PzB vs Wobbly - Clash of Steel

[PzB74]

Thx for all the good ideas folks, appreciate it! Will examine them thoroughly [8D]
There are SO MANY opportunities - the majority of them will end in failure unless planning
and execution are flawless. That's also the charm of it, I'll probably only get one shot at it.

My ISP has been down for a few days and I will post the last few combat reports later tonight.
Got more good news to share with you:

My research paper was accepted by ECIS - European Conference on Information Systems [:D][&o]

[Fishbed]

Good nice for you PzB! congrats!
Btw, if even ECIS decided to stand by your side, tell me what kind of hope is left to the Allies truly? [:D][;)]

[PzB74]

Thx, it was most welcome news! Didn't expect it since I'm not a professional researcher...like you [;)]
Just like this WitP game it was my first attempt!

Here is the last combat report:

Andy is moving his fleet towards the Solomons - guess the next push will take place in New Guinea.
Me thinks he needs some R&R for his ships now. They've all been moving around at high speed for quite some time.
I'm still keeping a low profile, want to be 100% ready when the time comes! If Andy's ships are only at 90% so much
better.

Concerning future strategies in the Central Pacific: it's all in the eyes of the beholder now!
I'm really not sure what's a valid strategy and what's not - BUT I agree with Cap & Gown and Honda. Andy will be forced to
stick a long for quite some time and cracks will appear in his armor, and that's when we nail him

It all depends on his chosen approach: I'm guessing he will occupy most of New Guinea to secure bases that can support
an LBA offensive against the Palaus. After reducing my air fields he will move his carriers in and support a heavy landing.
So it's therefore essential to have a strong presence in the area and I'm planning to keep my strategic reserves in Palau,
Yap and Ulithi. The substantial air lift capacity Japan now possess makes it possible to airlift a full division in a matter
of days (Received a 36 ac Tabby and 36 ac Tina Daitai some weeks ago).

After forcing Andy to pound at our forts for a while he will become vulnerable! Be advised that the last few invasions faced
very few mines. My middle name is 'Mine' - so rest assured that it won't be so easy in the future [:D] In a few months substantial
sub reinforcements will arrive (the RO Class) and these will take care of any damaged ships trying to get home. This is when the
Combined Fleet strikes: as Cap & Gown points out - the enemy will be forced to use his ships to escort his carriers, transports as well
as conduct bombardments and surface combat missions. There will be opportunities, but we have to seize them! Failure is not an option.

The future of the Empire depends on this one great effort! (heard that one before:-)

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 01/25/44

Air Combat

Lots of bombing attacks against Ponape, the Admiralities and New Guinea bases.

Ground Combat

Will Andy bring his troops back to Kavieng now as he knows I've evacuated?
He felt a bit cheated <G>

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Eniwetok

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 27884 troops, 349 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 4243 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese ground losses:
238 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Kavieng

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 4794 troops, 42 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 5403 troops, 116 guns, 0 vehicles
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[PzB74]

The war in the Pacific may proceed at a slower pace from now on: I've gotten a new job in Stavanger (160 clicks from here).
So I will have to move and the new posistion will take up a lot of my time. Arabia IS out Pauk [;)] Kinda wish it weren't...
third week with snow and winter up here now [:(]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 01/26/44

Some opportunities that can't be seized as Andy continues to move shipping from the Marshalls towards
the Solomons. My carriers can't reach a lone cv replenishment group in time. This is the penalty from
having our fleet carriers back at Davao.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1045 encounters mine field at Sag Sag (57,88) - sub laid mines

Allied Ships
SS Devilfish, and is sunk [:)]
DE Emery
DE Elden
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Building an air reserve at Clark

More and more trained air groups are being transfered from China: more on the way!

[PzB74]

16 more days until more air reinforcements arrive. Includes 72 Tonys this time, they always come in handy.
It's a waiting game now....

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 01/27/44

Sub/ASW Attacks

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A convoy carrying an aviation regiment and HQ was interecpeted by a sub. Fortunately
I got that regiment divided on 5 transports! Always use more transports than you need
to reduce casualties in case of sub attacks.

Sub attack at 54,53

Japanese Ships
AP Mitakesan Maru, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage *sinks*
MSW Fukeui Maru #7
PC Kyo Maru #12
MSW Hanata Maru #6
MSW W.9
APD APD-34

Allied Ships - the apd carries loads of depth charges...
SS Wahoo, hits 1, on fire

Japanese ground losses:
138 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Attacks

Several targets in New Guinea were hit! A first time for Sarmi...got troops, supplies
and forts in place. Casualties were light.

