If you now consider the Pacific convoy routes closed, how much got through? It seems unpleasantly early for that situation to exist, I'm guessing the Australia area will lack movable LCUs. Long term, that element may be a large boon to Japan as he needs fewer LCU defenses along that border.
I take it your carriers retired to Pearl weeks ago? Otherwise it seems like sighting the KB off in the middle of nowhere killing your convoy could be an opportunity for your carriers to run in and hit something. I am reading this right, the KB are about as far gone as they can get? Realistically, it is probably too early to consider a carrier raid though. A Nell squadron or two could really ruin your war.
wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective
Moderators: wdolson, Don Bowen, mogami
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wneumann
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RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective
Alfrake -
If you now consider the Pacific convoy routes closed, how much got through? At this point, nothing. This is the primary reason I am considering most of the South Pacific islands undefendable - there is little or nothing there to defend then.
True, the Japanese will need fewer LCU's to face Australia and New Zealand, but he will have to keep some there, scatter them across a wider area of territory, and be required to maintain more bases. And he still has to watch the South Pacific area on two fronts even if he controls all the islands. I can still send surface and/or carrier raids from Panama City southward through the ship channels into the Southeast Pacific. And once the strategic balance tips back into the Allies favor (assuming I don't succumb to a Japanese auto victory), I can also invade down there.
As of now, my CV's are split between Pearl and Panama City (two at each) though I am considering consolidating them at Pearl. The ones at Pearl are now covering a mission to build up a base at Christmas Island and out of position to do anything. Also the Hornet is due as reinforcement in about 12 game days.
As far as doing a carrier raid, I am starting to look at possibly slipping a CV task force across the North Pacific through a gap between the Jap bases (either between Marcus and Wake, or between Marcus and the Japanese home islands). If this can be done, I intend to prowl the open sea areas and see what kind of supply and reinforcement shipping I can hit quickly and get out before he can react.
Also a small development in progress in the Indian Ocean - appears that a Japanese TF with one or more CS is prowling south of Java near the southern map edge (it has intercepted one TK and attacked it with floatplanes). However, a TF with two British CV's (not the Hermes) is about 8-9 hexes NW of the Japanese CS's and closing on a course cutting between the Japs and their home base. I might have some fun for a change.
If you now consider the Pacific convoy routes closed, how much got through? At this point, nothing. This is the primary reason I am considering most of the South Pacific islands undefendable - there is little or nothing there to defend then.
True, the Japanese will need fewer LCU's to face Australia and New Zealand, but he will have to keep some there, scatter them across a wider area of territory, and be required to maintain more bases. And he still has to watch the South Pacific area on two fronts even if he controls all the islands. I can still send surface and/or carrier raids from Panama City southward through the ship channels into the Southeast Pacific. And once the strategic balance tips back into the Allies favor (assuming I don't succumb to a Japanese auto victory), I can also invade down there.
As of now, my CV's are split between Pearl and Panama City (two at each) though I am considering consolidating them at Pearl. The ones at Pearl are now covering a mission to build up a base at Christmas Island and out of position to do anything. Also the Hornet is due as reinforcement in about 12 game days.
As far as doing a carrier raid, I am starting to look at possibly slipping a CV task force across the North Pacific through a gap between the Jap bases (either between Marcus and Wake, or between Marcus and the Japanese home islands). If this can be done, I intend to prowl the open sea areas and see what kind of supply and reinforcement shipping I can hit quickly and get out before he can react.
Also a small development in progress in the Indian Ocean - appears that a Japanese TF with one or more CS is prowling south of Java near the southern map edge (it has intercepted one TK and attacked it with floatplanes). However, a TF with two British CV's (not the Hermes) is about 8-9 hexes NW of the Japanese CS's and closing on a course cutting between the Japs and their home base. I might have some fun for a change.
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wneumann
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RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective
Summary of Operations 2/27/42
South Pacific: AV Curtiss spotted, attacked, and sunk by KB task force at Papeete. AAR and situation map follows.
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Day Air attack on TF, near Papaete at 111,130 (Aircraft in this attack believed to be from the Kaga and Soryu)
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 59
D3A2 Val x 23
B5N2 Kate x 25
No Japanese losses
Allied Ships
AV Curtiss, Bomb hits 15, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
1 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
South Pacific: AV Curtiss spotted, attacked, and sunk by KB task force at Papeete. AAR and situation map follows.
