Aztez (Allies) vs Erstad (Japan)

[aztez]

Ok. The situation at Oz is not good. He has control over Broome, Wyndham and Derby. He does not control Perth though.

There are 2 problems concerning Oz.

1) If I start moving my infantry divisions from Southern Oz than Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane are easier targets. He could launch all out invasion from New Caledonia easily. So, it is a judgement call whether to move more troops in Northern Oz.

2) Aircrafts. The ac's available to me are out of date (Wirraways, Hudsons, etc) so that unfortunately means that he will control air to air battles currently.


The blockade he put in place in Southern Pacific was executed properly. He has control over Fiji's and Canton Island. (Part of the KB was hunting transport convoys early on)

I think Dave is setting up an Buffer Zone as you described. DEI is safe place for him soon and now that he holds New Caledonia it is even better for him.

Whether he will move into full scale offensive againts Oz is still in doubt. He could do this and I cannot promise I could witheld him. New Zealand is under threat too and he could invade it if he chooses to do so.

As I said in my previous report he will be in motion in China soon. Expect those battles to be decisive ones.

I must admit that I'am enjoying the challenge to head to head againts such good opponent [:)]

[ny59giants]

It looks like Oz "may" be in trouble. Perth is important for it's ability to stop all convoys from India getting into Oz and it being isolated from the rest of Oz. Thus, difficult to retake without significant warning.
If he wants to take Oz, he will need to make a strong move within the next 2 months before you can convert your squadrons to Spitfires. With Spits/Hurricanes over your bases, it will be hard to gain air superiority over a base.[:D] Any further move will require the KB to support it until a base can be taken. Hopefully, Townsville,Brisbane, and others have fortifications build up to near max levels.
The US CV's need to go through the 6/42 or 7/42 upgrade and expansion of fighter squadrons to 36 planes before they can be effective. With so much territory taken, after punching a hole in the outer defenses, there shouldn't be much behind it. Unfortunately, you will have to wait another 6 months before you can seriously test that out. Patiences is the most important trait for the Allies until '43 rolls around[X(]

Steady the course!![:)]

[Feinder]

Frankly, I don't know what he'll do.

Dave has a plan. He -ALWAYS- has a plan.

It's POSSIBLE that he may be happy wiht N. Oz. It's possible that he considers eastern/southern Oz "not worth the trouble" (for now at least). Think about it. Once he owns Darwin, like they said, SRA is completely secure. He owns SoPac, so the only thing in Oz is the inherit reinforcements. Maybe he just puts blockers to keep you on the East Coast. I'd take Perth, just for good measure. But it's possible to just take the north Oz, and leave it at that. Fininsihing off Oz, could take a lot of troops and time. Dunno. Maybe go for it, maybe not.

I haven't actually thought it thru. Just rambling.

[aztez]

You are absolutely correct ny59giants it would be suicide to start anykind of offensive supported by US CV's before 6/7 1942 upgrades. Thankfully those dates are not too far off anymore. The Oz coast is build up but I do not have the infantry to garrison Townswille, Cairns and nearby bases adequately. This is the biggest dilemma. If I try to hold on to every base than the is high risk that he can split my forces and start picking them one by one.

[:D] ...I'am counting days for the Spitfires. Those planes are such valuable defensive aircraft...[:D]

I also agree that patience is needed... but if he comes to Palmyra, Christmas Island, Midway or any other bases nearby than my CV Fleet will move to intercept.. Suicide or not in that case [:-]

[:D][:D]... Feinder, You know Dave.... and YES he does ALWAYS seem to have a plan... [8|][8|]

I think he will take Darwin.. No doubt about it! Also, I have a bad feeling about NZ [:(][:(][:(] since he knows he has solid blockade in South Pacific. I also doubt that Dave hasn't garrisoned Canton Island and Baker Island properly... There are elements of his navy that I have heard of in a longtime. (I would assume that these are protecting these bases in question)

Dave is most definately moving into high gear in China! I will post a screenshot when next turn arrives to show what I mean.

