Lunacy AND Shrewdness

[itsjustme]

Fair question. Three full divisions and the 2nd marines along with some subordinate divisions are currently in the Hawaiian Islands. Most of the troops are at pearl, however, a minimum of regiment strength formations are stationed on each of the Hawaiian islands. Supply is up over 300,000 total with more arriving. Lots of fighter cover and a fair amount of LBB. Lowest fort level is currently 3 and all are on the increase. Pearl seems secure.

[Capt. Harlock]

However, I am prepping an invasion for the Alaskan base he took on the first day of the war.

There's one other useful thing about operations up north. Especially in winter, the Japanese air advantage is much reduced due to weather. Comitting the KB there is very risky, partly because the odds of being surprised by a surface action TF are higher, but mainly because the KB is then way out of position if there's big doings in the South Pacific.

[Mike Solli]

ORIGINAL: Capt. Harlock

However, I am prepping an invasion for the Alaskan base he took on the first day of the war.

There's one other useful thing about operations up north. Especially in winter, the Japanese air advantage is much reduced due to weather. Comitting the KB there is very risky, partly because the odds of being surprised by a surface action TF are higher, but mainly because the KB is then way out of position if there's big doings in the South Pacific.

This is exactly why the Japanese player needs to split KB into 2-3 TFs. As long as you can defeat the US carriers with 2 TFs or 1 TF and LBA, you still have an offensive force to employ in out of the way places (such as the Aleutians).

[ny59giants]

Don't forget to set your bombers to "supply transport" and use their home base as destination to build their experince level up into the 70's. Either that or have your B-17's start to bomb Johnson & Palmyra to slow down his base build up. I feel he will be back to Hawaii sooner rather than later.
Hitler had the Atlantic Wall, Nemo wants a Pacific Wall. [:D]

[itsjustme]

Thought I would pop in and give an update on the current goings on.

China is in real trouble. I committed tons of forces and refused to believe they would be cut off as they have been. The future of the china campaign will hang on the outcome of the battle at Kweing. There are a ton of paratroopers there and tons of chinese moving there. If I could manage to surrender that force the results would be two fold. First a serious loss to the japanese for future verticle envelopment operations (which I am sure Nemo has in mind for india) and the first real land setback. Unfortunately I am not sure I will be able to move enough troops to the schwerpunkt in time to end the threat.

India is a connundrum. I've spread the available divisions out across the region in an attempt to deter another verticle envelopment. However, the west coast of india is very vulnerable with only Karachi having any real land combat units on hand. If Nemo tries to make an end run around tricomolee and columbo, I'll attempt to give him a bit of a surprise. I've begun withdrawing the air units from Singapore to rest, replenish and regroup for the coming india fight. The bombing has been massive and unrelenting against singapore and supply is down under 25000. He won't need to assault that fortress, my troops will stave to death.

Rangoon is somewhat different. I've managed to sneak another fairly large supply convoy into that port and it should be able to survive for considerable additional time.

The invasion force is coming together for the alaskan isles although I recently got an intelligence report that troops are loaded on an AP headed for Kiska island. I wonder if Nemo has gotten a whiff on this planning. As of now, nothing is currently en route to the island and the only way he could know is through an intelligence report.

75000 supply has arrived in NZ, forts across NZ are on the increase and divisions/brigades are filling out nicely. If he chooses to hit NZ, he will need to do it en masse. Additionally a number of squadrons of 4Es are now in place in NZ and should have time to whittle down approaching battle forces and transports.

Pearl is completely reinforced. Nothing outside of a sell-out attack would be successful at this point.

[itsjustme]

So now I am struggling with my decisions in the north. Nemo has landed additional troops on various islands in the aleutians. I think I have the forces in place to take all three bases, but I don't see the KB and have no current clue as to its whereabouts. Do I lay back and wait on his next blow or do I try and take at least some of the initiative away. I need to put him in a position of reacting to me as opposed to reacting to him always.

China may have returned to a stalemate. I've managed to put enough troops in at Kweiyang to forestall the advance there. The advance in the north is stalled two hex's NE of Chunking. Rangoon continues to hold and pearl just topped 800,000 supply and has 5 divisions stationed across the islands.

NZ looks weak and I will try and reinforce there next. Things are tense now as the operational tempo has been very low for the last couple of weeks. Both sides have had a bit of a rest. Query whether or not the quiet continues or the storm erupts.