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Day Air attack on TF, near Papaete at 111,130 (Aircraft in this attack believed to be from the Kaga and Soryu)
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 59
D3A2 Val x 23
B5N2 Kate x 25
No Japanese losses
Allied Ships
AV Curtiss, Bomb hits 15, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
1 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
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wneumann
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RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective
Summary of Operations 2/27/42 (cont)
South Pacific:
Japanese amphibious and shore bombardment TF's approaching Pago-Pago. Sigint reports South Seas Detachment is aboard the invasion TF. The U.S. submarine on patrol near Pago Pago is low on fuel and departed for the U.S. - before leaving it was designated a submarine transport and loaded a sliver of 7 Marine CD Battalion for rebuilding in the U.S.
A second (lightly damaged) U.S. submarine returning to the U.S. for repairs has been diverted to Pago Pago to pick up part of another U.S. LCU from Pago Pago for rebuilding on return to the U.S.
U.S. reinforcement and supply convoys turning back to Panama City are expected to be able to return safely. LCU and air units on these convoys will be reassigned to other locations as quickly as possible.
An engineer unit plus ample quantities of supply aboard a convoy departing Panama City several days ago have been diverted to Galapagos Is to begin construction of base facilities there. I intend to build the largest base possible in the Galapagos and occupy it in sufficient strength to hold against any Japanese invasion force moving up through the shipping channels. I also intend to use the Galapagos base as a staging point for Allied surface and submarine raiding activity into the South Pacific via the shipping channels.
Situation map of Pago Pago as of 2/27/42
South Pacific:
Japanese amphibious and shore bombardment TF's approaching Pago-Pago. Sigint reports South Seas Detachment is aboard the invasion TF. The U.S. submarine on patrol near Pago Pago is low on fuel and departed for the U.S. - before leaving it was designated a submarine transport and loaded a sliver of 7 Marine CD Battalion for rebuilding in the U.S.
A second (lightly damaged) U.S. submarine returning to the U.S. for repairs has been diverted to Pago Pago to pick up part of another U.S. LCU from Pago Pago for rebuilding on return to the U.S.
U.S. reinforcement and supply convoys turning back to Panama City are expected to be able to return safely. LCU and air units on these convoys will be reassigned to other locations as quickly as possible.
An engineer unit plus ample quantities of supply aboard a convoy departing Panama City several days ago have been diverted to Galapagos Is to begin construction of base facilities there. I intend to build the largest base possible in the Galapagos and occupy it in sufficient strength to hold against any Japanese invasion force moving up through the shipping channels. I also intend to use the Galapagos base as a staging point for Allied surface and submarine raiding activity into the South Pacific via the shipping channels.
Situation map of Pago Pago as of 2/27/42
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wneumann
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RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective
Summary of Operations 2/27/42 (cont) - now for the rest of the world.
Eastern Pacific:
Landing of 804 EAB (Engineers) and quantities of supply at Christmas Is for build up of a base here is well underway. A U.S. Army RCT that was originally enroute as a reinforcement to the South Pacific is being diverted to garrison Christmas Is. The three beach hex islands in the Palmyra/Christmas Is area (Washington, Jarvis, Fanning Islands) are being explored for build up into bases as well. A complex of bases in this area could eventually become useful as a jumping off point for Allied re-conquest of either the Central or South Pacific islands.
Southwest Pacific:
AK and AP have been dispatched to Suva to begin evacuation of Allied LCU's there - including three U.S. FA Rgts and 8 NZ Brigade plus base units. Noumea is currently held by 14 NZ Brigade and this force will be maintained there.
Tulagi and Russell Is in the Solomons captured by the Japanese.
Australia: No substantial Japanese activity detected other than continued light air bombing at Darwin and Katherine (NW Australia). A number of individual AK and TK from Aden are arriving at Perth with fuel and supply points.
