Too much Iron in my Diet - Mundy(A) vs KenchiSulla (J)

[Mundy]

Hope not.

16 March 1945

Getting there. I should be loading transports soon.

With my northern carrier group, a bunch of naval search Frances got shot down. This bunch is spotted now. The southern group is still unseen. At this point, naval search must be hard to come by. I may move them towards Rabaul to catch the ships that have been sitting there.

Subs have been polishing up.

Submarine attack near Rabaul at 106,124

Japanese Ships
CA Haguro, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Perch

CA Haguro is sighted by SS Perch
SS Perch launches 4 torpedoes at CA Haguro

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

Sub attack near Manus at 102,118

Japanese Ships
CL Yura, Torpedo hits 1

Allied Ships
SS O23

SS O23 launches 4 torpedoes at CL Yura

Other than that, a bombardment hits Diamond Harbor.

Night Naval bombardment of Diamond Harbour at 52,38

Japanese Ships
xAK China Maru, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
BB Valiant
BB Howe
CL Columbia
CLAA Euryalus
CLAA Argonaut
DD Reid
DD Blue
DD Mustin
DD Caldwell
DD Trathen
DD Sigsbee
DD Norman Scott
DD Halsey Powell
DD Haraden
DD Dyson
DD Conner
DD Burns
DD Beale
DD Fletcher
DD Ault

Japanese ground losses:
690 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 29 disabled
Non Combat: 5 destroyed, 53 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 3 disabled
Vehicles lost 5 (1 destroyed, 4 disabled)

Airbase hits 6
Runway hits 28
Port hits 15
Port fuel hits 2
Port supply hits 1

Walrus II acting as spotter for BB Valiant
BB Valiant firing at 38th Division
BB Howe firing at 38th Division
SOC-1 Seagull acting as spotter for CL Columbia
CL Columbia firing at Diamond Harbour
CLAA Euryalus firing at 38th Division
CLAA Argonaut firing at 38th Division
DD Reid firing at 38th Division
DD Blue firing at 38th Division
DD Mustin firing at 38th Division
DD Caldwell firing at 3rd Mortar Battalion
DD Trathen firing at 38th Division
DD Sigsbee firing at 38th Division
DD Norman Scott firing at 38th Division
DD Halsey Powell firing at 38th Division
DD Haraden firing at 38th Division
DD Dyson firing at 38th Division
DD Conner firing at 38th Division
DD Burns firing at 38th Division
DD Beale firing at 38th Division
DD Fletcher firing at 38th Division
DD Ault firing at 38th Division

[Mundy]

17 March 1945

Loading up.

Troops are loading up for Truk. Apparently the amphibious force HQ I had dedicated to there got withdrawn. Very inconveniencing. I'm still dropping about 6 divisions and another six armored battalions plus as many artillery units. One regular HQ will go along. This is broken into two amphibious groups plus a dedicated landing craft group to use those oddball rocket ships. At least 75 of those craft are going along. I'm hoping I can kill a couple thousand of them on the way in.

Victorious, Unicorn and some CVEs will accompany the Truk invasion.

I have three all destroyer task forces, (well one has two CLs it). The other is a bigger force built around both CBs. Three more ASW groups and three minesweeping groups are also going along. In all likelihood, I've been killing lots of subs in that area, so I don't know how many more he has left.

My roving carriers should keep anyone from interfering from the sea.

Both of my carrier groups are unspotted again. One is between Truk and Guam. The other is approaching Rabaul to hit the ships sitting there.

[witpqs]

Apparently the amphibious force HQ I had dedicated to there got withdrawn.

[&:] I don't think any of those get withdrawn. Maybe it's hiding somewhere?

[Mundy]

I'll have to check. I had my forces either at Ponape or Kusaie. I hope I didn't ship them off to Pearl.

[Mundy]

19 March 1945

Good day for subs.

Sub attack near Torishima at 109,66

Japanese Ships
xAK Kirikawa Maru, Torpedo hits 1
E No.49
E No.41
xAK Kimnon Maru
xAK Marei Maru
xAK Seian Maru
xAK Rakuto Maru
xAK Matsukawa Maru
xAK Mikage Maru
DD Matsu
E No.81

Allied Ships
SS Icefish

SS Icefish launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Kirikawa Maru
DD Matsu fails to find sub, continues to search...
E No.81 fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Matsu fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Matsu fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Matsu fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Matsu fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

Sub attack near Amami Oshima at 97,62

Japanese Ships
xAK Hokumai Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
xAK Tyoko Maru
xAK Keihuku Maru
PB Toko Maru #4

Allied Ships
SS Conger

SS Conger launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Hokumai Maru
Conger diving deep ....
PB Toko Maru #4 fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Toko Maru #4 fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Toko Maru #4 fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Toko Maru #4 fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Toko Maru #4 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

Sub attack near Aogashima at 109,65

Japanese Ships
xAK Eiko Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
E Kuga
AK Hirokawa Maru
xAP Kobayashi Maru
xAP Kachidoki Maru
xAP Ukishima Maru
xAP Palau Maru
xAP Ussuri Maru
xAP Hoten Maru
xAP Dairen Maru
xAK Maebasi Maru
xAK Magan Maru
xAK Kaikei Maru
E W-11
E W-8

Allied Ships
SS Icefish

Japanese ground losses:
16 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

SS Icefish launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Eiko Maru
Icefish diving deep ....
E W-11 fails to find sub and abandons search
E W-8 fails to find sub, continues to search...
E W-8 fails to find sub, continues to search...
E W-8 fails to find sub, continues to search...
E W-8 attacking submerged sub ....
E W-8 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

Sub attack near Hollandia at 94,116

Japanese Ships
CA Haguro, Torpedo hits 2, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Kete

SS Kete launches 4 torpedoes at CA Haguro

Sub attack near Saishu To at 100,56

Japanese Ships
xAK Wazan Maru, Torpedo hits 1
xAK Sana Maru
xAK Hirota Maru
xAKL Bunzan Maru
xAKL Tokuwa Maru
E No.76

Allied Ships
SS Carbonero, hits 2

SS Carbonero launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Wazan Maru
Carbonero diving deep ....
E No.76 fails to find sub, continues to search...
E No.76 fails to find sub, continues to search...
E No.76 attacking submerged sub ....
E No.76 fails to find sub, continues to search...
E No.76 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

I found Haguro's position interesting, near Hollandia. Probably destined for Singapore.

My amphibs have been skittish about approaching Rabaul, due to all the MTB TFs there. I realized I can set threat tolerance to absolute, which should take care of this.

A convoy full of base forces for Truk is loading up at Pearl. One air HQ will come along.

