying High Cap. The game models in the P-40's weakness above 10,000 ft. so I'm sure It'll model in the P-38's strengths/weaknesses as well.
Relatedly, I read something in Fire in the Sky recently about how Airacobras worked great against Zeros at super-low altitudes, but from about 3000 feet upward (where Zs had room to really maneuver I guess) they just couldn't cut it. This was discovered in the early Solomon campaign in the first defenses of Henderson Field.
No turbocharger on the Airacobra. Severely limited the performance at mid-high altitude. It was terrific at low altitudes though. Too bad, it was a beautiful design.
The centrally mounted 37mm cannon on that one was an interesting engineering choice. It only spat out 5 rounds per second, which just wasn't enough lead in the air to connect with enemy airplanes reliably.
It had a reputation for effective ground support in the Red Air Force, but Wikipedia tells us that was just a translation problem and it wasn't really used that way by Soviet pilots. It was, however, more popular in the Red Air Force, due to the relative unimportance of high-altitude flying. It was a curious plane indeed.
I know when flying it in Aces of the Pacific, I preferred it over everything else, but I also fought low. Sure, it only spat 5 rounds a second, but I didn't spray and pray anyway: I only shot when I lined up a shot. I used the cannons of other craft the same way, for the sure shots, and harassed with any machine guns on the lower-chance shots. One 37mm exploding shell can ruin your whole day.
The other issue with the cannon on the Aircobra was that it had a very low muzzle velocity making it hard to hit anything when using deflection shooting. It was also prone to jamming.
Quote from: Silent Disapproval Robot on March 14, 2016, 12:03:54 PM
The other issue with the cannon on the Aircobra was that it had a very low muzzle velocity making it hard to hit anything when using deflection shooting. It was also prone to jamming.
Yet another instance of how important it is for pilots to know the limitations of their planes. One other interesting thing I learned from Wikipedia: Because the P-38 had 4 .50 caliber machine guns and a 20mm cannon all mounted in the nose, it didn't suffer any of the adverse effects of convergence patterns where wing-mounted guns are "focused" at a certain range (just like a magnifying glass would be). This meant that the P-38 fired a very concentrated stream of lead across a small area.
Richard Bong (the leading US ace of the war) got most of his kills in the P-38 and admitted that he got most of them just firing straight at an oncoming plane. This made the P-38 effective up to a range of 1,000 yards, as long as it was a straight shot. And again highlighted the deficiency of Japanese training regimens for aviators once WW II got started.
Am I misremembering, or didn't the Zero also have a 20 mm cannon in the nose? (Plus guns in the wings.)
Yeah, I got most of my other kills in that old game with the Lightning, too. 8)
Zeros had two 20MM auto cannons in the wings and two rifle-caliber (7-point-something) MGs mounted behind the top of the engine. The cannons didn't have much in the way of ammo, iirc.
Now that you mention it, I remember reading something from a Guadalcanal soldier just recently about how he survived a Zero's cannon strafing run because the shells could only flank him on either side. (And the Zero was going after something else, a kitchen iirc!)
Yeah. The Zero had 2 20mm cannons and 2 .303 caliber MGs. The cannons were very effective, and were almost necessary to bring down the more sturdy American planes (even the planes in service by mid-1942, like TBDs and SBDs and F4Fs, were fairly ruggedly built). It was still deadly in a dogfight, had great long range, and was operable on both carriers and land.
However, it was fragile and lacked the staying power of its American counterparts. More damningly, the Japanese didn't come up with significantly better fighters throughout the course of the war. Japan had a superpower Navy and training for its pilots, but it did not have a superpower industrial base.
Learned a lot about Pacific aviation from reading this thread. But despite the moniker, I know little to nothing about aerial combat. O0
Quote from: FarAway Sooner on March 14, 2016, 08:33:40 PM
Yeah. The Zero had 2 20mm cannons and 2 .303 caliber MGs. The cannons were very effective, and were almost necessary to bring down the more sturdy American planes (even the planes in service by mid-1942, like TBDs and SBDs and F4Fs, were fairly ruggedly built). It was still deadly in a dogfight, had great long range, and was operable on both carriers and land.
However, it was fragile and lacked the staying power of its American counterparts. More damningly, the Japanese didn't come up with significantly better fighters throughout the course of the war. Japan had a superpower Navy and training for its pilots, but it did not have a superpower industrial base.
I'd disagree with this. The IJN didn't do much to develop better fighters but the IJA came up with some very decent fighters such as the Ki-84 and the Ki-61. The problem was that by the time these fighters were in mainstream production, they simply didn't have the proper logistics to maintain and support them.
Yeah, SDR, that's pretty fair. I thought about trying to reword my previous to address the very inaccuracy you mentioned, but gave up after worrying that too many of my posts are already too long. :D
The Japanese did build a couple better planes late in the war, but they were far too little far too late. And, had they been produced in larger quantities, their lack of a pilot training program would have had dire implications for the survivability of those planes.
I didn't help that they 'upgraded' the Zero engine pretty early in the war to something slightly faster with much less range. :P
(I mean, that would have helped for being an interceptor in local base defense, but it didn't help when the whole production line universally switched to this.)
Quote from: FarAway Sooner on March 14, 2016, 10:54:10 PM
And, had they been produced in larger quantities, their lack of a pilot training program would have had dire implications for the survivability of those planes.
Their institutional disdain for manual labor being dishonorable, would have hurt them another way, too, as it was already doing from near the beginning: there was practically no organized repair and maintenance planning on the frames they
did have. One of the commonest things when Allies would take an Imperial air base, was to find tons of planes lying around in states of disrepair which could have been fairly easily fixed and put back in the air. E.g., this plane has a shot carburetor, so that's it, it's dead, put it over there next to that other plane with a missing widget -- but with a perfectly fine carb.
Yup. Compounding the problem, Japanese widgets were totally unreliable.
O0
A great conversation you guys have going. I switched all my Airacobras to under 10k feet in altitude to see if that improves their performance. If Japanese maintenance crews were as bad as you guys say, I'm going to send in some commandos to pull the spark plugs from Geek's planes thus grounding his entire Air Force. At last, air superiority! :uglystupid2:
Alright, back to work.
April 4th, 1942
ASW gets back to work.
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His subs really can get annoying so it brings me great pleasure when I can knock one of his boats around.
I imagine he feels the same way.
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Rolling a sub into DD infested waters is a bold strategy, Cotton. Let's see if it pans out.
It didn't.
Our morning visit to Palmyra.
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I believe this will be the last of them for awhile. I'm going to let it wither and use the troops that were earmark for Palmyra
as part of my new, diabolical plan. I'll reveal it once it's in motion.
Geek sends his bombers over AM.
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We had a much better showing this time. The P-40's did a bunch better. The Pratt and Banzai fields have or are
about to reach level 4. Once they reach level 5 I can begin flying the big boys in and turning them loose on Tokyo. I'm excited
about the prospect but they'll have no escort and will probably suffer sizable loses. It's so hard to wait though.
4E's doing damage.
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The Big Boys took out a zero AND 110 troops without suffering a loss. If they can do that over Tokyo then I have no reservations
about sending them in without their little friends.
B-25's take on the Fuso.
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There's nothing that these feisty Mitchell pilots won't try to bomb. It sure would've been nice to get a hit on the Fuso. It's
been on a rampage lately and needs some new port holes.
Another battle in China.
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We didn't lose this base yet but the losses in China are staggering.
Strategic bombing on Japan this early is exciting. When are your Lightnings and Mustangs coming?
Quote from: jomni on March 15, 2016, 09:14:26 PM
Strategic bombing on Japan this early is exciting. When are your Lightnings and Mustangs coming?
I have a couple small Lightning squadrons in the U.S. but their experience level is so low they're almost unusable right now.
Earlier we were talking about planes, squadrons, and experience. Here's a few examples of the difference experience makes.
Col. Cole's P-40 squadron at AM.
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This squadron has a 57 for experience and has a 1 to 1 kill ratio. It was actually worse before Cole took over and fixed
this group. We'll check back with them after more air to air combat takes place to see if they continue to improve.
Here's LTCD McCluskey's Wildcat (F4F-3A) squadron stationed on the Lexington at AM.
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McCluskey's squadron has better planes than Cole's (my opinion until you guys throw facts at me to show me I'm wrong)
but what McCluskey really enjoys is a very experienced pilot roster. These guys have a 47-1 kill ratio courtesy of their
74 average experience.
Here's Maj. Walker's Wildcats aboard the Yorktown of the bomber heavy CV group.
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They haven't experienced any air-air combat yet so their experience remains unchanged from the start of the war. Once they start
getting into some scraps their experience should start climbing...provided they survive.
Here's Maj. Lynch's P-39 squadron from Canton.
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Their 91 kills leads all other squadrons. It's slightly deceiving though because most of their kills were the unescorted carrier
bombers that attacked Canton early in the war. Once they went up against Geek's experienced carrier fighters the Airacobras began
dropping. They still have a 5.7/1 kill ratio but without the 50+ bomber kills they'd be behind in kills. These guys are currently enroute
to test their mettle against some of Geek's land based fighters. Hopefully my newly learned tactic with Airacobras (thanks to you guys)
will give them the edge over Geek's Zeroes.
Here's what happens when you're forced to throw inexperienced pilots into battle long before their ready:
SLDR Price's Aussie Kittyhawks.
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Price is not the original leader of this squadron. The original leader is KIA. These guys were in way over their heads when they were
forced into action by Geek's early invasion of Australia. Their kill ratio is 1 to 27 :o. Having less than 50 experience
is going to greatly reduce your life expectancy. Having experience under 40 means you'll probably die during take off.
I don't know what the mechanics are for gaining experience but it seems that surviving combat is more valuable than training stateside.
The combat vets increase exponentially faster than those just set to train.
Does leaving them stateside to train for a longer period of time increase their experience? I seem to remember that later in the war American pilots had an order of magnitude more time in the cockpit before deploying to combat than their Japanese counterparts.
Quote from: Airborne Rifles on March 16, 2016, 08:44:45 AM
Does leaving them stateside to train for a longer period of time increase their experience? I seem to remember that later in the war American pilots had an order of magnitude more time in the cockpit before deploying to combat than their Japanese counterparts.
It does, ABR. It's just such a painfully slow process. Any of my units that have less than 50 experience, and start off stateside, will remain there until they can get to 50. It's an arbitrary number, 60 would be better, but at the pace at which our game is going I can't afford to wait.
Still, that's a hell-of-a-whuppin you gave them at AM. Is that because Geekamoto's pilots are inexperienced?
Quote from: Sir Slash on March 16, 2016, 12:03:41 PM
Still, that's a hell-of-a-whuppin you gave them at AM. Is that because Geekamoto's pilots are inexperienced?
I'm pretty sure that's exactly what happened, Slash. It's the one thing I was counting on. I knew/know I have to pick my battles carefully. I knew I would be throwing my best pilots up against his inexperienced pilots. As long as I know where his CV's are then I know where his best pilots are.
April 5th, 1942
A Dutch sub takes a peek into Singapore Harbor.
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He didn't get to see much before getting smacked around in there. I really should just hang around outside the harbor and not
risk ASW and mines.
Bombarding Moulmein...again.
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Since Geek didn't attack anything I thought he would, I decided to send my Ambush TF to hit the airfield at Moulmein again. He
had about 50 fighters based there. There's a few less right now. :) I'll hit it again and then leave the area. I don't want to spend
too much time outside of the CAP.
Sub at Singapore finds the transports!!
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And is sunk by them. >:( This sub warfare thing is going to be hard to do if Geek keeps arming his transports. Not fair.
Here's what's hanging out at Singapore right now:
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With all that, you'd think I could just fire a random spread of torpedoes and just run like hell. I got to believe we'd hit something.
All of that will be leaving port soon. If this were a board game this is where I'd release the cat.
Wuchow falls.
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We lost a lot. Geek didn't. Moving on.
4E's over Geek's Spring Caravan.
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We didn't do much damage to his merry band of nomads but these bombers now have a better kill ratio than the Aussie Kitty's used
in the earlier comparisons.
Marauders say hello to the new neighbors.
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Nothing more than a little harassment. I'll take free shots wherever I can.
Tomorrow gets interesting. See you then.
As I remarked to geek earlier today, this has to be one of the most enjoyable AAR's I've ever seen, so thank you both for your efforts.
Quote from: bob48 on March 16, 2016, 02:22:25 PM
As I remarked to geek earlier today, this has to be one of the most enjoyable AAR's I've ever seen, so thank you both for your efforts.
Thanks a lot Bob! I'm sure I speak for Geek when I say Thanks to all of you guys following this. All the input from you "Bleacher Creatures" makes it easy to keep this going. O0
A few random responses:
1) The P-40 was a fine plane, probably better than the F4F (although the latter had to be able to take off from a carrier, which introduces all sorts of other technical limitations) and almost certainly the best that the US had when the war started. It got a poor rep early in the war, in part because American land-based air in the Pacific Theater was overwhelmed so quickly whenever it was attacked (e.g., the Philippines or Pearl Harbor) and in part because Midway gave a certain halo effect to all the units involved but the TBDs. From mid-1942 to mid-1943, it got pretty favorable reviews from its pilots--but it was a full generation behind the P-38s (better at high altitude and longer range) and F4Us (faster, better armed, better performance at altitude) that showed up in 1943, so it didn't really have a period to shine much of anywhere.
Not a great plane, but not a bad one. It was used in a lot of ground support/strafing roles later in the war. The F4F pilots were also much better trained at the start of the war, I think, so their squadron performance was probably impacted by that as well.
2) I have no idea if the game models this (directly or indirectly), but the American policy of rotating veteran pilots home quickly (adopted in part from British experiences in WW I) meant we had much better training than the Japanese by late 1942. Not only did American pilots get more hours of training flight time (no shortage of aviation gasoline, which was a huge problem for Japan), but they got MUCH higher-quality instruction. Why?
Each plane had its own characteristics and traits that matched up differently against different opponents. Most American fighters could outdive a Zero (more specifically, after entering a dive they could turn at high speeds--the same characteristics that made the Zeke so deadly in a dog fight made it handle like a bath tub when trying to maneuver at higher speeds). The American fighters could never out-turn a Zero in a normal dogfight, but they could easily trade altitude for an escape. This meant that, whenever maneuvers took them down to low altitude and they were no longer fighting for their lives, they needed to get back high fast. A P-40 or an F4F with a Zero on its tail at 2,000 feet was dead meat.
These were the sorts of lessons that veterans passed along to American trainees during instruction.
The Japanese high command had no such practices. They believed that fighting spirit would triumph over all adversity, which effectively meant leaving veteran pilots to fight until they died and trusting in new pilots' moral character to pull them up the learning curve. In a sense, the Japanese learned the lessons of WW I 30 years too late, in the face of an enemy and technology which made the cost of those lessons dramatically higher than even the dreadful toll learned by combatants in WW I.
Most of this material comes from Bergerud's Fire in the Sky, but I've also seen it echoed in a handful of other places. It also seems to be showing up in Hampton's Lords of the Sky, which I'm reading right now, although I'm not far enough in to be certain how he'll view it.
Quote from: FarAway Sooner on March 16, 2016, 06:24:48 PM
A few random responses:
2) I have no idea if the game models this (directly or indirectly), but the American policy of rotating veteran pilots home quickly (adopted in part from British experiences in WW I) meant we had much better training than the Japanese by late 1942. Not only did American pilots get more hours of training flight time (no shortage of aviation gasoline, which was a huge problem for Japan), but they got MUCH higher-quality instruction. Why?
There was a bug in the old WITP that randomly purges pilots because of a limitation in the database. The joke is that these Pilots were called home as poster boys for War Bonds. But it was fixed in Admiral Edition.
What you described above can be done by micro-managers both for the Japanese and Allied sides.
In fact many Japanese fanboys swear that doing the above will lead to victory, together with focused aircraft research and production. Something the Allied player can afford to ignore.
The legendary Japanese "Fighting Spirit".
If you look at Geek's strategy. He knows a long war is un winnable. He's clearly going for an auto victory disregarding security of his rear bases (AM) and utilising "stacks of doom" on land and at sea. A quick victory will remove the necessity for long term planning and pilot training.
Which is the only reasonable way for Japan to play: go for the quick political victory, and annoy the opposition out of continuing the war. Because the opponents don't have enough fighting spirit.
(Although Geek has said that he'd only consider that a "moral victory" and would offer Kyz to continue. O:-) )
Yeah. At a certain point, the Allied stacks of doom grow more numerous and capable than the Japanese, but that'll take until late 1943 if there are no further casualties inflicted.
As was the case in so much of WW II, a lot of it comes back to Land-Based Air.
April 6th, 1942
Since my BB's were in the area still we decided to bombard Moulmein again.
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We only hit 1 Oscar. I think Geek pulled the rest out right away. That's what I was really hoping to hit here. We did start
one heck of a bonfire though. I'd eventually like to take this base back but with the India/Burma invasion looming I can't
take a chance of thinning my forces for temporary gains.
Geek came a' knockin again at Padang.
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Although his bombers got through we did manage to take out an Oscar and damage a few of the bombers with losing anyone.
In this part of the world we refer to this as a "win".
He came back again. This time the fighters were on the ground.
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The conscripted natives manning the AA guns did their cadre proud. Only one kill but nearly 40% of the bombers were damaged.
If the game models Geek's maintenance crews as being as bad as you guys say they were then damaged aircraft is almost as good
as a kill. Given how many bombers Geek keeps throwing at me, I'd say it probably doesn't. :(
An AK is sunk.
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Damn Fuso again. I won't be able to supply and reinforce Western Australia if these guys hang around. I'm sure that's the whole point of it.
I need to either draw these guys away or sink them. Unfortunately, I don't have the capacity to do either right now.
B-26's over Bihoro.
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Some fighter escort would've been nice. These Marauder crews don't like to wait for such things and attack when THEY want to attack.
We didn't do any real damage to the airfield either.
Surface combat at AM.
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What?? I'm thinking he didn't expect any warship support covering the landings at Uruppa-jima. All the islands have DD's doing double
duty as ASW and protecting the transport/supply ships.