Indian Ocean:
A British carrier TF intercepted and attacked a Japanese TF (AV's Sagara Maru & Sanuki Maru, plus 1 DE) - AAR from Japanese report and map follows. AK Sunuki Maru is confirmed sunk, others not known at this time
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Day Air attack on TF at 3,47
Allied aircraft
Fulmar x 11
Albacore x 17
Allied aircraft losses
Albacore: 3 damaged
Japanese Ships
AV Sagara Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DE Patrol Boat No. 46, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AV Sanuki Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
Aircraft Attacking:
1 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
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Day Air attack on TF at 3,47
Allied aircraft
Albacore x 16
Allied aircraft losses
Albacore: 2 damaged
Japanese Ships
AV Sanuki Maru, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AV Sanyo Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
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Day Air attack on TF at 6,44
Japanese aircraft
F1M2 Pete x 12
E13A1 Jake x 12
Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane x 9
Fulmar x 23
Japanese aircraft losses
F1M2 Pete: 7 destroyed
E13A1 Jake: 8 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
Fulmar: 1 damaged
Allied Ships
CV Formidable
CV Indomitable
Aircraft Attacking:
1 x F1M2 Pete bombing at 2000 feet
1 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
2 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
2 x F1M2 Pete bombing at 2000 feet
1 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
2 x F1M2 Pete bombing at 2000 feet
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Eastern Pacific:
Landing of 804 EAB (Engineers) and quantities of supply at Christmas Is for build up of a base here is well underway. A U.S. Army RCT that was originally enroute as a reinforcement to the South Pacific is being diverted to garrison Christmas Is. The three beach hex islands in the Palmyra/Christmas Is area (Washington, Jarvis, Fanning Islands) are being explored for build up into bases as well. A complex of bases in this area could eventually become useful as a jumping off point for Allied re-conquest of either the Central or South Pacific islands.
Southwest Pacific:
AK and AP have been dispatched to Suva to begin evacuation of Allied LCU's there - including three U.S. FA Rgts and 8 NZ Brigade plus base units. Noumea is currently held by 14 NZ Brigade and this force will be maintained there.
Tulagi and Russell Is in the Solomons captured by the Japanese.
Australia: No substantial Japanese activity detected other than continued light air bombing at Darwin and Katherine (NW Australia). A number of individual AK and TK from Aden are arriving at Perth with fuel and supply points.
Indian Ocean:
A British carrier TF intercepted and attacked a Japanese TF (AV's Sagara Maru & Sanuki Maru, plus 1 DE) - AAR from Japanese report and map follows. AK Sunuki Maru is confirmed sunk, others not known at this time
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Day Air attack on TF at 3,47
Allied aircraft
Fulmar x 11
Albacore x 17
Allied aircraft losses
Albacore: 3 damaged
Japanese Ships
AV Sagara Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DE Patrol Boat No. 46, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AV Sanuki Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
Aircraft Attacking:
1 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
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Day Air attack on TF at 3,47
Allied aircraft
Albacore x 16
Allied aircraft losses
Albacore: 2 damaged
Japanese Ships
AV Sanuki Maru, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
AV Sanyo Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
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Day Air attack on TF at 6,44
Japanese aircraft
F1M2 Pete x 12
E13A1 Jake x 12
Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane x 9
Fulmar x 23
Japanese aircraft losses
F1M2 Pete: 7 destroyed
E13A1 Jake: 8 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
Fulmar: 1 damaged
Allied Ships
CV Formidable
CV Indomitable
Aircraft Attacking:
1 x F1M2 Pete bombing at 2000 feet
1 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
2 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
2 x F1M2 Pete bombing at 2000 feet
1 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
2 x F1M2 Pete bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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wneumann
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- Location: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective
Burma: No Japanese activity detected.
China: Light activity reported.
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wneumann
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RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective
Summary of Operations 2/28/42
No major Japanese activity detected in India or Burma. Some ground combat in China but no major activity otherwise.
Indian Ocean: British carrier TF (CV Indomitable & Formidable) attacked Japanese AV task force for the second day. AAR from Japanese report follows. Both Jap AV's hit in this attack are confirmed sunk. A second Japanese TF containing escorts and possibly a fourth AV was detected east of the British TF's current location. A decision was made not to pursue the second Japanese TF and instead the British TF has turned back on a westward heading. Sinking three AV's over the last two game days is a nice tactical victory for this engagement - "greed" is rather foolhardy for the Allies at this point of the war.