[ny59giants]

I usually preach caution as an Allied player for the first 6 months and build up my defenses. With the level of aggressive play by Nemo to date, I would continue to build up and prepare for his next move. I don't see him being satisfied with his conquest anytime soon. [:D] Build forts and then expand bases when your forts are built up. Don't want to give him a base to use his LBA's from already ready made. [:-]
Time is on your side, not his. Be patient!![&o][&o]

[ctangus]

While I mostly agree with ny59giants, it is possible to mount small local counterattacks early as the allies. I'd wait until you know where KB is, though. It would at least give you more prep points.

You can send subs to likely locations and if they're spotted by Vals or Kates in the middle of the ocean, you know there's at least one carrier about.

If you want to force the issue, have you considered a feint at New Guinea or New Caledonia in the hope of luring KB there?

Also, what strength does recon show he has in the Aleutians? What would you bring against it?

[itsjustme]

The aleutians front turns out to be a near disaster. The 111th Aviation support unit and a base force were unloading at Dutch Harbor when 1/2 the KB showed up. The 40th infantry division was a day out and had no real choice but to run for Dutch Harbor. Looks like they were, for the most part successful in unloading before their AKs and APs were hit hard. I don't think he was expecting much from Dutch Harbor as he parked the Mini KB 2 hexes off Dutch Harbor. I had 4 carriers in the vincinity split into two following task forces. 1/2 the KB vs. 4 us carriers in the northern waters where flights are limited due to weather.... hmmmm. About as good of odds as I could have asked for, so I charged in. As an added diversion, I separated the various escorts in dutch harbor from their convoys, merged them into a surface fleet, and sent them on a death ride into the mini KB. So, what were the results you ask?

Bupkus.

See below:

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/15/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 18 troops unloading over beach at Attu Island, 92,34


Japanese ground losses:
118 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 115,61

Japanese Ships
SS I-162

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Dutch Harbor at 103,36

Japanese Ships
BB Hiei
BB Kirishima
CL Abukuma
DD Hamakaze, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Arare

Allied Ships
DMS Lamberton, Shell hits 14, and is sunk
AP Barnett, Shell hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
AP Crescent City
AP President Adams, Shell hits 13, and is sunk
AP Harris, heavy damage
AP Mount McKinley


Allied ground losses:
67 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Dutch Harbor at 103,36

Japanese Ships
BB Hiei
BB Kirishima, on fire
CL Abukuma
DD Hamakaze, on fire
DD Arare

Allied Ships
DD Mustin, Shell hits 5, and is sunk

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Dutch Harbor at 103,36

Japanese Ships
BB Hiei
BB Kirishima, on fire
CL Abukuma
DD Hamakaze, on fire
DD Arare

Allied Ships
DD Anderson, Shell hits 11, and is sunk

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Dutch Harbor, at 103,36

Japanese Ships
DD Hamakaze, on fire
CL Abukuma
BB Hiei

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 18 troops unloading over beach at Attu Island, 92,34


Japanese ground losses:
67 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 71,119

Japanese Ships
AV Kiyokawa Maru
DD Amatsukaze

Allied Ships
SS Perch

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Rangoon , at 29,34

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 71
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 35
Ki-49 Helen x 123

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49 Helen: 4 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Buffalo I: 1 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
13 casualties reported

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 8
Runway hits 147

Aircraft Attacking:
26 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
9 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
10 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
15 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
9 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
9 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
2 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
9 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
2 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
2 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Akyab , at 30,29


Allied aircraft
Wellington III x 10


No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Wellington III bombing at 15000 feet
4 x Wellington III bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Singapore , at 23,50

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 334
Ki-49 Helen x 26
Ki-46-II Dinah x 8
Ki-15 Babs x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 15 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 1 damaged
Ki-46-II Dinah: 1 damaged
Ki-15 Babs: 1 damaged


Allied ground losses:
207 casualties reported
Guns lost 2
Vehicles lost 1

Port hits 24
Port fuel hits 5
Port supply hits 5

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
11 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
11 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
8 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
14 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
18 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
11 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
11 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 16000 feet
15 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
11 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
11 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
13 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
11 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
6 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
9 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
6 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
7 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
9 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 16000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
6 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
5 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
5 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
8 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
6 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
5 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
5 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
2 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
5 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
2 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
6 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
2 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
2 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
2 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
2 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
2 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Norfolk Island , at 60,119


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 31


No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
28 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 20000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 20000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Sydney Island at 100,102


Allied aircraft
B-26B Marauder x 6


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AK Indus Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Sansei Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 5000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 106,37

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
D3A Val x 12

Allied aircraft
F2A Buffalo x 18
F4F-3 Wildcat x 44

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 6 destroyed
D3A Val: 4 destroyed, 4 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F2A Buffalo: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged
F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Enterprise
CV Saratoga

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The US flyboys hold a bit of their own.

