Speedy vs Fabertong: Death to the Penguin!

[BrucePowers]

I am admitting ignorance here but what was the Regensburg address?

[Alfred]

BrucePowers,
 
The Regensburg address was the speech made by Pope Benedict XVI a few months ago which attracted strident criticsm because it quoted comments attributed to a Byzantine emperor.  The speech was about reason and religion and in part the Pope referred to a medieval dialogue between the emperor and a leading Muslim philosopher.  It is in fact interesting that the medieval Muslim philosopher did not react as some did in 2006 AD but instead calmly argued his case.
 
Alfred

[Nemo121]

Philosophers philosophise, crowds demonise. It has always been thus and is why crowds are led around so easily by the nose.

[Alfred]

Nice phrase Nemo121, I had not previously heard it.  But surely crowds can be led in either good or bad directions.  It also depends on whether you have a crowd educated on the subject.
 
Alfred

[BrucePowers]

Thank you for the answer. I think I will go read the speech.

[Speedysteve]

Hi all,

I'm back from my vacation and the war continues[:)]

Things are relatively quiet as we prepare for the next major offensives.

-----------------

The current final batch of Chinese will leave Myitkyina tomorrow bound for Mandalay. I hope they will turn the balance in my favour there.

Heavy bombing throughout Burma today.

-----------------

My next little operation will leave Darwin tomorrow. I will disclose more details in due course.

Both Macassar and Kendari were bombed by Mitchells.

------------------

No submarine attacks today.

Air sightings = 17
Air attacks = 1
Air hits = 1 - SS Lapon by a Sally 120 miles east of Batavia - 19/27/0. Returning to Darwin.

------------------

2 x AK and 2 x LCI(G) arrive in theatre tomorrow.

[Speedysteve]

Hi all,

Bad weather prevented most air raids across Burma today.

-----------------

My invasion fleets were spotted by enemy recon aircraft 240 miles NE of Darwin. I will now disclose the destination of my fleets - this is a coup de main of Bulla and Babo. Both bases will be occupied quickly and air units will be stationed there to clsoe down the local area. 6 x CVE are on station to cover the operation.

The Koepang Heavies will bomb Bali's airfields tomorrow. Time to remove any enemy air power in the region.

Gili Gili was bombed by Liberators from Cooktown destroying the last 5 planes on the ground. At present there are no enemy planes at either PM or Gili Gili.

--------------------

SS Cavalla blew up the lone AK Soyo Maru with 4 x shells and 3 x torpedo 120 miles ENE of Amboina.

SS Greenling avoided convoy escorts 420 miles west of Truk.

Air sightings = 12
Air attacks = 0

A submarine damaged AP was confirmed sunk in the Mariana's today.

[Speedysteve]

Hi all,

More of the same over Burma. Massive bombings. The first additional Chinese Corps is approaching Mandalay. In total a further c.2000 AV points are en route.

----------------------

Bali was bombed by Koepang's Heavies but annoyingly no P38J escort flew from Maumere. Fortunately no enemy planes were on CAP. The airfields were plastered and 12 x Zeke were destroyed on the ground.

Bulla should be taken tomorrow. No enemy troops are reportedly there so it should be a walk in the park. My CVE's will stay on station until Bulla is taken and then they may move a bit deeper into enemy territory to try and find enemy shipping.

A screenshot is attached below.

An enemy ASW TF's moved towards SS Sawfish's position 120 miles north of Macassar and was attacked by Helldivers from Maumere. PC Kyo Maru 7 sank after 3 bomb hits and PG Kamitsu Maru left stricken after 5 bomb hits.

----------------------

I have started to move some shipping to PH to start the Mariana's operation. 100's of AK's, AP's, LCI's, LST's are en route to PH whilst 2 x ARM, 3 x ART, 300,000 tonnes of supply and 12 x airgroup are embarking at San Francisco.

The ammount of material the US has is again exemplified since, notwithstanding the mass of men I have at PH, a further 5 x Division, 6 x ARM etc are being prepped at San Francisco for a following target AFTER the Mariana's!

----------------------

SS Tilefish heavily damaged AK Myoko Maru with a torpedo 60 miles NE of Taytay.

SS Sawfish finished off the stricken PG Kamitsu Maru 120 miles north of Macassar with a torpedo.

Air sightings = 14
Air attacks = 0

-----------------------

An LCI, LSM, AK and SS Spirit arrive in theatre tomorrow as does an USA Glider Rgt.

[Speedysteve]

Hi all,

Heavy bombing throughout Burma and especially on 6th Ind. Bde. positions north of Rangoon.

2300AV points of Chinese are within 60 miles of Mandalay now.............

