The Road to Tokyo, '43-'45. mc3744 vs. bbbf

[mc3744]

February 25th, 1943

How did we get here?
Despite being titled ‘43-‘45, this is a Grand Campaign game. As such it started on December 7th 1941.
By January 31st 1943, my original opponent decided to give up the fight.
Needless to say I was really sad [:(], as I was looking forward to my revenge.
Just as my hope was fading away bbbf came as my saviour [&o], picking up a very difficult fight.
My goal will be to obtain auto victory in ’44 or ’45. I still have to see the Allies achieving that in a PBEM.
Before plunging into the daily reports I believe that an overview of the situation is a must.
In the next few posts I’ll describe in detail the various theatres, to enable whoever will be reading to better understand how we got here.

Let’s start with a general overview and with the Intelligence screen (below).

As you can see the VPs situation is pretty good to be early ’43, there’s however still a long way to go.

Air Force
Japanese Air Force is in dismay.
All my front line fighter squadrons have exp 80+ and the fighters pool is full. I have more squadrons and fighters than I can actually use.
Also, most of my fighter squadrons have double the pilots, so that I can just replace the airframes keeping the squadron at full power and top exp.

Navy
My navy is in good shape, I have all the CV/E/L, but I lost some BBs (5) in combat and some due to the British withdrawals. I’ll post pics of the situation later on.
I also lost hundreds of transports. However it was not in vain.
I lost the transports to KB’s ambushes, but I sank most of the carriers (I think there’s one or two left) during these ambushes. I’d say it was worth it.
BB-wise Japan is in very good shape, only (3) sank. Hence the surface power is still fearsome.

Territory
I’ll go into detail on the following posts. Here’s a quick overview.
Burma is back in British hands.
China is holding, but barely.
Sulawesi is almost back in US control.
New Guinea is shared, but the air control over the area (including Rabaul) is 100% Allied.
New Zealand has been invaded, but the invasion repulsed.
New Caledonia and New Hebrides are Japanese.
Canton, Tarawa, Midway and Wake are Japanese.
The Aleutians are being retaken.

House rules- The most important one: airfield stacking limit = airfield size*50.
Only exceptions the HUB’s, in my case: DH, Townsville, Sidney, PH and SF.
For Japan I guess Manila and Tokyo. Singapore will soon be in range of my planes.
This rule alone has made the game so much better (fun-wise) than others I played before.
- China and Kwantung Command units cannot leave the area if not reassigned.
- 10 units for ASW TF

Other rules not agreed upon which I’ll follow
- I won’t land on non-base hexes, unless I have to dispose of stranded Japanese fragments.
- I – no longer – upgrade (48) and (64) 2E bombers to 4E, although I already upgraded several.
- Corsair’s (or other carrier capable airplanes) on CVs: only on those CVEs that do not come with default fighting squadrons. Hence the Long Island and (3) others (those coming with the VR squadron). The VR squadrons are unloaded, trained and used as replacements.

Due to a bug I cannot use PTs, the game crashes as soon as a combat with PTs is initiated. It’s not a big loss, but it’s still annoying.

Bottom line.
You’ll be reading an AAR were the Allies do what usually Japan does: they’ll enjoy a marked superiority and will have to conquer an awful lot of territory.
Enjoy! [:)]

Suggestions are of course welcome.

Next post will be on India-Burma-Indochina.

[mc3744]

February 26th, 1943

India-Burma-Siam-Malaya

Ok, let’s see – in detail - what’s being going on in this region (see also pic).

Japan has been stopped at Mandalay during the ’42 offensive.
By the end of ’42 the British forces were fighting their way back, thanks to a significant air superiority.
By January ’43 the whole of Burma was firmly in British hands.
I then had to decide how to proceed from there.
The variables I considered were:
1) Air superiority and a big amount of 2E and 4E transferred by ship during the previous year. In my experience heavy air-to-ground attacks can make the difference in ground combat.
2) Lack of transport ships, a few APs, no landing crafts, a decent number of AKs, which, as we all know, are quite bad for amphibious landings.
3) Lack of capital ships in the area (1 Damaged BB and 3 cruisers) due to combat, but mainly due to the recalls from Mr. Churchill. This heavily affects my capacity to protect any amphibious and carrier TF at night. Allied TB range is shorter than Japanese BB speed, hence a night ambush is always possible.
4) Strong carriers power (4) CVs + (1) CVL.
5) China in danger of collapsing.

Hence my brilliant plan! [:D]
I need to release the pressure on China and I also need to avoid a head-to-head in any major base. Those WWI style engagements are boring, probably unrealistic and take forever to get over with.

I’ve therefore decided to assault in multiple locations, both to try and confuse him and to try to surround and destroy some of his units.

A main attack vector started from Moulmein towards Rahaeng-Bangkok.
It’s now reorganizing in Rahaeng waiting for a subsequent push on Pisanoluoke.

This first force is composed by: (6) HQ, (9) ENG, (8) ART, (2) INF Div, (14) INF Bde, (1) ARM Bde and (1) ARM Rgt.

A second force is attacking from Tavoy (see picture). This smaller force is composed by (1) INF Div, (1) ARM Bde and (2) ENG.

A third force is attacking Ban Don from Victoria Point. The 2nd UK Division is already on site. It’s followed by (1) HQ, (1) ARM Bde and (7) ENG.

A forth, and last, strike force is loading as we speak onto ships in Rangoon. It will head directly for Malaya. The task is to provide an accessible port for supplies and reinforcements and to cut off any Japanese unit going North towards Ban Don or Bangkok.
The Amphibious TF will be escorted by one Surface TF, composed by lots of DDs and my 3 cruisers, plus a Carrier TF which should provide air cover and, possibly, scare away any surface combat TF.
The ground forces are composed by (2) INF Div, (3) INF Rgt, (1) HQ and several ENG.