Day Air attack on TF at 106,37

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18
D3A Val x 12

Allied aircraft
F2A Buffalo x 16
F4F-3 Wildcat x 43

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 8 destroyed
D3A Val: 8 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F2A Buffalo: 9 destroyed
F4F-3 Wildcat: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Lexington
CL Phoenix, Bomb hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
2 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Still putting a dent in his carrier air wing

Day Air attack on TF at 106,37

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4
D3A Val x 15
B5N Kate x 10

Allied aircraft
F2A Buffalo x 3
F4F-3 Wildcat x 33

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val: 5 destroyed, 5 damaged
B5N Kate: 4 destroyed, 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F2A Buffalo: 1 destroyed
F4F-3 Wildcat: 5 destroyed

Allied Ships
CV Yorktown
CV Lexington, Bomb hits 2, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B5N Kate bombing at 6000 feet
2 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
1 x B5N Kate bombing at 6000 feet
2 x B5N Kate bombing at 6000 feet
3 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
2 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
He finally gets some leakers and puts some ordinance on the Lady Lex. She's dinged up, but making fine time and all carriers are now retiring to Seattle

Day Air attack on TF at 106,37

Japanese aircraft
E7K2 Alf x 2

Allied aircraft
F2A Buffalo x 4
F4F-3 Wildcat x 36

Japanese aircraft losses
E7K2 Alf: 2 destroyed


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 106,37

Japanese aircraft
E7K2 Alf x 6

Allied aircraft
F2A Buffalo x 4
F4F-3 Wildcat x 36

Japanese aircraft losses
E7K2 Alf: 6 destroyed


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 21,58

Japanese Ships
MSW Toshi Maru #2
MSW Rokko Maru
MSW Musashi Maru
MSW Hinode Maru #20
MSW Choun Maru #21
MSW Choun Maru #7
MSW Choun Maru #6
MSW Banshu Maru #52

Allied Ships
SS KXVII

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 116,65

Japanese Ships
SS I-9, hits 12, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
DD King
DD Brooks
DD Kilty
DD Crane
DD Kennison
DD Crosby
DD Dent

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 71,119

Japanese Ships
DD Hayashio

Allied Ships
SS Perch, hits 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 45,35

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 36897 troops, 559 guns, 3 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 623

Defending force 85575 troops, 228 guns, 46 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 2287



Allied ground losses:
324 casualties reported
Guns lost 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 42,37

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 46882 troops, 555 guns, 2 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 934

Defending force 26077 troops, 62 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 419



Allied ground losses:
8 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 45,31

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 25097 troops, 221 guns, 76 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 465

Defending force 5147 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 98

Japanese max assault: 922 - adjusted assault: 1532

Allied max defense: 59 - adjusted defense: 6

Japanese assault odds: 255 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
17 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
11024 casualties reported
Guns lost 13


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 48,30

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 100432 troops, 944 guns, 9 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 2297

Defending force 5070 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 111

Japanese max assault: 1816 - adjusted assault: 2297

Allied max defense: 67 - adjusted defense: 2

Japanese assault odds: 1148 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
197 casualties reported
Guns lost 4

Allied ground losses:
11359 casualties reported
Guns lost 43


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Homan

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 34007 troops, 400 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 686

Defending force 18911 troops, 104 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 520



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 23,47

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 10308 troops, 182 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 54

Defending force 3600 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 2

Japanese max assault: 45 - adjusted assault: 20

Allied max defense: 0 - adjusted defense: 16

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1



Allied ground losses:
67 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Canton Island

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 4123 troops, 98 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 6

Defending force 2333 troops, 14 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 38


Japanese ground losses:
573 casualties reported
Guns lost 9

What is really frustrating is that I got no flights from my carrier aircraft. Really frustrating as I feel like this is was a good early opportunity to put a little ordinance on target and send a flattop or two to the repair yard (or better). Instead, I lost a number of transports and some escort ships. Not a huge deal in the grand scheme of things, but certainly I should have had somewhat better results.
I am waiting on the next turn however, as a large continget of LBA is now in range of the Mini KB if it stays where it is. Just a little luck is all I need here to change the equation, if ever so slightly.

[mogami]

Hi, Feb 42 and your CV are still flying Buffaloes? Because the IJN Kates were using bombs not torpedos I'm guessing you were out of range. (Japan range 5 USN range 4 before new torpedo planes come out)

[itsjustme]

Fair point on the buffaloes. I candidly didn't notice it until I was well out of Pearl (the carriers have just been hanging out). Thats no good excuse, but its the one I've got.