--------------------

The fun begins in the SRA again. Landings go in against an unoccupieed Bulla. 2 x AK hit mines but other than that no damage was sustained. We will occupy the place tomorrow.

The interesting bit is this. SS Gar was spotted by a Jake FP SE of Morotai. This may be land based OR it could be part of a CV or SC TF.

As such i've decided to move my CVE's 60 miles east of Bulla to protect the landings and to attack any approachign ships. At the same time i've independently ordered the Babo force to sail SE AWAY from any potential Japanese Naval threat.

Tomorrow could be interesting............

----------------------

SS Kingfish was hunted by 5 x ASW craft 420 miles SW of Iwo Jima. 3 x DC near miss - 9/0/0.

SS Spearfish heavily damaged AK Syogen Maru with 2 torpedoes 120 miles east of Tarakan.

SS Hammerhead damaged TK Nitiei Maru with a torpedo 120 miles NW of Puerta Princesa.

SS Guavina shot down a Helen 120 miles south of Tarkan[8D]

Air sightings = 14
Air attacks = 0

-----------------------

CV Yorktown, CV Ticonderoga, BB Richelieu, 1 x CA, 1 x CL + 10 x DD leave San Francisco tomorrow to bolster the huge fleet at PH already.

-----------------------

CVE Hoggatt Bay and an AK arrive in theatre tomorrow.

[Speedysteve]

Hi all,

Well todays focus was around the tiny base of Bulla. I was right in thinking that the IJN was in the area. 2 x BB, 2 x CA, 2 x CL + 6 x DD arrived undetected off Bulla! My only SC force on the scene was CL Houston with 3 x DD! They bravely intercepted this substantial force before going to their doom. All 4 ships were sunk along with R ADM Fetcheler. In return only DD Arare was left heavily damaged.

My boys sacrifice did mean the transports, supplies and troops were protected though. The IJN left the scene before being caught at Bulla during daylight.

They didn't move far enough to be out of reach from my CVE's though. Several pitched battle raged above BB Fuso and BB Yamashiro throughout the day. I think A2A fans would be happy with the results. Once more showing that limited plane nubers produce decent results. The CR for this bit:

Day Air attack on TF at 41,72

Japanese aircraft
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 39

Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 15
F6F Hellcat x 11
TBM Avenger x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-61 KAIc Tony: 8 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
FM-2 Wildcat: 3 destroyed
F6F Hellcat: 4 destroyed
TBM Avenger: 4 destroyed, 6 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Fuso
CA Ashigara

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 41,72

Japanese aircraft
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 16

Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 18
F6F Hellcat x 9
TBM Avenger x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-61 KAIc Tony: 18 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
FM-2 Wildcat: 7 destroyed, 1 damaged
F6F Hellcat: 1 destroyed
TBM Avenger: 1 destroyed, 7 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Ashigara
BB Yamashiro
BB Fuso, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 41,72

Japanese aircraft
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 10

Allied aircraft
TBM Avenger x 7

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
TBM Avenger: 4 destroyed

Japanese Ships
BB Fuso, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 41,72

Japanese aircraft
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 23

Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 11
TBM Avenger x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-61 KAIc Tony: 5 destroyed, 3 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
FM-2 Wildcat: 3 destroyed, 1 damaged
TBM Avenger: 2 destroyed, 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Mochizuki
DD Hatsushima, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 41,72

Japanese aircraft
Ki-61 KAIc Tony x 12

Allied aircraft
TBM Avenger x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
TBM Avenger: 2 destroyed

Japanese Ships
DD Mochizuki

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet

In total 33 x Tony were shot down during the day along with 14 x Wildcat, 7 x Hellcat and 7 x TBM (6 more by AA).

BB Fuso was tagged though which was crucial later on in the day:

Sub attack at 41,72

Japanese Ships
BB Fuso, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Mikazuki

Allied Ships
SS Cavalla

Excellent! The nearest port is Wasile (size 2) which 240 mils to the NE. Luckily (for me) I have 4 x SS moving towards Darwin passing through the area. They have been put on patrol between Fuso and Wasile along with SS Cavalla = 5 x SS in it's way.

I was tempted to follow him with my CVE's but i've lost 15% of my fighters and intel indicates a greater Japanese air presence at Morotai and Wasile.

As such with Bulla taken (today and now hosuing PBY's, Corsairs and Kittyhawk III's). My CVE's are to move to Babo to support it's capture tomorrow.

Hopefully my SS's will finish off Fuso tomorrow.

----------------------

An ML was also sunk today. ML Natsushima was blown up by SS Cero 480 miles east of Morotai.

Air sightings = 12
Air attacks = 0

----------------------

Bali was bombed again today. My P38J's/Spitfire VIII's shot down 10 x Zeke for the loss of 2 friendlies.