SBD's catch fleeing DD's
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His DD's tried to escape but the long arm of Naval law was able to hit a few of these before night fell. Well pick up the pursuit in morning.
The other CV's get into the action.
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While searching for the transports that are expected at Rockhampton, the Bomber CV's aircraft located a small surface group. First, we put
a bomb in the CL Kiso. Then we heavily damaged the DD that was assigned to escort her. I'll try to finish these guys off but my priority is
the transports...if I can find them.
Marysbourough retaken!
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Geek looks like he's trying to get out of this encirclement by bullying his way through Bundaberg. It shouldn't take much given his huge
advantage in numbers. The only thing that might work in my favor is all the disruption his troops should be accumulating. Between the fleeing
of Mary and the daily bombings, he may be disrupted enough for my armor columns to catch up to him. It would be nice to break this stack and
start retaking Australia. There's still a convoy of transports out there somewhere though. :knuppel2:
Hey, you sunk the Tachikaze! That's pretty cool. I read/listened to a great book about the War in the Pacific through the eyes of a Japanese destroyer captain.
Have a look if you aren't overloaded. It gives you a good perspective on the Japanese navy, their shortcomings, motivations, mindset, and tactics. Very aggressive, excellent torpedoes, and loved attacking at night.
http://www.amazon.com/Japanese-Destroyer-Captain-Guadalcanal-Battles/dp/1591143845 (http://www.amazon.com/Japanese-Destroyer-Captain-Guadalcanal-Battles/dp/1591143845)
Quote from: Silent Disapproval Robot on March 18, 2016, 03:41:23 PM
Hey, you sunk the Tachikaze! That's pretty cool. I read/listened to a great book about the War in the Pacific through the eyes of a Japanese destroyer captain.
Have a look if you aren't overloaded. It gives you a good perspective on the Japanese navy, their shortcomings, motivations, mindset, and tactics. Very aggressive, excellent torpedoes, and loved attacking at night.
http://www.amazon.com/Japanese-Destroyer-Captain-Guadalcanal-Battles/dp/1591143845 (http://www.amazon.com/Japanese-Destroyer-Captain-Guadalcanal-Battles/dp/1591143845)
Thanks SDR! I'll add it to the list, and I
will get to all these books. I'm actually pretty..wait for it...Geeked :2funny: to start reading all of these recommendations.
Looks like the initial shell hits and the fires left it limping, so the bombers could finish it off.
The challenge with chasing DDs when you have a carrier task force is, if they reverse course and find you in the night, things could get ugly. There's a lot more downside there for the Americans than the Japanese, and (as mentioned above) the Japanese were not shy about making torpedo attacks at night!
Might be more upside than downside in chasing those guys, but I'm not sure how this game really models day and night stuff.
Quote from: FarAway Sooner on March 18, 2016, 05:25:30 PM
The challenge with chasing DDs when you have a carrier task force is, if they reverse course and find you in the night, things could get ugly. There's a lot more downside there for the Americans than the Japanese, and (as mentioned above) the Japanese were not shy about making torpedo attacks at night!
Might be more upside than downside in chasing those guys, but I'm not sure how this game really models day and night stuff.
I want you to keep what you said in mind. I'm 4 days behind with the AAR... ???
So do you play all your turns in the order they come and then write your AAR or do you write not knowing whats going to happen in those unopened turns?
Con
April 7th, 1942
It's been 4 months since Geek's unprovoked attack on the Land of Pineapple and Spam. Nearly every country or continent in the Far East and the Pacific Rim has succumbed to The Geekanese Empire. A few holdouts remain but surely they can't withstand or resist Geek's "Stacks of Doom". Geek's Northern Islands seem solidly held by some very brave, and probably very cold, American and Canadian troops. Geek has lost 3 carriers so far while the underdog (me) continues to play hide and seek with mine. At least they're still intact.
So begins Act 2.
Fuso and Friends (Popular kid's show in Japan) find some AP's.
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THIS WAS ALL MY FAULT!! I knew his ships were hunting my convoys and I somehow didn't redirect these guys. Of all the
convoys not to redirect, this was one of the worst. I had Engineers and Infantry aboard these two ships. The
Fuso must die! And I don't care how many Geekanese children cry when their favorite giant eyed battleship sock puppet slowly sinks
beneath the waves.
Sub attack off Japan.
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Our subs are getting more aggressive around Japan. We seem to be scoring more hits too.
Case in point: The Searaven.
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Except he had to use the deck gun to take this one out.
Raiders hit Padang.
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That's exactly what this theater needed, more raiders. They didn't do a lot of damage but they are preventing me from
landing any reinforcements or supplies. With all the activity in this area, I'm beginning to wonder if Sumatra and Java aren't
back on Geek's list. Maybe he's coming to clean these areas up. I'll know soon.
The Bomber CV's continue hunting the CL Kiso.
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They probably won't make a movie out of this but the Kiso has got to be hurting. I noticed 2 things after this battle,
1. I have an escort of 2 fighters. I don't think that's scaring Geek's Air Command much. I'll have to be really careful
not to stray into range of his land based fighters and bombers. The other thing is...I'm out of Torpedoes! My TBD's will be using
bombs for awhile. They don't seem as proficient with them as they are with the torps. I may have to duck into Sydney to see if
they have any in stock. Where's Amazon and their delivery drones when you need them.
WE FOUND THE TRANSPORTS!
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I'm not sure if this is all of them that Intel said was headed to Rockhampton unless we haven't hit the main troop carrying ones yet.
That was the good news. The bad news is we have no torps (see above) and depending which way these guys run they may
end up under the CAP of Port Moresby or Oz. I'll have to be really careful on how far I chase these guys.
WE FOUND THE TRANSPORTS!
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No, that wasn't a mistake. I'm try to get the TBD pilot's attention so they stop chasing DD's when there are big, juicy transports
nearby. I don't know if there's a way to prioritize targets or target types but that'd come in really handy right now.
Here's the dilemma:
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I'll chase him for one more day. If I can't catch him tomorrow I'll have to break off. I don't think I can fend off a well
escorted bomber attack on these carriers.
The Cowboys of Kurile are at it again.
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Pleeeease wait for escorts. I'm surprised I didn't lose them all. Only losing 3 when you're jumped by 50 fighters tells me these
guys Geek is throwing at me are pretty low in experience. I may need to try a fighter sweep with my best pilots and see if his
come up to meet me. That could clear the skies for the Maruaders. It would leave me with weak CAP over AM though. I'll think
on this one.
Bombing Bundaberg.
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I have to keep that big stack under pressure. My armor should be there in about 4 days, maybe 5 so if the troops here can
withstand a few attacks (doubtful) then maybe we can crush a large stack. That would be awesome. O0
But Geek attacks.
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And the defenders hold. We can not go man for man here. That battle took almost 20% of my manpower. If he attacks
again, we're toast.
Geek's CV's are hanging out in the Java Sea. He has all of his transports loaded and moving from Singapore..SOUTH from Singapore.
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I don't know yet where exactly he's headed. He could be going up to Ceylon but staying West of Sumatra to avoid Port Blair.
He could be moving everything to the West side of India. That side is pretty lightly defended and would cut me off from my
supply line at Aden.
He could also be heading for Oz. I have no intel of any city being prepared for other than Rockhampton. That has me nervous. If
he is doing something similar to the Midway feint, then where he isn't, is where he will be. Tomorrow should tell the story.
Quote from: Con on March 18, 2016, 06:04:23 PM
So do you play all your turns in the order they come and then write your AAR or do you write not knowing whats going to happen in those unopened turns?
Con
I take notes and capture screenshots each turn. I then return the turn to Geek and update the AAR before the next turn arrives...usually. Sometimes I get too busy to do both the turn and the AAR at the same time so the turn gets priority and I write the AAR when I can. Sometimes, like now, a few days stack up. I write using only my notes so that way I don't give anything away. I'm sure I mess up sometimes but while writing I try to pass on the same feelings of foreboding, doubt, and elation I feel during each turn. I hope that makes sense.
A lot harder to find transports and resuppliers in "the Slot" when "the Slot" = "everything west of the Slot". Good job! O0
Quote from: JasonPratt on March 18, 2016, 10:00:22 PM
A lot harder to find transports and resuppliers in "the Slot" when "the Slot" = "everything west of the Slot". Good job! O0
I've been fortunate in one aspect and that is my search ability. I still have many PBY's and 4E bombers intact so I can usually keep tabs on Geek's movements. Doing something about them is a different story.
April 8th, 1942
Bombarding Dili.
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"Bombarding" may be a stretch. I originally sent these guys out to chase down a transport but they never caught it so I had them
lob a few rounds at Dili. I think I'm going to have them hang out in the area and see if anything shows up.
AKL hit off Japan.
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My subs continue to attack on the surface. I'm guessing the sub commanders have all agreed on this tactic until we get better
torpedoes. What I want to know is: are any of these AK's near Japan carrying anything? The game only lets you know if they
are/were carrying troops. I'd like to know if I hit a fully loaded supply ship or something of the sort.
Padang bombed.
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Nothing really new here. He continues to soften up Padang without assaulting the base. He clearly has me outnumbered. It
keeps me guessing on the intent of Geek's invasion force. He may be clearing the west side of the Java and Sumatra so he can
shut down my supply lines. The number of transports he has ready though, would be overkill for this small of an operation.
Thanks to you guys I've been paying a lot more attention to Geek's damaged aircraft. It seems that the AA at Padang has found
their mark but can't quite get the kills. I'm now hoping damaged aircraft are almost as good as destroyed aircraft.
Allied bombers in China.
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Barely worthy of a screenshot but you're looking at my functional offensive capability in China. I have a bunch of very limited
range fighters and a few short range bombers left. It's difficult to get them into the fighting because of their range, the lack of ground support,
and/or their general uselessness against Geek's planes. I really should have made more of a effort here early on. I am however, starting to notice
a possible opportunity for me here. More on that in a day or 2.
Another AK lost off Java.
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FUUUSOOO!!! Yes, I imagine the Fuso being commanded by Ricardo Montalban. It may be time to bring the Brit carriers back out. If
it doesn't look like Geek is headed to India or Ceylon then we're going Fuso hunting. Kenneth More may get another starring role.
Bomber CV's start their busy day.
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Geek's DD's are hard to hit but once you do they tend to damage easily. I know his damage control isn't as good as mine so a single
bomb hit can potentially cause a lot of long term damage to his ships. That being said, quit going after the DD's!! We need to save every
sortie for the transports...if we find them.
More Destroyers.
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Is April "Destroyer Incentive Month" in the Coral Sea? Under most other circumstances I'd be elated that we were bombing, damaging, and
sinking ships but our prime targets are getting away.
Not a Destroyer!
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THAT is why we hunt transports!! That was only 1 ship. He had about 10 of those. If we can keep hitting these guys I think Oz may be
saved. Sidenote: I only checked one of my CV's for torpedoes. The other one has a few left. I want to transfer all my TBD's to the carrier
with the torps but that will use up operation points and the bombers may only launch once that day. We need as many sorties as we can
get. It's very rare that you find an unguarded, fully loaded, transport convoy withing range of bomber laden carriers.
Destroyer. >:(
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CUT IT OUT!!! Is it wrong that I'm getting physically angry, i.e. pounding on my desk, when I see the target is a DD? I'm going to look
back and go "Wow! We sunk a lot of Destroyer in early April". Right now though, if it doesn't carry troops I don't want to waste a single
bit of ordinance on it.
Coral Sea.
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The top most red target is the Transports. The yellow outlined hexes is my intended course next turn. I will be dangerously close to Cairns
this turn. I imagine Geek has all of his aircraft forward deployed so he'll have to move them up here to get a crack at my carriers. That will take
a turn to do. I can only attack for one more turn and then I have to move back into open water. That might also buy Bundaberg an extra day
or two if Geek's planes move North. The other enemy targets are the DD's and one with a CL or 2. I would think they'll be staying clear of my
carriers since my bombers obviously don't discriminate on who they attack.
Bombing Bundaberg.
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It's only 55 KIA's but it's the disruption we're really aiming for. I have to keep his forces in the highest state of disarray as possible.
Bundaberg holds!
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I can't believe it hasn't fallen yet. We've lost many bases with far less losses. This attack knocked out about 20% of my troop strength.
Any attack after this will probably take Bundaberg down. One thing I have going for me is the Engineers here. Every time Geek has attacked
and knocked my fortification level down the Engineers build it right back up. They are probably the difference here.
Buna resupplied.
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I was keeping this quiet so as not to jinx it but we were able to slip a couple of supply ships into Buna and resupply the
forces holding out there. With so many of Geek's DD's now limping or sinking, I'll start sending cargo ships there on a regular basis. Maybe
even some of the newly arrived New Zealanders. It might be time to start taking these little bases back. They may add up and save the day.
April 9th, 1942
EEEEKKKK!!!!
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This is probably the most terrifying sight to see in this game. You NEVER want to see your carriers engaged in a surface battle.
I wish someone would've went after these Destroyers. ;)
The result.
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Luckily we got out of that almost unscathed. The damage to my ships is minor and we've hurt even more of his DD's.
After taking down my notes for the previous day, saying I was going to chase his transports, I changed my mind. It was a painful
decision but I decided to let them go. If Geek managed to get CAP over the transports then my bombers would be cut to pieces.
If I strayed into land based bomber range the my carriers would be at risk. The safest move was just to back off. Maybe my land
based bomber or my subs can interdict his transports. If I were to lose these carriers I would have zero chance of stopping an
invasion anywhere other than AM or India. Given the high level of proficiency that his DD's possess, I think I should just be happy
that I didn't lose anything.
Raiders at Tjilatjap.
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Just what I needed. As if Fuso and Friends wasn't bad enough I now have these guys to deal with. What really hurts is the Mitchells
that got beat up. These guys have been doing a great job so far and I may really need them soon.
All the attacks on Java and Sumatra are convincing me that he's going to finish off Java and Sumatra once and for all. That will allow him
to completely shut down my supply line to Australia. Right now his transports are all standing by in the strait between Java and Sumatra.
When his transports move, we'll know the story.
Bombers at Padang.
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I just wanted to show the Flak/AA damage being caused by the ground troops at Padang. We're using up a lot of supply
answering these raids so I'm going to have to try to sneak some supplies in here provided I still own this in a couple days.
Air raid at Rockhampton.
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I managed to catch some of his planes on the ground without taking any losses. There was no CAP present and
no bombing missions against me here. That tells me I probably made the right decision in pulling the CV's back. I'll
bet he moved all his aircraft North in response to my CV's.
Bombing Bundaberg.
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We did a lot more than just this but for some reason this is the screen I chose to keep. Not sure why.
Attack on Bundaberg.
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Fingertips. We're probably down to half the strength we started with. The next attack should do it. I don't think
my armor is going to make it in time. I just hope the retreating troops head South when they break.
I'm only 1 day behind now so pretty soon this will be back to real time.
See, every destroyer you sink is one more destroyer who isn't around to raid your transports or to mess with your subs' ability to mess with his transports.
Yeah, the game ought to be able to give you a reasonable guess if a transport was laden with something, and perhaps what kind of something depending on how it went down. It can tell you without even rounding numbers (even if the guess has a margin of error) how many troops went down, but not whether the thing was running low in the water with anything else at all?
I'm not so sure on that. Whether it's dive-bombing or torpedo bombing, how do you tell what might be on a ship without boarding it?
In brighter news, you have finally found the kryptonite to Geek's DDs. The bad news is, it's the escorts to your CVs!! ;D
Quote from: JasonPratt on March 19, 2016, 09:29:57 AM
See, every destroyer you sink is one more destroyer who isn't around to raid your transports or to mess with your subs' ability to mess with his transports.
Yeah, the game ought to be able to give you a reasonable guess if a transport was laden with something, and perhaps what kind of something depending on how it went down. It can tell you without even rounding numbers (even if the guess has a margin of error) how many troops went down, but not whether the thing was running low in the water with anything else at all?
I agree. I'm not sure why it gives you nearly exact information about troop composition but nothing in the way of supply, resources, or oil. It wouldn't change the way I do anything but it'd be nice to know if I'm sinking an empty ship or one laden with treasures of the Far East.
Quote from: FarAway Sooner on March 19, 2016, 01:23:41 PM
I'm not so sure on that. Whether it's dive-bombing or torpedo bombing, how do you tell what might be on a ship without boarding it?
Subs (and anyone else really) could tell from experience whether a transport had
something on it by how low it set in the water. So the game should be able to tell you
something was on the ship even if it wasn't men.
As to what, watch the water afterward. Lots of bodies with gear = troops. Lots of oil, maybe on fire = oil. Lots of explosions as the ship goes down = munitions. Lots of load that just goes straight down = metal things, but some debris might still be floating on the water. Don't even need to hang around much to see some of that; or even hang around at all to
hear some of that on the sonar. Lots of burning sounds, oil. Lots of booms, munitions. Lots of screams, troops. Lots of weird clanking sounds, metal.
Or they could use those X-Ray Torpedoes. ::)
Kyz, do you use WITP Tracker?
Just curious.
Quote from: jomni on March 21, 2016, 01:20:07 AM
Kyz, do you use WITP Tracker?
Just curious.
I've looked into it a couple of times but I never actually used it. I don't remember why. I'll have to check into it again. Thanks for the reminder.
I stumbled across this site earlier today. Thought you might be interested.
http://ww2live.com/en (http://ww2live.com/en)
Very nice video. Thanks for posting SDR.
Great stuff, SDR. Thanks!
I'd never known it until a year or two ago, but naval AA was another great example of doctrine struggling to catch up with technology. Let me expand a little on my understanding of the exact limitations that the Japanese had with AA fire control on their 25mm cannons early in the war.
When a dive-bomber is attacking, it's typically coming in at an angle of between 65 and 80 degrees. At the incredible dive speeds they came in at, this meant they were moving very fast. They also dropped their bombs well above their targets, in order to give themselves time to pull out of the dive without ripping their wings out or blacking their pilot out.
WW II movies show lots of .50 caliber fire serving in an AA role, but in a classical dive bombing attack, your machine guns weren't going to be very effective. AA planners quickly realized that just throwing bullets up into the sky at a target moving that quickly wasn't a great way to shoot it down before it dropped its weapons. So they moved towards larger guns throwing shells higher up into the sky that were big enough to explode.