KS is making another fast transport run to Calcutta, with his forces 6 hexes away from there. I'm surprised my planes at Asansol haven't attacked yet. They'll probably get jumped on when they get closer.

[jwolf]

KS is making another fast transport run to Calcutta, with his forces 6 hexes away from there.

Can you block with surface ships?

[Mundy]

I probably could. It's just that I'm treading a fine line where they could be hit by torpedo bombers in Burma.

I could probably forward base some of them a bit. Chittagong is out of the question, as his bombers can hit there.

20 March 1945

"Some" of my amphibs reach Truk. My forces got spread out a bit, due to task forces getting cold feet over the MTBs. The rest should reach next turn. Battleships covered the landings and ate the shore battery hits. Probably plenty of lighter damage but I'd rather they eat the shots rather than my transports. At least this isn't an atoll, and I can build up before the push. I lost a total of about 50 troops, which in the scheme of things, isn't too bad. I did find my amphib HQ. Somehow, I sent it all the way back to San Francisco without realizing it. Oops...

Shore bombardment was very disappointing. I'll still get more shots with the other landing groups.

Since this group outran all the minesweepers, I took some mine hits. A couple transports and a couple DEs. DEs have been sweeping some of them.

Amphibious Assault at Truk (112,108)

TF 265 troops unloading over beach at Truk, 112,108

Allied ground losses:
486 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 64 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 46 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 28 (1 destroyed, 27 disabled)
Vehicles lost 42 (1 destroyed, 41 disabled)

57mm M1A3 AT Gun accidentally lost during unload of 815th Towed TD Bn
12 troops of a US Cmbt Eng Sqd 44 lost overboard during unload of XIV Corps Engr Grp
13 troops of a USA 44 Rifle Squad lost from landing craft during unload of 111th(Sep) Infantry Rgt /3
LVT(A)1 Amphib Tank damaged beyond repair during unload of 2nd Arm Amphib Bn /3

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

Pre-Invasion action off Truk (112,108) - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

592 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
BB Texas, Shell hits 21, on fire
BB Tennessee, Shell hits 51, on fire
LCI(G)-455
LCI(G)-454
LCI(G)-453
LCI(G)-452
LCI(G)-451
LCI(G)-450
LCI(G)-449
LCI(G)-441
LCI(G)-440
LCI(G)-439
LCI(G)-438
LCI(G)-437
LCI(G)-408
LCI(G)-407
LCI(G)-406
LCI(G)-405
LCI(G)-404
LCI(G)-403
LCI(G)-401
LCI(G)-398
LCI(G)-397
LCI(G)-396
LCI(G)-372
LCI(G)-366
APA Oconto
APA Neshoba
DE Walton
AP Gen. G.M.Randall

Japanese ground losses:
45 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
336 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 33 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Truk Naval Fortress firing at BB Texas
BB Texas firing at Truk Naval Fortress
Truk Naval Fortress firing at BB Tennessee
BB Tennessee firing at Truk Naval Fortress
LCI(G)-455 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-454 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-453 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-452 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-451 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-450 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-449 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-441 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-440 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-439 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-438 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-437 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-408 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-407 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-406 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-405 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-404 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-403 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-401 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-398 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-397 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-396 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-372 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-366 fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 5,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards

I've got a current shot of India. He does have forces in the jungle on the Indian side of the border. Not sure how strong, but I'm guessing weak ones.

[Mundy]

Meant to add...

I sank one RO sub near Truk. It looks like another three are sitting west of the island.

With my ASW at this point, I think I'll be okay.

[Mundy]

21 March 1945

Onwards...

Continuing to unload at Truk. I forced another big sub to the surface and sank her. I also killed 10 mini-subs that he spawned there. They managed to torp an LCI and a DE in the process.

Here's what the landings look like:

Pre-Invasion action off Truk (112,108) - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

1145 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
BB New York, Shell hits 31, on fire
BB Queen Elizabeth, Shell hits 76, on fire
BB California, Shell hits 16, on fire
BB Oklahoma, Shell hits 46, on fire
CL Honolulu, Shell hits 13, on fire
CL Raleigh, Shell hits 18
CL Newfoundland, Shell hits 26, on fire
AKA Jupiter
AKA Almaack, Shell hits 14, heavy fires, heavy damage
AKA Aquarius, Shell hits 1
LCI(G)-539
LCI(M)-1058
LCI(M)-1056
LCI(M)-1055
LCI(M)-952
LCI(M)-810
LCI(M)-809
LCI(M)-808
LCI(M)-807
LCI(M)-806
LCI(M)-805
LCI(M)-804
LCI(M)-803
LCI(M)-802
LCI(M)-754
LCI(M)-742
LCI(M)-674
LCI(M)-673
LCI(M)-670
LCI(M)-669
LCI(M)-664
LCI(M)-660
LCI(M)-659
LCI(M)-631
LCI(M)-630
LCI(M)-582
LCI(R)-72
LCI(R)-71
APA Crittenden
LSI(L) Brisbane Star
DE Whitman
DE Lough

Japanese ground losses:
60 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
182 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 31 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Vehicles lost 17 (1 destroyed, 16 disabled)

Truk Naval Fortress firing at BB New York
BB New York firing at Truk Naval Fortress
Truk Naval Fortress firing at BB Queen Elizabeth
BB Queen Elizabeth firing at Truk Naval Fortress
Truk Naval Fortress firing at BB California
Truk Naval Fortress firing at BB Oklahoma
BB Oklahoma firing at Truk Naval Fortress
CL Honolulu firing at Truk Naval Fortress
Truk Naval Fortress firing at CL Honolulu
Truk Naval Fortress firing at CL Raleigh
CL Raleigh firing at Truk Naval Fortress
Truk Naval Fortress firing at CL Newfoundland
CL Newfoundland firing at Truk Naval Fortress
8cm/40 T88 DP Battery engaging AKA Jupiter at 10,000 yards
BB Queen Elizabeth firing to suppress enemy battery at 10,000 yards
15.5cm 3YT CD Gun Battery engaging AKA Almaack at 10,000 yards
BB New York firing to suppress enemy battery at 10,000 yards
15cm 41YT CD Gun Battery engaging AKA Almaack at 10,000 yards
BB Oklahoma firing to suppress enemy battery at 10,000 yards
12cm/45 T10 DP Battery engaging AKA Almaack at 10,000 yards
BB New York firing to suppress enemy battery at 10,000 yards
8cm/40 T41 DP Battery engaging AKA Aquarius at 10,000 yards
BB New York firing to suppress enemy battery at 10,000 yards
LCI(G)-539 fired at enemy troops
LCI(M)-1058 fired at enemy troops
LCI(M)-1056 fired at enemy troops
LCI(M)-1055 fired at enemy troops
LCI(M)-952 fired at enemy troops
LCI(M)-810 fired at enemy troops
LCI(M)-809 fired at enemy troops
LCI(M)-808 fired at enemy troops
LCI(M)-807 fired at enemy troops
LCI(M)-806 fired at enemy troops
LCI(M)-805 fired at enemy troops
LCI(M)-804 fired at enemy troops
LCI(M)-803 fired at enemy troops
LCI(M)-802 fired at enemy troops
LCI(M)-754 fired at enemy troops
LCI(M)-742 fired at enemy troops
LCI(M)-674 fired at enemy troops
LCI(M)-673 fired at enemy troops
LCI(M)-670 fired at enemy troops
LCI(M)-669 fired at enemy troops
LCI(M)-664 fired at enemy troops
LCI(M)-660 fired at enemy troops
LCI(M)-659 fired at enemy troops
LCI(M)-631 fired at enemy troops
LCI(M)-630 fired at enemy troops
LCI(M)-582 fired at enemy troops
LCI(R)-72 fired at enemy troops
LCI(R)-71 fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 5,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 1,000 yards


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

Pre-Invasion action off Truk (112,108) - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

337 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
BB Alabama, Shell hits 80, on fire
APD John Q. Roberts, Shell hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
APD Enright, Shell hits 3, on fire
APD Burke, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
APD Kline, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
APD Scribner, Shell hits 3, on fire
APD Greene, Shell hits 3, on fire
APD Diachenko, Shell hits 11, heavy fires, heavy damage
LSM-18, Shell hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
DE Woodson
LSM-50, Shell hits 1
DE John L. Williamson
LSM-19
LSM-361
LSM-356
LSM-354
LSM-352
LSM-318
LSM-315
LSM-314
LSM-310
LSM-309
LSM-305
LSM-302
LSM-130
LSM-51
LSM-20
LSM(R)-199
LSM(R)-198
LSM(R)-197
LSM(R)-196
LSM(R)-195
LSM(R)-194
LSM(R)-193
LSM(R)-192
LSM(R)-191
LSM(R)-190
LSM(R)-189
LSM(R)-188
LSM-53

Japanese ground losses:
280 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 14 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 7 (1 destroyed, 6 disabled)

Truk Naval Fortress firing at BB Alabama
BB Alabama firing at Truk Naval Fortress
Truk Naval Fortress firing at APD John Q. Roberts
APD John Q. Roberts firing at Truk Naval Fortress
APD Enright firing at Truk Naval Fortress
Truk Naval Fortress firing at APD Enright
Truk Naval Fortress firing at APD Burke
Truk Naval Fortress firing at APD Kline
APD Kline firing at Truk Naval Fortress
Truk Naval Fortress firing at APD Scribner
APD Scribner firing at Truk Naval Fortress
Truk Naval Fortress firing at APD Greene
Massive explosion on APD Greene
Truk Naval Fortress firing at APD Diachenko
20cm 41YT CD Gun Battery engaging LSM-18 at 18,000 yards
DE Woodson firing to suppress enemy battery at 18,000 yards
15cm 41YT CD Gun Battery engaging LSM-50 at 18,000 yards
DE Woodson firing to suppress enemy battery at 18,000 yards
DE Woodson firing to suppress enemy battery at 18,000 yards
DE John L. Williamson firing to suppress enemy battery at 18,000 yards
DE Woodson firing to suppress enemy battery at 18,000 yards
BB Alabama firing to suppress enemy battery at 18,000 yards
DE Woodson firing to suppress enemy battery at 18,000 yards
15cm 41YT CD Gun Battery engaging LSM-19 at 18,000 yards
DE Woodson firing to suppress enemy battery at 18,000 yards
14cm 3YT CD Gun Battery engaging LSM-18 at 18,000 yards
DE Woodson firing to suppress enemy battery at 18,000 yards
LSM-361 fired at enemy troops
LSM-356 fired at enemy troops
LSM-354 fired at enemy troops
LSM-352 fired at enemy troops
LSM-318 fired at enemy troops
LSM-315 fired at enemy troops
LSM-314 fired at enemy troops
LSM-310 fired at enemy troops
LSM-309 fired at enemy troops
LSM-305 fired at enemy troops
LSM-302 fired at enemy troops
LSM-130 fired at enemy troops
LSM-51 fired at enemy troops
LSM-20 fired at enemy troops
LSM(R)-199 fired at enemy troops
LSM(R)-198 fired at enemy troops
LSM(R)-197 fired at enemy troops
LSM(R)-196 fired at enemy troops
LSM(R)-195 fired at enemy troops
LSM(R)-194 fired at enemy troops
LSM(R)-193 fired at enemy troops
LSM(R)-192 fired at enemy troops
LSM(R)-191 fired at enemy troops
LSM(R)-190 fired at enemy troops
LSM(R)-189 fired at enemy troops
LSM(R)-188 fired at enemy troops
75mm T94 Mtn Gun battery firing at LSM-20
10cm T91 Howitzer battery firing at LSM-20
20cm 41YT CD Gun battery firing at LSM-50
8cm/40 T88 DP battery firing at LSM-19


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

Pre-Invasion action off Truk (112,108) - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

486 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
DD Twiggs
DD Terry, Shell hits 8, heavy fires
LSM-372
DD Van Valkenburgh
DD Uhlmann
LSM-370, Shell hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage
LSM-369, Shell hits 11, heavy fires, heavy damage
LSM-371, Shell hits 2, on fire
LSM-373, Shell hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
LCI(G)-470
LCI(G)-469
LCI(G)-467
LCI(G)-466
LCI(G)-465
LCI(G)-464
LCI(G)-463
LCI(G)-462
LCI(G)-461
LCI(G)-460
LCI(G)-459
LCI(G)-458
LCI(G)-457
LCI(G)-456
LCI(G)-365
LCI(G)-220
LCI(G)-81
LCI(G)-80
LCI(G)-79
LCI(G)-78
LCI(R)-772
LCI(R)-770
LCI(R)-651
LCI(R)-650
LCI(R)-649
LCI(R)-647
LCI(R)-646
LCI(R)-645
LCI(R)-644
LCI(R)-643
LCI(R)-642
LCI(R)-342
LCI(R)-341
LCI(R)-340
LCI(R)-339
LCI(R)-338
LCI(R)-337
LCI(R)-231
LCI(R)-230
LCI(R)-226
LCI(R)-225
LCI(R)-224
LSM-374

Japanese ground losses:
164 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Allied ground losses:
239 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 24 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

DD Twiggs firing at 24th Ind.Mixed Brigade
DD Terry firing at Truk Naval Fortress
Truk Naval Fortress firing at DD Terry
DD Van Valkenburgh firing to suppress enemy battery at 14,000 yards
DD Uhlmann firing to suppress enemy battery at 14,000 yards
14cm 3YT CD Gun Battery engaging LSM-370 at 14,000 yards
DD Uhlmann firing to suppress enemy battery at 14,000 yards
DD Van Valkenburgh firing to suppress enemy battery at 14,000 yards
DD Uhlmann firing to suppress enemy battery at 14,000 yards
12cm/45 T10 DP Battery engaging LSM-369 at 14,000 yards
DD Uhlmann firing to suppress enemy battery at 14,000 yards
15.5cm 3YT CD Gun Battery engaging LSM-369 at 14,000 yards
DD Uhlmann firing to suppress enemy battery at 14,000 yards
15cm 41YT CD Gun Battery engaging LSM-370 at 14,000 yards
DD Uhlmann firing to suppress enemy battery at 14,000 yards
DD Van Valkenburgh firing to suppress enemy battery at 14,000 yards
DD Uhlmann firing to suppress enemy battery at 14,000 yards
15.5cm 3YT CD Gun Battery engaging LSM-371 at 14,000 yards
DD Uhlmann firing to suppress enemy battery at 14,000 yards
15cm 41YT CD Gun Battery engaging LSM-370 at 14,000 yards
DD Uhlmann firing to suppress enemy battery at 14,000 yards
14cm 3YT CD Gun Battery engaging LSM-373 at 14,000 yards
DD Uhlmann firing to suppress enemy battery at 14,000 yards
LCI(G)-470 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-469 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-467 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-466 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-465 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-464 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-463 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-462 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-461 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-460 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-459 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-458 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-457 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-456 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-365 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-220 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-81 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-80 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-79 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-78 fired at enemy troops
LCI(R)-772 fired at enemy troops
LCI(R)-770 fired at enemy troops
LCI(R)-651 fired at enemy troops
LCI(R)-650 fired at enemy troops
LCI(R)-649 fired at enemy troops
LCI(R)-647 fired at enemy troops
LCI(R)-646 fired at enemy troops
LCI(R)-645 fired at enemy troops
LCI(R)-644 fired at enemy troops
LCI(R)-643 fired at enemy troops
LCI(R)-642 fired at enemy troops
LCI(R)-342 fired at enemy troops
LCI(R)-341 fired at enemy troops
LCI(R)-340 fired at enemy troops
LCI(R)-339 fired at enemy troops
LCI(R)-338 fired at enemy troops
LCI(R)-337 fired at enemy troops
LCI(R)-231 fired at enemy troops
LCI(R)-230 fired at enemy troops
LCI(R)-226 fired at enemy troops
LCI(R)-225 fired at enemy troops
LCI(R)-224 fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 6,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 1,000 yards


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

Pre-Invasion action off Truk (112,108) - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

476 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
DD Ringgold, Shell hits 7, on fire
xAK Overseas Rose, Shell hits 11, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Rowe
DD John Rodgers

Allied ground losses:
11 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 29 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Truk Naval Fortress firing at DD Ringgold
DD Ringgold firing at Truk Naval Fortress
15cm 41YT CD Gun Battery engaging xAK Overseas Rose at 17,000 yards
DD John Rodgers firing to suppress enemy battery at 17,000 yards
DD Rowe firing to suppress enemy battery at 17,000 yards
DD John Rodgers firing to suppress enemy battery at 17,000 yards
15.5cm 3YT CD Gun Battery engaging xAK Overseas Rose at 17,000 yards
DD John Rodgers firing to suppress enemy battery at 17,000 yards
12cm/45 T10 DP Battery engaging xAK Overseas Rose at 17,000 yards
DD John Rodgers firing to suppress enemy battery at 17,000 yards
15cm 41YT CD Gun Battery engaging xAK Overseas Rose at 17,000 yards
DD John Rodgers firing to suppress enemy battery at 17,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 4,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 1,000 yards

nvasion Support action off Truk (112,108)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

409 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
xAK Mormacowl, Shell hits 2, heavy fires
xAK Hawaiian Rancher
LCI(G)-455
LCI(G)-454
LCI(G)-453
LCI(G)-452
LCI(G)-451
LCI(G)-450
LCI(G)-449
LCI(G)-441
LCI(G)-440
LCI(G)-439
LCI(G)-438
LCI(G)-437
LCI(G)-408
LCI(G)-407
LCI(G)-406
LCI(G)-405
LCI(G)-404
LCI(G)-403
LCI(G)-401
LCI(G)-398
LCI(G)-397
LCI(G)-396
LCI(G)-372
LCI(G)-366
APA Oconto
BB Tennessee, on fire
BB Texas, on fire
DE Walton

Allied ground losses:
268 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 25 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 4 (1 destroyed, 3 disabled)

15.5cm 3YT CD Gun Battery engaging xAK Mormacowl at 20,000 yards
20cm 41YT CD Gun Battery engaging xAK Hawaiian Rancher at 20,000 yards
20cm 41YT CD Gun Battery engaging xAK Mormacowl at 20,000 yards
15.5cm 3YT CD Gun Battery engaging xAK Hawaiian Rancher at 20,000 yards
14cm 3YT CD Gun Battery engaging xAK Mormacowl at 20,000 yards
LCI(G)-455 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-454 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-453 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-452 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-451 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-450 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-449 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-441 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-440 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-439 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-438 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-437 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-408 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-407 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-406 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-405 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-404 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-403 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-401 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-398 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-397 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-396 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-372 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-366 fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 4,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 1,000 yards


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

Invasion Support action off Truk (112,108)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

418 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
AK Lynx, Shell hits 10, heavy fires, heavy damage
BB Tennessee
DE Richard W. Suesens
xAK Hawaiian Rancher, Shell hits 1
BB Texas
AK Cetus, Shell hits 1
AK Sterope, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Celeno
LCI(G)-455
LCI(G)-454
LCI(G)-453
LCI(G)-452
LCI(G)-451
LCI(G)-450
LCI(G)-449
LCI(G)-441
LCI(G)-440
LCI(G)-439
LCI(G)-438
LCI(G)-437
LCI(G)-408
LCI(G)-407
LCI(G)-406
LCI(G)-405
LCI(G)-404
LCI(G)-403
LCI(G)-401
LCI(G)-398
LCI(G)-397
LCI(G)-396
LCI(G)-372
LCI(G)-366
APA Oconto
DE Walton

Allied ground losses:
228 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 20 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

20cm 41YT CD Gun Battery engaging AK Lynx at 14,000 yards
15.5cm 3YT CD Gun Battery engaging xAK Hawaiian Rancher at 14,000 yards
15cm 41YT CD Gun Battery engaging AK Cetus at 14,000 yards
14cm 3YT CD Gun Battery engaging AK Sterope at 14,000 yards
12.7cm/50 T03 DP Battery engaging xAK Hawaiian Rancher at 14,000 yards
12cm/45 T10 DP Battery engaging xAK Hawaiian Rancher at 14,000 yards
15.5cm 3YT CD Gun Battery engaging xAK Hawaiian Rancher at 14,000 yards
15cm 41YT CD Gun Battery engaging AK Celeno at 14,000 yards
14cm 3YT CD Gun Battery engaging AK Cetus at 14,000 yards
12cm/45 T10 DP Battery engaging AK Lynx at 14,000 yards
20cm 41YT CD Gun Battery engaging AK Cetus at 14,000 yards
15cm 41YT CD Gun Battery engaging AK Celeno at 14,000 yards
14cm 3YT CD Gun Battery engaging AK Sterope at 14,000 yards
12.7cm/50 T03 DP Battery engaging xAK Hawaiian Rancher at 14,000 yards
LCI(G)-455 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-454 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-453 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-452 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-451 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-450 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-449 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-441 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-440 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-439 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-438 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-437 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-408 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-407 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-406 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-405 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-404 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-403 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-401 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-398 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-397 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-396 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-372 fired at enemy troops
LCI(G)-366 fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 5,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards


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

Invasion Support action off Truk (112,108)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

287 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
xAK Hawaiian Rancher, Shell hits 25, heavy fires, heavy damage
DE Richard W. Suesens
BB Texas
AK Sterope, Shell hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage
AK Lynx, Shell hits 10, heavy fires, heavy damage
AK Celeno, Shell hits 4, on fire
DE O'Flaherty
AK Cetus, Shell hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
LCI(G)-373
APA Oconto
DE Walton

Allied ground losses:
125 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

15.5cm 3YT CD Gun Battery engaging xAK Hawaiian Rancher at 10,000 yards
BB Texas firing to suppress enemy battery at 10,000 yards
12.7cm/50 T03 DP Battery engaging AK Sterope at 10,000 yards
BB Texas firing to suppress enemy battery at 10,000 yards
12cm/45 T10 DP Battery engaging AK Lynx at 10,000 yards
8cm/40 T88 DP Battery engaging AK Celeno at 10,000 yards
20cm 41YT CD Gun Battery engaging AK Sterope at 10,000 yards
BB Texas firing to suppress enemy battery at 10,000 yards
15.5cm 3YT CD Gun Battery engaging xAK Hawaiian Rancher at 10,000 yards
BB Texas firing to suppress enemy battery at 10,000 yards
15cm 41YT CD Gun Battery engaging AK Celeno at 10,000 yards
DE O'Flaherty firing to suppress enemy battery at 10,000 yards
14cm 3YT CD Gun Battery engaging xAK Hawaiian Rancher at 10,000 yards
DE O'Flaherty firing to suppress enemy battery at 10,000 yards
12.7cm/50 T03 DP Battery engaging xAK Hawaiian Rancher at 10,000 yards
BB Texas firing to suppress enemy battery at 10,000 yards
12cm/45 T10 DP Battery engaging AK Cetus at 10,000 yards
DE Richard W. Suesens firing to suppress enemy battery at 10,000 yards
8cm/40 T41 DP Battery engaging AK Cetus at 10,000 yards
8cm/40 T88 DP Battery engaging AK Sterope at 10,000 yards
LCI(G)-373 firing to suppress enemy battery at 10,000 yards
20cm 41YT CD Gun Battery engaging xAK Hawaiian Rancher at 10,000 yards
BB Texas firing to suppress enemy battery at 10,000 yards
15cm 41YT CD Gun Battery engaging xAK Hawaiian Rancher at 10,000 yards
14cm 3YT CD Gun Battery engaging xAK Hawaiian Rancher at 10,000 yards
LCI(G)-373 firing to suppress enemy battery at 10,000 yards
12cm/45 T10 DP Battery engaging xAK Hawaiian Rancher at 10,000 yards
LCI(G)-373 firing to suppress enemy battery at 10,000 yards
8cm/40 T88 DP Battery engaging AK Celeno at 10,000 yards
LCI(G)-373 firing to suppress enemy battery at 10,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 1,000 yards


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

Invasion Support action off Truk (112,108)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

221 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
AK Sterope, Shell hits 1, heavy damage
AK Celeno, Shell hits 17, heavy fires, heavy damage
APA Oconto
DE Walton

Allied ground losses:
70 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 7 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

14cm 3YT CD Gun Battery engaging AK Sterope at 16,000 yards
20cm 41YT CD Gun Battery engaging AK Celeno at 16,000 yards
15cm 41YT CD Gun Battery engaging AK Celeno at 16,000 yards
15.5cm 3YT CD Gun Battery engaging AK Celeno at 16,000 yards
15cm 41YT CD Gun Battery engaging AK Celeno at 16,000 yards
12cm/45 T10 DP Battery engaging AK Celeno at 16,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards

An ugly little nut to crack.

Here's the bombardments.

Ground combat at Truk (112,108)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 17615 troops, 262 guns, 16 vehicles, Assault Value = 549

Defending force 82030 troops, 1377 guns, 1699 vehicles, Assault Value = 3046

Japanese ground losses:
148 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Vehicles lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
49 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Assaulting units:
1st Ind.Tank Co
24th Ind.Mixed Brigade
2nd Amphibious Brigade
11th Ind.Mixed Regiment
49th Ind.Mixed Bde /1
Southeast Area Fleet
36th JNAF AF Unit
7th Naval Construction Battalion
34th Field Const Co
4th Fleet
5th JAAF AF Bn
35th Fld AA Gun Co
4th Base Force
Truk Naval Fortress
2nd Provisional Base Force

Defending units:
XIV Corps Engr Grp
2nd Arm Amphib Battalion
1st (Spec) Cavalry Division
3rd Arm Amphib Battalion
776th Amphib Tank Battalion
96th Infantry Division
706th Tank Battalion
111th(Sep) Infantry Regiment
6th USMC Tank Battalion
815th Towed Tank Destroyer Battalion
6th Marine Division
4th Marine Div /2
147th(Sep) Infantry Regiment
4th USMC Tank Battalion
775th Tank Battalion
Provisionl Tank Brigade
6th Ranger Battalion
27th Infantry Division
38th Infantry Div /3
4th Field Artillery Battalion
5th Pioneer Battalion
517th Field Artillery Battalion
6th Pioneer Battalion
3rd USMC Field Artillery Battalion
249th Field Artillery Battalion
668th Field Artillery Battalion
669th Field Artillery Battalion
2nd AmphTrac Engineer Battalion
X US Corps
531st Field Artillery Battalion
XI Corps Engr Grp /9


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


Ground combat at Truk (112,108)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 28329 troops, 642 guns, 344 vehicles, Assault Value = 3046

Defending force 28265 troops, 327 guns, 55 vehicles, Assault Value = 539

Japanese ground losses:
8 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
Provisionl Tank Brigade
6th USMC Tank Battalion
96th Infantry Division
4th Marine Div /2
XIV Corps Engr Grp
3rd Arm Amphib Battalion
4th USMC Tank Battalion
776th Amphib Tank Battalion
6th Ranger Battalion
27th Infantry Division
706th Tank Battalion
815th Towed Tank Destroyer Battalion
2nd Arm Amphib Battalion
111th(Sep) Infantry Regiment
147th(Sep) Infantry Regiment
1st (Spec) Cavalry Division
6th Marine Division
775th Tank Battalion
38th Infantry Div /3
6th Pioneer Battalion
517th Field Artillery Battalion
4th Field Artillery Battalion
249th Field Artillery Battalion
X US Corps
5th Pioneer Battalion
3rd USMC Field Artillery Battalion
531st Field Artillery Battalion
2nd AmphTrac Engineer Battalion
668th Field Artillery Battalion
669th Field Artillery Battalion
XI Corps Engr Grp /9

Defending units:
11th Ind.Mixed Regiment
1st Ind.Tank Co
24th Ind.Mixed Brigade
2nd Amphibious Brigade
49th Ind.Mixed Bde /1
5th JAAF AF Bn
Southeast Area Fleet
4th Base Force
4th Fleet
36th JNAF AF Unit
35th Fld AA Gun Co
34th Field Const Co
Truk Naval Fortress
7th Naval Construction Battalion
2nd Provisional Base Force

I've got close to 6-1 AV odds on him now, with more unloading. I'm attacking next turn. Naval air was hitting the airfield, but I've backed them off to naval attack for now. One Avenger squadron on the CVEs will direct support. I'm wondering if he'll disband his planes at this point.

I think this will be the worst landing left in the game. Not that the Marianas will be walkovers, but the coast artillery at Truk is just nasty. I can pick quiet areas to land at Luzon.

[Sangeli]

I think you did pretty well with the landing at Truk all things considered. Luckily you included a number of BBs which absorbed the brunt of the punishment. They'll have plenty of sys damage but I've never heard of a BB getting even close to sinking from only CD guns. One thing I thought was very interesting was that your LCIs didn't get hit at all by CD guns. Maybe the targeting AI puts it at the lowest priority because they are the smallest ships?

What's the stacking limit at Truk like? 80k troops is quite a lot for that island!

And yes, Truk will be very difficult to take. 3x terrain with heavy forts are no laughing matter. Hopefully you brought plenty of supply because bringing more supply will undoubtedly result in heavy ship losses as I have found out on numerous occasions.

[BBfanboy]

The low IJA losses from your BBs and other landing support suggest forts at least 6, probably 7+.
I have been working over Truk Naval Fortress with BBs and found that their guns are not firing when I am at 28K yards standoff. I intend to bombard and bomb until it is apparent that Truk has few guns or no supply left. Going in the way you did may get the job done but you will be missing your BBs for many moons to come.

[Mundy]

I think it was around 30,000. Forgot to look. I did look earlier and realized I can't stage all of my future moves from there.

22 March 1945

Those guns on Truk just don't quit. I've lost a number of transports now, and am starting to take losses on the smaller landing craft. I'm just fine if they eat all the losses as they're a dime a dozen.

All the troops are ashore. I've made a new amphib group consisting of only those ships with supply left, all 8 or so battleships and escorts. Everyone else is out of there, bound for Ponape. If they're empty, get them away from the guns. There's about 10,700 in supply left to unload.

This was my attack, which is what I expected.

Ground combat at Truk (112,108)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 17507 troops, 263 guns, 16 vehicles, Assault Value = 537

Defending force 90305 troops, 1418 guns, 1715 vehicles, Assault Value = 3060

Japanese ground losses:
105 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

Allied ground losses:
13 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 2 (2 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Assaulting units:
11th Ind.Mixed Regiment
24th Ind.Mixed Brigade
1st Ind.Tank Co
2nd Amphibious Brigade
49th Ind.Mixed Bde /1
34th Field Const Co
4th Fleet
35th Fld AA Gun Co
Truk Naval Fortress
Southeast Area Fleet
4th Base Force
36th JNAF AF Unit
5th JAAF AF Bn
7th Naval Construction Battalion
2nd Provisional Base Force

Defending units:
1st (Spec) Cavalry Division
XIV Corps Engr Grp
6th USMC Tank Battalion
6th Ranger Battalion
111th(Sep) Infantry Regiment
3rd Arm Amphib Battalion
706th Tank Battalion
147th(Sep) Infantry Regiment
96th Infantry Division
776th Amphib Tank Battalion
4th USMC Tank Battalion
815th Towed Tank Destroyer Battalion
27th Infantry Division
4th Marine Division
6th Marine Division
2nd Arm Amphib Battalion
775th Tank Battalion
38th Infantry Division
Provisionl Tank Brigade
X US Corps
517th Field Artillery Battalion
2nd AmphTrac Engineer Battalion
6th Pioneer Battalion
5th Pioneer Battalion
3rd USMC Field Artillery Battalion
668th Field Artillery Battalion
4th Field Artillery Battalion
531st Field Artillery Battalion
249th Field Artillery Battalion
669th Field Artillery Battalion
XI Corps Engr Grp /9


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


Ground combat at Truk (112,108)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 87989 troops, 1415 guns, 1714 vehicles, Assault Value = 3058

Defending force 28150 troops, 328 guns, 56 vehicles, Assault Value = 531

Allied adjusted assault: 1189

Japanese adjusted defense: 1513

Allied assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 8)

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

Japanese ground losses:
3235 casualties reported
Squads: 18 destroyed, 176 disabled
Non Combat: 16 destroyed, 50 disabled
Engineers: 8 destroyed, 28 disabled
Guns lost 70 (10 destroyed, 60 disabled)
Vehicles lost 23 (4 destroyed, 19 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
5267 casualties reported
Squads: 299 destroyed, 106 disabled
Non Combat: 101 destroyed, 35 disabled
Engineers: 31 destroyed, 4 disabled
Guns lost 57 (40 destroyed, 17 disabled)
Vehicles lost 184 (146 destroyed, 38 disabled)