----------------------

SS Sea Dog, SS Icefish and an AK arrive in theatre tomorrow.

[DuckofTindalos]

Much wailing, gnashing of Penguin teeth equivalents and wringing of flippers over on the other side of the aisle...

[Capt. Harlock]

    You had (1), count it, ONE light cruiser available for surface action? Think battlewagons.

[DuckofTindalos]

I'm sure he did... That's what happens when you run that many offensives that far apart...

[Speedysteve]

Hi all,

Hi Capt. - Sure. With all due respect I know that bud[;)] As T mentioned the price you pay for offensives on 3 fronts. I have 14 x BB at PH readying for the Mariana's Operation. I wasn't going to dislose this but your 'provocation'[;)] has tempted me. I am already in the process of moving 2 x British SC TF's from Burma to Australia = 6 x BB. They are not needed in Burma for now. IMO you have to think of the context of the Bulla/Babo Operation. It was a LIGHT operation. By that I mean each place was occupied by a Marine Raider Bn only. The main strike is to come = I was not expecting an IJN response so quickly on such a lowly value target = I am going to be out of the area in a few days anyhow now.

----------------

The final Chinese contingent has arrived at Mandalay. The force dispositions are as such:

Ground combat at Mandalay

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 278504 troops, 1850 guns, 1461 vehicles, Assault Value = 8746

Defending force 172671 troops, 402 guns, 183 vehicles, Assault Value = 3393


Japanese ground losses:
81 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

We will soon be attacking...............

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It was a surprisingly quiet day in the SRA. The IJN slipped away from air and submarine view near Amboina. There were no enemy attacks in the area either. Babo was secured by Marine's today. Supplies are flowing ashore at both Bulla and Babo now.

The Koepang Heavies destroyed a further 15 x Zeke on the ground at Bali.

------------------

SS Tilefish finished off the damaged TK Nitiei Maru with 3 torpedoes 120 miles west of Manila.

SS Cuttlefish was attacked by 5 x ASW vessels 420 miles SW of Iwo Jima - 4 x DC near miss - forgot to move her.

SS Tunny sank ML Yaeyama with a torpedo 60 miles west of Morotai.

Air sightings = 11
Air attacks = 1

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CVE Wake Island, 2 x AK and an LSM arrive in theatre tomorrow.

[Alfred]

Speedy,
 
I think the forces deployed and the losses sustained in the Bulla/Babo operation are more than acceptable.  In return you have gained many benefits.
 
1.  Both bases will allow you to project considerable airpower into what the penguin has probably considered to be a safe rear area.
2.  You have damaged a BB which will in all likelihood be unavailable to contest your CentPac offensive.
3.  The penguin will now need to maintain a SCTF in the immediate area to respond to the threat of more local landings on the west/north coast of Dutch New Guinea.  This TF will therefore not be immediately available to oppose the coming CentPac offensive.
4.  Now that this area has been activated, the oil centres of Amboina and Sorong come under threat of invasion and the penguin will have to consider redeploying other assets.  This in turn will open up further possibilities elsewhere.
5.  Short range Allied aircraft (and ships) will now find gainful offensive employment.
 
Alfred

[Speedysteve]

Hi all,

Hi Alfred - I agree with you. The loss of CL Houston (a powerful cruiser) is a shame but in return as you say I have all these benefits. I have something planned for BB Fuso. Scanty intel potentially places her docked at Wasile.........

The other good thing is that since Faber has effectively pulled out from NG/South Pacific there are some easy hops and jumps to be made in the future to acquire empty bases...........

Thanks again for your thoughts on Babo/Bulla. I think you'll like my next move down here[:)]

I have attached a screenshot of the area below.

---------------------

Today was relatively quiet.

Bad weather prevented most air raids across Burma. Orders and plans are being passed aroudn Allied Platoons at Mandalay....the time to attack again is near! Will the aid of my Chinese Allies be enough to tip the balance?

----------------------

No Japanese interference at Bulla or Babo which is good.

AK Admiral Nulton sank due to the mines it struck at Bulla. The ship was empty.

Bali was bombed again and 3 x Zeke were destroyed on the ground.

-----------------------

The final allotment of ships, for the Mariana's Operation, leave San Francisco tomorrow - 280,000 tonnes of supply carrying AK's and 12 x CVE + escorts..............

-----------------------

SS Pickerel hit AK Canberra Maru with dud torpedoes 120 miles east of Balikpapan.

SS Bowfin damaged AK Asahisan Maru with a torpedo 480 miles north of Yap.

Air sightings = 8
Air attacks = 0

------------------------

SS Tudor and an LCI arrive in theatre tomorrow.