However, this is where it becomes a much more complicated 3-dimensional mathematical problem. Gunners needed to be able to predict the altitude of an aircraft and fire shells that would detonate at the right altitude. Against an airplane dropping 500-700 feet/second, this was harder.
They didn't ask AA gunners to do this math on the fly--they gave mechanical aids like sight rings to estimate by how much of the plane filled the ring to estimate how high it was, etc. But those sights needed to be correct and you needed to have your crews trained with how to use those sights.
The Japanese place great emphasis on fighting spirit, but they also overemphasized offense. This led to inadequate resources and planning being dedicated to things like AA doctrine, damage control, etc. This doctrine worked fine in the early months of the war, but by Coral Sea and Midway, the shortcomings of this approach were starting to become pretty clear.
Wow -- I am about to lose a whole day watching those videos!! 8) O0
AA doctrine never really caught up with airplanes and their tactics until the proximity fuse was developed.
Prior to that, the USN had two basic tactics. Barrage fire was choosing a window that the dive bomber stream had to pass through. Then you threw everything, included fused shells timed to explode, into that window. The theory was that if there was enough fire in the window, any surviving plane and it's crew would be shaken up enough to ruin their approach.
The other was using a rocker arm in the fire control. Basically, you fired at the bomber stream at say 2,500 feet. After so many seconds, the altitude was adjusted to 2,300 feet, and then again adjusted all the way down.
Neither really worked well.
The better the bomber crews, the less effective nearby flak was in disrupting their attacks.
The proximity fuse was a real marvel for it's time, and very unrepresented in the annals of WW2 weapons. One of it's variants was basically a tiny radar emitter in a cannon shell:
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b7/MK53_fuze.jpg/300px-MK53_fuze.jpg)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proximity_fuze
Some detailed information from a study of kamikaze defense.
Type of Attack Planes Shot Down Rounds per Plane
20 mm 40 mm 5"/38 MT* 5"/38 VT
Kamikaze 24 27,200 6,000 1,000 200
Non-Kamikaze 41 30,100 4,500 1,000 550
* MT = Mechanical Timer (i.e., Time Fuzed AA Common)
These figures are from the Special Defense Operations Research Group (SpecORG) study, "AA Defense of the Fast Carrier Task Force - 24 October 1944 To 21 March 1945", Anti-Aircraft Study No. 8, revised 11 September 1945. They address only carrier task groups, for which the best data were available.
Fascinating stuff! Your mastery of the topic is clearly advanced far beyond my own.
It's easy to get caught up in the technical aspects, but never forget the human operator.
Was in the Med during a NATO op. My ship still had two 5" mounts, but no missiles, and I was in the after director, Sky Two.
Two A7 Corsairs came in low and slow, and weren't picked up on radar. When they spotted us, they hit the gas, and a lookout saw the puff of smoke.
The operator in Sky One said, "I'll take the one on the right, you take the one on the left."
We both got locks, when the two planes flipped position. The one on the right became the one on the left.
At their rate of closure, this tiny bit of confusion created a bit of hesitation. The refs allowed us one kill, but the other got through and damaged the ship.
Things happen so fast that any little edge can be devastating, and the Mark I Mod 0 human is fallible.
Meanwhile the codebreakers have picked up high level chatter with Tojo acknowledging that whoever is organizing the Allied forces has become some kind of mystical samurai spirit warrior -- one obscure enough, a Je'dai, that our cultural advisors have never even heard of it before. :o ???
Obi Wan Nimitz.
I'm beginning to think the best parts of this thread happen when I don't have the time to do updates. You guys do a great job of posting excellent and interesting content in my absence.
I've gotten wrangled into coaching not one but two kids soccer teams. Tonight is an off night so I should be able to post an update or two when I get home.
If Geekamoto is somehow implying that the Allies have some great tactician on their side he will be very disappointed then when his Grand Strategy ultimately wins this war/game.
Kyz, coaching your kids' soccer teams is great and all. I've avoided that very obligation for my son's team this afternoon by arranging a blizzard.
Of course, the stay-at-home day for the kids isn't exactly the "day of leisure" one hopes for... ;D
Quote from: FarAway Sooner on March 23, 2016, 11:34:32 AM
Kyz, coaching your kids' soccer teams is great and all. I've avoided that very obligation for my son's team this afternoon by arranging a blizzard.
Of course, the stay-at-home day for the kids isn't exactly the "day of leisure" one hopes for... ;D
Haha. I wish I could control the weather like that. I have a couple of "days off" with the kids next week. It'll be more work than being at work.
April 10th, 1942
First we check in on our favorite Geekanese kid's show.
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Of course these guys sink yet another AK. As soon as I can determine where Geek is going I may turn the Brit carriers loose
on the Fuso. These guys continue to have free reign over the area. Soon, Fuso. Soon. :knuppel2:
Geek tests the CAP at AM.
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Allies 4 Geek 0
Again
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Allies 14 Geek 1
and again..
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Allies 15 Geek 3
...and again...
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Allies 22 Geek 3
...and again.
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Geek really went all out trying to take down my CAP. He never sent bombers. I imagine he sent the fighters to test the waters.
He may be trying to find a window through which to attack my transports. His second tier pilots stand no better chance than mine do
against his best pilots. By continuing to beat him here at AM, I'm hoping there's no pool to draw from when he has to start replacing his
losses. Final score: Allies 24 Geek 3.
ASW at Palmyra.
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I've been keeping an ASW presence here to prevent Geek from resupplying Palmyra. I'll revisit trying to capture Palmyra
later. Since Geek's carriers are all in the area of Java I may be able to grab an island or two that are better strategically. Time
to send out the PBY's. Find us an island!
Bombing Bundaberg.
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This was just one of about 5 or 6 waves of bombers that hit his troops here. We're keeping up the pressure.
Geek fights back though.
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Soon I should have some Airacobras flying CAP. Let's hope they can scare away some of these bombers.
Ground battle at Bundaberg.
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I don't know how they're holding on. My armor column should be here next turn, if they're not then Bunda falls.
Air over Rockhampton.
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I'm surprised we got through AND only lost 1 bomber. We did some damage to the airfield. Maybe this will minimize
some of his bomber raids over Bunda. I want to try again but his transports should be in the area so I kind of want to
set everyone to Naval Attack to see if we can knock a few more of those out before they off load.
Bombing Koepang.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202016-03-16%252017.37.46.png&hash=790cb2967a4f34fa46aa62d87b76ddb9427d819a)
Koewhat? Where? The little base of Koepang on the island of Timor has a nice airfield from which Geek is launching CAP checks
over Darwin, or so I thought. I didn't find any planes there. I may have some DD's bombard it as well. Just to make sure.
Geek going to Oz!!!
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Damn it! I was much better prepared in the India/Burma theater. Most everything in Oz is on the East Coast. And they're
desperately needed there! If he goes for Darwin then I'll have time to get some stuff back towards Perth, on the West side.
If he goes straight for Perth then I'm screwed and this war is just about over. The only good thing is Perth has a level 5 airfield
that is almost at level 6. That means I can fly anything out of Perth and it's big enough to hold just about everything I have. If
it looks like he's going for Perth, and not Darwin, then I'll start transferring my most capable Naval Attack planes to Perth and pray
that we can get through his CAP and hit some of his transports. The way it looks like he's set up is his big carriers in front plus escorts,
his transports in the middle as well as minesweepers(?). The caboose is some smaller, empty(?) carriers. I have to figure a way to get
at the transports or this AAR will soon be over.
April 11th, 1942
We start the day with a little bombardment of Rockhampton
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I was actually hoping to catch Geek's transports here. We chewed up more of the runway, damaged a few planes and
killed a few troops but no transports. If I make Rockhampton an inhospitable place for planes and ships then Geek may have
to land his troops further North. That means more time for Bundaberg.
Speaking of Bundaberg, a little surface combat.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202016-03-19%252013.28.54.png&hash=b31c88bea3f64666b0371eaa835ffe93f92b4981)
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I'm not sure there was a winner here but we continue to knock his DD's out of commission. My subs may be able to
breathe a little easier but it's his transports I really want.
And a little bombing.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202016-03-19%252013.32.56.png&hash=3aec42b94b5ea51029162b0a8298526df06c2d01)
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We've managed to disrupt him enough to allow my tanks to arrive. We will now begin bombarding his troops as well.
I have my to largest infantry units headed here to begin the counter attack. If I don't have to ship half my aircraft to
Perth then I'll start pushing him back as soon as the infantry gets here. I'm still hoping Geek is going to Darwin.
SBD's find some DD's
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There's destroyers everywhere! You can't swing a monkey and not hit one. I flew off most of the carrier based dive bombers
so they could still stay in range just in case the transports showed up. Shockingly, they found destroyers instead.
Flak at Padang.
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Were damaging the heck out of his bombers but they keep coming back. I'm beginning to think the poor Gekanese mechanics
are nothing more than a myth. His bombers here seem almost Hydra-like.
Here's what the seas off Java look like.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202016-03-19%252015.24.06.png&hash=5aa2e33cd29c5f3d0cc7241852c8cc82f7dd21a2)
Again, he's got his transports and I think minesweepers sandwiched between big CV's w/ lots of planes and smaller CV(E's and L's)
that don't appear to be carrying any aircraft. It would've been awesome if I would have left the Brit CV's at Colombo. I could have
tried to catch up the the trailing, empty CV's and taken them out. Chaos would've ruled. Sadly, those Brit CV's are still at Bombay
because I decided to put them in for repairs. You know, it's not like I was going to need them. :uglystupid2:
Here's what is waiting for me at Aden.
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If I only had some transports...
Few people know that the English translation for "Fuso" is," Makes enemies cuss a lot". ;D Otherwise 2 good turns KyzBP. You're really starting to do some serious damage to his aircraft numbers and maybe turning the tide in Australia. The big question is where's his task force headed?
"Fusoff"? >:D
I guess it's too late to build the "Trans-Outback Railway" to move your troops west to Perth? We'll see if that's the sight of his biggest victory yet, or if Perth turns into the Blooming Onion that the IJN Just Couldn't Bite...
It's my understanding that the game models aircrew experience separately from pilot experience. I have no idea whether the Japanese had the same "good but not deep" sophistication among their aircrews. It sounds like maybe he's got some good air crews supporting those bombers.
It's also possible that "damage" from AAs just means you hit him with a single .50 cal bullet? Seriously, it doesn't get much credit, but AA did all sorts of damage in WW II. If you believe everything you read on the Internet, 50% of US heavy bomber casualties in the 8th AF in Europe were due to AA. Midway's flak also gets little credit, but shot down/rendered inoperable a lot more craft than fighters. The attrition effect was especially telling on carrier-based air, where there were no ready replacement pools to draw on.
Post-war surveys by US bomber command also estimated that almost 60% of the reduction in radial bombing accuracy was due to AA.
Obviously, I have no idea if the game models any of this.
Quote from: Sir Slash on March 23, 2016, 10:11:40 PM
Few people know that the English translation for "Fuso" is," Makes enemies cuss a lot". ;D Otherwise 2 good turns KyzBP. You're really starting to do some serious damage to his aircraft numbers and maybe turning the tide in Australia. The big question is where's his task force headed?
That's the big question. I'm a few days behind again and I'm still not 100% sure but I now have a pretty good idea.
"I guess it's too late to build the "Trans-Outback Railway" to move your troops west to Perth? We'll see if that's the sight of his biggest victory yet, or if Perth turns into the Blooming Onion that the IJN Just Couldn't Bite..."I do have a rail line that run between Perth and Sydney with many points in between. It just takes more time than I probably have to get units back to Perth. AND by sending troops and planes back to Perth I weaken my resistance at Bundaberg. I have a new strategy that I'll reveal in a few days. This has been one crazy game.
April 12th, 1942
Sub attack at Rockhampton
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I wonder what triggers the sub to want to attack on the surface. The Triton pumped 11 shells into the small AKL. The AKL
fires back 1 shot and we run away. Be glad Stalin isn't in charge of the Allied sub forces. I do like that the Captain was bold
enough to strike in port though.
B-25's hunting at Rockhampton.
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Another destroyer that we won't have to worry about for awhile. I think we've heavily damaged or sunk 11 or 12 of Geek's
DD's over the course of about a week. He's going to have to step up production to start replacing the planes and destroyers
he's losing.
B-25 goes after transports.
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If you look in the bottom left window it says a Mitchell failed to link up with the other B-25's and is going at it alone. Of course
it's the lost Mitchell that finds the transports. A full squadron may have hit one of these transports. The CAP protecting them
is very light.
B-17's find Oscars at Koepang.
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Well, it was one...and it was on the ground. That's still not giving me enough information as to Koepang's aircraft composition.
Right now none of his aircraft are bothering Darwin so I'll let Koepang slide for awhile.
DB-7's bomb Bundaberg.
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They paid a bit of a price for that one. I should have some escorts going into action next turn so maybe that'll deter some of
those Geekanese fighters.
Another AK hit off Hawaii
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It looks like I'm going to have to send out some ASW. A lot of the ships and planes I was using as ASW here are now
committed elsewhere so I'll be using the bottom of the barrel ASW assets around here for awhile.
Geek's invasion force.
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It's looking strongly like the West side of Australia, probably Perth. I'm rushing whatever I can spare in that direction. I
can almost guarantee that whatever I send will be woefully inadequate. It sure would have been nice if those B-25's could
have stayed together located those tranny's transports.
Note: your screenshot for the attack near Hawaii got miscued to something else.
Quote from: JasonPratt on March 24, 2016, 04:05:17 PM
Note: your screenshot for the attack near Hawaii got miscued to something else.
Fixed. Thanks.
April 13th, 1942
Surface combat at Rockhampton.
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I was sending in everything I had in the area just in case those transports were there. Just more destroyers. I hope
Geek has a lot of spare parts for destroyers.
Sub finds a transport at Rockham.
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It's the Triton again and he's on the surface again. No faith in the torps. He manages to get 10 shell hits. This AK seems
to be unarmed...and empty. :(
Daylight come and Geek want to go home.
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That destroyer was tough to take down but eventually yielded to superior numbers. Still no transports.
Transports!
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AND THEY'RE EMPTY!!! [insert string of 4 letter words] We failed. All these empty transports means his troops are
on dry land and no doubt headed down to Bundaberg. I can't hope to stop Geek at Bundaberg AND Perth. Most likely I won't
stop him in either place now. I'm making a command decision. We'll attempt to slow Geek down at Bundaberg and eventually
fall back to Brisbane. Perth is now the prize. I'm sending a mess of bombers and most of the carrier planes to Perth. My only
hope is to hit the transports while they're at sea. All I need is a few bombers to get through and land a couple of lucky shots.
This sounds vaguely familiar.
Up near Darwin one of his ground units tried to sneak up on Katherine.
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I dropped a few bombs on these guys to slow them down. I have a few decent units at Katherine so I'm not too worried
here yet. If he were to take it though, it would block my retreat from Darwin causing all the units there to surrender. I'm
still not worried yet.
Bombing Bunda.
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Still trying to keep him disorganized. I like that he lost a Zero to my bombers. If I'm going to hold here I need air
superiority so every downed fighter helps.
Bombarding Moulmein.
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That place really should be a big crater right now. I'm going to send these guys back to Colombo and hopefully have
them meet up with the Brit CV's. Then we're going Fuso hunting. This war is not over until the Fuso sinks.
Carrier planes bomb Bihoro.
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I'm trying to keep these bases clear of aircraft. I don't want anything to go wrong as I continue my march up the
Kuriles.
Marauders join in the fun.
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They're doing the same thing the carrier planes are doing. I really want to do more here but I have to wait for Pratt Field. It's
probably a week or so away from accepting the 4E's. I have a lot of them ready to go. I'm just hoping there's still a war going
so I can use them.
In China, we lost Kumming.
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This may seem hard to believe but I have a plan for saving China. I'll show it in a couple of days. Let's just say that
I'm going to kill the snake by chopping off it's tail and working my way to the head because the head's just too damn scary.
Sunken ships.
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These are the sunken ships for the last 5ish days. There's a few more DD's of his that are further down. We've taken out
a good number of those plus we're hitting the empty transports. As long as his CV's are clustered in one spot I plan
on taking out as many of his other ships as I can.
So what kind of juicy targets are available for your soon to be active bombers in the north? Can you firebomb cities this early or at all?
So much fixation on Fusou.
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*That's Fusou from KanColle web browser game.
QuoteKantai Collection, also known as KanColle, is an online browser game in which one assumes the role of an admiral, assembles a fleet of kanmusu ('ship girls' based on World War II-era ships and submarines), & battles against fleets of unknown warships.
Quote from: Sir Slash on March 24, 2016, 11:07:14 PM
So what kind of juicy targets are available for your soon to be active bombers in the north? Can you firebomb cities this early or at all?
I've never gotten this far in the game. There's an option to bomb cities. I'm going to go after the airfields first and then the cities/manufacturing. If he fails at Perth(?)
then I want to deny him the ability to recover.
Quote from: jomni on March 25, 2016, 04:09:53 AM
So much fixation on Fusou.
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*That's Fusou from KanColle web browser game.
QuoteKantai Collection, also known as KanColle, is an online browser game in which one assumes the role of an admiral, assembles a fleet of kanmusu ('ship girls' based on World War II-era ships and submarines), & battles against fleets of unknown warships.
In my mind she looks more devious, a more annoying smirk.
April 14th, 1942
Much will be revealed today.
First, A sub attack at Rockhampton.
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Another empty transport. It says the sub was attacking on the surface but it hit with a torpedo. Ok. It is funny how
the Dutch subs continue to use torpedoes while the American subs are beginning to attack on the surface using their deck
guns. I guess as long as they're hitting stuff then they can do whatever they want.
Another sub attack at Rockham.
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If the war drags on at least we'll have reduced his transport capability.
Mitchell's over Rockham.
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Look Mom, more destroyers. The B-25's continue to impress. The big question is do I keep them here or send them
to Perth?
Air over Bundaberg.