Assaulting units:
38th Infantry Division
6th Marine Division
2nd Arm Amphib Battalion
27th Infantry Division
776th Amphib Tank Battalion
111th(Sep) Infantry Regiment
XIV Corps Engr Grp
147th(Sep) Infantry Regiment
96th Infantry Division
4th Marine Division
4th USMC Tank Battalion
6th Ranger Battalion
6th USMC Tank Battalion
775th Tank Battalion
3rd Arm Amphib Battalion
706th Tank Battalion
1st (Spec) Cavalry Division
815th Towed Tank Destroyer Battalion
Provisional Tank Brigade
4th Field Artillery Battalion
249th Field Artillery Battalion
517th Field Artillery Battalion
531st Field Artillery Battalion
669th Field Artillery Battalion
3rd USMC Field Artillery Battalion
6th Pioneer Battalion
2nd AmphTrac Engineer Battalion
X US Corps
668th Field Artillery Battalion
5th Pioneer Battalion
XI Corps Engr Grp /9

Defending units:
2nd Amphibious Brigade
24th Ind. Mixed Brigade
11th Ind. Mixed Regiment
1st Ind.Tank Co
49th Ind. Mixed Bde /1
Southeast Area Fleet
35th Fld AA Gun Co
36th JNAF AF Unit
4th Base Force
Truk Naval Fortress
5th JAAF AF Bn
34th Field Const Co
7th Naval Construction Battalion
4th Fleet
2nd Provisional Base Force

I'll hit them again this turn and then rest a bit. More amphibs are loading from Ponape and Roi-Namur to haul more supply in. I'm really hoping he leaves me about 200k in supply when I take it.

This was his best turn with his MTBs, hitting some DEs and APDs. I've driven them off for good now, I think. We'll see if they survive a trip to their next base.

At Townsville, I have about 6 divisions plus extras prepping for Manus. It's to dominating to just bypass going that way, so I have to deal with it.

India's quiet, as his ships bailed the area.

[Mundy]

23 March 1945

And on it goes. What a meatgrinder.

Attacking force 82766 troops, 1356 guns, 1603 vehicles, Assault Value = 2717

Defending force 26230 troops, 324 guns, 55 vehicles, Assault Value = 380

Allied adjusted assault: 816

Japanese adjusted defense: 1846

Allied assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 8)

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

Japanese ground losses:
3058 casualties reported
Squads: 34 destroyed, 119 disabled
Non Combat: 26 destroyed, 78 disabled
Engineers: 8 destroyed, 12 disabled
Guns lost 47 (12 destroyed, 35 disabled)
Vehicles lost 20 (13 destroyed, 7 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
2610 casualties reported
Squads: 120 destroyed, 58 disabled
Non Combat: 57 destroyed, 26 disabled
Engineers: 18 destroyed, 10 disabled
Guns lost 57 (42 destroyed, 15 disabled)
Vehicles lost 114 (93 destroyed, 21 disabled)

Assaulting units:
XI Corps Engr Grp
38th Infantry Division
1st (Spec) Cavalry Division
27th Infantry Division
4th Marine Division
96th Infantry Division
2nd Arm Amphib Battalion
815th Towed Tank Destroyer Battalion
111th(Sep) Infantry Regiment
6th USMC Tank Battalion
6th Marine Division
706th Tank Battalion
775th Tank Battalion
4th USMC Tank Battalion
147th(Sep) Infantry Regiment
776th Amphib Tank Battalion
XIV Corps Engr Grp
3rd Arm Amphib Battalion
Provisionl Tank Brigade
5th Pioneer Battalion
X US Corps
249th Field Artillery Battalion
4th Field Artillery Battalion
669th Field Artillery Battalion
3rd USMC Field Artillery Battalion
2nd AmphTrac Engineer Battalion
668th Field Artillery Battalion
6th Ranger Battalion
531st Field Artillery Battalion
517th Field Artillery Battalion
6th Pioneer Battalion

Defending units:
2nd Amphibious Brigade
11th Ind.Mixed Regiment
24th Ind.Mixed Brigade
1st Ind.Tank Co
49th Ind.Mixed Bde /1
4th Base Force
35th Fld AA Gun Co
Truk Naval Fortress
4th Fleet
34th Field Const Co
Southeast Area Fleet
36th JNAF AF Unit
5th JAAF AF Bn
7th Naval Construction Battalion
2nd Provisional Base Force

Despite the losses last turn, I think my AV ratio actually grew slightly. With results like above, I'll probably grind this one through by sheer attrition. The AV on his troops is shrinking down to nothing at this point. I still have enough warm bodies to throw into this.

The transports had like 10 supply, so I've sent them back. The battleships will do one bombardment out of spite on the way out. Maybe they can hurt him enough to push it over the edge.

[Mundy]

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

The low IJA losses from your BBs and other landing support suggest forts at least 6, probably 7+.
I have been working over Truk Naval Fortress with BBs and found that their guns are not firing when I am at 28K yards standoff. I intend to bombard and bomb until it is apparent that Truk has few guns or no supply left. Going in the way you did may get the job done but you will be missing your BBs for many moons to come.

BB, how are your results at that range? I've never really dinked with the range settings. I've always wondered if that's like bombing at 30,000 ft. Embedded with the transports I can't really set the ranges, though.

It may come in handy for prepping the Marianas.

[Bif1961]

He lost troops last time then you did which is a good sign but his forts did not go down so you are in for a long fight, as long as his supplies last.

[Mundy]

I don't know. Over the last few days, his raw AV has gone from 550, to 400, to 250. I don't think all the fortifications in the world will help if there's no bodies filling them. I'll give this three days tops. I'm soooo tempted to shock attack, but I don't have the courage for that yet.

24 March 1945

Stragglers are making their way to Ponape. IJN subs are picking off some of them and getting beaten up in return. My bombardment mission did squat. I am grinding him down. One of his units dies. I can't tell which one until next turn.