Day Air attack on Sarmi , at 48,78


Allied aircraft
P-38J Lightning x 45
B-24J Liberator x 58

No Allied losses

Runway hits 10
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kusaie Island , at 75,82

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
Liberator VI x 11
B-25J Mitchell x 27
PB4Y Liberator x 24
B-24D Liberator x 21

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-46-III Dinah: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell: 1 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 1 damaged

Airbase hits 16
Airbase supply hits 6
Runway hits 86
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Dagua , at 51,81

Allied aircraft
Boomerang II x 17
A-20G Havoc x 14
B-25J Mitchell x 67

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
29 casualties reported

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 49
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Hansa , at 53,83

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 13
PB4Y Liberator x 10
B-24J Liberator x 23

Allied aircraft losses
B-24J Liberator: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
10 casualties reported

Airbase hits 4
Runway hits 41
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[PzB74]

We're getting close to February 44 - another few months and things will get serious.
The new air groups take more time to train: they arrive with poor leaders, poor skills and
poor morale. Lots of Frances bombers fall out of the skies even on 'training missions'.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 01/28/44

Air Combat

The US carriers passing by Kavieng launched several large strikes today!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kavieng , at 61,86

Allied aircraft
SB2C Helldiver x 53
TBM Avenger x 24
Spitfire VIII x 9

Allied aircraft losses
SB2C Helldiver: 4 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
11 casualties reported

Port hits 4
Port supply hits 8
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kavieng , at 61,86

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 2
SB2C Helldiver x 219
TBM Avenger x 187

Allied aircraft losses
SB2C Helldiver: 2 destroyed, 9 damaged
TBM Avenger: 2 destroyed, 9 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
38 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Port hits 15
Port supply hits 30
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This strike nevertheless took of from Kavieng and hit an auxilliary group. Unfortunately only
a msw was hit!

Day Air attack on TF at 66,89

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 7
G4M2 Betty x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 2 destroyed, 3 damaged
G4M2 Betty: 6 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Hoel
MSW Ballarat, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hunt
DD O'Bannon
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[pauk]

ORIGINAL: PzB

The war in the Pacific may proceed at a slower pace from now on: I've gotten a new job in Stavanger (160 clicks from here).
So I will have to move and the new posistion will take up a lot of my time. Arabia IS out Pauk [;)] Kinda wish it weren't...
third week with snow and winter up here now [:(]

Dont worry, during the hollydays you can always came to Croatia (Adriatic sea)
[:)]

Did you mean that you have to travel everyday to Stavenger[X(]?

PS.... What about Shinano? (She could be great magnet for Allied beasts while KB waiting in ambush)

[PzB74]

Sounds like a plan Pauk [8D] Hopefully my new job will make for more longer and
better hollidays...starting next year! No, I have to move and find a new apartment in
Stavanger. 160km is too long to drive and if you add a ferry and road toll the cost grows
prohibitive.

The Shinano is probably not worth the effort - would have to accelerate here in mid 44 and
even then it would be 500+ days before she would be ready. Then we would be in late 45 and
I doubt I need another bomb magned by then [8|]

US Carrier fleets now at Rabaul!

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 01/29/44

USS Rasher hit by asw ac west of Hong Kong.

Air Combat

Increased activity in the air - showing most of the attacks today.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Aru Island , at 39,80

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 20
Ki-46-III Dinah x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged

Allied ground losses:
19 casualties reported

Runway hits 6
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Lautem , at 33,78

Allied aircraft
Boomerang II x 12
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 38
P-40N Warhawk x 23
P-38J Lightning x 24
F-5A Lightning x 6
B-25J Mitchell x 63

Allied aircraft losses
P-40N Warhawk: 3 damaged
B-25J Mitchell: 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
52 casualties reported

Airbase hits 9
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 78
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Sarmi , at 48,78

Allied aircraft
P-38J Lightning x 38
B-24J Liberator x 54

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 47
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kusaie Island , at 75,82

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
Liberator VI x 10
B-25J Mitchell x 25
PB4Y Liberator x 14
B-24D Liberator x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
H8K Emily: 2 destroyed
Ki-46-III Dinah: 4 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-25J Mitchell: 1 damaged
PB4Y Liberator: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
5 casualties reported

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 58
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Dagua , at 51,81

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 18
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 6
B-25J Mitchell x 55

No Allied losses

Port hits 2
Port supply hits 7
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Dagua , at 51,81