I think it is still 50/50 chance whether he will start moving his main army to Oz. This would bold move and he really would need to bring in a lot of troops but you know Dave... he might go for it since he has taken a lot of time capture New Caledonia and other important bases near Oz.

No turn today so I think I will have one waiting for me in the mail tomorrow morning [:)] '

I do apreciate your comments and feedback guys [8D]

[Feinder]

He had sent me an email last week, saying his work schedule for the next several weeks would be prohibitive. Works ok for me, as

a. My wife will have a baby "anytime now". So turns may get sporatic for me.
b. My game vs. Dave is late Sept. 42. Very different from yours obviously. But I needed the last week to do planning for Spring '43 (reinforcments, transport planning etc).

-F-

[aztez]

Oh, now that you said it I remember that Dave informed that he might have a busy work schedule! [:)]

I do have almost 4 month old daughter at home [:)] She is one fisty and cute girl. So, congratulations! [:D]

Yes, it takes quite much time to plan offensives. I remember that you mentioned something about Andaman Island? [;)] ...and you better plan carefully or Dave will eat you alive.

[Feinder]

Andaman - Yep. I've already "neutralized" the place. I figure he's got a gazillion mines there. I'm sending the MSWs now (it has 99 port damage, I hope that means most CD guns have been killed).

The offensives that I refer to in '43 are truely offensives. Not just retaking lost groud (goal for '42 is clean up SoPac and Bay of Bengal).

But if I want to do January offensives vs. Timor/New Guinea/Solomons/Gilberts, I need to start prepping now. Obviously not going for ALL of them. But over the next 3 months I need to prep the guys, get them to their jump-off ports, pack supplies and air support to AFs in range of the assaults.

There are four axis of advance there. It's a matter deciding (or decided rather) which axis (or combination) will be the most effective.

"Taking my time" has been my cardinal rule. I think it's served me well. I don't want to get into the "too slow" mindset tho.

Part of the turn in the game is "mindset" tho. At this point, I -want- a confrontation, and he knows it. Frankly, I think his airgroups are more-shot up than I originally believed. His training has stepped up dramatically in the last 2 months. Litterally hundreds (about 600) of planes bombing his various training sites, but not doing amazing hit numbers.

Dunno. We'll see. There's a fight coming in the next few months (maybe sooner). It seems to me that he needs to engage me sooner than later, because in Dec/Jan I start pulling the first round of CVEs and add Essex to my collection.

[Sardaukar]

BTW, how is the situation about your reinforcements ? Anything major coming to help you in this phase ? If he goes to NZ, I think that is a mistake. There have been others that have tried it too. I doubt he'll have enough troops everywhere.

[aztez]

Here is the promised screenshot from China:

[aztez]

Yeah, it takes time to prepare for the offensives. Seems to me that you are turning tables againts Dave. Those objectives you described are worthy targets and I think you will force him to have serious troubles in months to come. Unless he has something up his sleeves [;)]

He actually stated that 3 offensive plans are on the drawing boards in this game [:D][:(]

Unfortunately not much Sardaukar. As said 3 RCT units are on arrivals soon (6 days or so) apart from those quiet. We are playing with +60/-60 reinforcements option and the dice has not be in my favour. NZ, well I actually think he might have the force to capture it since he did brought in 80 000 men to New Caledonia. I just have 5 NZ Brigades there plus some supporting units.


Report from 25th through 27th of April 1942


Central Pacific


Minelaying operations are going on as scheduled.


North Pacific


[>:][>:][>:][>:]


China


All hell will break loose soon as you can see from screenshots.

He continued to assault my airfields at Sian.