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Day Air attack on TF at 5,46
Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane x 7
Fulmar x 19
Albacore x 33
No Allied losses
Japanese Ships
AV Sagara Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AV Sanyo Maru, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
Aircraft Attacking:
1 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
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DEI: Ground and air bombardment attacks on Soerabaja continue. Japanese army units at Soerabaja reinforced with 2 Tank Rgt and 3 Mountain Gun Rgt in 2/28 attack. AAR follows.
Japanese army units that landed at Merak have advanced on and reached Batavia but have yet to attack - identity of these units not known at this time.
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Ground combat at Soerabaja
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 25684 troops, 261 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 550
2nd Infantry Division; 3,5,& 14 Mortar Bns; 2, 6 & 14 Tank Rgts; 3 & 18 FA Rgts, 3 & 10 Mountain Gun Rgts
Defending force 16891 troops, 120 guns, 3 vehicles, Assault Value = 263
4th & 6th KNIL Infantry Rgts, MLD Marine Bn, 6 CD Bn, 1 Dutch Naval Base Force
Allied ground losses:
205 casualties reported
Guns lost 10
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Philippines: Ground and air bombardments continue at Bataan and Cagayan. No other detected Japanese activity.
Australia/New Zealand: Individual AK and TK have been arriving at Perth from India transporting supply and fuel points. Light Japanese air bombing attacks continue in NW Australia. Other sectors quiet.
South Pacific: No reported Japanese activity. Reinforcement convoys still headed eastward.
Eastern Pacific: A Japanese TF (four ships) spotted by naval air search about 6-7 hexes SW of Palmyra moving on a E heading at 11 kts (appear to be coming from Baker Is). This TF possibly heading for either Palmyra or Christmas Is. Transport TF currently docked at Christmas Is has suspended unloading operations and moved off to the east. A U.S. carrier TF (Saratoga and Enterprise) is in the area and is positioning itself to track and possibly attack the Japanese TF if tactical situation is favorable.
No major Japanese activity detected in India or Burma. Some ground combat in China but no major activity otherwise.
Indian Ocean: British carrier TF (CV Indomitable & Formidable) attacked Japanese AV task force for the second day. AAR from Japanese report follows. Both Jap AV's hit in this attack are confirmed sunk. A second Japanese TF containing escorts and possibly a fourth AV was detected east of the British TF's current location. A decision was made not to pursue the second Japanese TF and instead the British TF has turned back on a westward heading. Sinking three AV's over the last two game days is a nice tactical victory for this engagement - "greed" is rather foolhardy for the Allies at this point of the war.
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Day Air attack on TF at 5,46
Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane x 7
Fulmar x 19
Albacore x 33
No Allied losses
Japanese Ships
AV Sagara Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AV Sanyo Maru, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
Aircraft Attacking:
1 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x Albacore launching torpedoes at 200 feet
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DEI: Ground and air bombardment attacks on Soerabaja continue. Japanese army units at Soerabaja reinforced with 2 Tank Rgt and 3 Mountain Gun Rgt in 2/28 attack. AAR follows.
Japanese army units that landed at Merak have advanced on and reached Batavia but have yet to attack - identity of these units not known at this time.
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Ground combat at Soerabaja
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 25684 troops, 261 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 550
2nd Infantry Division; 3,5,& 14 Mortar Bns; 2, 6 & 14 Tank Rgts; 3 & 18 FA Rgts, 3 & 10 Mountain Gun Rgts
Defending force 16891 troops, 120 guns, 3 vehicles, Assault Value = 263
4th & 6th KNIL Infantry Rgts, MLD Marine Bn, 6 CD Bn, 1 Dutch Naval Base Force
Allied ground losses:
205 casualties reported
Guns lost 10
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Philippines: Ground and air bombardments continue at Bataan and Cagayan. No other detected Japanese activity.
Australia/New Zealand: Individual AK and TK have been arriving at Perth from India transporting supply and fuel points. Light Japanese air bombing attacks continue in NW Australia. Other sectors quiet.
South Pacific: No reported Japanese activity. Reinforcement convoys still headed eastward.