Ground combat at Truk (112,108)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 81534 troops, 1332 guns, 1551 vehicles, Assault Value = 2463

Defending force 24352 troops, 321 guns, 49 vehicles, Assault Value = 249

Allied adjusted assault: 341

Japanese adjusted defense: 892

Allied assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 8)

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), forts(+), leaders(+)
Attacker: disruption(-)

Japanese ground losses:
2256 casualties reported
Squads: 59 destroyed, 65 disabled
Non Combat: 9 destroyed, 69 disabled
Engineers: 11 destroyed, 15 disabled
Guns lost 32 (11 destroyed, 21 disabled)
Vehicles lost 17 (3 destroyed, 14 disabled)
Units destroyed 1

Allied ground losses:
3755 casualties reported
Squads: 187 destroyed, 79 disabled
Non Combat: 60 destroyed, 35 disabled
Engineers: 29 destroyed, 4 disabled
Guns lost 78 (68 destroyed, 10 disabled)
Vehicles lost 130 (97 destroyed, 33 disabled)

Assaulting units:
27th Infantry Division
6th USMC Tank Battalion
4th Marine Division
3rd Arm Amphib Battalion
96th Infantry Division
706th Tank Battalion
4th USMC Tank Battalion
XI Corps Engr Grp
1st (Spec) Cavalry Division
815th Towed Tank Destroyer Battalion
776th Amphib Tank Battalion
38th Infantry Division
2nd Arm Amphib Battalion
775th Tank Battalion
111th(Sep) Infantry Regiment
XIV Corps Engr Grp
147th(Sep) Infantry Regiment
6th Marine Division
Provisionl Tank Brigade
669th Field Artillery Battalion
517th Field Artillery Battalion
668th Field Artillery Battalion
3rd USMC Field Artillery Battalion
6th Ranger Battalion
5th Pioneer Battalion
4th Field Artillery Battalion
531st Field Artillery Battalion
249th Field Artillery Battalion
2nd AmphTrac Engineer Battalion
X US Corps
6th Pioneer Battalion

Defending units:
11th Ind.Mixed Regiment
2nd Amphibious Brigade
24th Ind.Mixed Brigade
1st Ind.Tank Co
49th Ind.Mixed Bde /1
7th Naval Construction Battalion
34th Field Const Co
Southeast Area Fleet
36th JNAF AF Unit
5th JAAF AF Bn
35th Fld AA Gun Co
4th Base Force
4th Fleet
Truk Naval Fortress
2nd Provisional Base Force

My northern carriers got a little too close to Tinian. At first I though some carriers showed up, but I don't see any. Took care of them either way.

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Truk at 111,101

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 116 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 38 minutes

Japanese aircraft
D4Y3 Judy x 29
N1K2-J George x 69

Allied aircraft
F4U-1D Corsair x 90
F6F-5 Hellcat x 104

Japanese aircraft losses
D4Y3 Judy: 12 destroyed
N1K2-J George: 5 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1D Corsair: 1 destroyed
F6F-5 Hellcat: 4 destroyed

CAP engaged:
VF-1 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VBF-1 with F4U-1D Corsair (0 airborne, 12 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 3000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
VF-7 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 9 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-8 with F4U-1D Corsair (2 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
VBF-8 with F4U-1D Corsair (0 airborne, 9 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 3000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-11 with F6F-5 Hellcat (2 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
VBF-11 with F4U-1D Corsair (4 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-12 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-80 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 9 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
VF-82 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
VBF-82 with F4U-1D Corsair (0 airborne, 9 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-85 with F6F-5 Hellcat (2 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VBF-85 with F4U-1D Corsair (1 airborne, 11 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-22 with F6F-5 Hellcat (3 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-23 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-30 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-31 with F4U-1D Corsair (3 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes



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

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Truk at 111,101

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 100 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 30 minutes

Japanese aircraft
P1Y2 Frances x 13

Allied aircraft
F4U-1D Corsair x 66
F6F-5 Hellcat x 78

Japanese aircraft losses
P1Y2 Frances: 6 destroyed

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
VF-1 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
VBF-1 with F4U-1D Corsair (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
VF-7 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
VF-8 with F4U-1D Corsair (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 14000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
VBF-8 with F4U-1D Corsair (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
VBF-11 with F4U-1D Corsair (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
VF-12 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
VF-80 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
VF-82 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
VBF-82 with F4U-1D Corsair (0 airborne, 1 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
VF-22 with F6F-5 Hellcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes
VF-23 with F6F-5 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
VF-30 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 9 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters to 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 9 minutes
VF-31 with F4U-1D Corsair (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
VF-11 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
VF-85 with F6F-5 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 14225.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
VBF-85 with F4U-1D Corsair (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 13000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes

[Bif1961]

You might want to get your disruption down before going for a shock attack. Your adjusted AV is down too 341 from 1189 the attack before. His adjusted AV is down from 1846 to 891. Looks like you are digging them out one cave at a time.

[BBfanboy]

ORIGINAL: Mundy

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

The low IJA losses from your BBs and other landing support suggest forts at least 6, probably 7+.
I have been working over Truk Naval Fortress with BBs and found that their guns are not firing when I am at 28K yards standoff. I intend to bombard and bomb until it is apparent that Truk has few guns or no supply left. Going in the way you did may get the job done but you will be missing your BBs for many moons to come.

BB, how are your results at that range? I've never really dinked with the range settings. I've always wondered if that's like bombing at 30,000 ft. Embedded with the transports I can't really set the ranges, though.

It may come in handy for prepping the Marianas.

Yes, Saipan Naval Fortress is nearly as nasty as Truk's!

As for results - I have float plane recon up before the bombardment force arrive, and of course I have embedded FPs to do night recon for the bombardment (1000' altitude, 0 hex range, no target set). It starts off with pretty slow results as a few disabled squads are all that seems to show. After a week or so some destruction begins happening and occasionally a gun is taken out. But Truk had a lot of supply and it wasn't until about three weeks in that supply hits and his shooting at me used up his ammo (AA abruptly halted against bombers at 7000 feet). I think there is still some supply left but the game likes to save the last of the supply for really close in fighting or invasions.

Incidentally, it was about week 2.5 when I moved my BBs out to 28K standoff - before that I was at 24 to 26K and sometimes got away without damage but the fort was gaining experience too and started hitting regularly. Hate having to go a long way to repair a destroyed 5" gun mount!

I finally have Ponape up to level 5 AF so I can put HBs there and go after Truk big time. Have also taken Woleai but it will take a while to build up. Mousseau Island is at level 4 but I have to get some more air support there when it reaches AF 5.

Of course, I am playing the AI and have no timetable, so your Truk problem will be more pressing than mine! [:D]

[BBfanboy]

ORIGINAL: Bif1961

You might want to get your disruption down before going for a shock attack. Your adjusted AV is down too 341 from 1189 the attack before. His adjusted AV is down from 1846 to 891. Looks like you are digging them out one cave at a time.

Shock attacking forts over level 4 is crazy. Even at level four I have seen total disaster for the attackers.
Keep bombarding to keep the disruption up and rest your troops.

[Capt. Harlock]

It's interesting (and worrisome) that the fort levels are not going down. You have engineers there -- and it's not like they're not in the fight, given the casualties.