Day Air attack on Sian , at 47,29

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 55
Ki-51 Sonia x 27
Ki-21 Sally x 26
Ki-48 Lily x 10
Ki-15 Babs x 1
Ki-36 Ida x 1

Allied aircraft
P-40B Tomahawk x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed
Ki-51 Sonia: 1 damaged
Ki-21 Sally: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-40B Tomahawk: 9 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
27 casualties reported

Airbase hits 9
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 53

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Sian , at 47,29

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 51
Ki-51 Sonia x 27
Ki-21 Sally x 25
Ki-48 Lily x 44
Ki-15 Babs x 1
Ki-36 Ida x 1

Allied aircraft
P-40B Tomahawk x 7
P-40E Warhawk x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed
Ki-51 Sonia: 1 destroyed
Ki-21 Sally: 4 damaged
Ki-48 Lily: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-40B Tomahawk: 3 destroyed, 1 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 2 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
18 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 17
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 55

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Sian , at 47,29

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 47
Ki-51 Sonia x 27
Ki-21 Sally x 24
Ki-48 Lily x 40
Ki-15 Babs x 1
Ki-36 Ida x 1

Allied aircraft
P-40B Tomahawk x 4
P-40E Warhawk x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-51 Sonia: 6 damaged
Ki-21 Sally: 1 damaged
Ki-48 Lily: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-40B Tomahawk: 2 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 2 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
39 casualties reported

Airbase hits 15
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 51


This means that my airforce is pretty much depleted. So, the only thing to do is to retire my ac's from Sian.

He also continues to pound my ground troops.


Day Air attack on 66th Chinese Corps, at 41,37

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 33
G3M Nell x 8
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 23
Ki-30 Ann x 35
Ki-21 Sally x 27
Ki-36 Ida x 1

No Japanese losses


Allied ground losses:
32 casualties reported

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Day Air attack on 5th War Area , at 44,35

Japanese aircraft
A5M4 Claude x 88
Ki-27 Nate x 137

No Japanese losses


Allied ground losses:
78 casualties reported

There are just couple of examples. I guess it is safe to say that he planning major assaults here.

I tried to liberate Lanchow but I did not bring in enough force. This operation will be abandoned.


Ground combat at Lanchow

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 7622 troops, 43 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 12811 troops, 135 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 0)


Japanese ground losses:
89 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
378 casualties reported
Guns lost 15


Australia, NZ & South Pacific


The good news is that I managed to capture Wyndham back.


Ground combat at Wyndham

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 5887 troops, 38 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 2638 troops, 7 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 0)

Allied forces CAPTURE Wyndham base !!!


Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 3 destroyed

Japanese ground losses:
23 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
107 casualties reported
Guns lost 1


The naval bombardment TF is closing into Noumea. (Hopefully undetected)

I'am pulling NZ Brigades from Christianchurch to Auckland. There is no need to garrison the whole NZ since he could pick my troops one by one.


DEI


As expected the fortress of Batavia surrendered. This means that he now controls the whole DEI region.


Ground combat at Batavia

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 40395 troops, 330 guns, 702 vehicles

Defending force 17792 troops, 144 guns, 24 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 16 to 1 (fort level 5)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Batavia base !!!


Allied aircraft
no flights


Allied aircraft losses
Do 24K-2: 1 destroyed
F.K.51: 2 destroyed

Japanese ground losses:
642 casualties reported
Guns lost 13
Vehicles lost 4

Allied ground losses:
36777 casualties reported
Guns lost 70
Vehicles lost 9


India & Burma


[>:][>:][>:][>:]

[aztez]

Report from 28th April through 1st of May 1942


Central Pacific


Minefields are building up very nicely.


North Pacific


[>:][>:][>:][>:]


China


Assault is imminent in Northern China. Dave has now 26 Japanese units gathered at Homan. This means that he means business here.

Also, he continued his heavy ground bombardment campaign with his airforce all around the country.


Australia, NZ & South Pacific


The naval bombardment operation againts Noumea ended up in a disaster [:(]


Day Air attack on TF at 62,113

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 17
D3A Val x 16
B5N Kate x 51

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val: 1 destroyed, 5 damaged
B5N Kate: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Bulmer, Bomb hits 2, on fire
DD Barker
CL Sumatra, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CL Achilles, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CL Leander
CA Canberra, Bomb hits 5, on fire
CA Australia, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 62,113

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 23
D3A Val x 24
B5N Kate x 4
G4M1 Betty x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val: 4 damaged
B5N Kate: 1 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 5 damaged