Allied aircraft
Boomerang II x 15
P-38J Lightning x 10
P-47D Thunderbolt x 17
A-20G Havoc x 9
B-25J Mitchell x 60

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 59
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Dagua , at 51,81

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 77

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 71
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kavieng , at 61,86

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 10
Spitfire VIII x 3
A-20G Havoc x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 6
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Admiralty Islands , at 58,84

Allied aircraft
F-5C Lightning x 4
B-25J Mitchell x 30

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 36
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 51st Road Construction Battalion, at 51,81

Allied aircraft
P-47D Thunderbolt x 18

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
7 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 51st Road Construction Battalion, at 51,81

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk III x 19
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 24
P-40N Warhawk x 53
P-38J Lightning x 2
P-47D Thunderbolt x 3

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
35 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kavieng , at 61,86

Allied aircraft
SB2C Helldiver x 211
TBM Avenger x 147
Spitfire VIII x 8

Allied aircraft losses
SB2C Helldiver: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged
TBM Avenger: 3 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
28 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Port hits 11
Port supply hits 13
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No CAP over Eniwetok...Bettys from Wake scored some hits!

Day Air attack on TF, near Eniwetok at 76,74

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged

Allied Ships
AP William P. Biddle
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Eniwetok at 76,74

Japanese aircraft
G4M2 Betty x 20

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M2 Betty: 2 destroyed, 10 damaged

Allied Ships
LCT LCT-152, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Samuel W. Williston
AK Josiah G. Holland, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AK John W. Foster
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[PzB74]

Two more days and we receive our fist MLE - much needed! Will perfom her duties in the Marianas/Palaus over
the next few months before moving on to the Philippines.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 01/30/44

2 subs hit by asw ac - tried to intercept enemy convoys in the 'gap' with subs - but they refuse to attack
even unescorted cargo ships [:(] Sub doctrine on doesn't allow for sound reason and I bet 99.9% of players turn
it off. So why don't remove it altogether?

Ground Combat

Andy tried to capture Kavieng and finish of our samurais at Eniwetok - encoruaging results
for the Empire [8D]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Eniwetok

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 14040 troops, 236 guns, 6 vehicles

Defending force 3680 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 62 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
94 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
84 casualties reported
Guns lost 7
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Kavieng - even the puny remnants put up a fierce fight behind the strong
fortifications.

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 12974 troops, 93 guns, 137 vehicles

Defending force 4730 troops, 113 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 9)

Japanese ground losses:
211 casualties reported
Guns lost 13

Allied ground losses:
204 casualties reported
Guns lost 7
Vehicles lost 1
----------------------------------------------------------------------

[PzB74]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 01/31/44

Sub/ASW Attacks

Another US sub hit by asw ac!

Tried to intercept an enemy carrier replenishment TF with two subs: both were positioned
perfectly and one even hit a tanker before being sunk. So frustrating to see my subs sunk
by super kablammos [:(]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 68,90

Japanese Ships
SS I-35, hits 7, on fire, heavy damage *sinks*
Allied Ships
AE Daniel S. Lamont
AO Saranac
DD Braine
DD Bradford
DD Boyd
DD Bennett
DD Beale
CVE Manila Bay
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 67,90

Japanese Ships
SS I-33, hits 3, on fire

Allied Ships
TK Caribou, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AK Empire Cameron
AK Peter Silvester
AK Mormacport
TK M.E. Lombardi
TK J.A. Moffett
SC SC-705
SC SC-635
DMS Howard
DMS Palmer
APD Herbert
DE Sederstrom
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 67,90

Japanese Ships
SS I-33, hits 6, on fire, heavy damage *sinks*

Allied Ships
AO Cache
DD Duncan
DD Buchanan
DD Laffey
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

Andy is getting impatient...

Ground combat at Eniwetok

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 14044 troops, 232 guns, 5 vehicles

Defending force 3568 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 157 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
254 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
33 casualties reported
------------------------------------------------------------------

Enemy force concentration

Pretty sure Andy will move northwards in New Guinea shortly. Me thinks he will bypass Hansa and Wewak and try
a landing on Aitape or Dagua. Will be hard to hold by I got 200 transports that can airlift a full division in a
matter of days in the Palaus.

It's really tempting to sortie my naval bombers and carriers against all these tempting targets - BUT they're covered
by hundreds of Hellcats and even more level/medium bombers can penetrate even a full KB CAP. Tried that once before [8|]

[Odox]

Hi PzB!