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This raid was doomed from the start. The DB-7 squadron is my lowest experience squadron in the area and it was protected
by a single P-38. It was the first P-38 sortie and the first P-38 shot down. I'll have to stand down the other P-38's until
they are all up and ready. Sending them piecemeal is pointless.
Holding at Nanning.
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These guys will probably fall but it's ok. Remember, I have a plan. :uglystupid2:
Somethings missing.
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Where are the transports???? I have both carrier bookends but none of the transports. Did they break East towards Darwin?
Did they break West to stay out of land based bomber range? If they went West, are we still looking at Perth or are they going
to travel more South and eventually head to Melbourne or Sydney? Not knowing where they are is far worse than knowing they're
headed to Perth.
Now, The Plan.
If Perth is the target then this war could be over within a week. Geek should have enough Victory Points to trigger Auto Victory (I still
don't know what that exact number is). I have to prevent him from getting those points. Given what I have at Perth I won't be able to
stop him by being defensive. I have to go on the offense and capture as many points as he does to maintain a status quo. How can I
possibly do that? I have to be creative and I have to be bold. So here it is: Invade Hokkaido.
I know it will trigger his emergency replacements but that shouldn't really matter right now. Here's why:
I control the air and seas around Hokkaido. I have transports that are still unloading troops at AM. I will
have those transports load all the combat troops around AM and begin taking Hokkaido. Any 2 bases at
Hokkaido is worth more than Perth. Once I take a base on Hokkaido, the captured base will allow me to
bomb any transports headed to reinforce Hokkaido. I also have 2 invasion groups that were going to be
used elsewhere now being redirected to Hokkaido.
The Wasp has set sail for AM to augment the CV's already there. Surface combat ships at Hawaii and the
West Coast are now inbound to AM. I can't imagine he has either the naval or air power to take me on at
Hokkaido. He may have the ground troops at first but I plan on using bombers and naval guns to soften them.
As long as I can take a base before he takes Perth(?) I should be ok.
Phase 1a addresses his soft rear areas (not what you're thinking). All remnant troops that Geek bypassed will
begin probing for unoccupied bases and reclaiming them. It may only be 3 points here or 5 points there but it's
Zero Sum, If I get the points then he doesn't.
Phase 2 deals with "REFORJAP". Geek's return of his carriers to Japan.
If I can stalemate him in Australia and he finally sends his carriers to deal with AM I will plan on an ambush. Soon I will
have 4 Brit CV's. I'm counting on the Battle for Perth to diminish some of his CV aircraft strength. Once he heads for
home, I'll arrange a meeting with the Brit CV's. If they can further attrit his pilots, I'll then meet him with the AM carriers
and the best pilots I have. Hopefully that will be the end of his carriers and the war.
AM started as a distraction, turned into an operation, then an occupation. Starting today it is a full fledged Front. Who
would've thought?
Phase 2a. The "snake" I referred to earlier is China. Geek has a stack of doom that looks like is marching to India. Geek based Chungking,
where the bulk of Chinese power is located. As Geek continues to march towards India he not only gets weaker with every attack
but he continues to stretch his supply line. My plan is to have a very large force move down from Chungking and get on Geek's tail.
I'll recapture every base in his wake. If he turns around to face the Chunking forces then I'll have prevented him from invading India.
If he keeps going then he'll eventually weaken and run out of steam. If I'm retaking bases then he's gained nothing for his troubles.
That's basically it. It's all or nothing for both of us now. Wish me luck...unless you're cheering for Geek. >:(
Excellent! All fingers are crossed for you and that makes it hard to type.
Good luck! He who dares, wins, and all that.
Bold!
AFA Operation AM & Hokkaido go, isn't that the the place where the Snow Monkeys live?
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Very apropos. Perhaps they will greet your troops as liberators!
Quote from: Staggerwing on March 25, 2016, 11:55:41 AM
Bold!
AFA Operation AM & Hokkaido go, isn't that the the place where the Snow Monkeys live?
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Very apropos. Perhaps they will greet your troops as liberators!
We can use all the force multipliers we can get. Unleash the Poo Flingers!
Thank you, Gentlemen! One way or another this will be over soon.
April 15th, 1942
Of course as soon as I announce my plan I start ending up on the losing end of battles. >:(
Padang.
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One of Fuso's friends sunk my AK. It only had a little supply left on it and was trying to flee Padang. We can handle that
except Padang could really use the supplies right now.
Off of Geraldton, North of Perth, Geek's escorts find a couple of AK's
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These Ak's were transporting 12 C-47 cargo planes that were supposed to help keep Katherine supplied. I had them running at
full speed but that wasn't fast enough. His carrier planes would've got me during the day I'm sure.
Bombarding Attu.
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For no reason other than to harass the troops there. Other than by sub, I don't think he can resupply here. I guess it keeps
my crews sharp as well.
Sub at Palmyra.
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Again, I think he's supplying these outposts using subs. If I sink subs around here then I'm kind of killing 2 birds with one
depth charge. I sink a sub AND he gets no rice.
Wirraways near Katherine.
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They got themselves jumped by the Oscars I was looking for. The Oscars are actually based in Australia I think. I can't really
do anything about it as I have sent everything to Perth.
B-26's hit Hokkaido.
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Nothing new about this except one little thing...Etorofu is now in Allied hands! The best part is it didn't cost me a single man
to capture it. It switched over on it's own. Some kind of Sphere of Influence thing I suspect. That speeds up my Hokkaido timetable
by a couple of days and, once the airfield is built, puts me in range of Tokyo. We have a ballgame, kids.
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Transports found.
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I'm not sure if this is good or bad news. There are 2 things we can deduce though.
- They're not going to Darwin.
- They're not moving very fast.
The fact that they're moving slowly means I'll get an extra day to attempt to bomb them and to get troops in place to slow them down.
$20 says that if there's destroyers there, they'll be the first to die.
I get the impression Japan can't trigger an autovictory until 1943. If I was less lazy, I'd walk 20 feet over to where I keep the instructions and check on that. ;)
Quote from: JasonPratt on March 25, 2016, 04:00:07 PM
I get the impression Japan can't trigger an autovictory until 1943. If I was less lazy, I'd walk 20 feet over to where I keep the instructions and check on that. ;)
I guess I could always use the Google Machine.
*edit* I can't find a definitive number. I've seen 3x my points by 44 and double by 45. I haven't seen any real number. I may have more time than I thought.
I was thinking 4x Allied points by 43.
Which seems confirmed indirectly by your info, since that would fit a pattern.
One might suppose the pattern would be extended, in theory, by 5x Allied points anytime in 42.
Damn KyzBP. You bombed Hokkaido so hard Etorofu surrendered! What the hell did you drop on them? I think I would've had to claim that was my plan all along. ^-^
Seals and snow apes.
The horror of their splatting created a morale drop in the island between, so they surrendered to avoid the coming horror.
>:D
Quote from: Sir Slash on March 25, 2016, 10:39:37 PM
Damn KyzBP. You bombed Hokkaido so hard Etorofu surrendered! What the hell did you drop on them? I think I would've had to claim that was my plan all along. ^-^
Maybe by bombing Japan, Hokkaido will surrender as well. ;)
Quote from: JasonPratt on March 26, 2016, 08:08:55 AM
Seals and snow apes.
The horror of their splatting created a morale drop in the island between, so they surrendered to avoid the coming horror.
>:D
As good an explaination as any.
I'm thinking poor Geekamoto will get a migraine trying to figure out how your Stealth Marines captured one of his islands. ;D
Quote from: Sir Slash on March 26, 2016, 09:19:22 AM
I'm thinking poor Geekamoto will get a migraine trying to figure out how your Stealth Marines captured one of his islands. ;D
My "Leaflet" squadron can be very persuasive. ;)
Is there some sort of option that shows the total losses during the war for you, KyzBP?
Quote from: Excroat3 on March 26, 2016, 12:32:02 PM
Is there some sort of option that shows the total losses during the war for you, KyzBP?
Welcome, Excroat3! Yes there is. In the upcoming days I'll post some of the losses for both UCG and I. Any losses in particular you want to see?
Nope, just curious!
Geek has a lost a bunch of airplanes. KyzBP has lost a bunch of islands.
Is Australia an island?
Quote from: FarAway Sooner on March 26, 2016, 04:03:38 PM
Geek has a lost a bunch of airplanes. KyzBP has lost a bunch of islands.
Is Australia an island?
I'm hoping to take a couple of REALLY big islands from Geek. :knuppel2:
April 16th, 1942
Transports at Rockhampton.
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No surprise that they were all empty. But the DD's cleared the way for these guys:
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I wish I knew to what extent "damaged" was, well, damaged. Are those planes going to be out for a day, a week?
Will they be cannibalized? Will Some of them never be repaired. Initially the damage looks great. It just doesn't
seem to stick.
Minor surface engagement at Sorong.
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When I thought Darwin might be the target I sent every ship in port in every direction. Some of the AK's took supplies
and escorts with them. The already beaten-up DD Piet Hein was sent to Sorong along with an AKL to resupply Sorong
and then to proceed to Pearl. Geek's random tanker escort just happened upon the Piet Hein. If she stays afloat, I'll try
to get her to either Canton or Pearl. I don't think any of the hits Geeks ships took are life threatening.
Bombing Bundberg.
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Huh? No CAP today? Weird. Maybe Geek's CAP is based at Rockham. ;)
This is the current match up at Bundaberg.
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I'd love to send him fleeing from here except he has higher Attack Values. I'm better off just letting him crash into my
troops for awhile. As long as I don't lose Bunda I'll be alright here.
Transports sunk near Sumatra.
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$$%^@#!&^$% >:( >:( :tickedoff: :tickedoff:
Bombing Kushiro.
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I want to make sure the airfields are unusable and then we're going to start hitting the troops.
Nanning falls.
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Remember, I have China under control. :uglystupid2:
Geek's transports are beginning their decent into Australia.
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It looks like they may be angling towards Geraldton. I won't know for sure until tomorrow. My bombers should be in
range as well. Hang on. This is about to get real interesting.
April 17th, 1942
AK battles a sub.
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This is one of the random ships I sent away from Darwin. She manages to get some hit's on the sub but she ultimately
slips beneath the waves. It looks like Geek has/had the narrow waters around Horn Is. covered. Early in the war I put
subs in the exact same location and I don't remember them attacking a single Geekanese vessel.
Dive bombers at AM intercepted.
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I got complacent thinking Geek had given up on the air war at AM. That mistake cost me about half of my carrier
based dive bombers. Since Geek threw almost 90 fighters at me, I'm going to up my air efforts and also begin a campaign
to clear the airfields on Hokkaido. That's going to take some time because, well, he has 90(+) fighters now and I don't
have the range (yet) to escort my bombers over his airfields. I do have a few surface ships floating around though...
B-25's attack a tanker.
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I have my few remaining aircraft around Siberoet set to Naval Attack. They've been randomly attacking targets of
opportunity all around Sumatra and Singapore. They just weren't hitting anything. The B-25's that I sent over
from Tjilatjap on Java immediately went to work. I need more of these guys.
Bombing Bundagrad
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We flew another 6 to 8 missions over and around Bundaberg. There has been little to no CAP present and we seem
to take out about 150-200 troops each day. I'm sure Geek is waiting for his reinforcements before attempting to
retake Bundaberg. I think I'm renaming it Bundagrad before some Russian city starts copyrighting the whole
"Grad" fad.
Another sub is hit at Canton.
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The subs at Canton are the Bards of this game. The Bard reference if from The Gamers: Dorkness Rising. If you've
never seen it you owe it to yourself to watch it. These subs just won't go away. I hit one, kill one and another pops
right back up. I'm going to bring in some better ASW ships and see if we can't just clear Canton once and for all.
4E's attack transports off Geraldton.
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And miss. This is the first attack on Geek's transports. There was no CAP, I guess he didn't really need any. These
ships should be much closer next turn. I figure I have 2 more turns before they land somewhere so I desperately need
to score some hits. Perth is as ready as she's going to get. I can't fit another plane at Perth. In 2 days we'll have some answers.
As requested, here are 2 screens showing some of the aircraft and ship losses.
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What's kind of funny is Operational Losses for the Zero are higher than Combat Losses. Maybe it does model the
attitude of the Japanese ground crew after all.
Zounds! (For Easter... 8) ) If he throws 55 Oscars at you, I guess it doesn't matter that they're like monowing Sopwith Camels, huh.
Quote from: JasonPratt on March 29, 2016, 09:25:41 AM
Zounds! (For Easter... 8) ) If he throws 55 Oscars at you, I guess it doesn't matter that they're like monowing Sopwith Camels, huh.
Enough ants can take down any animal. :(
Geek has lost a lot of DDs! But then, you already knew that ;D
April 18th, 1942
Bihoro bombarded.
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So much for revenge. He's apparently not using Bihoro to launch attacks. We'll try another field next turn and keep
bombarding fields until we find the right one. If he has to keep moving his fighters around then he can't launch attacks
with them. I haven't seen any bombers but I know he has a crap ton of them. He's been hitting Wuchow with about 200
a day so they're not too far away.
Bombarding Attu.
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Nothing more than harassment/recon by fire. The game lets me know which unit I'm bombarding so it helps knowing
what I'm dealing with should I decide to retake Attu. That doesn't seem like a priority right now.
Dutch sub at Japan.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202016-03-27%252018.06.46.png&hash=11605e13fdd5d065439eb8c0b3eea936acced741)
He managed to hit an "E" boat/ship. I have no idea what that is. I'd rather he take aim at tankers and AP's.
Geek planes over Bundagrad.
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Looks like a pretty even exchange. I sent my best fighters to Perth so this could get a little sketchy for awhile.
We retort.
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We have to find a way to take bigger bites out of his troops before they collect themselves a take the "B". We won't
get a back for awhile if he pushes us out. My best troops also headed to Perth. I figure my troops can consolidate once
Geek pushes me back to Melbourne.
Chinese take Kweiyang.
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I told you guys I have this China thing under control. Here's the bigger picture:
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The Geek unit NW of Kunming is Geek's super stack. There's about 500K troops in that stack. My 400k stack at
Chungking just sent 200k to retake Kweiyang, effectively cutting off Geek's super stack from it's supplies. That's
A LOT of mouths to feed by living off the land. If he keeps the stack intact, then I'll continue to follow him and retake
everything he just took. His stack will continue to weaken until it turns to dust. If he splits his stack to keep me from
following then I'll just bombard the bejesus out of his troops until they are weak and supply-less. Then we just roll through
him. India and Burma should be ok.
Butuan reoccupied.
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The remnant troops begin their reconquest of the rear areas. It doesn't appear Geek left anything behind so I'll try
to grab as many "free" points as I can. Every little bit may help.
Hudsons hit transports.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202016-03-27%252018.11.16.png&hash=6b994e879c76f7a2f2ca4d5e9b5bb3db3acb08e3)
Day 2. Now we're getting somewhere. It wasn't much in the way of units lost but it shows we can hit them.
4E's go after the carriers.
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Damn it. That would have been spectacular. Trying to hit a ship from 10,000 feet though, is a lot to ask. All we have
to do is get lucky once. I know Geek has to sweating bullets. Invasions are incredibly tense for both sides, especially
when so much is on the line.
SBD's go after some Battleships.
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No luck here either. Here's where I really wish I could manually prioritize targets. I'd much rather be wasting ordinance
on transports.
New development: Perth may not be the target!
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That image doesn't look like an invasion force descending into Perth. It looks more like he's trying to skirt Perth!
F me! I'm going to stay at it for another turn but if he's not landing troops on this side then the wheels are about to come off
Australia.
Where's he heading? Antarctica? :idiot2:
This is your E-class ship.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_escort_Kunashiri
April 19th, 1942
And it begins.
SBD's find transports off Perth.
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The SBD's from the bomber laden carrier group (now land based) score some decent hits. The CAP is really light over
the transports. I'll venture that he's protecting the carriers instead. I'm going to keep the escort light and keep my
CAP heavy over Perth in case Geek decides to shut down the airfield there.
Mitchell's hit the transports.
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The B-25's continue to impress. Round One of the invasion cost Geek about 1300 troops...or about 1% of what I estimate
he's bringing. We probably have 1 day, maybe 2 before boots hit the beach. If we only knock out 3% of his invasion
force then we'll probably lose Australia. I don't think there's any chance I can keep Oz if I'm fighting a 2 front war here. If
he takes Perth, I hope that will trigger my reinforcements.
Here's what it looks like around Perth.
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My small Surface Combat Group at the top has been shadowing his force, looking for an opening to strike. There
should be a few damaged transports that are now trailing behind. I'm hoping these guys will get a chance to pick them
off while Geek's carriers and combat ships are at the front of the formation. I've also sent every sub within 1000 miles
of Australia towards Perth. Maybe they can hit some of the empty or damaged transports as they head back to Japan
or Singapore.
Sub attack off Japan.
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I have a lot of subs here now. At least one takes a shot every turn. Having the torpedoes detonate is another story.
At first he had a lot of DD ASW patrols, now it's just second line patrol boats. His DD's have moved and may be up to
something. I wish I knew if he was feeling any of the pressure I'm trying to put on him around Japan.
Geek bombs Bundagrad.
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Nothing special except they came in without escort and all I could muster was 2 P-39's. I'm transferring anything that
can reach Oz to, well, Oz. There's no point in protecting the South Pacific if all of Geek's assets are in Australia.
We bomb Bunda and the surrounding suburbs.
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I'm not sure where his fighters went, possibly the bombardments at Rockhampton having an effect, but I may send
my next waves of bombers in without escort so I can increase my CAP over Bundaberg and take down some of
those bombers of his.
Tsuyung falls.
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All part of the plan...His. :-\ Not really unexpected. I'm sure he see's me behind him now and will leave a larger garrison
at Tsuyung, weakening his forces that are driving towards India. in about a week, I'll receive a bunch of reinforcements at Chungking.
I'll move a large force to retake Tsuyung. I'm also moving some idle bombers to the East side of India to begin
bombing his Stack of Doom. I don't think he can get any fighters there so I'll send anything that can drop a bomb. Even if I just reduce
his supply I'll be draining the blood out of his India push.
Port attack on Hokkaido.