Allied Ships
DD John D. Edwards, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CA Australia, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CA Canberra, Bomb hits 6, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CL Leander

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 62,113

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 13
D3A Val x 48
B5N Kate x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val: 1 destroyed, 5 damaged

Allied Ships
CA Canberra, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CL Leander, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
CA Australia, Bomb hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
CL Achilles, Bomb hits 8, on fire, heavy damage


Oh, well this was expected. He had some of his CV Fleet nearby. I took an gamble and this time around it did not pay off [:)]


India & Burma


I have now started upgrading my RAF units to Hurricanes. This gives me quite a lot of fighter firepower so the invasion of India will be costly for Dave if he tries it.

[Rob Brennan UK]

At last im not the only one who lost canberra and australia [;)].

Spits in june too , wil help enormously as you already know.

Did you get any P40 units out of the PI to india? some of the older PI planes in india/burma can be very very helpful indeed.Having USAAF assistance can be a great help, especially a big juicy Mitchell/Marauder unit.

[aztez]

[:(] ...We seem both to have kamikaze mentality in Australia [;)]

Yes, I did get 2 units out of Philippines. 1 Squadron is at India and 1 squadron currently in China. (1 P40E unit will be heavily involved next turn)

June seems so far off [;)] but I think it will August before I have my Spitfires in full combat readiness.


Report from 2nd through 6th of May 1942


Central Pacific


[>:][>:][>:][>:]


North Pacific


[>:][>:][>:][>:]


China


Some of his infantry units are now moving towards Sian from Homan.

Dave also engaged my allied fighters at Chungking. He seems to be going for the resources. (I did get a short of end of these battles)


Day Air attack on Chungking , at 43,32

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 38
G3M Nell x 8

Allied aircraft
P-40B Tomahawk x 3
I-153c x 40

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed, 1 damaged
G3M Nell: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-40B Tomahawk: 3 damaged
I-153c: 22 destroyed

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Chungking , at 43,32

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 20
Ki-21 Sally x 17

Allied aircraft
P-40B Tomahawk x 2
I-153c x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
Ki-21 Sally: 5 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
I-153c: 7 destroyed, 3 damaged

Resources hits 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Chungking , at 43,32

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 25
Ki-21 Sally x 19

Allied aircraft
P-40B Tomahawk x 2
I-153c x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 10 destroyed, 1 damaged
Ki-21 Sally: 6 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-40B Tomahawk: 2 damaged
I-153c: 8 destroyed

Resources hits 3


I have now moved 35 rested P40E's to Chungking. These pilots that were involved here need rest.

Dave also bombed Sian (No CAP there to protect the city anymore) and my ground troops in Southern China.


Australia, NZ & South Pacific


I spotted the KB. It seems that Kido Butai is heading towards Port Moresby. This base will soon be toasted [:(]

Otherwise it has been peaceful.


India & Burma


[>:][>:][>:][>:]

[aztez]

Report from 7th through 9th of May 1942


Pretty much quiet turn. Dave is wrapping up the last bastions at Philippines and DEI.


Central Pacific


[>:][>:][>:][>:]


North Pacific


[>:][>:][>:][>:]


China


Air to air battles continued above Chungking.


Day Air attack on Chungking , at 43,32


Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 25
Ki-15 Babs x 1

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 29

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 4 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 10 destroyed, 2 damaged

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Chungking , at 43,32

Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 20
Ki-15 Babs x 1

Allied aircraft
P-40B Tomahawk x 1
P-40E Warhawk x 21
I-153c x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-40B Tomahawk: 1 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 3 destroyed, 1 damaged
I-153c: 1 destroyed


The most worrying news is that my recon indicates that there are 59 enemy units at Homan. I think it is time withdraw from Sian.


Australia, NZ & South Pacific


The invasion of Port Moresby has begun.