Been thoroughly enjoying your AAR! Many threads have referred me to you and to this thread as the very best of IJ tactics and strategy. I concur! Congratulations also to your 100K hits on this AAR . . . much deserved!

PzB, I have been following this thread for about a month now, read the whole thing as fast as I could . . . it's totally engrossing, as you and so many others know. I've been interested in the WWII Pacific War for many years, and any number of websites have called WITP the very best of the WWII Pacific strategy computer games available.

No, I haven't purchased the game yet, for the simple reason that there seem to be so many irregularities in the gameplay. Perhaps Matrix and 2by3 could understand I'd be willing to spend several hundred dollars for a simulation that wasn't so irregular and buggy.

Irregardless PzB, you're doing a masterful job. My hat's off to you sir! You present a most spirited attitude and a most clever gameplay! You're certainly deserving of all this praise being heaped upon you.

All the best!

Odox

[Sneer]

severel hundreds? [&:]
it doesn't cost as much and there is no point in waiting too

[pauk]

ORIGINAL: Odox
No, I haven't purchased the game yet, for the simple reason that there seem to be so many irregularities in the gameplay. Perhaps Matrix and 2by3 could understand I'd be willing to spend several hundred dollars for a simulation that wasn't so irregular and buggy.
Odox

Hi, probably wont change your mind but... WiTP isnt soo buggy (especially with last patch). Still there is dissapearing unit but (but i believe that we players are quite responsible for that by dividing units into numerous cadres - ok, waiting for be shoted from naysayers)

There some "irregulars" in the game indeed (uber Corsairs, uber CAP, game moving too fast) but don't judge that this is game killer (yes, there are few posters who constantly complains but silent majority plays this game for last 2 years!)

Shortly: is it a perfect (historical) simulation - no. Is it a best historical simulation ever made - yes! (I'm playing just WiTP last two years)

[castor troy]

ORIGINAL: pauk

ORIGINAL: Odox
No, I haven't purchased the game yet, for the simple reason that there seem to be so many irregularities in the gameplay. Perhaps Matrix and 2by3 could understand I'd be willing to spend several hundred dollars for a simulation that wasn't so irregular and buggy.
Odox

Hi, probably wont change your mind but... WiTP isnt soo buggy (especially with last patch). Still there is dissapearing unit but (but i believe that we players are quite responsible for that by dividing units into numerous cadres - ok, waiting for be shoted from naysayers)

There some "irregulars" in the game indeed (uber Corsairs, uber CAP, game moving too fast) but don't judge that this is game killer (yes, there are few posters who constantly complains but silent majority plays this game for last 2 years!)

Shortly: is it a perfect (historical) simulation - no. Is it a best historical simulation ever made - yes! (I'm playing just WiTP last two years)

Pauk,

you´ll get called a Jap fanboy who tries to make this game EVEN MORE PRO JAPANESE when you´re talking about uber Corsairs! But I´m with your oppinion! [;)]

[anarchyintheuk]

ORIGINAL: castor troy

ORIGINAL: pauk

ORIGINAL: Odox
No, I haven't purchased the game yet, for the simple reason that there seem to be so many irregularities in the gameplay. Perhaps Matrix and 2by3 could understand I'd be willing to spend several hundred dollars for a simulation that wasn't so irregular and buggy.
Odox

Hi, probably wont change your mind but... WiTP isnt soo buggy (especially with last patch). Still there is dissapearing unit but (but i believe that we players are quite responsible for that by dividing units into numerous cadres - ok, waiting for be shoted from naysayers)

There some "irregulars" in the game indeed (uber Corsairs, uber CAP, game moving too fast) but don't judge that this is game killer (yes, there are few posters who constantly complains but silent majority plays this game for last 2 years!)

Shortly: is it a perfect (historical) simulation - no. Is it a best historical simulation ever made - yes! (I'm playing just WiTP last two years)

Pauk,

you´ll get called a Jap fanboy who tries to make this game EVEN MORE PRO JAPANESE when you´re talking about uber Corsairs! But I´m with your oppinion! [;)]

I'm not. [;)] Take a chance Odox, you won't find many games that you still play 2 years after you bought it. Now, back to the aar.

[Mynok]

you won't find many games that you still play 2 years after you bought it.