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We didn't hit anything and only downed 1 Zero while losing 2 of our own. This almost isn't noteworthy except I think it shows I'm losing
my fighter edge here. These pilots have been here 2 months now. I really need to take the carriers and pilots back to U.S. waters and give
them a break but the game is balancing on a pinhead right now and any reduction of pressure here could push the odds permanently in his
favor. The Hornet has left San Diego and is on it's way here to help but her pilots aren't near the caliber of the pilots already here. I'll try
bleeding a few places to try and get more airpower here. Pratt Field is still a solid week away from accepting B-17's so we need to get the
fields closer to Japan into service so the fighters can protect the bombers.
I need more stuff!
Quote from: KyzBP on April 01, 2016, 08:15:19 AM
April 19th, 1942
...
I need more stuff!
Said every General in every war..... ;D
April 20th, 1942
The day starts with a morning bombardment of Bundagrad.
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Well, actually the troops headed to Bundaberg. These guys have been moving pretty slow. I hope it's because the
bombings/bombardments are keeping them disrupted.
Bombing Bunda.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202016-03-28%252012.21.06.png&hash=87a6469a1c004275db0f2a4853ab2a0d2d405562)
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It looks like we knocked out our usual 200 troops. If I had about a month of uninterrupted bombing I might be able
to push him out of here. But he always answers back.
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Geek seems to go for my airfield here but with all the base support I have, the damage is repaired almost over night.
If he shifts to trying to hit my troops then I'll have to put up more CAP.
Bombarding Savaii.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202016-03-28%252012.16.10.png&hash=899a252b62fe2b520d681360a4069a7ab096be4b)
I can't give him a free ride anywhere. If I can hit it, then I should. (I think I heard Starfury say that once.)
SBD's relocate the transports.
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The Good News: We hit the transports again. The Bad News: We killed less than 250 men. I probably did Geek a
favor there as now he doesn't have to feed them. We HAVE TO hit more transports. Instead we did this:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1207.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb464%2FKyzBP%2FScreenshot%25202016-03-28%252012.46.39.png&hash=07b5330d0ca13d87f8a5bed5de8cc668bf346b4c)
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Ok, so we hit 2 Battleships a total of 3 times. That doesn't even scratch the paint. I looked in the rules, searched Wikipedia,
and had a Medium contact the ghost of Yamamoto, not a one of those said "Battleships can capture Land Bases." So why
in the hell are we hitting BB's when 3 bombs dropped on 3 transports could have done a ton more damage???? So far
that's the most frustrating mechanic of the game.Please let me prioritize!
Oh, and in case you didn't notice, I don't think he's going to Perth ???
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I'm almost completely convinced Perth IS NOT his target. I'm going to box up a bunch of troops and send them back to
Melbourne. I think he's going to hit Melbourne and then force himself on Sydney. I don't really have an answer for that.
I sent a bunch of transports to New Zealand to pick up every unit I can. If this is Geek's plan then those guys won't get
here in time. I'm sending all the fighters back East as well. Geek seems to be protecting just the carriers so I'll try to take
care of all his bombers at Bunda and then turn my aircraft towards Melbourne.
Oscars jump Blenheims.
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These bombers were set to select their own targets. Nice choice fella's. :idiot2: I know there's easier targets out there.
Geek bombers find Detroit.
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Not the city, but the light cruiser. I unintentionally left these guys without CAP. Things don't look so good for them.
And getting worse.
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I need to pay closer attention to detail. Little mistakes like this could cost me the theater. The Detroit will eventually sink.
I again feel the tide of war turning in Geek's favor. :(
QuoteHis DD's have moved and may be up to
something.
Something like replacing all the DD's you've knocked off down south?
Quote from: Airborne Rifles on April 01, 2016, 10:06:15 AM
QuoteHis DD's have moved and may be up to
something.
Something like replacing all the DD's you've knocked off down south?
That's kind of what I was thinking but I don't know if the Eastern side of Australia is a priority of his anymore. The good news is I have a lot of PBY coverage so I should get a heads up.
April 21st, 1942
I found the destroyers. Or should I say they found me.
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The predictably unpredictable bad weather kept his destroyers out of sight until they suddenly showed up at AM and
began sinking everything they could shoot at. Luckily I had just detached my carrier escort and those cruisers were
able to chase his destroyers away. I'm going to try to go after him with my SBDs which will hopefully have escort this time.
Better CAP at Bunda.
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I increased the CAP but he was able to bring escorts so it was kind of a wash. This area feels like Groundhog's Day. For
now, neither one of us can make any progress on neither the land nor in the air.
Battleship hit near Batavia. :knuppel2:
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I'm going to let the screenshot speak for itself. :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten:
That was really all the meat of that turn. There were continued bombings at Bundaberg, Wuchow, and some other Chinese cities.
Bad weather near Perth kept the sortie count to almost 0. What did launch didn't hit anything. I still can't tell exactly where he's
going. More aircraft transferred to Oz from nearby islands. They should be operational soon. If Geek doesn't land near Melbourne
then some of the reinforcements from NZ may be able to lend a hand.
April 22nd, 1942
We start the day by checking in on the airfield at Rockhampton.
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60 damaged Nells looks so impressive but the reality is they'll be dropping bombs on Bundaberg in 48 hours.
I plan to keep bombarding Rockhampton's airfield and the troops at Bundagrad until the barrels on the ships melt.
Air over Bundaberg.
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Only 35 Nells showed up today. Both his escorts and my CAP were equally unimpressive. I've got to find some uber
experience pilots to take advantage of the match up here.
Sub attack at Canton.
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I don't mind losing an empty AK as much as I'm getting ticked off at the amount of effort I'm putting into getting rid
of the subs here and they still manage to take out a ship every couple of days.
Sub attack at Nauru Island.
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My PBY's noticed a TF of transports or cargo ships headed to Nauru Island. I had a sub passing through the area so
he poked his nose in to see what was there. I have some destroyers in the area. They're going to head this way to further
investigate.
CAP intercepts SBD's.
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That hurts. It figures Geek throws up his CAP once I send my fighters back towards Sydney. These were some of
my best dive bomber pilots. It may take awhile to replace these guys.
SBD's hit Battleships.
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And that hurts even more. Now I'm really hurting for experienced dive bomber pilots. I'll call this karma though. If
these guys would've went after transports instead they may still be a complete squadron.
Cats at AM.
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Today's theme should have been What Happens When You Bomb Without Escort. The PBY pilots seem to make
better target choices than the average bomber pilot. I was a little surprised to see these guys get jumped by so many
fighters. I'm going to bring the carriers closer and try to engage these guys. I need to thin them out and it may be time
to see if my carrier pilots still have an advantage.
The transports near Perth have turned the corner and are about to head East. I still don't know their final destination but I've
got an opening with my Surface Combat TF. There's a big gap between his ships and my SC TF should be able to slip in and engage.
The problem is the SC TF has almost no chance of getting out alive, and if they miss the transports then it'll have been for nothing.
I don't think I really have a choice, I'm sending them in. Sorry there's no screenshot of this but I must have forgot to take it.
I trust that your pilots and planes around AM both have significant fatigue. The rule book PDF that I found indicates you can see that somewhere if you look, but you probably already knew that.
The target selection is maddening. OTOH, it's not like commanders at an airbase have the luxury of picking targets like appetizers in a Sizzler buffet. If your planes spot a target, you have limited intelligence on what it is and a limited window of time to launch your attack before those ships disappear into that big empty thing we call an ocean.
Suggests that you should always send escorts with your seasoned SBD pilots, maybe?
In terms of what he's doing, maybe Geek's sailors have just never seen the Aurora Australis and he's trying to afford them the privilege?
Quote from: FarAway Sooner on April 02, 2016, 01:34:24 AM
I trust that your pilots and planes around AM both have significant fatigue. The rule book PDF that I found indicates you can see that somewhere if you look, but you probably already knew that.
The target selection is maddening. OTOH, it's not like commanders at an airbase have the luxury of picking targets like appetizers in a Sizzler buffet. If your planes spot a target, you have limited intelligence on what it is and a limited window of time to launch your attack before those ships disappear into that big empty thing we call an ocean.
Suggests that you should always send escorts with your seasoned SBD pilots, maybe?
In terms of what he's doing, maybe Geek's sailors have just never seen the Aurora Australis and he's trying to afford them the privilege?
Their fatigue isn't too bad right now. They went a few days where nothing was happening at AM and were able to rest. I think Geek brought some of his more experienced pilots from other theaters. It would explain why 100 fighters showed up after we decimated his Tier 3 pilots in the area. I have a lot of aircraft inbound so maybe we can regain control of the skies there.
It was a dumb move sending my fighters away. None of the fighters have the range to make it from Perth to Adelaide, the next "major" airfield, so I have to send them back by rail. It'll take 4 days (2 on the train and 2 being reassembled) before they're back in service. If I delayed sending them then they might not have made it back in time. But you're right, the experienced bombers will now have fighter escort.
As to where Geek's going, who knows. He's not landing at Perth. That much we know.
April 23rd, 1942
We now know where Geek is landing...and we were there to greet him.
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Geek is landing at Albany. Albany is just around the corner from Perth and far away from Melbourne. My CL/DD force cut the
corner and was able to arrive at Albany at the same time as Geek's transports. I think we only did very minor damage though. My
guess is that Geek used as many transports as he find for this invasion to minimize the loss potential of each damaged or sunken
ship. It's nice to have that luxury.
This one was lagging behind and may have been previously damaged.
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I hope all those lost vehicles were tanks. No troops were aboard which seems a little weird.
All good things must come to an end though. Geek's escorts (not that kind) find my CL/DD force.
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My little TF held up better than I thought it would. I may be able to get back to Perth with this damage. Unless his carrier planes find
me...cue the carrier planes.
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It could've been worse. If I only would've kept my fighters at Perth I may have been able to prevent some of this. The truth is I doubt
many of my pilots would've survived an encounter with Geek's carrier based fighters. It was probably for the best that I left.
The landings begin.
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Geek took more casualties just getting off the boats than he did by any of my actions. I have nothing other than a small fort that can
shoot at his troops as they land. I'll try to run what's left of my bombers over the beach. Weather and lack of escorts kept them
grounded this turn. I do have a couple of subs that should arrive shortly.
The Good Guys are still in the fight.
Nauru Island.
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First the USS Morris checks in to see how much damage was done by the previous day's sub raid. The Morris only disengages because
of a Main Gun malfunction, but not before he contacts a couple of friends.
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No malfunctions here. These guys fire until they're sure every one of these ships is going to sink. Either they were dropping off troops
on Nauru or they were supplying troops there. I'll have to send out some PBY's to find out.
Speaking of PBY's...
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Just a random AK bombing. The range on the Cats means almost no ship is safe.
Bombing Bunda.
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One of many sorties over Bundaberg. We are keeping our 200 casualty average.
Bombing Bunda, The Geek Way.
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Our low experience Warhawk pilots need to pick up the pace. This was the perfect mission to gather some kills and "level up". They
were nothing short of unspectacular. I'm going to send the 91 Kill Airacobra squadron this way to see if they can make an impact
on this bomber situation.
The USN try to do their part.
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Again, not much. Maybe the damage from these raids is accumulating and is actually holding back potentially larger bombings.
Bleeping Fuso.
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I'm telling you, Fuso, your days are numbered. :tickedoff:
Lastly, a lowly sub finds a tanker.
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I hope it was filled to the brim with precious fuel for the Fuso.
My troops began landing on the last island before Hokkaido. Pratt Field is about 3 days away from taking on B-17's. I need to take
down the 100 fighters around Hokkaido before it's safe to start launching any major bombing campaigns.
What's at Albany that Geekamoto can use? Is there an airfield and or port there? Or will he have to build facilities there? I recall, and please correct me if I'm wrong about this, the Fuso and Kongo had 14 in. guns while your 3 'R' class BB's in the Indian Ocean all carried 15 in. guns. But the 'R' class BB's were slow as hell-- maybe 18 knots-- while the Jap BB's were much faster. So am I wrong in assuming there's no way your 3 'R' class BB's could run-down the Fuso/ Kongo group?
Quote from: Sir Slash on April 02, 2016, 10:08:05 PM
What's at Albany that Geekamoto can use? Is there an airfield and or port there? Or will he have to build facilities there? I recall, and please correct me if I'm wrong about this, the Fuso and Kongo had 14 in. guns while your 3 'R' class BB's in the Indian Ocean all carried 15 in. guns. But the 'R' class BB's were slow as hell-- maybe 18 knots-- while the Jap BB's were much faster. So am I wrong in assuming there's no way your 3 'R' class BB's could run-down the Fuso/ Kongo group?
I'll have to look edit this once I have the game up but I think it's the least "civilized" base he could've chosen, which might be why he chose it. I believe it has a level 1 port and either no airfield or a level 1. **Edit: Port 3, Airfield 1**
Yes, the Brit BB's are slow but I don't plan on using the BB's. ;)
Albany looks like a great place to visit.
http://www.amazingalbany.com.au/category/natural/
Do you think that's what the Japanese are coming for, the scenery? Or maybe to... change the scenery? Anyway, I guess Geekamoto is trying to find a soft spot to land on and then drive somewhere worth a lot of Vic. Points.
Quote from: jomni on April 03, 2016, 07:52:00 PM
Albany looks like a great place to visit.
http://www.amazingalbany.com.au/category/natural/
Obviously, it was the Mt. Romance Sandalwood Factory.
http://www.amazingalbany.com.au/book/mt-romance-aust-pty-ltd-sandalwood-factory/
We have a large number of troops trying to protect this man made wonder.
Quote from: Sir Slash on April 03, 2016, 09:42:49 PM
Do you think that's what the Japanese are coming for, the scenery? Or maybe to... change the scenery? Anyway, I guess Geekamoto is trying to find a soft spot to land on and then drive somewhere worth a lot of Vic. Points.
That's exactly it. He'll drive up to Perth, capture it, and cut me off from any supplies I was receiving from "off the map".
That sneaky Bastard! As sneaky as you con be with hundreds of ships, planes and thousands of troops that is. How can he support such a large force logistically so far from his big bases? Nearest base is, what, Timor? Or Singapore?
Geek could well be supplying it from several major depots. His control of the sea in that region is currently absolute (minus the occasional Dutch sub Rambo captain), and even if Kyz sent in a surface raiding party to sit on one supply line, the others could hold some extra flow until Geek sent a superstack along to crush the supply-line siege.
Yeah. The Pacific Theater as it evolved in the South Pacific was largely about figuring out how to extend your Land-Based Air superiority forward. The Allies managed to do this in 1942-1943 through a grinding war of attrition and better long-range bombers, but it took them almost 18 months to peel that onion and make it far enough forward to neutralize Rabaul. It was pretty conclusively demonstrated that carrier air power alone couldn't neutralize more than one or two land-based airfields at a time without putting their carriers at serious risk.
In this game, of course, the IJN pilots are so much more seasoned and the Allied air forces are so depleted, it's hard to put more than a dent in the main Japanese carrier force. Geek is wisely NOT replicating the foolish mistakes of the Japanese high command in 1942, where they divided their CV force and managed to thus fritter it away. Still, it only takes one or two hits on his CVs to put a serious dent in his air cover.
Historical Aside:Of course, that grinding war of attrition in the South Pacific was really just a warm-up for the knockout punch that the Americans were preparing to deliver in 1943. US production includes ships slated for the Atlantic, but the comparison of wartime production is staggering:
- 1942 Merchant Ship production: US 5.5M tonnes vs Japan 0.3M tonnes
- 1943 Merchant Ship production: US 11.4M tonnes vs Japan 0.8M tonnes
- 1943 Airplane production: US 85,898 planes vs Japan 16,693 planes
- 1943 Carrier production: US 5 x CV, 7 x CVL (carrying 530 additional planes) vs Japan 0 CVs or CVLs
Somehow, I don't think Geek is going to wait until late 1943 to complete his operations in SW Australia...
Just curious. Where is Gen MacArthur now in this game? Is he still in the Philippines? In Australia? Or in the States?
KyzBP is MacArthur. And Nimitz, Halsey, and Chang Kai-Shek all rolled into one. And he's..... in trouble. ;D But the Good Guys ALWAYS win. He needs to wait on John Wayne to show-up.
Quote from: jomni on April 05, 2016, 08:05:59 PM
Just curious. Where is Gen MacArthur now in this game? Is he still in the Philippines? In Australia? Or in the States?
That's a good question. As soon as I can get back to the game, probably Thursday night or Friday morning, I'll take a look. He may be at Darwin.
I'm mid-way through, War at the End of the World about Mac's campaign in New Guinea 42-45 and he really had to improvise a lot with what Washington and the Aussies would and could give him. He built a great team of commanders under him and learned after Buna never to take the Japs strongpoints head-on. Some of his greatest successes came in the air and at sea.
April 24, 1942
Sub attack at Albany.
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16 men and one transport will hardly be noticed but we have to keep hitting whatever we can. This certainly counts as "whatever".
Transports hitting the beaches at Albany.
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The coastal guns hit a few ships and knocked out a few troops. The bummer is I moved a non-static coastal gun unit from Albany
to Perth. Those guns may have been useful here. Now they're on rail cars headed East to be useless somewhere else.
Troops unloading at Albany.
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Again, he loses more troops to unloading than to any of my actions. I have a feeling none of these troops "planned" for Albany. Geek
probably set them to plan for somewhere else so my Intel wouldn't tip me off as to where they were headed.
Albany lost. :-[
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No big surprise there. As soon as Geek's super stack is assembled they'll head North and cut off/capture Perth. He'll find Perth empty
as I'm moving and consolidating the Perth defenders much farther East. I'll continue to harass and disrupt his stack as much as
possible as it makes it's way East. My chances of a win are beginning to quickly diminish.
Half a world away at AM the air war turns again.
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Kates Destroyed: 2 (2), Good Guy losses: 0 (0)
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Vals Destroyed: 5 (5), Kates: 0 (2), Good Guy losses: 0 (0)
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Vals: 0 (5), Kates: 6 (8), Good Guy losses: 0 (0)
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Betty's Destroyed: 11 (11), Vals: 0 (5), Kates: 0 (8), Good Guy losses: 0 (0)
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Betty's 0 (11), Vals: 0 (5), Kates: 7 (12, Good Guy losses: 0
Final score: IGAF: 28 Good Guys: 0. O0 Unescorted bombers are the best way to keep my pilots trained and happy.
It works both ways though so I have to make sure I send escorts with my bombers.
Bombing Bundaberg.
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There were a couple more raids and we kept up our 200 casualties average. I was a lot more optimistic about Bunda before Geek's
super stack landed at Albany. I need the Calvary right now to swoop in and save Oz but the Calvary is on boats headed to AM.
We tune in to Fuso and Friends.
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I have to keep telling myself "Your time is coming, Fuso. Your time is coming." My men will bathe in the oil slick left by this nautical bully
as she slips meekly beneath the waves. Your time is coming, Fuso.
So (and I'm not reading his thread, so I can ask this question honeslty), with his landings in SW Australia, he's totally dependent on his carriers for air cover. Aren't there soft spots in his supply line somewhere that you could send your own carriers rampaging for a week or two?
That will take a little while, but we've already seen what happens in Eastern Australia when he has a large land force that he's trying to supply in the face of Allied air superiority. It don't work.
I'm not familiar enough with his LBA assets to know where such a soft spot might be, and I'm not sure it'll be enough to make any real difference in Australia, but the Perth theater remains a tactical issue. If you can go rampaging through the middle of his supply lanes, that'll throw all sorts of things into confusion.
Your carriers are nibbling away at his fringes and getting good XP in Arctic Monkey and Western Australia, but even if you proceed with the invasion of Hokkaido, does that get you enough VP to make it worth the commitment of most of your discretionary resources?
I don't know the answers to these questions, and I suspect that the posts here are lagging the real game play, but I thought I'd ask...
Quote from: FarAway Sooner on April 08, 2016, 10:46:45 AM
So (and I'm not reading his thread, so I can ask this question honeslty), with his landings in SW Australia, he's totally dependent on his carriers for air cover. Aren't there soft spots in his supply line somewhere that you could send your own carriers rampaging for a week or two?
That will take a little while, but we've already seen what happens in Eastern Australia when he has a large land force that he's trying to supply in the face of Allied air superiority. It don't work.
I'm not familiar enough with his LBA assets to know where such a soft spot might be, and I'm not sure it'll be enough to make any real difference in Australia, but the Perth theater remains a tactical issue. If you can go rampaging through the middle of his supply lanes, that'll throw all sorts of things into confusion.
Your carriers are nibbling away at his fringes and getting good XP in Arctic Monkey and Western Australia, but even if you proceed with the invasion of Hokkaido, does that get you enough VP to make it worth the commitment of most of your discretionary resources?
I don't know the answers to these questions, and I suspect that the posts here are lagging the real game play, but I thought I'd ask...
I'll do my best to to answer these but bear with me if I miss something or get sidetracked.
The Brit carriers are on their way to start interrupting the supply lines. They have a couple of other TF's to deal with first but those TF's have no air cover so we should be able to shoo them away. The problem is they will attract the attention of Geek's CV's. The Brit's are no match for his big boys. That may pull his air cover away from Western Oz though, so that may be a win-win move.
Hokkaido has more than enough VP's to offset anything Geek gains by taking Perth. I'm not sure I need to go after Hokkaido just yet. I've located a couple of high value/low risk bases that I might be able to snatch to stay even with Perth. I'll reveal those a little later.
The AAR is about 2 games days behind. It should catch up if Geek's not too busy this weekend.
I hope that was everything and thanks again for following this.
Really enjoying this!
Me too. Most fun I've had with my clothes on.
Quote from: Sir Slash on April 08, 2016, 02:12:41 PM
Me too. Most fun I've had with my clothes on.
I won't tell you what I wear while updating this then. ???
April 25, 1942
Our least favorite morning show starts the day.
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I know it's just one AK but it's been "just one AK" everyday for the last 2 weeks. I have a feeling this will set the tone
for the day.
A grim dawn raises at AM.
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I think I'm stretched too thin here. I detached some of the CV escort to protect the landings at Kunashiri and ended up
getting Sara hit. I've summoned all the surface warfare vessels I could find, that weren't busy, to head towards AM. The
Hornet is a few days out and there's a few BB's and CA's steaming this way. This is turning into a troop suck. I think I
have to put off Hokkaido until I get control of this area again. Geek still has those 100 fighters I have to contend with.
As soon as the Hornet arrives Sara will head to Portland for repairs. Her planes will remain at AM.
Sara's current situation:
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Not much damage really. When she heads East for repairs she'll also receive an upgrade. I doubt she'll be out of commision
more than 10 days.
Transport sunk.
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A little parting shot/salt in the wound from Geek's DD Raiders. I don't really have anything to contest his DD's. I don't
have the ships to spare to go chasing him around and I'm too thin to protect all my new acquisitions. Those DD's are usually
too nimble to hit from the air and I need my air assets to pound his bases. This just went from fun to serious.
Raiders bombard Etorofu.
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Seriously? Will you guys leave already. No real damage done but the smiles have disappeared from everyone's face.
Attu bombarded.
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Because I could. Don't judge me.
Townsville bombarded.
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I was looking for planes. None found. These guys have joined up with another group of DD's and CL's and will head
up to Townsville in search of some aircraft to pummel. I want to thin his aircraft presence as much as possible before
his carrier planes start showing up.
Bundaberg Bombings.
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By time all the bombings were done we had a little over our 200 daily casualty goal. I think the disruptions are working. I
won't know for sure until his stacks merge at Bunda. Then the real "Fight in the East" begins.
SBD's find some targets.
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The Silent But Deadly squadron finds some foolishly aggressive cruisers. I'm not really sure what Geek was hoping to
achieve with these guys. He may have thought that the carrier aircraft that were attacking him were actually launched
from carriers. He may have sent these guys out to find them. I don't really have another scenario that makes sense.
No matter, these guys aren't getting away. I have a bunch of subs looking for limping warships and they're not American
subs.
Kates over Kunashiri.
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What little CAP I had over the landings managed to hold off the first wave but the second was able to hit one of the
transports. Again, I'm too thin here now. There are squadrons on the way but they're still a few days out AND they
have to get past Geek's DD's.
Chinese Forces retake Tuyuan.
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This China thing is pretty easy once you get the hang of it or until Geek's Super Stack turns around and comes back. I just
got a few more divisions of Chinese troops at Chungking (or Wang Chung or something). They'll be headed down and into
the pursuit of the Super Stack.
Monkey getting spanked by DDs. :knuppel2:
Quote from: jomni on April 08, 2016, 08:05:49 PM
Monkey getting spanked by DDs. :knuppel2:
Thanks for the reminder, Jomni. >:(
I'm hoping this is just a temporary set back.
April 26th, 1942
Bombarding Townsville.
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Hey, we found some planes! We destroyed a whole 1 of them. Well worth the expenditure of shells I'm sure.
I can stick around and bombard here or go back down along the coast and see whats lurking in the other ports. Although
a Coastwatcher reported another, potentially juicy target not too far away. I think I'm going to go after it. It shouldn't take
long and I doubt anyone will miss these guys. I'll tell you the target just before we hit it.
Air over Bundaberg.
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My Cap is finally up and running. It looks like these guys could swing the air war here in my favor. A few more
screens.
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18 Geekanese aircraft destroyed to my 2. We're headed in the right direction. I'm sure something is about to happen
to change all that.
SBD's attack fleeing raiders.
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They're getting hits on these guys but I'm not sure it's enough to sink them. They'll run into my sub screen shortly
and hopefully those guys can finish off these guys. Does anyone want to venture a guess as to why he sent these guys
along the coast without air cover? I still can't come up with a good reason.
B-25's take their shots.
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You know if there's action somewhere the B-25's will find a way to inject themselves into it. And it's almost guaranteed that
they'll contribute. I lost sight of Geek's CV's near Perth so they could be headed this way to try to save these guys. My number one
priority is to make sure my bombers have escorts. Shall we revisit what happens when I don't provide escorts?
Vindicators over AM.
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I had escorts assigned but they never joined up. This one stings a little because I tried to fill this squadron with veterans and
they were getting ready to upgrade. They'll be grounded until I can either upgrade them or replace the aircraft lost. I now have
a bunch (a few?) high experience bomber pilots sitting in Quonset Huts, playing cards and feeding seals because my fighters didn't
launch. It's a big waste, especially now when I really need Navy dive bombers. I've got to plan that stuff better.
Wildcats try to make me feel better.
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Tack on another 18 lost bombers for Geek. The number of planes he's been able to throw at me is staggering. My
CAP has been able to keep up with it for now but there's still a turd load of bombers in China he could pull and a bunch
near Singapore. If there is a "later in the war" phase to this game then he'll be pretty low on aircraft at that point. Especially
considering Pratt Field hit level 5 today. B-17's are inbound and reforming. I'll wait until I have a very large group to send them.
I'm hoping his CAP will be concentrated towards the East Coast of Hokkaido. I'll try to hit a city far to the West. I have no escort that
has those kind of legs. I've learned nothing. :uglystupid2:
Good things can happen if your bombers are escorted.
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All I need, apparently is one bomb hit per destroyer and I can send them back to port. That seems like a reasonable request.
Dutch Buffaloes doing what they can.
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Anything with wings in this area is set to Naval Attack. We may get luckier than this if we keep trying.
The AAR is now current. Whew!
Kyz, thanks for answering all my questions here! Don't ever feel compelled to answer them--keeping the posts going here is certainly the top priority. I'm fascinated by this thread...
Quote from: FarAway Sooner on April 09, 2016, 01:14:09 PM
Kyz, thanks for answering all my questions here! Don't ever feel compelled to answer them--keeping the posts going here is certainly the top priority. I'm fascinated by this thread...
I don't mind answering questions at all. If I'm slow getting back to a question though, it's probably due to kids events beyond my control.
Your opponent has been sorely lacking in posting in his own thread. Three weeks since his last game shots. I really appreciate you keeping the faith. I say you quit sending turns until he decides to update and bring things up to the level of dedication you are showing. ;)
Quote from: MetalDog on April 09, 2016, 01:50:27 PM
Your opponent has been sorely lacking in posting in his own thread. Three weeks since his last game shots. I really appreciate you keeping the faith. I say you quit sending turns until he decides to update and bring things up to the level of dedication you are showing. ;)
Thanks MD! I'm afraid of angering him into kicking me even harder though. :knuppel2:
April 27th, 1942
Fuso and Friends continue their romp around Java.
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I should've kept score of how many of my ships these bleeping bleeps have sunk. I had so many cargo ships headed
to Tjilatjap and Darwin that they keep popping up just in time to be accosted and sunk. Run Fuso, while you still have a chance!
Seawolf off Japan.
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The sub war off of Japan got quiet for a few days. The Seawolf has decided to heat things up once again. I hope Geek
feels the way I did when he had his sub fleet parked off the West Coast.
But Geek's subs have moved.
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Thankfully we're ready for them at AM. We're not ready for raider TF's, not yet at least.
Rockham bombarded.
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Just checking to see if Geek's planes moved back here. I'm now sending this bombardment TF after that target of
opportunity I mentioned before. I'll reveal it in a day or two.
Potential disaster off Sumatra.
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Where in the hell did he get more carriers from????? I thought everything was near Oz and I had free reign here. F!!!
The Hermes is hurt pretty bad. There's absolutely no way she can make it to Colombo. I did take possession of a small island
off of Sumatra that has a small port. This ambush took place just 2 hexes from this island. I'm hoping the Hermes can stay afloat
long enough to make it there. Then I have to figure out how to fix her enough so she can sail to Colombo. I really didn't need this
right..."Excuse me, sir. Sorry to interrupt your AAR but Gooney 4 has located 3 Geek carriers plus escorts Southwest of Sabang. They are in
range. Flight Ops is requesting permission to launch a retaliatory strike. What shall I tell them?"
Tell them to launch everything we have!!!
Most of the planes on the Hermes survived the attack and were transferred to the remaining carriers. Once again the Brits are sending out
biplanes (yes, they're attracted to both types of planes) against IGN Zeroes, the best pilots in the war. I think our chances are pretty slim
but the pilots are very confident given what they accomplished last time they found Geek carriers.
.
.
.
.
The overhead speaker crackles. "Ascot 11(Fulmar Group Leader) to Ascot group, stay tight and keep those Zeroes off the Fish."
-"31 to 11. Andy, I only see about a dozen of them and their decks look full. I don't think they are expecting us."
-"I copy that, Tommy. Break. Barney 11(Martlet Group Leader) from Ascot 11. Cecil, if you boys can keep the Zeroes busy, we'll
take the Fish down to the targets. Copy?"
-"We'll cover you, Andy. Cheeri-o and good luck!"
-"Oak Tree, Oak Tree from Ascot 11. We have eyes on 3 Geek carriers, decks full. The fish are beginning their attack. Standby for
further."
.
.
.
.
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.
.
.
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-"Oak Tree, Oak Tree from Ascot 21. Do you copy?"
-"Continue, Ascot 21. We hear you."
-"Oak Tree, Oak Tree SRATCH 3 GEEKANESE CARRIERS, Sir! We took care of them, sir but they didn't go down easy."
-"Oak Tree reads you. Confirm 3 carriers sunk."
-"3 carriers sunk, sir. Sorry, sir but Andy didn't make it."
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I was just about to walk away from the game in disgust when Geek's carriers suddenly showed up and hit the Hermes. I also
figured I had no chance once the Brit carrier planes ran into CAP over the carriers. These carriers are a key part in not only
the supply interdiction but are tasked with sinking the Fuso at all costs. In case you're keeping score at home:
Brit Carriers 6, Geek Carriers Nil. (That's in honor of the Brits.)
Well enough of that. Back to Oz.
Mitchell's find a transport.
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Just another day for the B25's. Again, no CAP. That almost guarantees that they went East.
SBD's try to finish off the CA/CL TF near Adelaide.
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And get jumped by the CV planes I've been looking for. BOMBERS MUST BE ESCORTED!!!!! That was half a full
squadron of good SBD's wasted...again.
Bombing Bunda.
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My version.
Geeks version.
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We barely broke 100 casualties today and his big stack moved another space. There's a chance that his big stack
is NOT going to Bundaberg but Marysbourough instead. I have a decent defense at Mary so I hope to be ready for him
if he does head that way. The East Coast is getting pretty confusing.
My question is: Where is Geek keeping all of those planes?
I'm telling you, those Swordfish biplanes always get their man :smitten:
Quote from: Airborne Rifles on April 09, 2016, 07:02:36 PM
I'm telling you, those Swordfish biplanes always get their man :smitten:
I'm falling for them as well. Six carriers under their belt. That'll be tough to beat.
Woohoo!!! O0
Damn KyzBP! Did I see 35 strike bi-planes sink 3 Geek carriers? With just 11 hits? That's some damn fine shooting. I'd give those boys a raise. Sorry about Andy.
So now the British pilots get to joke about American beer and American efforts to bomb Geekanese carriers?
Imperial chatter suggests Tojo is personally rethinking the viability of bombing ground troops from the air, due to the terrible results of your bombers at Bundaberg.
So.... good news, of a sort, then?
Quote from: JasonPratt on April 10, 2016, 09:03:55 AM
Imperial chatter suggests Tojo is personally rethinking the viability of bombing ground troops from the air, due to the terrible results of your bombers at Bundaberg.
So.... good news, of a sort, then?
Meaning I'm getting poor results or his troops are being pummeled? I'm taking out about 200 troops a turn. If I wasn't dealing with such big stacks, 200 would be a lot of casualties.
The vaguery of my statement becomes apparent! >:D
April 28th, 1942
Bombardments a' plenty today.
North Male
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Not much in the way of casualties but I have no idea what's there. I don't even know what he's using it for but I'll keep
bombarding it as long as it's occupied.
Padang
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I think the AK in port absorbed most of the damage. I have something in store for this little band of merry travelers.
Kunashiri
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I had no idea he had this much firepower in the area. I'm going to have to try to take these guys out by air but it's
always a coin flip on whether my escorts will launch. If these guys decide to bombard all along the chain, and I don't
take them out by air, then I'll lose most of my land based aircraft. The Hornet is a couple days out and there are BB's
on their way. Hopefully he's as afraid of me as I am of him.
Geek hits Bundaberg.
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He's not doing much damage and I seem to be wearing down his fighters. My bombers on the other hand...
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That's just one raid. There were 7 more totaling 262 casualties. This was a good day. I'm pretty happy with these
results. I just hope it continues to buy me the time I need to bring reinforcements from New Zealand.
Bombing the Band of Merry Men.
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I don't think anything sunk but they will be moving slower. My Brit carriers should catch up to these guys next turn.
He may have CAP assigned to them by then though. We'll know tomorrow. Next stop...Fuso. :knuppel2:
B339's attack a destroyer.
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I don't think 50lb bombs are going to do much but it may be enough to send this DD into port for awhile. Moral victory.
Bombing the China Super Stack.
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Considering the size of this stack 10 guys will not be noticed. This stack loses 10 guys in the chow line. I need more and
better bombers.
Now some fun.
Bombing Albany Harbor.
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I think Geek needs to make a choice between protecting to 100 ships in port at Albany or protect his transports headed
for Adelaide(?). Let's see what he's willing to sacrifice at Albany. Oh, and if he leaves port I have 5 subs waiting to finish off
any damaged ships that may attempt to escape.
Wow: the bomber cult was right! -- assuming you can get large enough ships to sit still long enough (as in the dry tests), B-17s can do naval work! :D
15 bomb hits from 6 Heavy Bombers? It looks like everybody is getting into the "Hit Capitol Ship Week" celebrations but the lowly SBD pilots flying for the USN!!
I guess that's the difference between a moving target and a stationary target. I'm sure it helps that you have about 2,000 Coast Watchers stationed in Albany...
Welcome to Australia, IJN. Weather Forecast is: Sunny with a 75% chance of Bombs.
Boom! Wonder how he will get those repaired. Albany port won't be a safe haven.
April 29th, 1942
Sorry about the delay but I won't be able to update during the week for awhile. Weekends only.
The day started out horribly.
Geek finds my bombardment TF.
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I was banking on him having his aircraft set for Ground Attack rather than Naval. I was sending these guys to bombard
Port Moresby due to multiple coast watcher reports of 60+ ships in port. I think it is from here that Geek is resupplying
and reinforcing his Eastern Australian Super Stack. Unfortunately, he caught me. I lost 2 cruisers and am not out of the woods yet.
I still have to try to make it back under CAP.
Attacking the transports near Port Augusta.
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Port Augusta appears to be the target. By bombing Albany I think I forced Geek's carriers to head back West to
protect the port there. There was far less CAP covering the transports today so we were able to hit a few. Hopefully
they were really important troops that we killed. I have a couple of patrol boats and minesweepers that should greet
Geek's transports at Port Augusta. There's a fair amount of troops there as well. This WILL be an opposed landing!
The aircraft in the area are all set to sink as many of these Row Boats of Doom as we can.
Bombing of Albany's port continues.
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Because of crappy weather, only the Mitchells launched. They hit a good amount of transports but no warships.
Geek is probably torn on where to send the carriers to provide CAP. What's kind of funny is I had one of those
"I know what I'd do" moments and it looks like Geek read my mind...or me, his.
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It looks like he's sending as many warships as he can muster to bombard Perth in an attempt to shut down the airfield
there. I've sortied out the last of the Lame and Limping TF to act as a roadblock and buy me one extra turn. My ships
are as good as gone anyway so they might as well go down fighting. Hopefully that will use up his bombardment TF's
Operations Points for this turn and he won't be able to bombard. I've set all the aircraft to Naval Attack with the hope of
hitting some of these ships before they bombard next turn. I'll then transfer all the aircraft to another nearby base and
resume attacking Albany when his ships limp away.
Bombing Bundaberg.
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Today's Bunda Bombing Total was only 121 casualties. I think I flew fewer sorties here though. All his planes were
dealing with my bombardment TF so he launched next to nothing at Bunda. I think my CAP and escorts may be keeping
him away as well.
Over at AM we found a few targets.
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Just a bunch of transports but Geek seems to have something of value up there (Sakhalin Island). There has been a good amount
of transport activity to and from the peninsula but I don't know if he's dropping stuff off there or picking stuff up.
I also wonder too if he's trying to get supplies to Paramushira. We been able to sink or damage just about everything sent
there.
The Hornet will be at AM tomorrow and will rendezvous with the other carrier. The Saratoga is on her way to Seattle for
minor repairs and an upgrade. I have a bunch of ad hoc surface combat TFs on their way here and the B-17's are just waiting
for the green light to begin bombing Japan. I think I'm close to regaining control here but I won't jinx myself and say it until
either his 100 fighters are gone or his BB TF is eliminated.
The Fuso was NOT spotted or active today. I think the Brit carriers have her in hiding.
QuoteThe Fuso was NOT spotted or active today. I think the Brit carriers carrier-based biplanes from WW I have her in hiding.
There. I fixed it for you. :)
Quote from: FarAway Sooner on April 15, 2016, 10:45:18 AM
QuoteThe Fuso was NOT spotted or active today. I think the Brit carriers carrier-based biplanes from WW I have her in hiding.
There. I fixed it for you. :)
;D O0
I'd be hiding from the Brit carriers too.
Crickets
We both had very busy weeks. Geek currently has the turn. I'll try to update tomorrow if time permits.
Please stay tuned. ;)
Particularly at Bundaberg, have you experimented with setting a lower altitude for your bombing raids? I know that makes the level-flight bombers more accurate, and it doesn't seem like he's got much AA.
I've read the directions for that section of the game and it talks about faster-flying planes (e.g., B-25s) being more survivable than huge old 4-engined bombers at lower altitudes. My sense is hitting the deck without knowing what will happen is probably a bit reckless, although (as I think I've mentioned before) the Aussies custom-modified B-25s to have 10 or 12 forward-facing .50 caliber machine guns that came in right at tree-top level and opened fire as soon as it came over the tree-tops.
It chewed up a lot of Japanese airplanes on the ground, and spat out such a huge volume of fire that many of the AA gunners just hunkered down in their foxholes for the 5 or 6 seconds when the plane was within their line-of-sight/line-of-fire.
Quote from: FarAway Sooner on April 21, 2016, 10:08:31 PM
Particularly at Bundaberg, have you experimented with setting a lower altitude for your bombing raids? I know that makes the level-flight bombers more accurate, and it doesn't seem like he's got much AA.
I've read the directions for that section of the game and it talks about faster-flying planes (e.g., B-25s) being more survivable than huge old 4-engined bombers at lower altitudes. My sense is hitting the deck without knowing what will happen is probably a bit reckless, although (as I think I've mentioned before) the Aussies custom-modified B-25s to have 10 or 12 forward-facing .50 caliber machine guns that came in right at tree-top level and opened fire as soon as it came over the tree-tops.
It chewed up a lot of Japanese airplanes on the ground, and spat out such a huge volume of fire that many of the AA gunners just hunkered down in their foxholes for the 5 or 6 seconds when the plane was within their line-of-sight/line-of-fire.
Martin Caidin actually wrote a novel about a B-25 gunship pilot: (http://www.amazon.com/Whip-Martin-Caidin/dp/039520707X/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1461322203&sr=1-4)
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fecx.images-amazon.com%2Fimages%2FI%2F51rwF8L1KAL._SX346_BO1%2C204%2C203%2C200_.jpg&hash=0ad0f81ae0bd961923de321b415f0eb8853ffb60).
I remember reading it back in the eighties and enjoying it. I recall the descriptions of strafing runs as being pretty vivid.
Quote from: FarAway Sooner on April 21, 2016, 10:08:31 PM
Particularly at Bundaberg, have you experimented with setting a lower altitude for your bombing raids? I know that makes the level-flight bombers more accurate, and it doesn't seem like he's got much AA.
I've read the directions for that section of the game and it talks about faster-flying planes (e.g., B-25s) being more survivable than huge old 4-engined bombers at lower altitudes. My sense is hitting the deck without knowing what will happen is probably a bit reckless, although (as I think I've mentioned before) the Aussies custom-modified B-25s to have 10 or 12 forward-facing .50 caliber machine guns that came in right at tree-top level and opened fire as soon as it came over the tree-tops.
It chewed up a lot of Japanese airplanes on the ground, and spat out such a huge volume of fire that many of the AA gunners just hunkered down in their foxholes for the 5 or 6 seconds when the plane was within their line-of-sight/line-of-fire.
The House Rules dictate that 4 E's can go no lower than 10K feet. Everything else is fair game. I have everything staggered from 2000 feet for torpedo bombers up to 9000 feet for the dive bombers. I do have some of the hybrids, such as the Wirraways, set from 100 to 1000. I think Geek sets his CAP above 15k so I put my fighter escort between 10k-15k. That seems to buy time for my bombers. My bomber losses usually happen
after the run is done, but not always.
I'll give those B-25's a low level shot coming up.
Quote from: KyzBP on April 21, 2016, 09:18:26 PM
Please stay tuned. ;)
Don't worry about that! Waiting eagerly to see how those scrappy Australians make out and what happens in the Guadalcanal of the far north.
April 30th, 1942
Sorry about the delay.
Sub attacks at Port Augusta.
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The subs have begun arriving at Port Augusta. It may be a bit too late though. Geek probably has 50k+ worth of
troops on these transports and hitting one or two at a time isn't going to do much. I can only hope that we're hitting
high value targets, HQ's and stuff. It looks like he dispersed his units across many transports to allow for a quick landing
and to minimize casualties should a transport be hit. It looks like his plan is working.
Minesweepers attacking transports.
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It's all I have in the area and since his transports have no escorts I had to give it a shot. I have a few patrol boats
on the way but they'll be attacking empty transports once they do arrive. His carriers aren't too far away so anything
bigger than these guys would surely draw their attention.
The landings begin.
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That may have taken down about 1% of his forces. He's bringing in divisions and I'm dealing in battalions. Unless I
get help from somewhere I don't think I'll be able to hold here more than a day or so. I believe if he takes anything
further South/East it'll trigger my reinforcements. I'm sure we'll find out soon.
The Allies fight back!
Allied bombardment of the landings.
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Not much but it must have felt good to shoot at something.
Allied air attacks.
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They tried. The second group was intercepted by Geek's long rang CAP from his carriers. I'll send more escort next
time and see if we can get those bombers through. Sadly, the next time I get a crack at those transports they'll be empty.
Bombing Bunda.
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Today's casualty count was only 177. We need to do better than that. The disruption to his troops is almost as important
as the loss of troops.
Geek tries bombing Bunda.
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He sent them in without escort again. I believe we shot down 4 or 5 and the rest were damaged. No bombers made
it to their target.
Bombarding Port Moresby.
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The TF ran into some patrol boats and used up their allotted operations before they could bombard. I'm sending them back
to Bundagrad to bombard Geek's troops there. It makes more sense. I'm a little bummed that I missed an opportunity to bombard
a port full of ships. Maybe there'll be another time.
SS Truant finds the Shoho.
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You can never trust the pilots reports of what they've hit, damaged, and/or sunk. I had the Truant and another sub
hang around Sabang in case any wounded ships tried heading back to Singapore or any place close that could begin fixing
his damaged ships. A limping Shoho shambled right into the Truant. The Truant didn't get away without a thumping of
it's own but it was worth it. The Truant is headed back to Colombo for repairs.
The Brit carriers continue to rampage towards Oz.
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I'm not sure this one was worth it. The Brits are losing too many of these almost indispensable biplanes and pilots.
By time they reach Geek's supply line they'll be nothing more than a surface combat TF. Another carrier is on the way
but still at least a week out. I want to put in at Tjilatjap to see if I can pick up some replacements but I don't want to
get too close to Java and I don't want to miss the opportunity to hit some of his cripples leaving Oz. Decisions, decisions.
Maruaders at AM find targets.
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Another AK over here. What the hell is here?? I need to do some investigating because Geek continues to send transports
to this area.
Finally, here's a list of the Allied Aces.
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The kills are pretty well spread out. No one pilot is dominating the skies. Some of these guys have picked up a lot of
experience and will become even better pilots as the war continues so long as I don't do something stupid. No promises.
May 1st, 1942
We've made it to May and my CV's are still intact. While I pat myself on the back there are Aussies learning Geekanese.
Lame DD force finds a lone transport.
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These boys have been limping into fights this entire war and somehow manage to take down Geek's ships and carry their
crews back safely. Here a single, fully loaded transport is sent to the bottom with all hands aboard. This was a base force
or engineer unit of some type. Hopefully they were supposed to carry out some uber important mission.
If you don't think our little destroyer friends have done enough yet, how about now:
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Since Geek sortied out his damaged warships from Albany I thought it would be a good time for a port raid. The DD TF ran
into that lone transport on their way here but were still able to shoot up some transports with the operation points they had
left. These guys have more than carried their weight. If Geek can't take Perth then these guys should be able to repair some
and limp their way into the next battle.
Bombing the Albany stack.
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I wish I had more bombers here but half are set to try and hit his fleeing BB's leaving just these guys to hit the stack.
Perth is heavily fortified but not too heavily manned. Hopefully, this will play out in my favor.
Bundaberg bombed.
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Today's daily total is: 148. We are becoming less effective in hitting him from the air here. Maybe there's just less
targets to hit. :P NOW there's less targets to hit:
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He's attacking with mostly infantry and arty against dug-in armor and infantry. His troops must be at least partially
disrupted from all the bombings. I have a good amount of supply so I may try to disrupt him even more, maybe begin
bombarding from the sea as well. I have to make sure he pays a big enough price taking Bundagrad so as to prevent
him from being able to attack Marysville.
Air attack near Port Augusta.
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Nothing much here. I'm happier about shooting down the Zero than hitting the ship.
Assault on Port Augusta.
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We were able to hold this time but he's way stronger than I am here and I made almost no preparations. Adelaida is the
next spot I have prepared to hold him back. I need to start sending reinforcements from India and the States but both
seem so far away and there are other things I wanted to do with those troops. I'll start sending them anyway. Australia
must not fall!
CV aircraft at AM attack BB TF.
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And hit nothing. Worse, they got themselves chewed up. I'm really running low on carrier based bombers. The Hornet
has arrived and will be able to help but her pilots don't have near the experience the Lex and Sara's pilots have. Once I
accumulate 30 B-17's I'll begin bombing the Home Island or one of the more distant bases on Hokkaido. I've got to eliminate
his CAP and those BB.
Quote from: KyzBP on April 22, 2016, 06:22:01 AM
The House Rules dictate that 4 E's can go no lower than 10K feet. Everything else is fair game. I have everything staggered from 2000 feet for torpedo bombers up to 9000 feet for the dive bombers. I do have some of the hybrids, such as the Wirraways, set from 100 to 1000. I think Geek sets his CAP above 15k so I put my fighter escort between 10k-15k. That seems to buy time for my bombers. My bomber losses usually happen after the run is done, but not always.
I'll give those B-25's a low level shot coming up.
Hi KyzBP
Just in case you didn't know.
If you want your dive-bombers to actually dive-bomb, they need to fly between 10- and 15k.
This is especially crucial when bombing naval targets.
Below 10k or above 15k they just glide-bomb.
Daaammmmnn KyzBP! You really put your foot in the Geek Buttocks this turn. Are you surprised that he had his transports so unprotected?
Quote from: Atilla60 on April 23, 2016, 09:05:57 AM
Quote from: KyzBP on April 22, 2016, 06:22:01 AM
The House Rules dictate that 4 E's can go no lower than 10K feet. Everything else is fair game. I have everything staggered from 2000 feet for torpedo bombers up to 9000 feet for the dive bombers. I do have some of the hybrids, such as the Wirraways, set from 100 to 1000. I think Geek sets his CAP above 15k so I put my fighter escort between 10k-15k. That seems to buy time for my bombers. My bomber losses usually happen after the run is done, but not always.
I'll give those B-25's a low level shot coming up.
Hi KyzBP
Just in case you didn't know.
If you want your dive-bombers to actually dive-bomb, they need to fly between 10- and 15k.
This is especially crucial when bombing naval targets.
Below 10k or above 15k they just glide-bomb.
Thanks Atilla! O0 That's really good to know. I'll be adjusting as soon as the next turn arrives.
Quote from: Sir Slash on April 23, 2016, 09:07:16 AM
Daaammmmnn KyzBP! You really put your foot in the Geek Buttocks this turn. Are you surprised that he had his transports so unprotected?
It doesn't seem like he gives a damn about a unit after it serves it's purpose. He's focused solely on taking Oz. I think it's his all or nothing gamble.
Take Oz or lose the war. Sadly, he may pull it off.
Yeah, the Zeros had much better performance than the P-40s or F4Fs above 10,000 feet. The P-39 Air Cobra's engine gave it much the same problem above about 4,000 feet. I guess it's good we weren't relying on P-39s to keep the skies clear above Denver, Colorado!
The P-38 was the first Allied plane that could outfly the Zero above 15,000 feet. Once they were fielded in sufficient numbers, this capability (along with their longer range) made them a formidable escort for heavy bomber formations. The F4U could outfly the Zero at pretty much any altitude (as long it didn't try for an extended dogfight), so once it arrived in sufficient numbers, things got much easier for the Allies.
Until then, of course, the Japanese had the upper hand--but even that upper hand was seriously mitigated by the effective tactics eventually devised/adopted by the veteran Allied pilots (e.g., "boom and zoom" attacks, or head-on confrontation such as was used in or "the Thach Weave").
Quote from: FarAway Sooner on April 23, 2016, 11:23:55 PM
Yeah, the Zeros had much better performance than the P-40s or F4Fs above 10,000 feet. The P-39 Air Cobra's engine gave it much the same problem above about 4,000 feet. I guess it's good we weren't relying on P-39s to keep the skies clear above Denver, Colorado!
The P-38 was the first Allied plane that could outfly the Zero above 15,000 feet. Once they were fielded in sufficient numbers, this capability (along with their longer range) made them a formidable escort for heavy bomber formations. The F4U could outfly the Zero at pretty much any altitude (as long it didn't try for an extended dogfight), so once it arrived in sufficient numbers, things got much easier for the Allies.
Until then, of course, the Japanese had the upper hand--but even that upper hand was seriously mitigated by the effective tactics eventually devised/adopted by the veteran Allied pilots (e.g., "boom and zoom" attacks, or head-on confrontation such as was used in or "the Thach Weave").
Thanks, Sooner! I always enjoy the information. The fight is so desperate right now that anything with wings and a gun are being thrown into the fray. I have a feeling this game will be over before we see the F4Us.
May 2nd, 1942
Surface combat at AM.
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Geek brought out the big guns and I had some pea shooters. I knew this was going to happen. I just hoped it would happen
a few turns later when I had my battleships on station. This should be the last time he gets a relative free shot at AM. The
Hornet is here, more planes have arrived or are arriving and there are a couple of BB groups just a few days out. The B-17's
are being prepared for the bombing of Japan. Their first target is still undecided.
Geek bombards Etorofu.
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Losing they PBY's hurts far more than losing the 15 men Geek took out. Both will be replaced very soon, the field will be
repaired within a day or two and it will be as if nothing happened...I keep telling myself.
Minor surface combat at Port Augusta.
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That will give you an idea of how many ships Geek has left for me to try and destroy. There's nothing there protecting
them, but then again I don't have much to throw at him. There are a bunch of subs taking shots but they are either missing
the target or the torps are duds. I guess we'll try be air.
P39's attack transports.
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The altitude say 9000 ft but these guys were set for 1000. They strafed the ships they could. By time this is over Geek is
going to have a lot of shot-up transports. I'm trying for him to not have any at all.
Bombing the Port Augusta stack.
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I sent the B-25's in low this time (again, pay no attention to the altitude listed). The results weren't much but I didn't have much to
send. I have a bunch of bombers set to Naval Attack to make attempts at the transports or his carriers. Next turn I'll send more.
Nevermind...
Geek captures Port Augusta.
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Next stop Adelaide unless he's leaving the transports there to reload the troops at Port Augusta and then continue
his way along the Australian Coastline. I'm going to go after the transports harder over the next few days in case he's
just playing leap frog with his stack. I wish I had more naval assets to throw at these guys.
Bombing the Albany Stack.