I was inside 4 hexes, so they should have flown. I'm guessing weather.

Thanks for the input Mogami, a player of your caliber is welcome anytime.

[mogami]

Hi, It could not have been weather. A TF in weather cannot launch a strike and it can't be the target of a strike so if you could be hit you could hit back. Check the range for your SBD. CV bombers attacking enemy CV do not require the escorts that land based groups require or that CV groups require to attack land targets.
But the Kate has a torpedo range of 4 and these strikes carried bombs.

[Sneer]

short comment
i had similar aggresive strategy but with allied player refusing major fight and retreating to strong position with concentrated force i had to leave this strategy before half 42
-also in my opinion Nemo is extremaly short on supplies so his offensive will soon loose teeth

[Capt. Harlock]

What is really frustrating is that I got no flights from my carrier aircraft. Really frustrating as I feel like this is was a good early opportunity to put a little ordinance on target and send a flattop or two to the repair yard (or better). Instead, I lost a number of transports and some escort ships. Not a huge deal in the grand scheme of things, but certainly I should have had somewhat better results.

It looks like weather interfered even more with your operations than his. I have to wonder about Mogami's comment that TF's in weather can neither strike nor be struck. It seems to me possible that the game now is a bit more sophisticated; perhaps a half-hour lull in the wind allows a small strike to be flown off?

[itsjustme]

Perhaps, but I am not sure. Would have been nice to get a shot off, but not worth the risk of hanging around to recieve both barrels.

[itsjustme]

And so the battle for india begins.....



AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 02/26/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 115,60

Japanese Ships
SS RO-61, hits 4

Allied Ships
DD Blue
DD Bagley
DD Russell
DD Hughes
DD Sims

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 42,52

Japanese Ships
APD APD-46
APD APD-39
APD APD-38
APD APD-37
APD APD-36
APD APD-35
APD APD-33
APD APD-31
APD APD-2
APD APD-1

Allied Ships
SS S-39, hits 1

The sub battle across the pacific has been brutal. He's destroyed more of mine than I of his, but more of mine are on the way to replace the destroyed.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Singapore , at 23,50

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 293
Ki-49 Helen x 25
Ki-46-II Dinah x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 1 destroyed, 11 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 4 damaged
Ki-46-II Dinah: 1 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
98 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Airbase hits 7
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 152

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
11 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
15 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
14 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
9 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
6 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
8 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
5 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 16000 feet
7 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
15 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
7 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
8 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
2 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
9 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
9 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
6 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
7 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
6 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
6 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
7 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
5 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 16000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
2 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
2 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 16000 feet

Candidly I don't know what he is waiting for, Singapore is all but out of supply and available for the pickings.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 17,28


Allied aircraft
Wellington III x 14
Martin 139 x 7
Beaufort V-IX x 15


Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort V-IX: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
MSW W.14
DD Asagao
AP Nissen Maru
DD Fuyo
AP Rakuyo Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Tatuta Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Yawata Maru
AP Nichibi Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Kashiwara Maru

Japanese ground losses:
35 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Martin 139 bombing at 5000 feet
1 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 5000 feet
2 x Wellington III bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 5000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 15000 feet
4 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 5000 feet
3 x Martin 139 bombing at 5000 feet
3 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 5000 feet
4 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 5000 feet
9 x Wellington III bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This was decent, but not nearly enough. I've reset the altitude for 5000 feet for the next turn in the hopes that we'll get a few more hits on the incoming landings.

Day Air attack on TF, near Colombo at 14,24

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 22
B5N Kate x 115

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
PG Freesia, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
DD Pakenham, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Nestor, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
PG Auricula, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Romney, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thrilled that this was what got hit. I've got a few more diverionary task forces out there.

Day Air attack on TF at 17,28


Allied aircraft
Wellington III x 9
Martin 139 x 6
Beaufort V-IX x 12


Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort V-IX: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Nichiryo Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Fuyo
AP Yasukuni Maru
MSW W.14
AP Kyushu Maru
AP Yawata Maru

Japanese ground losses:
12 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Martin 139 bombing at 5000 feet
1 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 5000 feet
6 x Wellington III bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Martin 139 bombing at 5000 feet
3 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 5000 feet
3 x Wellington III bombing at 15000 feet
4 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 5000 feet
4 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At least my guys are targeting the right kind of ships. Lets see if we get better shots next turn.