Meanwhile bbbf and I had the same idea: bomb the airfields.
The only problem was that while his bombers took off, mine didn’t [8|]

Anyway the results have been good enough, my fighters pretty much slaughtered his incoming LBs.
Although my air ground losses have been relevant.
At the end of the day I lost 65 airplanes (3) in A-to-A and (56) on the ground. He lost (104), (96) in A-to-A.
I wonder why my bombers directed towards his base did not take off, while his did? [&:]

The goal with the whole operation is not only to re-conquer Malaya and Singapore, but possibly to trap some Jap units and annihilate them.

A few more info on the area.
Rangoon, Moulmein, Tavoy and Victoria Point are all developed to the maximum: airfield, port and fortifications.

The fighter squadrons in the area are made up of Beufighter Mk 21 (one squadron), Spitfire V (several), Hurricane II (one squadron), Corsair (two squadrons) and P-38 (one squadron).

The action in the area

Day Air attack on Victoria Point , at 25,39

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 9
Ki-21 Sally x 62
Ki-49 Helen x 86
Ki-46-II Dinah x 7

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 14
Hurricane II x 13
Spitfire Vb x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 8 destroyed
Ki-21 Sally: 29 destroyed, 4 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 34 destroyed, 18 damaged
Ki-46-II Dinah: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair: 11 damaged
Hurricane II: 1 destroyed, 8 damaged
Spitfire Vb: 12 damaged
Wellington III: 2 destroyed
B-17E Fortress: 8 destroyed
P-38G Lightning: 3 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
59 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Airbase hits 11
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 42
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Victoria Point , at 25,39

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 49
Ki-49 Helen x 54

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 7
Hurricane II x 6
Spitfire Vb x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 9 destroyed, 8 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 9 destroyed, 6 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair: 1 damaged
Hurricane II: 4 damaged
Spitfire Vb: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
B-17E Fortress: 11 destroyed
Wellington III: 2 destroyed
P-38G Lightning: 1 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
67 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Airbase hits 14
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 64

Events of the 26th in the other areas.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Macassar at 30,70

Japanese Ships
AG AG-2068, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
AG AG-2083
AG AG-2085, Shell hits 8, and is sunk
AG AG-2086, Shell hits 7, and is sunk
AG AG-2087, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CA Northampton
CL Nashville
DD Sims
DD Helm
DD Dewey

Japan is bombing my surrounded units
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Changsha , at 45,37

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 8
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 18
Ki-21 Sally x 18
Ki-46-III Dinah x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 2 damaged


Allied ground losses:
19 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 8
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 21

Training sessions
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Buna , at 56,92


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 22
Wirraway x 31
Mohawk IV x 16
Kittyhawk I x 48
P-35A x 23
P-36A Mohawk x 92
P-39D Airacobra x 45
P-40E Warhawk x 40
P-70A Havoc x 16


Allied aircraft losses
Mohawk IV: 1 destroyed
P-36A Mohawk: 1 damaged
P-39D Airacobra: 1 damaged

Day Air attack on Kiriwina Island , at 59,94


Allied aircraft
Boomerang II x 15
Brewster 339D x 7
P-35A x 24
P-36A Mohawk x 24
P-38G Lightning x 14


Prepping the landings
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 138th IJA Base Force, at 96,38


Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 35


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
105 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
22 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
13 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet

Making sure to avoid any nasty surprise
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Manado , at 39,67

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 7

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 18
B-17E Fortress x 49

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe: 2 destroyed
Ki-46-III Dinah: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 10 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
7 casualties reported

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 6
Runway hits 10

Aircraft Attacking:
43 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet

Kweilin under siege … not for long [;)]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Kweilin

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 10263 troops, 340 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2406

Defending force 150027 troops, 227 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 4725



Allied ground losses:
125 casualties reported

Changsha is surrounded
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Changsha

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 4396 troops, 109 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2605

Defending force 127520 troops, 645 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 3418



Allied ground losses:
118 casualties reported

Finishing off some Jap paratroopers
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Makale

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 2295 troops, 41 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 74

Defending force 2337 troops, 25 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 44



Allied ground losses:
12 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

[LittleJoe]

Hmm, another Jap player getting halted at Mandalay, seems to happen quite a lot in the AARS ive read, makes me feel a bit better about myself [:D]

And i still hold on to a bit of Burma in April 43, woot go me! [8D]

[mc3744]

ORIGINAL: LittleJoe

Hmm, another Jap player getting halted at Mandalay, seems to happen quite a lot in the AARS ive read, makes me feel a bit better about myself [:D]

And i still hold on to a bit of Burma in April 43, woot go me! [8D]

[;)] I read that in your AAR.
With AB map, unless the Japs get lucky the Allies can usually reinforce Mandalay soon enough.

I have another PBEM in April '42 and I managed to stop the Japs at Moulmein.
Truth be told, my opponent is (was) quite unexperienced.

[LittleJoe]

Moulmien!

Ouch thatll hurt come 43. Good luck in this aar ill be following it. [:)]

[mc3744]

ORIGINAL: LittleJoe

Moulmien!

Ouch thatll hurt come 43. Good luck in this aar ill be following it. [:)]

Thanks [:)]

[mc3744]

February 27th, 1943

IBSM (India-Burma-Siam-Malaya)

This part should be clear enough now … at least I hope [;)]

I brought in some support at Tavoy to help deal with the three airfields (S4) around Phnom Penh that bbbf is cleverly using to interfere with my operations.
This turn the bombers from Tavoy took off. Below the results: bbbf had clearly emptied the airport of LBs (smart boy [:'(])
I’m now directing the bombers towards Kompong Som, they should be joined by the LBs from Victoria Point.
Tavoy’s bombers were escorted by Corsair’s, but Kompong Son is (6) hexes away hence I brought in one more squadron of P-38 from China.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kompong Chhnang , at 31,42

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 8

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 13
B-25J Mitchell x 84

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed, 1 damaged
Ki-61 KAIc Tony: 5 damaged
Ki-46-III Dinah: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair: 1 destroyed
B-25J Mitchell: 3 destroyed, 15 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
48 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 5
Runway hits 32

The 2nd UK Division has easily disposed of Ban Don’s defenders. However recon spotted (9) Jap units coming up towards Ban Don. Reinforcements from Victoria should soon join the 2nd, hopefully they’ll get there in time to hold the position.
In a few days the Japs could be cut off by the Amphibious landing.
Below the attack on Ban Don.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Ban Don

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 13109 troops, 164 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 310

Defending force 1824 troops, 11 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 19

Allied max assault: 283 - adjusted assault: 114

Japanese max defense: 18 - adjusted defense: 11

Allied assault odds: 10 to 1 (fort level 0)

Allied forces CAPTURE Ban Don base !!!


Japanese ground losses:
123 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

Allied ground losses:
86 casualties reported
Guns lost 4


Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

The amphibious TF will leave harbour tonight. Destination: Japanese Malaya!
(96) ships (AK, AP, MSW, PG, SC) escorted by
Surface TF: (2) CA, (1) CL, (2) CLAA and (8) DD
Carrier TF: (4) CV, (1) CVL, (3) CLAA and (5) DD – (160) aircrafts on board.

China

Let’s now take a closer look to China (see pic).

Until the end of summer ‘42 I managed to hold off the Japanese tide, but by the end of ’42 the enormous massing of enemy troops of eventually managed to repulse my forces up North and Kweilin and Changsha ended up completely surrounded.
However, up until now, not one Chinese unit has been lost, which is already a decent result.
In Changsha there are approx 140k men entrapped. Supplies are in the red, fortifications are at (9).
As you can see in the picture the road to the North is loosely garrisoned. I’m moving a massive strike force from Chungking to try and break the siege.
The problem is a risk of being cut off if he manages to put enough forces together from the East (Ichang). I should be strong enough to hold the flank and still break the siege, but it’s a bit of a gamble.

Kweilin situation has just changed. A relief force descending from Kweiyang has just broken the siege West of the city. The 180k surrounded men are now moving towards the relief force. They’ll spend a long R&R time in Chungking and Kweiyang … and they’ll help holding the flanks! [:D]

I’m operating a big number of 4E from Chungking on Naval attack. The goal is to make his life moving troops and supplies to and from China as difficult and expensive as possible. As you can see it’s working [8D]

Below the combat in Central China

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Day Air attack on TF, near Haiphong at 37,38

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 21
B-24D Liberator x 43

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AP Ayaha Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AK Delagoa Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Asama Maru, Bomb hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
PC Shimushu, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
AK Sagami Maru, Bomb hits 11, on fire, heavy damage
AK Sagara Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire

Japanese ground losses:
611 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Changsha , at 45,37

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49 Helen x 18
Ki-46-III Dinah x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49 Helen: 4 damaged

Airbase hits 4
Runway hits 15

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Kweilin

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 10229 troops, 338 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2465

Defending force 149462 troops, 223 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 4722



Allied ground losses:
293 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Changsha

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 25963 troops, 292 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 2718

Defending force 127465 troops, 642 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 3419



Allied ground losses:
115 casualties reported

Breaking the siege
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 41,37

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 43529 troops, 356 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1564

Defending force 14221 troops, 167 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 279

Allied max assault: 2588 - adjusted assault: 3496

Japanese max defense: 295 - adjusted defense: 43

Allied assault odds: 81 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
762 casualties reported
Guns lost 40

Allied ground losses:
569 casualties reported
Guns lost 15


Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

In the North East things are on a smaller scale.
Bbbf has decided to stop trying to break Sian (fortifications at 9) and he is retreating from the area (after taking some beatings [:D])
Liberators VI are operating from Sian (S6) on ground support and to hit resources in the area.
(2) Spitfire squadrons and (1) Kitty squadron support the LBs.
Farther North (1) Jap Tank Rgt and (2) Mongolian units have been surrounded. As soon as the surrounding is complete I’ll finish them off.
The Tank unit tried a desperate shock attack to break free, to no avail.
Below the reports from the area.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Yenen , at 50,28

Allied aircraft
Liberator VI x 66
P-38G Lightning x 24


Allied aircraft losses
Liberator VI: 17 damaged

Resources hits 5

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 47,24

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 9441 troops, 20 guns, 461 vehicles, Assault Value = 272

Defending force 10686 troops, 72 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 331

Japanese max assault: 528 - adjusted assault: 4

Allied max defense: 345 - adjusted defense: 631

Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
1018 casualties reported
Guns lost 11
Vehicles lost 13

Allied ground losses:
22 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Action in the other areas.

Training sessions
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Day Air attack on Macassar , at 30,70

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 13
CW-21B Demon x 9
Brewster 339D x 15
Kittyhawk I x 16

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kiriwina Island , at 59,94

Allied aircraft
Boomerang II x 16
Brewster 339D x 7
P-35A x 24
P-36A Mohawk x 24
P-38G Lightning x 13

Hitting the port
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Manado , at 39,67

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 18
B-17E Fortress x 35


Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 destroyed, 8 damaged

Japanese Ships
AD AD-3162, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK England Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
MLE Nitiai Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Japanese ground losses:
13 casualties reported

Port hits 1
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 1

Prepping for the landing
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Attu Island , at 91,35

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
PB4Y Liberator x 6
B-24D Liberator x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
PB4Y Liberator: 1 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 4 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
20 casualties reported

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 5

More action in the North
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Attu Island at 91,35

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 3


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AK Hokuzan Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire

Japanese ground losses:
107 casualties reported

[mc3744]

March 1st, 1943

IBSM

The situation is getting real hot.
Bbbf is putting up a very good resistance and the proud Allied Air Forces are experiencing the first bad days in months. Today’s losses: 33 Allies – 23 Japan.
He is also clearly reinforcing the whole area. My recon patrols are spotting ships everywhere.
The LBs on naval attack are hitting badly his transports, but the bad weather is keeping lots of them on the ground.
The new Japanese Jack fighter has made its first appearance over Kompong Som and managed to shoot down one of my elite pilots on a P-38. Escort duty is tough, especially if you also have altitude disadvantage. [:-]
I’m moving a couple of hundreds more LBs to the front line: Tavoy and Victoria Point. They were in Rangoon and Moulmein to provide ground tactical support, but given the aggressive (and effective) strategy of bbbf I must deal with the Jap air force first.
I need to re-conquer – quickly – the total air superiority and I need the bombers.
I’m also moving additional fighters to these two forward bases. Rangoon and Moulmein are left with 300 planes in total. And there are now 580 in Tavoy and Victoria Point.
It should be enough, but it won’t be easy.
Meanwhile the Malaya seaborne invasion has set sail.

Below the combat in the area.

Day Air attack on Kompong Som , at 29,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12
A6M3 Zero x 18
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 24
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 13

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 22
B-25J Mitchell x 63

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 1 destroyed, 7 damaged
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 7 destroyed, 7 damaged
Ki-61 KAIc Tony: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged
Ki-21 Sally: 1 destroyed
Ki-46-II Dinah: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-38G Lightning: 7 destroyed, 2 damaged
B-25J Mitchell: 9 destroyed, 10 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
13 casualties reported

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 6

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Ban Don , at 25,41

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 63
Ki-49 Helen x 110

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 2 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 3 damaged

Airbase hits 7
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 20

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Kompong Som at 29,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12
A6M3 Zero x 17
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 17
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 11

Allied aircraft
Wellington III x 17
P-38G Lightning x 6
B-25J Mitchell x 6
B-17E Fortress x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
Ki-61 KAIc Tony: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Wellington III: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged
P-38G Lightning: 1 destroyed
B-25J Mitchell: 2 destroyed
B-17E Fortress: 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
PG Unkai Maru #1, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Kano Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Kamogawa Maru, Bomb hits 11, on fire, heavy damage
PG Shinko Maru #2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Kompong Som at 29,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12
A6M3 Zero x 12
J2M Jack x 13
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 12
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 9

Allied aircraft
Wellington III x 12
P-38G Lightning x 5
B-17E Fortress x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
J2M Jack: 3 damaged
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 1 damaged
Ki-61 KAIc Tony: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Wellington III: 3 destroyed, 3 damaged
P-38G Lightning: 2 destroyed
B-17E Fortress: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AK Kamogawa Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
PG Unkai Maru #1, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Kano Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

China

The 4E based in Chungking are hitting Jap convoys trying to dock in Indochina.
Liberators VI are being reassigned from Siam to Burma.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Haiphong at 37,38

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 3
B-24D Liberator x 7

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
MSW Kongo Maru #2, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Sagami Maru, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

Day Air attack on TF, near Haiphong at 37,38

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 21
B-24D Liberator x 39

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AP La Plata Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AP Hokumyo Maru, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
AP Hakutetsu Maru #13, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
AK Asosan Maru, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage

North Pacific

Time to get some more info on this lovely location!

Early in ’42, the Japanese Emperor decided that he had a craving for ice cubes, therefore he sent his loyal soldiers to conquer the Aleutians and bring him home the precious treasure [:'(]
The Allies had little time and forces to spare … and they still had plenty of ice cubes left in Alaska! [:D]

Come Autumn ’42, the American public was worried not to have enough winter locations were to enjoy the holidays.
To avoid such a calamitous event President Roosevelt sent the now powerful American war machine to re-conquer the American ice cubes … ehm … soil!! [;)]

Japan went as far as Dutch Harbour.
Once the counter-offensive initiated, my previous opponent decided to take a stand. It turned out that it wasn’t the perfect place to stop the Allies ... With one relevant exception. During the first landing on Adak, I forgot to set the surface TF to bombard. [:o] [:-] When the landing TF went in, the CD guns (I believe it was just one unit! [X(]) massacred my ships. It was a real catastrophe. (7) MSW, several SC, PT and AKs and APs. Not to mention the troops on board. It took me one month to recover and bring new ships in. [8|]
The drunken admiral who forgot to bombard the Japanese coastal defences has been reassigned and … well, promoted! You know, it’s for the public image [:'(]
Aside this despicable event, during the weeks of combat my carriers joined by a relevant LBA power sank (1) CVL, (1) CVE, several minor ships and lots of damaged BBs. The cost for the Allies has been irrelevant.

In the picture the situation today.
The Navy is composed by (1) BB, (2) CV, (3) CVL/E and lots of cruisers and destroyers.

I hope the finish the operation in a couple of weeks.

During the night a bombardment TF caught an evac TF sent to rescue the remaining defenders. Bbbf has cleverly – IMHO – decided to minimize the losses.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Attu Island at 91,35

Japanese Ships
PG Zuiko Maru
AK Kasyu Maru, Shell hits 44, and is sunk
AK Sakura Maru, Shell hits 23, and is sunk
AK Hokuzan Maru, Shell hits 19, and is sunk

Allied Ships
BB Maryland
CA New Orleans
CA Wichita
CA Canberra
CL Sumatra
CL De Ruyter
CLAA San Diego
CLAA San Juan
CLAA Reno
CL Richmond
CL St. Louis
CL Montpelier
DD Conway
DD Jenkins
DD Nicholson
DD Frazier
DD Edwards
DD Anderson
DD O'Brien
DD Bagley
DD Jarvis
DD Gridley
DD Maury
DD Benham
DMS Chandler

Japanese ground losses:
4833 casualties reported

[mc3744]

March 3rd, 1943

IBSM

The air combat continues, the killing ratio is however back – slightly - in Allied favour (31-40).
During the previous turn, my B-17s spotted and bombed (with no effect) a surface TF in Kuala Lumpur. The TF was composed by at least two BBs, one of which the mighty Yamato! [X(]
Kuala Lumpur is well within range of Georgetown, hence I decided to wait one turn to start the landing and move the carrier TF within TB strike range of KL. Just to make sure that the Yamato would not wreak havoc. The RN is not strong enough to face her. Not without BBs of her own.
However the TF seemed vanished. I’m still not convinced [:-], hence I’ll start prepping the landing with the surface TF (night bombardment) and I’ll keep the amphibious TF and the carrier TF in range. If the Yamato TF comes at night, at worst I’ll loose some cruisers and destroyers, but I may get her in the morning with the carrier’s TB.
I’ve also moved a squadron of Coronado’s in Victoria Point, I need as much recon as possible. The only thing that could ruin my plan is a powerful and lucky night sortie. The Imperial Navy is still to be feared.
In Ban Don the 2nd UK Div has been joined by IND III Corps HQ and it’s now fully supported and supplied. However several units are moving northbound and I may be unable to hold long enough. If I do, the Jap units will be in a pincer. Nice [:D]
The decisive push on Pisanoluoke will soon start, most units have arrived in Rahaeng. A few days more.

Combat in the area.

Day Air attack on Kompong Som , at 29,43

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
A6M3 Zero x 6
J2M Jack x 24
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 7
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 4

Allied aircraft
Liberator VI x 21
P-38G Lightning x 2
B-25J Mitchell x 41

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 4 destroyed
A6M3 Zero: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
J2M Jack: 10 damaged
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 5 destroyed
Ki-61 KAIc Tony: 3 damaged
Ki-46-II Dinah: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Liberator VI: 3 destroyed, 6 damaged
P-38G Lightning: 1 destroyed
B-25J Mitchell: 12 destroyed, 10 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
76 casualties reported

Airbase hits 11
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 32

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Ban Don , at 25,41

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 60
Ki-49 Helen x 108

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 3 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 4 damaged


Allied ground losses:
25 casualties reported

Airbase hits 12
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 64

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Khota Bharu , at 24,45

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
Wellington III x 43
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 2
P-38G Lightning x 2
B-25J Mitchell x 31

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 6 destroyed
Ki-46-III Dinah: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Wellington III: 3 damaged
B-25J Mitchell: 5 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
168 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 51

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 28,45


Allied aircraft
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 7
P-38G Lightning x 11
B-25J Mitchell x 17


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
PG Yachiyo Maru
AP Kirishima Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Gokoku Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Japanese ground losses:
35 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Ban Don

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 22205 troops, 259 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 608

Defending force 15894 troops, 148 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 300



Allied ground losses:
132 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

China
No news.

North Pacific
Landed on Ogliuga. Will attack in a couple of turns.

DEI
Time to tell you guys more on this critical area.
Why critical? Because we’ve fought like crazy for months over Timor. In the end the Allies prevailed and the Emperor lost (3) divisions and several other units trapped on the Island. It’s been heated and lot of fun!!
The cost for both sides, but especially for Japan, has been very high.

DEI is the centre of my strategy.
I don’t have enough landing crafts and I hate atoll landings [:o], hence I decided to avoid – at least for ’43 – the Central Pacific.
Also Central Pacific is the only place where I cannot rely on LBA and I certainly don’t trust the Wildcat to protect my fleet! [:-]
My idea is to get to Japan through DEI and PI. This should also allow me to quickly stop oil and resources flowing back to Japan.
As you can see in the picture Sulawesi is almost done with. The problem is that you have to take the smaller bases first to avoid the units in the main ones retreating.
I have a considerable force in the area, hundreds of LBs, fighters, troops, CVs. BBs, …
The only thing I’m short of are transport ships, too many offensives going on at once.
I’m now going for Bula, in Kendari a bigger force is loading onto transports to assault Amboina. I need to capture that airfield (S4) to avoid nasty surprise attacks from the Betty’s.
I also need to provide a safe net around the area of operations. Macassar and Manado will soon follow.
After them it’ll be Java time. I want to reunite with the British. After that Borneo and then … PI!
In DEI I have no fear of the Imperial Navy … almost. My surface strength can match anything he can throw at me, and in the morning … game over [:'(]
The main threat are the mines. My previous opponent has wisely layed thousands of them. A real pain! [:(]
Bbbf is trying to evacuate the stranded units using barges, since (for some unknown reason) the bombers don’t attack them. I therefore have to use destroyers to try to stop the evacuation.
Little question? Does Japan get additional barges in ’43? Because I sank A LOT of them, but they keep coming!

Combat in the area.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Macassar at 30,70

Japanese Ships
AG AG-114
AG AG-117
AG AG-362
AG AG-375
AG AG-5029, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
AG AG-5030, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
AG AG-5032
AG AG-5033
AG AG-5113
AG AG-5139
AG AG-5140
AG AG-5143, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
AG AG-5160
AG AG-5165, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
AG AG-2049
AG AG-2051

Allied Ships
DD Grayson
DD Lansdowne
DD Sterett
DD Clark
DD Barker
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 135th IJN Base Force, at 41,75


Allied aircraft
Liberator VI x 24
PB4Y Liberator x 12


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
125 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

In the next post Southwest Pacific.

[LittleJoe]

Arent Barges just created at bases with enough supplies a bit like PTs?

[AmiralLaurent]

ORIGINAL: LittleJoe

Arent Barges just created at bases with enough supplies a bit like PTs?

Yes, but with a major difference: any barge sunk will be worth 0 point and will be available again after a given time, while a PT will only be sunk once and will appera on the sunk list. You will never run out of barges as Japan, but in the other hand you will have far less than real Japan has. But they are point-free, while they should IMOO be worth one point (as a transport AC).

A barge that had 200 fuel left and carried 50 supplies when it was sunk will come back when it will be recreated (2 months later IIRC) 200 fuel and 50 supplies aboard. Don't know about troops.
Also never scuttle a barge, it then will appear on the sunk list and won't be resurrected but is done forever.

I think the Allied player as barges (LCVP) that are treated the same.

[mc3744]

Ouch! Thanks Admiral. and LittleJoe. That's why he keeps sending them. I'll never get rid of them. [:(]
I thought Japan didn't get them [:'(]

Does it make sense to you that the airplanes (on naval attack) do not attack barges?
Why not?
Why must I engage them in surface combat? [&:]

[ctangus]

ORIGINAL: mc3744

Does it make sense to you that the airplanes (on naval attack) do not attack barges?
Why not?
Why must I engage them in surface combat? [&:]

Level bombers will attack barges if they're set to 100 feet. Though that's a waste IMO and also risks a synch bug.

Much more useful: Fighter-bombers, set on naval attack at any altitude, will attack barges. That's how I primarily use Beaufighters. P-39Ds do well, too, if you have a base close enough. I've sunk dozens with those two planes.

Any tricks to how you're doing so well in the air war in Southeast Asia? I have a game at about the same date, but it's still a stalemate in the air over Burma.

[mc3744]

Thanks ctangus. [:)]

I don't have many FB, but I can surely convert some, now that I have a use for them [:D]

As to the air war. There's no trick. It's training and waiting.

I use the 4E to hit the airfields close enough to pose a threat to my airfields. This way I can train freely, using primarely Wirraway's.
I never move to the front ine fighter squadrons below 80 exp. I keep training them till they hit 80, then I disband two squadrons in one, double the pilots, right amount of planes.

The downside is that my 'airwar' in SouthEast Asia, never starts before July/August. It takes a while before I can safely start to train and then a while to get the pilots to the right experience. But once you are ready, it's difficult to stop you.
And till May you also have the Zero bonus which is a killer anyway.

[mc3744]

March 4th, 1943

IBSM

No Yamato in sight. I decided to start the landing at Georgetown.
Unfortunately I’ve been hit by the bug I encountered before with GH. The TF unloaded part of the troops on the Sumatra coast! And it did not move to Georgetown. [:(] [:(]
I’ve asked bbbf to redo the turn. Since I always save before ending, I could try to change only the settings for the TF, leaving everything else as was, (I re-gave the orders, re-clicked and set from “retire” to “do not” and from cruise speed to full) hoping that it will move to Georgetown and won’t unload before.
I hope bbbf will allow the redo and I hope it’ll work. It would be a major problem otherwise. [&:]

More news after the redo.

Below the combat in the area.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Georgetown, at 23,44

Allied Ships
CLAA Caradoc
CLAA Caledon
CL Birmingham
CA Frobisher
CA Devonshire

Japanese ground losses:
89 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 3
Port hits 3
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 2

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 30,46

Allied aircraft
Wellington III x 7
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 2
P-38G Lightning x 2
B-25J Mitchell x 7


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AP Kirishima Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
PG Yachiyo Maru
AP Gokoku Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
113 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 28,44

Allied aircraft
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 14
P-38G Lightning x 13
B-25J Mitchell x 14

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AK Kano Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
PG Shinko Maru #2, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Ban Don

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 22282 troops, 261 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 968

Defending force 15697 troops, 144 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 295

Allied ground losses:
283 casualties reported
Guns lost 6

DEI
Landing on Bula is under way.
Amboina will follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Macassar at 30,70

Japanese Ships
AG AG-114
AG AG-117
AG AG-362
AG AG-375
AG AG-5032
AG AG-5033, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
AG AG-5139, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
AG AG-5140
AG AG-5160
AG AG-2049
AG AG-2051, Shell hits 32, and is sunk

Allied Ships
DD Russell
DD Walke
DD Helm
DD Mugford
DD Wilson

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Amboina, at 40,74

Allied Ships
CL Nashville
CL Marblehead
CLAA Juneau
CL Glasgow
CA Australia
CA Quincy
CA Minneapolis
CA Salt Lake City
CA Louisville
CA Houston
CA Northampton
CA Portland
BB Prince of Wales
BB Indiana
BB Tennessee

Japanese ground losses:
1098 casualties reported
Guns lost 27

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 26
Port hits 7
Port fuel hits 10
Port supply hits 8

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1046 encounters mine field at Bula (41,75)

TF 1046 troops unloading over beach at Bula, 41,75

6 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied ground losses:
108 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 135th IJNAF Base Force, at 41,75

Allied aircraft
Liberator VI x 30
PB4Y Liberator x 13

Allied aircraft losses
Liberator VI: 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
111 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Bula

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 807 troops, 3 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 83

Defending force 1630 troops, 21 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 69

North Pacific
Completing the landing on Ogliuga.

Southwest Pacific
Traditionally an heavy fought area.
We made no exception. PM and GiliGili have already changed hands twice.
Since the end of ’42 the area around PM is firmly under Allied air control.
As you can see in the picture, only in Shortland the Japs dare keep a few patrol planes.
Many have been lost to the Allied bombers in Rabaul and surrounding areas.
Despite the ‘troubled’ past, it is now a quite area, and PM and GiliGili are used for air force training purposes only.
I don’t have enough forces to attack here too. Malaya + DEI + North Pacific are more than enough for now.
Beside the lack of forces I also don’t see this area as critical, as long as you control the connection to Northern Australia = Southern New Guinea.
There is no oil, no resources and no VPs. Why should I care?
He can keep Rabaul as long as he likes. Once I’ll have troops and transports to spare I’ll go get it. Right now I’m going for the oil and resources.

Next on South Pacific, which will soon be hot again! [;)]

… I’m dying to get the redo, I can’t wait to verify if it works. If it doesn’t I’m not sure what I’ll do. It will be a mess!

[mc3744]

March 5th, 1943

IBSM
The tough part has started. The landing in Georgetown is underway.
So far it’s going all right. Few mines, no costal defences. The defenders are made up of (3) units, but I still have no idea about their strength. If there are no divisions it should be a piece of cake, otherwise … [8|]
Reinforcements seem to be at least two days away, which should allow me time enough to unload troops and supplies to launch the attack.
A surface TF is reported in Singapore, but that’s (7) hexes away, I should be safe for at least one day.
I’ve created a PT TF in the hex, if it crashes the game again, we’ll redo and I’ll move it out, if not … enhanced defence against the Combined Fleet.
Japanese Air Force tried to score some hits on the carriers, but the Seafire’s and the AA kicked their a*s. [8D]
If I manage to get a foothold on the Western side of Malaya the Japs have their days numbered. Once I have a port, an airfield and supplies I can take my time to finish him off. If I remain stranded on the beach … it’s bad.
Bad weather is not helping, [:(] my LBs are kept on the ground by thunderstorms and cannot provided ground support. I’ll have to manage without the air force, my strongest asset.

Below the combat of the day.

The landing
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1132 encounters mine field at Georgetown (23,44)

TF 1132 troops unloading over beach at Georgetown, 23,44

Allied Ships
MSW Maryborough
MSW Burnie
MSW Bendigo
MSW Cromarty
MSW Romney
MSW Poole
MSW Cromer
MSW Rampur
MSW Patna
MSW Agra
MSW Tern
MSW Swallow
PG Jasmine, Mine hits 1

Allied ground losses:
2034 casualties reported

Keeping the area as isolated as possible
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 26,45

Allied aircraft
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 14
P-38G Lightning x 14
B-25J Mitchell x 12

No Allied losses
Japanese Ships
AK Kano Maru, Bomb hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
PG Shinko Maru #2, heavy damage

Seafire’s are impassable!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Georgetown at 23,44

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 17
G4M1 Betty x 31

Allied aircraft
Seafire x 54

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 7 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 26 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Seafire: 2 destroyed, 11 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Illustrious
CVL Hermes

The first Barracuda action
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 20,42

Allied aircraft
Seafire x 21
Swordfish x 9
Barracuda x 6

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AK Ryoka Maru, Torpedo hits 6, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Ban Don

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 41013 troops, 461 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 974

Defending force 15385 troops, 134 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 291

Allied ground losses:
144 casualties reported
Guns lost 5

China

The rescue force keeps marching towards Changsha.
Liberator’s are screening the sea. Nothing gets in, nothing gets out … hopefully [;)]

Bombing the port, sinking the ships [:D]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Haiphong , at 37,38

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 23
B-24D Liberator x 22

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
AK Delagoa Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Ayaha Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Sagara Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
29 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

Port hits 2
Port fuel hits 2

DEI

The assault on Amboina and Bula continues, a few more day and the small island will be mine.
Macassar and Manado will follow.
As suggested I converted some Beaufort’s into Beaufighter Mk21, to fight off the barges.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1046 encounters mine field at Bula (41,75)

TF 1046 troops unloading over beach at Bula, 41,75


Allied Ships
MSW Tanager
MSW Herald
MSW Skylark
MSW Benalla
APD Stringham

Coastal Guns at Bula, 41,75, firing at TF 1046
1 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied ground losses:
69 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Macassar at 30,70

Japanese Ships
AG AG-5088, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
AG AG-5114, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
AG AG-5115, Shell hits 2, and is sunk

Allied Ships
DD DeHaven
DD Laffey
DD Caldwell
DD Fanning
DD Perkins

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Macassar at 30,70

Japanese Ships
AG AG-114, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
AG AG-117
AG AG-362
AG AG-375
AG AG-5032, Shell hits 4, and is sunk
AG AG-5140, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
AG AG-5160, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
AG AG-2049

Allied Ships
DD DeHaven
DD Laffey
DD Caldwell
DD Fanning
DD Perkins

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1046 encounters mine field at Bula (41,75)

TF 1046 troops unloading over beach at Bula, 41,75

Allied Ships
MSW Tanager
MSW Herald
MSW Skylark
MSW Benalla

Coastal Guns at Bula, 41,75, firing at TF 1046
1 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
MSW Tanager

Allied ground losses:
86 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Manado , at 39,67

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 20
B-24D Liberator x 46

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 1 destroyed, 10 damaged

Japanese Ships
MLE Nitiai Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Japanese ground losses:
9 casualties reported

Port hits 4
Port supply hits 6

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Bula

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 803 troops, 2 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 82

Defending force 3138 troops, 21 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 72

North Pacific
Getting ready to retake Ogliuga.

Top Three Aces
1LT Dobbs, 21st FS – (22) Kills – P-40 -> P-38G – Darwin
CPT Carl, VMF-221 – (20) Kills – F4F-4 – F4U-1 – Tavoy
SLDR Campbell, No 5 Squadron RAA, (19) Kills – Spitfire V - Koepang

Sorry, no time to talk about South and Central Pacific, maybe next time.

[mc3744]

March 6th, 1943

IBSM

A difficult day to define.
A day of victory and defeat.

Let’s see what happened.
The Royal Air Force, as usual, beat the Japs senseless. At the end of the day: A (19) [(18) operational!] – J (34). [:D]
The RN performed decently, but could have done better.
As you’ll see by the combat report, a small Japanese surface TF tried to engage my amphibious armada in the waters outside Georgetown.
It was greeted first by (12) PTs … useless. Then by the RN. [:o]
At the end of a long night Japan lost the entire TF: (3) DDs and (2) CLs. The RN lost (1) CLAA. One more CLAA, (2) DDs and (1) CA damaged. (1) DD may sink.
Overall it was a victory, but considering the forces engaged the RN should have done much better IMO.

The defeat was in Ban Don.
The 2nd UK Div has been annihilated. I made a mistake, plain and simple. I did not consider that he could come from behind.
Frankly I have no idea how he did it. [&:] The road from Bangkok is/was closed (see picture). I was really not expecting to be cut off. I was expecting to be pushed back, at worst. [:(]
Anyway I lost a division and an HQ (which will be back in a month, no biggy).
Was it worth it? If I take Georgetown, definitely yes. If I don’t, bad, bad day.
I need a bridgehead in Malaya. I can bring there (4) additional Indian division, (1) Tank Bde, plus several supporting units. Together with the air force it will get me to Singapore … if I conquer Georgetown. I have few days before he can come back from Ban Don.
Unfortunately the bad weather keeps my LBs down. [:@] It’s been (3) days now. With ground support ban Don may have survived (just a bit could have tipped the balance). And now I probably won’t be able to bomb Georgetown either. I’ll have to live without my mighty air force!

Combat in the area.

Useless PT’s
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Georgetown at 23,44

Japanese Ships
CL Kuma
CL Oi
DD Susuzuki
DD Hatsuzuki
DD Suzukaze

Allied Ships
PT PT-224
PT PT-225
PT PT-226
PT PT-227, Shell hits 10, and is sunk
PT PT-228
PT PT-229
PT PT-230, Shell hits 9, and is sunk
PT PT-231, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
PT PT-232
PT PT-233
PT PT-234
PT PT-255

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Georgetown at 23,44

Japanese Ships
CL Kuma, Shell hits 12, on fire
CL Oi, Shell hits 11, on fire
DD Susuzuki, Shell hits 49, and is sunk
DD Hatsuzuki, Shell hits 7, on fire
DD Suzukaze, Shell hits 17, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CA Devonshire, Shell hits 4
CA Frobisher, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 1
CL Birmingham, Shell hits 2
CLAA Caledon, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CLAA Caradoc, Shell hits 9, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD McCall
DD Flusser, Shell hits 1
DD Phelps
DD Balch
DD Allen
DD Parrott
DD Vampire
DD Le Triomphant

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Georgetown at 23,44

Japanese Ships
CL Kuma, Shell hits 40, on fire, heavy damage
CL Oi, Shell hits 9, on fire
DD Hatsuzuki, Shell hits 15, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CA Devonshire, Shell hits 1
CA Frobisher, Shell hits 1, on fire
CL Birmingham, Shell hits 2
CLAA Caledon, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CLAA Caradoc, and is sunk
DD McCall
DD Flusser, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Phelps, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Balch
DD Allen
DD Parrott
DD Vampire
DD Le Triomphant

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Georgetown at 23,44

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
E7K2 Alf: 2 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CL Kuma, Shell hits 12, and is sunk
CL Oi, Shell hits 14, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CA Devonshire
CA Frobisher, on fire
CL Birmingham
CLAA Caledon, on fire, heavy damage
DD McCall
DD Flusser, on fire, heavy damage
DD Phelps, on fire, heavy damage
DD Balch
DD Allen
DD Parrott
DD Vampire
DD Le Triomphant

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 25,47


Allied aircraft
Seafire x 18
Barracuda x 6

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
PG Shinko Maru #2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 25,47

Allied aircraft
Seafire x 5
Swordfish x 9

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
PG Shinko Maru #2, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Soc Trang at 30,45

Allied aircraft
Beaufighter Mk 21 x 14
P-38G Lightning x 13
B-25J Mitchell x 19

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AP Kirishima Maru, Bomb hits 10, on fire, heavy damage
PG Yachiyo Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
125 casualties reported
Guns lost 6

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Georgetown at 23,44

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 9
G4M1 Betty x 17

Allied aircraft
Seafire x 49

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 3 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 13 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Seafire: 4 damaged

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Ban Don

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 45337 troops, 464 guns, 274 vehicles, Assault Value = 975

Defending force 15084 troops, 125 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 287

Japanese max assault: 962 - adjusted assault: 470

Allied max defense: 281 - adjusted defense: 217

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

Japanese forces CAPTURE Ban Don base !!!


Japanese ground losses:
355 casualties reported
Guns lost 20
Vehicles lost 1

Allied ground losses:
9829 casualties reported
Guns lost 76

DEI
Landing at Amboina under way.
No problem so far. It should be over in a few days.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 1072 encounters mine field at Amboina (40,74)

TF 1072 troops unloading over beach at Amboina, 40,74

Allied Ships
MSW Bobolink
MSW Quail
MSW Bittern
MSW Motive
MSW Requisite
MSW Katoomba
MSW Horsham
MSW Gympie
MSW Geelong
MSW Echuca
MSW Dubbo
MSW Bowen
MSW Kalgoorlie
APD Talbot

Coastal Guns at Amboina, 40,74, firing at TF 1072
71 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
SC SC-519, Shell hits 1
PT PT-173
SC SC-643

Allied ground losses:
1186 casualties reported

North Pacific

Ogliuga has been captured

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Ground combat at Ogliuga Island

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 4282 troops, 49 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 105

Defending force 1689 troops, 2 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 19

Allied max assault: 95 - adjusted assault: 42

Japanese max defense: 9 - adjusted defense: 2

Allied assault odds: 21 to 1 (fort level 3)

Allied forces CAPTURE Ogliuga Island base !!!


Japanese ground losses:
75 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
12 casualties reported