Won't find many games you haven't finished yet 2 years after you bought it either, but it's all fun. [;)]

[PzB74]

Odox, thx for the superlatives - can never get enough of them [:D] It's a great and fun challenge
to write an AAR with so many readers. The fall of India created a situation that can't easily be
dubplicated! Still I'm glad to hear that you enjoy it - I support the comments made by Pauk, Castor
and Anarchy; WitP is worth a fistful of dollars [:)]

These AARs is a good way to promote the games and I guess that's why Matrix allows us to store such
wast amount of data here. Gawd, there must be a gigabyte in this one alone...

As for the bugs and game killers: I've not found anyone that would qualify for the latter, but there
are still issues that needs to be addressed - personally I find house rules, a good sense of humor and
a bit of imagination to be adequate. If there's a will there's a way!

Ok, back to the war....

Today I released the Arshan Garrison Regiment from Kwantung for 750 pp. Going to
New Guinea, trying to turn the northern part of the island into a fortress.

Two artillery regiments are loading at Rangoon and will head for Morotai and Menando.
Finally repaired all of the 54 Georges that were upgraded a few weeks ago. Advanced flight
training will commence asap.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/01/44

SS I-120 hit by enemy asw ac of Kavieng - 36 sys and 86 flood damage [:(]

Air Combat

Several heavy air raids that destroyed 20 ac on the ground at Truk and Kusaie Island.
Had to accept replacements to get the air unit out of there. If I only could ask for 1
instead of 9 ac...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Truk , at 63,78

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
P-38J Lightning x 22
PB4Y Liberator x 12
B-24J Liberator x 78

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 2 destroyed
L2D2 Tabby: 3 destroyed
Ki-46-III Dinah: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-24J Liberator: 18 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
74 casualties reported
Guns lost 5

Airbase hits 13
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 73
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kusaie Island , at 75,82

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
Liberator VI x 10
B-25J Mitchell x 19
PB4Y Liberator x 17
B-24D Liberator x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
H8K Emily: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 2 damaged

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 8
Runway hits 73
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

Only the remnants of 1 naval garrison left now!

Ground combat at Eniwetok

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 14092 troops, 233 guns, 6 vehicles

Defending force 1965 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 366 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
378 casualties reported
-------------------------------------------------------------------

MLE delivered

This MLE arrived today: it's a must for all mine fanboys and I should have ordered
10 2 years ago [:'(]

[WhoCares]

I-120 is one of the minelaying subs (120-123, iirc), right? Would certainly hurt to lose one of them. How do the others fair? Are there actually other minelaying subs in the OOB for the later war or are these the only ones?!

2nd Lt. Izumida looks like a promising man - you might consider to put him on another ship. He should at least qualify to command some secondary escort/ASW vessels, e.g. PG, PC, MSW or maybe even an APD. His rank most likely disqualifies him for higher commands - DDs require something like a Commander, iirc...
Don't commanders occasionally get promoted by chance or maybe even performance?

[DuckofTindalos]

I'm sure he meant I-121, and yeah, that's one of those solid-gold minelayers...

[PzB74]

Good news, it was the I-20 that was hit and is sinking [:)] Flood 94 now.

More and more of my capital ships are being moved back to the 'front' Only the Mutsu
and Ise are stuck at 4 sys damage at Singapore and Tokyo. 3 of my heavy cruisers are down
to 14-16 sys damage, only the Maya still requires substantial reparis at 48 sys. The carrier
Hiyo will load 4 airgroups and join the fleet as soon as the last 6 sys points have been fixed.

Another 10 days and more air reinforcements arrive - also got 5 mixed Inf brigades on their way.
Not sure where I should deploy them. Perhaps they can relieve more combat ready formations in
the rear - then I can send the latter to the 'junction'. I will withdraw one regiment of a crack
division from Hansa, pretty sure Andy will bypass this heavily fortified region. Biak and Noemfoor
have to be protected as they both got large airfields within range of the Palaus, DEI and PI.

Seems like Andy's carriers have gathered at Finschafen: let me guess - a northward
jump towards Aitape/Dagua is in the progress?

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/02/44

Air Attacks

Another 2 US subs reported hit by asw ac!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Truk , at 63,78

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
P-38J Lightning x 21
PB4Y Liberator x 12
B-24J Liberator x 55

Japanese aircraft losses
L2D2 Tabby: 1 destroyed
Ki-46-III Dinah: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
PB4Y Liberator: 3 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 7 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
52 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 25
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 106
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Carrier attack:

Day Air attack on Hansa , at 53,83

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 15
SB2C Helldiver x 24
TBM Avenger x 136

Allied aircraft losses
TBM Avenger: 4 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
24 casualties reported

Port hits 6
Port supply hits 19
--------------------------------------------------------------