Day Air attack on TF at 13,23

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 20
B5N Kate x 93

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate: 13 destroyed, 57 damaged

Allied Ships
BB Resolution, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
BC Repulse, Torpedo hits 1
BB Ramilles
BB Royal Sovereign, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
BB Revenge, Torpedo hits 1
CLAA Van Heemskerck
CA Dorsetshire

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This was painful. I was hoping thatthe heavies would suffer a bit less, but truthfully I was expecting at least another week before the invasion began and so hadn't properly set up the long range cap over these task forces. I've got some additional CAP over these task forces now, but it may be too late.
Day Air attack on TF at 16,24

Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 16

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
TK Empire Onyx, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Jalatarang, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
TK Empire Norse, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 45,50

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 30773 troops, 304 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 638

Defending force 2280 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 41

Japanese max assault: 586 - adjusted assault: 285

Allied max defense: 27 - adjusted defense: 4

Japanese assault odds: 71 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
30 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
130 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 23,47

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 10436 troops, 183 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 55

Defending force 3220 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 2

Japanese max assault: 45 - adjusted assault: 22

Allied max defense: 0 - adjusted defense: 13

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1



Allied ground losses:
12 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Canton Island

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 6782 troops, 135 guns, 6 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 9

Defending force 1453 troops, 2 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 16


Japanese ground losses:
433 casualties reported
Guns lost 1



This is proving to be more interesting than I thought. There are more troops on the way I am sure, but with IJNs heavies engaged elsewhere and plenty of supply at Canton, I will give a hot welcome to any additional landing forces.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Yanam

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 126 troops, 2 guns, 0 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 29

Defending force 5329 troops, 36 guns, 4 vehicles, Beginning Assault Value = 24

Japanese max assault: 8 - adjusted assault: 2

Allied max defense: 24 - adjusted defense: 24

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


Japanese ground losses:
33 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
15 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

At least for now, this is the key landing area. I've got an armored brigade on the way. Query how quickly he can reinforce. Lets see.

[ny59giants]

If you can, use your Beauforts at range 4 and from a base size of 4 to ensure they carry torpedoes. They are the best anti-ship weapon you have early in the war. [&o]
I usually convert my 8 plane squadrons of Aussie Hudson's to them.

[Ron Saueracker]

ORIGINAL: Mogami

Hi, Feb 42 and your CV are still flying Buffaloes? Because the IJN Kates were using bombs not torpedos I'm guessing you were out of range. (Japan range 5 USN range 4 before new torpedo planes come out)

Historically they were still flying Buffaloes into April 42 due to a lack of F4Fs of all makes and Lex making all sorts of operational deployments.

[mogami]

ORIGINAL: Ron Saueracker

ORIGINAL: Mogami

Hi, Feb 42 and your CV are still flying Buffaloes? Because the IJN Kates were using bombs not torpedos I'm guessing you were out of range. (Japan range 5 USN range 4 before new torpedo planes come out)

Historically they were still flying Buffaloes into April 42 due to a lack of F4Fs of all makes and Lex making all sorts of operational deployments.

Hi, Ron that is true. But it is not required in WITP for it to be true. (Lex could have been held back and fighter group upgraded.)

[itsjustme]

Catastrophe in India. Tricomolee has fallen, of the entire Royal Navy contingent about 4 destroyers remain fully operational with 2-3 heavy crusiers possibly surving to reach Karachi. 2 damaged BBs in Karachi currently. Colombo should hold for another week or so, but all aircraft are being evacuated as land based combat aircraft are shredding them. It appears that there are 5-6 full divisions ashore and driving on Madras. Bangalore has fallen. Infantry divisions in eastern india along with their support troops are withdrawing towards Bombay and Karachi. I've decided that with the coastal defenses breached and the navy all but destroyed to hole up in Karachi. With two full UK divisions and an Armored brigade fully prepped and entrenched, I am hopeful that Karachi will hold until reinforcements arrive.

Question for the board: Will the navy/airforce/ground unit reinforcemens scheduled to arrive in other indian cities arrive in Karachi if those cities fall before their arrival?


Meanwhile, in the Pacific, I am prepping what I hope will be a couple of surprises. First, I am going to make a diversionary landing in Koepang with an australian division and support units. To the extent that there are KB elements in the eastern pacific, which I believe there are, I think Nemo will have to respect this landing as it will open up his oilfields to 4E bombers. When the KB reacts, I expect to launch simulaneous assaults against Amchikta, Palmyra and Johnson Island.

The forces attacking Amchikta will be covered completely by LBA as dutch harbor is now a hornets nest of heavy bombers flying from a lvl 4 airfield. The forces striking Palmyra will be covered by 5 US carriers which as soon as the landing forces are ashore, will turn to cover the follow on assault on Johnson.


Alot of the timing for these operations will be dependent on how quickly (and badly) things go in India.