[Speedysteve]

Hi all,

The big moment has arrived in Burma. All men are prepared and as ready as they can be at Mandalay. Tomorrow the troops have been ordered to attack the enemy. I'm not expecting a lot but we will see. The entire Burma airforce is assigned to bomb enemy troop positions in the morning.

--------------------

My CVE's will be in range for an airstrike on Wasile harbour tomorrow. They will launch 240 miles SW of the target. Intel reports shipping in harbour. Let's hope it's Fuso, the weather is clear and we get her!

Bali, Macassar and Kendari bombed.

---------------------

SS Rock surfaced and quickly sank the lone freighter Azumasan Maru with 5 shells and 2 torpedoes 240 miles west of Iwo Jima.

SS Perch II probably sank AK Sainei Maru with 2 torpedoes 300 miles NW of Iwo Jima.

Air sightings = 10
Air attacks = 0

----------------------

3 x AK, an AP, LCI and a DE arrive in theatre tomorrow.

[Speedysteve]

Hi all,

A bad day for the Allies. Despite months of pounding in Burma this occurs[8|]:

Ground combat at Mandalay

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 309664 troops, 1885 guns, 1532 vehicles, Assault Value = 8773

Defending force 173926 troops, 411 guns, 193 vehicles, Assault Value = 3427

Allied max assault: 8726 - adjusted assault: 1270

Japanese max defense: 3177 - adjusted defense: 7323

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


Japanese ground losses:
2696 casualties reported
Guns lost 39
Vehicles lost 5

Allied ground losses:
24261 casualties reported
Guns lost 436
Vehicles lost 12

Mainly disablements but what the hell do I have to do to break through in Burma. *@#%&#%@&#%@*%@#*%@%*[:@]

---------------------

Also a bad day in the SRA. My attack on Wasile port failed with the TBM's achieving no hits on any shipping[8|]

Faber then followed up with attacks from Morotai[8|]:

Day Air attack on TF at 40,73

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 21
J2M Jack x 24
G4M2 Betty x 15

Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 21
F6F Hellcat x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 4 destroyed, 2 damaged
J2M Jack: 5 destroyed, 2 damaged
G4M2 Betty: 1 destroyed, 13 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
FM-2 Wildcat: 7 destroyed
F6F Hellcat: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied Ships
CVE White Plains
CVE Gambier Bay
CVE Nehenta Bay, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

And:

Day Air attack on TF at 40,73

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 14
J2M Jack x 18
G4M2 Betty x 7

Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 10
F6F Hellcat x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 9 destroyed
J2M Jack: 3 destroyed
G4M2 Betty: 2 destroyed, 3 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
FM-2 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
F6F Hellcat: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
CVE Kitkun Bay, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CVE Kalinin Bay

Damage report attached.

Overall losses for the day 42 Allied vs 60 Japanese. I'm LRCAPing the damaged CVE's with Corsairs and Kittyhawks. Other CVE's returning to Darwin.

-----------------------

SS Rock evaded 5 x ASW vessels 240 miles west of Iwo Jima.

SS Tilefish sank AK Sakito Maru with 9 shells and 2 torpedoes 60 miles NW of Taytay.

SS Storm was attacked by 4 x PC 60 miles west of Malacca - 4 x DC near miss, 2 x DC hit - 49/60/0.

SS Ray sank AP Ayo Maru with 2 torpedoes deep in the Phillipine Sea.

SS S-27 missed AK Matsutan Maru with 4 torpedoes at Eniwetok.

Air sightings = 8
Air attacks = 1

-----------------------

6 x AK, an LCI, LSM and an AO arrive in theatre tomorrow as does a PB4Y squadron.

[Capt. Harlock]

ORIGINAL: Speedy



Ground combat at Mandalay

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 309664 troops, 1885 guns, 1532 vehicles, Assault Value = 8773

Defending force 173926 troops, 411 guns, 193 vehicles, Assault Value = 3427

Allied max assault: 8726 - adjusted assault: 1270

Japanese max defense: 3177 - adjusted defense: 7323

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


Japanese ground losses:
2696 casualties reported
Guns lost 39
Vehicles lost 5

Allied ground losses:
24261 casualties reported
Guns lost 436
Vehicles lost 12

Mainly disablements but what the hell do I have to do to break through in Burma. *@#%&#%@&#%@*%@#*%@%*[:@]

The fort is still level 9?? Ouch -- my humble suggestion would be to either find a weaker point on the Penguin's line, or send in the engineers.

Terminus has a point that attacks along three fronts are hard to sustain even for the Allies. However, naval power is not that much use in Burma at this point. I think the SRA is the most important of the three theaters, certainly the one with the most potential for cutting of Penguin Oil and Resources.

[niceguy2005]

Speedy, why was your assualt value cut by a factor of 6 or 7, while his was doubled?