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Not bad results. These guys are still pushing towards Perth. Recon says it's 2 units. Unless it's 2 divisions I don't think
it can take Perth. We'll have to wait and see.
Bombing Bundaberg.
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Now that's results! Today's bombing total: 221 casualties and, with any luck, a bunch of disruption.
Assault on Bundagrad.
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He outnumbers me about 3 to 1 so him losing at about 8 to 1 is good news. I have to believe all the bombing has
had an effect on his ability to launch an organized attack. I'm going to double down a have the ships that failed at
Port Moresby drop by and unload some ordinance on Geek's troops here. I'm also going to begin bombarding his
troops with my armored units already dug in. I think we have a chance of stopping him here as long as our backdoor
doesn't get kicked in.
China.
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I'm telling you guys I've got China under control though I know there's some skeptics out there. I think this little
plan may be working.
Current Score.
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Do you guys notice something here? How about Geek's "Major Victory" has been downgraded to "Minor Victory". O0
It may not look like it but we are making progress.
Awesome!
http://www.combinedfleet.com/Allied%20Defense%20of%20the%20Malay%20Barrier.htm
It's a little late, but this book on the Malay Barrier campaign of WWII might be fun. In particular gives a very detailed review of the allied submarines.
Quote from: besilarius on April 24, 2016, 11:45:43 AM
http://www.combinedfleet.com/Allied%20Defense%20of%20the%20Malay%20Barrier.htm
It's a little late, but this book on the Malay Barrier campaign of WWII might be fun. In particular gives a very detailed review of the allied submarines.
I'm compiling a list of all the books people have recommended during this thread so I will add it. Thanks!
KyzBP, with all of Geek's transport losses, do you think he is still able to exploit the Dutch Est Indies' raw resources and bring the back to Japan, or is he starving his industry in the home islands for the prospect of a quick victory? Given what little I know about the game from reading this thread, it doesn't seem that he is racking up enough points for an auto win.
Quote from: Airborne Rifles on April 24, 2016, 01:05:48 PM
KyzBP, with all of Geek's transport losses, do you think he is still able to exploit the Dutch Est Indies' raw resources and bring the back to Japan, or is he starving his industry in the home islands for the prospect of a quick victory? Given what little I know about the game from reading this thread, it doesn't seem that he is racking up enough points for an auto win.
I think it's more of the latter. I think he's hoping to grab Oz and end the war and not have to fight the traditional prolonged retreat. I should be able to start unleashing the B-17's on his industry soon so if he fails in Australia he'll have reduced resources with which to fight to rest of the war.
I hope that makes sense.
May 3rd, 1942
Surprisingly very little action today.
Geek sub hits an empty tanker.
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I almost forgot Geek had subs anywhere other than AM and Canton Is. I wonder if all of our ASW efforts actually paid
off or if he's using them to transport supplies to some of his outposts. Either way there's still a few lurking about.
Geek's carrier planes make their presence know near Sydney.
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Unfortunately for him my CAP was waiting for this. He has 200ish bombers with his carriers so losing 8 isn't going to
to cause him to lose sleep but if I can start bombing his factories soon he'll have a hard time replacing them. As the Allies,
attrition is your best friend. :smitten:
His bombers did manage to find a target.
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Just a random AKL. Nothing serious. I do have a few ships in the area so I will have to up the Long Range CAP until
they're out of range. Given that his carriers are so close to the majority of my bombers and fighters I think I'll set everyone
to Naval Attack w/escort and see if I can't either drain his aircraft or hit a Geek carrier. That would be a nice present.
Bombing the Port Augusta Stack.
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The Mitchells continue to shine. Unfortunately, I didn't have anything else to throw at him. I sent the rest of the bombers
towards Melbourne and Sydney to try and bag an aircraft carrier.
P-39's strafing transports.
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I keep telling myself that even little bit of damage taken will effect Geek later when he needs all of his transports.
4E's hit the Albany Stack.
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I just need to slow these stacks down to give me more time to dig in at Perth. I'm not situated to badly there but if I
can buy more time, I'll use it.
China.
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Yawn. Kidding. I wonder if Geek is getting concerned about the sudden stiff resistance put up by the peasant army.
I made sure that all my stacks have proper support and command. The only thing I'm having trouble with is supply. I've seen
enough episodes of Bizarre Foods to know that feeding these guys shouldn't be an issue. My guess is ammo and weapons are
what these guys lack.
That was it for the day. Tomorrow we go carrier hunting again.
The Chinese don't need no bullets.
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http://mandarinmansion.com/republican-da-dao
https://chinesemartialstudies.com/2012/11/26/693/
Japanese postcard:
(https://chinesemartialstudies.files.wordpress.com/2015/10/dadao-japanese-postcard-wwii-dadao.jpg?w=789&h=509)
QuoteBanner: "Glorious Deeds of Arms: Prisoners of War and Spoils of War"
Japanese Officer: "This is banned dum-dum ammunition."
Japanese Soldier: "Yeah, we also captured the enemy's tank(s)!"
Captured Chinese Soldier: "POWs certainly enjoy the Japanese Army's kindness."
Japanese Soldier: "I'd really like (or it would be nice) to take this Green Dragon Blade home as a souvenir, eh?"
Somehow that postcard doesn't seem to jive with the stories I've read. Surely I'm being fed propaganda. :uglystupid2:
May 4th, 1942
Almost all of the action is centered around Australia right now. That's not a big surprise. What surprises me is there's almost nothing going on anywhere else.
Bombing the Albany Stack.
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We only hit these guys once this turn. Why? Well because they've disappeared. I doubt we've bombed them into oblivion or
they've committed some type of mass, ritualistic suicide. Most likely my recon flights lost them due to weather. It's kind of important
to know where these guys are at. We should reacquire them next turn.
Bombing Bunda.
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Today's casualty total: 60. Light losses for Geek today. Most of my bombers were reassigned naval attack duties to try and hit
his carrier TF parked near Sydney. What is interesting is there's indications that some of his troops are trying to leave Bundagrad.
I doubt he's pulling back so he may have some troops trying to break through my lines and possibly head towards Mary. Mary is
no pushover. She's well supplied and entrenched.
Bombing the Port August Stack.
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Three B-25's can do a lot of damage. I need more of these guys. Frankly, I need more of everything.
P39's strafe Port Augusta Harbor.
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The nose cannon on the P-39 allows for better strafing results when used against ships. While not a lot of damage,
if Geek wants to reuse these guys they're going to require some yard time...and space. O0
Geek's CV aircraft hit Sydney...
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...and Brisbane.
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I lost a few ships but nothing too important. Let's see if the trade off was worth it.
Allied bombers hit the Zuiho.
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Only 1 bomb hit but there is fire and fire tends to cause lots of damage...and makes the ship easier to find.
Wait, there's more.
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The Shokaku took a hit as well. Probably very minor damage but if she stays with the Zuiho she'll be an easy to
find target as well. We took some air losses trying to hit these guys. Geek had almost 75 fighters present as CAP.
Next turn I plan to send as many escorts and bombers as I can scrape up. We may not do much more damage but if
we can keep eliminating his carrier pilots I'll call it a victory. That is if we hold Oz.
I have the Enterprise and Yorktown in the area but I think even with some of his carriers damaged they're still too much of
a threat to try and take on. I hope we're at least making Geek nervous.
And in the most bizarre and unexpected event of the day:
Ground combat at Etorofu.
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Where in the hell did these guys come from???? The island was cleared/empty when we arrived. I think this was the island
that surrendered before we arrived. How did these guys get here? I have 2 theories:
1. They were airdropped. Earlier in the turn my CAP shot down a couple of planes over the area that I'd never seen before.
I didn't think much of it so I didn't note the type of plane and there was no animation to give me a hint. Those planes could
have been part of a paradrop and that's why this isn't a complete unit.
2. Submarine Transport. There were 4 subs in the area, maybe more, that didn't seem interested in hunting my ships. I know
Japan possessed some pretty big subs and these guys could've been dropped off by the subs. They may not be finished landing
and that's why he only has a partial unit here.
Either way, I outnumber him in infantry and have about 5 times more support troops. My engineers have been working around the
clock to fortify the base so we should be pretty safe though I will keep an eye on this.
That was it for the day. I haven't received a turn from Geek in about a week. I imagine his restaurant is keeping him very busy and even
if he would've sent a turn I wouldn't have been able to get to it until today. If a turn arrives I'll update this as quick as possible.
Do you think this is an opportunity to risk your carriers to take out his? I would guess he is distracted by your land based aircraft, just like at Midway, and might be surprised by a strike from the sea, especially if several of his carriers have already sustained damage. A better opportunity might not come along.
Quote from: Airborne Rifles on April 29, 2016, 10:14:40 AM
Do you think this is an opportunity to risk your carriers to take out his? I would guess he is distracted by your land based aircraft, just like at Midway, and might be surprised by a strike from the sea, especially if several of his carriers have already sustained damage. A better opportunity might not come along.
The problem is that currently my carriers only have a fighter squadron and bomber squadron aboard each. I flew the rest off during the build up to Perth/Albany. Most of those planes and pilots have sadly, been lost. A safer move for me may be sending the rest of my carrier planes off to Sydney or Brisbane and attack from land without risking my carriers. The downside to that is if something goes wrong and I lose all
those planes then I'm s.o.l. until I get my empty carriers back to Pearl or San Diego.
He still has 100+ fighters in that TF. We'll wait and see what the land based boys can do. If they are able to cripple a few more of his carriers then, like you said, I may not have a better opportunity.
OMG. Sydney and Brisbane being bombed! No more safe place in Oz aside from Uluru.
Quote from: jomni on April 29, 2016, 07:18:38 PM
OMG. Sydney and Brisbane being bombed! No more safe place in Oz aside from Uluru.
They'll be a trade off coming soon. We'll see how he likes the Home Island being bombed. :knuppel2:
Uluru is the
secret home of the Australian Resistance Fighters (ARF). They've been working like dogs to prepare for
a possible Geekanese occupation of Oz.
Quote from: KyzBP on April 29, 2016, 08:10:21 PM
Uluru is the secret home of the Australian Resistance Fighters (ARF). They've been working like dogs to prepare for
a possible Geekanese occupation of Oz.
All the while their teen kids'll be up in the hills waving their captured Type 38 Arasaka rifles and shouting "Thylacines!"
I thought the secret, hidden base was on Kangaroo Island. Because, you know it's supposed to be a... secret. And who would look there?
Quote from: Staggerwing on April 29, 2016, 08:55:46 PM
All the while their teen kids'll be up in the hills waving their captured Type 38 Arasaka rifles and shouting "Thylacines!"
I'm not gonna lie, I lol'd hard on that!
Quote from: JasonPratt on April 30, 2016, 02:20:46 PM
Quote from: Staggerwing on April 29, 2016, 08:55:46 PM
All the while their teen kids'll be up in the hills waving their captured Type 38 Arasaka rifles and shouting "Thylacines!"
I'm not gonna lie, I lol'd hard on that!
You weren't the only one! ;D
I was thinking "Dingos!!!!" myself, but I clearly lack the zoological knowledge of Oz that some of you have. Everything I know about Australian biology I learned from Meryl Streep...
The thing about operating carriers inside range of land-based bombers is that it only takes one or two (good) hits to put a crimp in his flight operations. 1 hit won't necessarily knock a Japanese carrier out of action (especially without fire) but 2-3 hits will start to add up in terms of his ability to fly planes off the decks of those CVs. Your airfields repair a lot more easily than his carriers.
The trick is just not to run out of planes before you've damaged his flight decks into submission. It also helps to know that he's got to split his carriers between raiding Eastern Australia and defending surface ships in Western Australia. Rendering one or two carriers inoperative will have a major impact on his ability to provide Geekanese air power for Australia for a month or two.
Quote from: FarAway Sooner on May 02, 2016, 01:37:45 PM
The thing about operating carriers inside range of land-based bombers is that it only takes one or two (good) hits to put a crimp in his flight operations. 1 hit won't necessarily knock a Japanese carrier out of action (especially without fire) but 2-3 hits will start to add up in terms of his ability to fly planes off the decks of those CVs. Your airfields repair a lot more easily than his carriers.
The trick is just not to run out of planes before you've damaged his flight decks into submission. It also helps to know that he's got to split his carriers between raiding Eastern Australia and defending surface ships in Western Australia. Rendering one or two carriers inoperative will have a major impact on his ability to provide Geekanese air power for Australia for a month or two.
These are the reasons I'm not totally panicking yet. I've turned pretty much every land based bomber towards the sea in hopes of getting a lucky shot on a carrier.
Now I just need Geek to unbusy himself and return the turn...
No turn from Geek yet? :'(
Quote from: Tuna on May 17, 2016, 09:56:45 AM
No turn from Geek yet? :'(
I've tried messaging him a couple of times but no response. I haven't seen him on the forums in awhile either so he may be extremely busy or worse. As soon as he reappears I'm sure we'll get back to him kicking me around the Pacific.
He may have a new mistress- Stellaris was just released
Quote from: KyzBP on May 18, 2016, 04:58:59 AM
Quote from: Tuna on May 17, 2016, 09:56:45 AM
No turn from Geek yet? :'(
I've tried messaging him a couple of times but no response. I haven't seen him on the forums in awhile either so he may be extremely busy or worse. As soon as he reappears I'm sure we'll get back to him kicking me around the Pacific.
Spotted him in Stellaris thread
Soon, Stellaris shall win Barbarossa for me.
Soon.
>:D
Quote from: JasonPratt on May 18, 2016, 09:23:28 PM
Soon, Stellaris shall win Barbarossa for me.
Soon.
>:D
It looks like our
evil plan worked, Jason. O0
Damn, I've been gone a while and thought the war would be over by now! ;)
Quote from: Banzai_Cat on May 19, 2016, 06:17:40 AM
Damn, I've been gone a while and thought the war would be over by now! ;)
It seems to be over.
Quote from: jomni on June 03, 2016, 03:46:23 AM
Quote from: Banzai_Cat on May 19, 2016, 06:17:40 AM
Damn, I've been gone a while and thought the war would be over by now! ;)
It seems to be over.
Sadly, I've heard neither hide nor hare from Geek in over a month. I haven't seen him active in the forms neither. I hope all is well with him.
I'm still holding off reading his AAR just in case he comes back to this.
You are a true 1st Class Gentleman.
He's OK, but I think he's been very busy with his business. No doubt he'll be back at some point though.
Quote from: bob48 on June 03, 2016, 09:37:34 AM
He's OK, but I think he's been very busy with his business. No doubt he'll be back at some point though.
Thanks for the update, Bob! I kinda had a feeling that's what it was. Whenever he's ready I'll be here.
Quote from: Sir Slash on June 03, 2016, 07:48:48 AM
You are a true 1st Class Gentleman.
How the hell did he end up in this place?
Quote from: mirth on June 03, 2016, 10:05:12 AM
Quote from: Sir Slash on June 03, 2016, 07:48:48 AM
You are a true 1st Class Gentleman.
How the hell did he end up in this place?
I used my "Gentleman For a Day" coupon. It wasn't what I thought it was.
The Artic Monkey patiently await s it's prey.
Although needing to refill its hand with fresh pooh to fling on a daily basis is getting tiresome...
I received a message from UCG today. Due to a few different factors Geek has surrendered his forces to "Aussie Sunbathers" and a roving band of Arctic Monkeys.
A very heartfelt thanks to everyone who followed along with this AAR. Many times your participation was the sole reason to keep AAR going.
Thank you again! :)
Congrats on your glorious victory! Sorry to see this one end.
Congratulations, K. I think you and UCG did some excellent work. Hopefully you both feel the same.
I wish someone could take up Geek's side! -- although anyone reading this thread would have a major starting advantage in scouting. :'(
Quote from: JasonPratt on June 26, 2016, 10:01:23 AM
I wish someone could take up Geek's side! -- although anyone reading this thread would have a major starting advantage in scouting. :'(
Geek proposed the same thing but I think it may be difficult to find someone who hasn't read these AAR's. If that someone is out there I'd be willing to continue.
Fantastic AAR, thanks for going at it, as long as you did!
This AAR was great, one of the staple reasons I began to stick around this forum, seriously bummed that its over.
All Hail the Conquering Monkey. Congrats on the win KyzBP. I suppose this game is quite the time sink so thank you both for entertaining us all. I too would've loved to see the battle continue but I realize, there is this thing called, "Life". Well played young man! O0
Excellent work KyzBP!
It almost made me want to buy the game.
Almost. ;)
(Don't take that the wrong way - this looks like a great game, but I just don't have the time to invest in it. Wish I did!)
Thanks again to all of you guys who participated or just lurked their way around the Pacific with us. Geek was a fantastic opponent and kept me on my heels the entire time. It was incredibly fun albeit time consuming but well worth the effort.
If any of you guys are on the fence about this game jump in on the next sale. If you have it and haven't played a PBEM yet, do it! Nothing compares to a cunning, unpredictable human being (I'm looking at you, Geek).
I'm off to finish reading Geek's AAR. I may have some parting thoughts after reading his version of events.
Thanks again everyone! O0
Quote from: KyzBP on June 27, 2016, 03:46:26 PM
I'm off to finish reading Geek's AAR. I may have some parting thoughts after reading his version of events.
Looking forward to this.
well this feels like standing in the girls changing room or something - just somewhere where im not supposed to be!!
A big round of applause to KyzBP who was a committed, dedicated and excellent opponent - i might just be asking for a rematch when all my technology is returned
I'd buy a ticket for that.
Great job to both of you! I'm off to read Geek's AAR, but dang it was fun vicariously reading along with the fog of war.
It occurs to me that someone apt enough at the game to take over Geek's place (without having to learn it from nothing or near nothing while in the middle of the game), could probably do so fairly even if he's been reading this thread.
After all, I don't know anything you were broadly doing Kyz that Geek didn't know about by now!
The only operations I know about that only one of you knows about, so far as thread information goes (i.e. talked about in a thread), are ones Geek was setting up. So if you've read Geek's thread already, that would be a problem for someone picking him up -- but not if you've only read up to, let's say, the point where Geek retreated his fleet back to Pacific waters from Ceylon and lost some carriers along the way.