Coastal Guns at Port Moresby, 53,91, firing at TF 142
TF 142 troops unloading over beach at Port Moresby, 53,91


140 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
DD Oboro, Shell hits 1
PC Ch 8
APD APD-1, Shell hits 2
PC Ch 24

Japanese ground losses:
1418 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

This base will be in enemy hands next turn [:(]


India & Burma


[>:][>:][>:][>:]

[aztez]

Report from 10th through 12th of May 1942


Central Pacific


[>:][>:][>:][>:]


North Pacific


[>:][>:][>:][>:]


China


53 Japanese ground units entered Sian! [:(] I have 100 000 men garrisoning the place behind level 9 fortifications but I think I need withdraw my troops ASAP. Hopefully they are able to withstand the initial assault.

Also, some 60 000 Japanese troops entered the road conjuction near Changsa. My Chinese troops retreated but unfortunately towards Kweiyang! They had prepared for Chungking!!! [:@][:@][:@] (Land combat BUG [:@])


Ground combat at 45,35

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 69336 troops, 772 guns, 2 vehicles

Defending force 33849 troops, 134 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 14 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
315 casualties reported
Guns lost 13

Allied ground losses:
398 casualties reported
Guns lost 7


Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Dave really means business in China!!! [:-][:-][:-] I'am doubtful whether I can hold the defensive line [8|]


Australia, NZ & South Pacific


As expected Port Moresby was captured.


Ground combat at Port Moresby

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 33570 troops, 257 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 3781 troops, 8 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 140 to 1 (fort level 4)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Port Moresby base !!!



Allied aircraft
no flights


Allied aircraft losses
Catalina I: 3 destroyed

Japanese ground losses:
139 casualties reported
Guns lost 7

Allied ground losses:
2712 casualties reported
Guns lost 10


India & Burma


[>:][>:][>:][>:]

[Sardaukar]

At least you still have 6+ months to get counterattack going !! (To be on the bright side ! [:D])

[aztez]

ORIGINAL: Sardaukar

At least you still have 6+ months to get counterattack going !! (To be on the bright side ! [:D])

Eherm [:D][:D][:D] ...Positive thinking is the key [;)]

[aztez]

Report from 13th through 15th of May 1942


Central Pacific


[>:][>:][>:][>:]


North Pacific


[>:][>:][>:][>:]


China


500 000 Japanese assaulted the Sian base. Brave Chinese were able held the line but now it is time withdraw.


Ground combat at Sian

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 497198 troops, 5973 guns, 347 vehicles

Defending force 105814 troops, 662 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 6

Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1 (fort level 6)

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 6


Japanese ground losses:
21102 casualties reported
Guns lost 469
Vehicles lost 19

Allied ground losses:
4792 casualties reported
Guns lost 119

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Sian

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 464946 troops, 5273 guns, 327 vehicles

Defending force 99277 troops, 531 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1 (fort level 6)

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 3


Japanese ground losses:
13222 casualties reported
Guns lost 321
Vehicles lost 15

Allied ground losses:
4561 casualties reported
Guns lost 68

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Sian

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 437316 troops, 4667 guns, 307 vehicles

Defending force 92633 troops, 427 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1 (fort level 3)

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0


Japanese ground losses:
13499 casualties reported
Guns lost 211
Vehicles lost 6

Allied ground losses:
4686 casualties reported
Guns lost 71


Dave took quite a lot of casualties at Sian.


Australia, NZ & South Pacific


Some Japanese infantry units have now entered Wyndham. I think he will recapture the base.

Darwin was also bombed first time by the Japanese navy.


Naval bombardment of Darwin, at 36,84


Allied aircraft
no flights


Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk I: 3 destroyed
Brewster 339D: 7 destroyed
Do 24K-2: 1 destroyed
CW-22 Falcon: 2 destroyed

Japanese Ships
BB Haruna
BB Kongo


Allied ground losses:
1695 casualties reported
Guns lost 41
Vehicles lost 10

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 38



India & Burma


Chinese SEAC troops have now reached Ledo.

[ny59giants]

Can you use your Nuke option now on Sian?? [:D][:D]

If the Japanese want China, it looks like he is going to get it. Can you post a map of current China siutaion?

Look forward to Spitfires and Seafires in a few weeks...[&o][&o]

[aztez]

As requested. Here is screenshot from China: