Operation Point Luck - Team Game (Allied side)

[ctangus]

ORIGINAL: KDonovan

Surprisingly though, no troops landed at Kuching [&:]

I was surprised at that as well. I simply think our opponents either mis-timed their attacks or forgot to toggle off "do not unload". There's some transports currently 60 miles from Kuching.

China update

As always, China's a slow theater, but it's starting to heat up a little bit. My units are fully in supply, so my first deliberate attack against Nanchang launches tomorrow.

Japs are advancing on Wuchow. I think I can hold. If so, I should be able to cut their supply line & cause some serious damage. Crossing my fingers a little, since I probably should have reinforced here a little more. [:(]

My own attacks against Nanchang, Ichang & Kaifeng are proceeding. I expect to hold Kaifeng within a week or less, Nanchang within 2 weeks or less & Ichang within 4 weeks or less.

I need all three bases for my long-term plans, but if I only achieve 2 of the 3 in the short-term, Chuck Kai-Shek will be very pleased.

P.S. Scott - I could still use some combat engineers in this theater! [:'(]

[ctangus]

A quick additional note: I deliberately left two base forces at Kuala Lumpur so their engineers could prepare explosives to demolish the infrastructure there. Kuala Lumpur did fall this last turn.

347 of Kuala Lumpur's 600 resource points were damaged. While it could be better, I'm not displeased.

[KDonovan]

Combat Report - Dec 27th-28th, 1941

China - Chinese troops launch an attack on Nanchang, reducing the fortifications to level two. Elsewhere Chinese troops drive off a japanese Tank Rgt outside Honan. Over at Changsha heavy japanese air raids damage the airfield there, destroying a number of I-I6's and SB-2's.

Mayala - Large airstrikes on Singapore wreck the airfield there, destroying a couple Catalina's and Blen's on the runway. Most of the Buffalo's on CAP are shot down by escorting Oscars, with minimal losses to the japanese planes. Meanwhile Japanese Lily bombers and japanese subs continue to interdict one ship convoys trying to supply Singapore and withdrawl engineers back to Palambang. The Japanese also land troops at Kuatan, but not before the SS Trusty puts a 2 torps into an AK.

Borneo - Japanese land assualt troops at Kuching, but pay for it. The CA Suzuya hits a mine as does 2 AP's, one of which is left dead in the water by CD guns. Air raids by Hudsons/B17's further damage the invasion force, by hitting 2 more tranports. At Sandakan japanese forces land troops with the baby KB providing cover. Despite this, Dutch subs manage to sink a PC and a AK, while Hudsons/Tiva's sink a DD and score a bomb hit on an AP. Elsewhere, Brunei falls to japanese troops, but not before one AP recieves a bomb hit and another recieves a bomb hit and a torp hit from Martins/Tiva's.

Elsewhere - mines laid at Saigon by O19 damage the CL Kashii.

[2ndACR]

Personally, I would deploy the Aus brigade and every available unit to Java, along with massive air. I had an opponent put the 7th AUS and 18th Brit divisions in Java by mid Jan 42 along with a slew of air units and he has completely devastated my japanese forces. I have 6 divisions worth of troops shattered for months, only 2 really combat ready divisions left and a shattered transport fleet. Well, over 100 sunk and close to that damaged.

[scott64]

[KDonovan]

Personally, I would deploy the Aus brigade and every available unit to Java, along with massive air. I had an opponent put the 7th AUS and 18th Brit divisions in Java by mid Jan 42 along with a slew of air units and he has completely devastated my japanese forces. I have 6 divisions worth of troops shattered for months, only 2 really combat ready divisions left and a shattered transport fleet. Well, over 100 sunk and close to that damaged.

interesting, advice. I will probably move the Aussie Bde currently at Darwin to Java. I will have to confer with the SEAC commander (Sir Admiral Vacation) whether we can spare some divisions though.

[KDonovan]

after the holiday break we are back at it, minus Chuck who took a vacation somewhere [:D] I will attempt to not lose India while he's gone.

Combat Report Dec 29th-30th, 1941

China - Japanese air attacks continue at Changsha where a few more SB-2s are destroyed on the ground. LRCAP from Chinese fighters and the AVG tangle with escorting Japanese Nates with mixed results.

Burma - Japanese divebombers and Nates hit Moulmein, but suffer heavy losses from flak. 2 squadrons of the AVG will fly LRCAP out of Rangoon next turn in a planned ambush.

Mayala - The Japanese continue to land troops at Kuatan, despite whithering Allied attacks. Allied Blen's, Vildebeests, and Floatplanes manage to sink or severely damage 10 transports. Despite this loss, Kuatan is expected to fall next turn. The base force there is currently being pulled out by air, to Palembang. Meanwhile, Victoria Point falls this turn..but the base force there has already escaped

Borneo - The baby KB shows up off the coast of Tarakan, and sinks a previously damaged AO, and a valuable Dutch ML. Baby KB then hits Tarakan airfield, and cause minor damage there. In retaliation newly arrived A-24's and TB's strike jap shipping off the northwestern coast of Borneo severely damaging/sinking 8 transports. A Dutch sub off the coast of Brunei also manages to put a fish into an AP. Meanwhile Japanese continue to land troops at Kuching, at a price of 1 AP hit by a mine, and 1 AP taking 2x250lbs bomb hits from Hudsons. Also, a japanese naval bombardment force visits Singkawang, but no one is home. Elsewhere...Sandakan, Miri, Jesselton all fall this turn.

Phillipinnes - Japanese airstrikes continue on Clark Field/Manila. Meanwhile 11,000 Japanese troops land at the empty base of Taytay on Palawan Is.[&:]

[KDonovan]

unsure of the baby KB intentions, i've moved around 40 P40 Fighters, 30 Dauntless Dive Bombers and 10 Torpedo bombers to Samarinda just in case the baby KB decides to cruise down the Makassar Strait. I hope it does...as those 1000lbers and Torps will make quick work of those Jeep carriers, and i don't expect those Claudes to put up much of a fight.

[ctangus]

ORIGINAL: KDonovan

Personally, I would deploy the Aus brigade and every available unit to Java, along with massive air. I had an opponent put the 7th AUS and 18th Brit divisions in Java by mid Jan 42 along with a slew of air units and he has completely devastated my japanese forces. I have 6 divisions worth of troops shattered for months, only 2 really combat ready divisions left and a shattered transport fleet. Well, over 100 sunk and close to that damaged.

interesting, advice. I will probably move the Aussie Bde currently at Darwin to Java. I will have to confer with the SEAC commander (Sir Admiral Vacation) whether we can spare some divisions though.

I wish I could keep that title permanently. [:)] I'm back now.

ORIGINAL: KDonovan

after the holiday break we are back at it, minus Chuck who took a vacation somewhere [:D]

I was working on my tan and drinking fruity drinks in the tropical paradise known as Cleveland, Ohio.

Fortress Java does seem to be a good plan - the Japanese have to take Java, but they don't have to take India. It's doing well in my game against George Patton though in that game I didn't immediately rush reinforcements to Java. I stalled as long as I could at Singapore & Manila & only gradually sent reinforcements to Java. For example, I didn't send the 18th UK Div, but did send the next Div to arrive - the 2nd UK. From India I've also sent some arty & aviation support. 1 Div (7th AIF), 1 brigade & some AT guns have come from Oz.

I can look at it some more the next time I have the turn. I'd be open to any specific suggestions you might have.

Another possibility is to start planning a joint Dunkirk of Malaya once the fall of Singapore is inevitable. It could be bloody, but if successful there's a lot of troops there that could be used on Java. I might want two or three brigades back in India, but I'd take the ones that were the least combat-effective.

[KDonovan]

Combat Report Dec 31st - Jan 1st, 1942

Not much to report this turn....

China - Chinese troops assault Nachang and managed to knock the fortifications from 2 to 0. Changsha recieves a break from japanese air attacks.

Burma - Blen IV's flying out of Mouleim, plant a 500lb bomb into a Japanese Tanker in Kompong Som Harbor. Meanwhile japanese troops are seen entering the outskirts of Mouleim.

Mayala - Johore Bahru is hit by over 100 Sallys, wrecking the airfield and destroying a number of Blen I's. Japanese troops manage to enter the outskirts of Johore Bahru, while Kuatan falls to japanese forces.

Phillipinnes - The usual Clark/Manila air raids. Meanwhile the first japanese troops enter the outskirts of Manila. Also Taytay falls this turn, and a Dutch subs nearly misses a jap transport off the shore of Palawin Is.

Borneo - All japanese transports leave the northwestern coast, along with the baby KB. Meanwhile an american S-boat puts 2 fish into a retreating AP.

[KDonovan]

as of 1/2/42....

[KDonovan]

....

[KDonovan]

Combat Report Jan 2nd-3rd, 1942

China - Chinese forces score a victory for the allies by recapturing Nachang Base. The road to Wengchow is now open.

Mayala - S-boat slams 2 torps into a troop transport off the coast of Indochina...empty of troops of course [:@]

Phillipinnes - Japanese forces land troops at Puerto Princesa unmolested, despite the presence of 6 Dutch subs. Manila/Clark air raids continue. 10 PT boats at Davao are jumped by Zero's out of Legaspi, in which 4 are sunk, and 2 more damaged.

NOPAC - a Jap I-boat puts 2 fish into a American oiler near Dutch Harbor

[ctangus]

1/2 - 1/3/42

Kenny, how did you do that last map? I liked it. [:)] Anyway...

Malaya

It's looking grim at Johore Bahru, but I'm going to try to hold another turn or three since I have some additional units trying to evac through there. Wood hex, fort level 2, 76 more AV arriving tomorrow, probably better prep than my opponent. Wish me luck:

01/03/42
Ground combat at Johore Bahru
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 924 troops, 16 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1644
Defending force 25693 troops, 186 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 420
Allied ground losses:
117 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

China

Chuck Kai-Shek, ably assisted by General Ken Don-Won, has taken Nanchang:

01/02/42
Ground combat at Nanchang
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 63471 troops, 199 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1755
Defending force 33808 troops, 101 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 599
Allied max assault: 1548 - adjusted assault: 975
Japanese max defense: 448 - adjusted defense: 180
Allied assault odds: 5 to 1 (fort level 0)
Allied forces CAPTURE Nanchang base !!!
Japanese ground losses:
1043 casualties reported
Guns lost 18
Allied ground losses:
956 casualties reported
Guns lost 34
Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

11,000 supply was captured. And while not crucial, all 10 resource points at Nanchang were captured intact.

Even before the Nanchang victory China supply for December was up to 115K (+30K from 7 Dec.)

The next goal in China is to destroy a Japanese brigade cut-off SE of Nanchang. See map:

[KDonovan]

Kenny, how did you do that last map?

i'm not sure..i think i was drunk [:D]

The next goal in China is to destroy a Japanese brigade cut-off SE of Nanchang.

bah!...the next goal should be Shanghi!

[ctangus]

ORIGINAL: KDonovan

Kenny, how did you do that last map?

i'm not sure..i think i was drunk [:D]

[:D]

The next goal in China is to destroy a Japanese brigade cut-off SE of Nanchang.

bah!...the next goal should be Shanghi!

It's tempting due to the VPs, but it's an urban hex. Plenty of Jap units to defend. An extended flank to cover. Are you sure you're not drunk now? [;)][:'(]

[KDonovan]

Combat Report for Jan 4th-5th, 1942

Borneo - Japanese reinforce there beachhead at Kuching, by landing another 8,000 troops. An AP hits a mine in the process, while B17's and Hudson's, out of Batavia, only score one 250lbs bomb hit. Meanwhile Zero's out of Brunei sweep Tarakan, but no one is home.

Phillipinnes - Manila/Clark air raids continue. The last of the crappy P35s/P26's have left for China. Meanwhile, the japanese wrap up their landings at Puerto Princesa and San Jose, as they both fall. Unfortunately despite the presence of 3 dutch subs at each location, no hits are scored. Lastly Zero's out of Legaspi sweep Iloilo, but once again no one is home.

Palau - SS O19 on a sub minelaying mission spots a jap freighter off the coast, and sinks her with 2 torps. Thats the second sinking of the war claimed by the O19.

Hawaii - The KB shows up to the south of Pearl Harbor and hits a ASW group sinking 1 DMS, and 4 MSW. The CL St. Louis also finds herself in the crosshairs, and eats 11 bomb's. Somehow she is still alfoat and making 7 knots. If the KB departs the scene the plucky CL will make it to Pearl Harbor. The big attack was the virtual destruction of a transport group with the 2nd USMC CD-unit on board....as seen here

Japanese aircraft
D3A2 Val x 71
B5N2 Kate x 87

Allied aircraft
P-40B Tomahawk x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A2 Val: 2 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 2 destroyed, 12 damaged


Allied Ships
AK Mercury, Bomb hits 1
AK Vega, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Castor, Bomb hits 3, on fire
AK Royal T. Frank, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Florence D., Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AK Roseville, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
DD Mugford, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AP St. Mihiel, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Laida, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Blue, Bomb hits 3, on fire
DD Bagley, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AK Aroostook
AK Antares, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP President Johnson


Allied ground losses:
608 casualties reported
Guns lost 8

in retaliation, Pearl Harbor throws a handful of P40B's and B17's at KB's replenishment taskforce, but fails to score any hits, for the loss of 6 P40's to enemy Zero's

[KDonovan]

moved some anti-ship killers to some key locations.....stay tuned (hopefully there are no para drops in those locations or i'm screwed)

[KDonovan]

Combat Report for Jan 6th-7th, 1942

China - Changsha airfield is hit by a number of unopposed bombers, which manage to take out a couple SB-2's on the ground

Burma - Japanes DB's and Nates hit Moulmein airfiled, but the DB's suffer heavily from AA. One Lysander is destroyed on the groun in the process

Mayala - Singapore is sacked by over 100 bombers taking out a few Blen IV's and Catalina's, but losing the same number of their own.

Phillipinnes - Manila/Clark air raids continue. More importantly, though, was the devastation dished out by my SBD's and TB's in the Sulu Sea. In total 9 Japanese transports loaded with troops and 1 DD were left burning/sinking.

Borneo - Operation Orangutan proves to be a complete success, as the Japanese suffer a major setback at Kuching. By moving an Aussie Bde to Kuching it has forced our oppenants to comeback to Kuching with reinforcements. This resulted in TB's and SBD's putting 3 Bombs and 2 Torps into the BB Mutsu, heavily damaging her. While B17's scored 2 hits on a japanese transport. The japanese were busy elsewhere though, as the Baby KB and the BB Nagato raided Tarakan, sinking 2 transports in the harbor. A Dutch sub trying to infiltrate the powerful screen of the Baby KB is nearly sunk by japanese escorts.....she will probably survive though.

Hawaii - the KB decides to stick around and plaster PH once again. The CL St. Loius is caught outside the harbor, and sinks under an avanlanche of bombs and torpedo's, while the transport group hit last turn with the 2nd USMC CD-unit aboard is pretty much wipped off the map. The US army airplanes strike back, but are pretty much swatted from the air, only scoring 1 bomb hit on the CV Soryu...as seen here.

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 75

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 10
P-26A x 6
P-36A Mohawk x 21
P-40B Tomahawk x 27
P-40E Warhawk x 11
B-18A Bolo x 15
A-20B Boston x 9
B-17D Fortress x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 8 destroyed, 32 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 5 destroyed
P-26A: 6 destroyed
P-36A Mohawk: 18 destroyed
P-40B Tomahawk: 18 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 8 destroyed
B-18A Bolo: 2 destroyed, 11 damaged
A-20B Boston: 3 damaged
B-17D Fortress: 1 destroyed, 11 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Shokaku
CV Kaga
CV Soryu, Bomb hits 1, on fire
BB Hiei
BB Kirishima
CV Hiryu
CV Akagi
CV Zuikaku

the japanese strike on PH itself fairs much better, but no ships are sunk in the harbor, even though most of them are now at 99 system damage. Here are the results....

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 22
D3A2 Val x 117
B5N2 Kate x 83

Allied aircraft
P-36A Mohawk x 3
P-40B Tomahawk x 3
P-40E Warhawk x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 damaged
D3A2 Val: 10 destroyed, 64 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 5 destroyed, 33 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-36A Mohawk: 2 destroyed
P-40B Tomahawk: 2 destroyed
C-47 Dakota: 5 destroyed
PBY Catalina: 3 destroyed
A-20B Boston: 1 destroyed
SB2U Vindicator: 4 destroyed
B-17D Fortress: 2 destroyed
OS2U-3 Kingfisher: 1 destroyed
P-26A: 1 destroyed
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
CA Minneapolis, Bomb hits 1, on fire
BB Arizona, Bomb hits 3, heavy damage
CL Phoenix, Bomb hits 1, on fire
BB Oklahoma, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
BB Pennsylvania, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Conyngham, Bomb hits 1, on fire
BB Tennessee, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CL Helena, Bomb hits 2, on fire
DD Aylwin, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CL Raleigh, Bomb hits 1
BB West Virginia, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
BB Maryland, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

[ctangus]

Jan 6-7/42

Cent Pac

Ouch!!! KB returned to Hawaiian waters. They struck several TFs, sinking CL St. Louis, 2 DDs and a gazillion transports & MSWs. A subsequent port attack against Pearl has left the 6 remaining US BBs all at over 80 sys damage. Maybw we'll have them back before '44......

US LBA launched in retaliation & scored 1 bomb hit against Akagi.

DEI

Near Kuching, Kenny's LBA put 2 torps & 2 1000-lb. bombs into BB Mutsu. While she'll probably live she'll certainly be out of action for several months. That's definitely a success for the allies.

Kenny is sending several subs to try to finish her off.

Kenny's Banshees also sank or damaged several Japanese ships in the Phillipines.

Malaya

Yikes! With these odds I should probably withdraw to Singers, but I hate withdrawing without a defense:

01/07/42
Ground combat at Johore Bahru
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 1828 troops, 32 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1679
Defending force 30386 troops, 231 guns, 6 vehicles, Assault Value = 504
Allied ground losses:
55 casualties reported

Fort level 2 (almost 3). Woods hex. Wise or not I'm going to try to hold against at least one attack.

China

Despite being undersupplied (40-50%) I thought my numerical advantage could route this Japanese Tank Regt. NOT!!!

01/06/42
Ground combat at 50,39
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 33004 troops, 162 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1067
Defending force 2800 troops, 0 guns, 78 vehicles, Assault Value = 79
Allied max assault: 7 - adjusted assault: 0 Sh1t!
Japanese max defense: 78 - adjusted defense: 21
Allied assault odds: 0 to 1
Japanese ground losses:
37 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 2
Allied ground losses:
8 casualties reported