Eastern Pacific: A Japanese TF (four ships) spotted by naval air search about 6-7 hexes SW of Palmyra moving on a E heading at 11 kts (appear to be coming from Baker Is). This TF possibly heading for either Palmyra or Christmas Is. Transport TF currently docked at Christmas Is has suspended unloading operations and moved off to the east. A U.S. carrier TF (Saratoga and Enterprise) is in the area and is positioning itself to track and possibly attack the Japanese TF if tactical situation is favorable.
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wneumann
- Posts: 3768
- Joined: Tue Nov 01, 2005 3:47 am
- Location: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective
Summary of Operations 3/1 - 3/2/42
Eastern Pacific: Japanese surface TF bombarded Palmyra - AAR follows. Light damage at Palmyra. Jap TF moved away from Palmyra on a NW course, out of range of CV Saratoga & Enterprise. Transport unloading operations at Christmas Is has resumed. Some reinforcements and supply from convoys originally headed to the South Pacific are being diverted to this theater.
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Naval bombardment of Palmyra, at 110,90 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
14 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
CA Kumano
CA Suzuya
CA Mikuma, Shell hits 2
Allied ground losses:
217 casualties reported
Guns lost 11
Vehicles lost 3
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
South Pacific: Japanese (Sasebo 7 SNLF) landed on and captured Wallis Island on 3/1/42. No Allied garrison was present at Wallis Is. It appears that Suva is the next Japanese objective in the South Pacific.
Australia/NZ: Other than light air bombing attacks at Darwin, no detected Japanese activity.
DEI: Japanese air and ground bombardment attacks continue at Soerabaja. No activity by Japanese LCU at Batavia.
Burma: Mandalay captured by Japanese on 3/1/42 - AAR follows. Identity of Japanese LCU is not known, although the unit capturing Mandalay is believed to be a full division (no additional units attached). Air recon reports a second unidentified Japanese division at Meiktila.
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Ground combat at Mandalay
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 9994 troops, 60 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 307
(attacking LCU unknown, probably division strength)
Defending force 2446 troops, 18 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 64
2 Burma Brigade
Japanese max assault: 334 - adjusted assault: 302
Allied max defense: 59 - adjusted defense: 24
Japanese assault odds: 12 to 1 (fort level 2)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Mandalay base !!!
Japanese ground losses:
45 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
Allied ground losses:
353 casualties reported
Guns lost 7
Defeated Allied Units Retreating!
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India: British 7 Armored Brigade arrived at Aden as reinforcement, now loaded and enroute to Bombay.
China: Light activity reported.
Eastern Pacific: Japanese surface TF bombarded Palmyra - AAR follows. Light damage at Palmyra. Jap TF moved away from Palmyra on a NW course, out of range of CV Saratoga & Enterprise. Transport unloading operations at Christmas Is has resumed. Some reinforcements and supply from convoys originally headed to the South Pacific are being diverted to this theater.
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Naval bombardment of Palmyra, at 110,90 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
14 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
CA Kumano
CA Suzuya
CA Mikuma, Shell hits 2
Allied ground losses:
217 casualties reported
Guns lost 11
Vehicles lost 3
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South Pacific: Japanese (Sasebo 7 SNLF) landed on and captured Wallis Island on 3/1/42. No Allied garrison was present at Wallis Is. It appears that Suva is the next Japanese objective in the South Pacific.
Australia/NZ: Other than light air bombing attacks at Darwin, no detected Japanese activity.
DEI: Japanese air and ground bombardment attacks continue at Soerabaja. No activity by Japanese LCU at Batavia.
Burma: Mandalay captured by Japanese on 3/1/42 - AAR follows. Identity of Japanese LCU is not known, although the unit capturing Mandalay is believed to be a full division (no additional units attached). Air recon reports a second unidentified Japanese division at Meiktila.
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Ground combat at Mandalay
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 9994 troops, 60 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 307
(attacking LCU unknown, probably division strength)
Defending force 2446 troops, 18 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 64
2 Burma Brigade
Japanese max assault: 334 - adjusted assault: 302
Allied max defense: 59 - adjusted defense: 24
Japanese assault odds: 12 to 1 (fort level 2)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Mandalay base !!!
Japanese ground losses:
45 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
Allied ground losses:
353 casualties reported
Guns lost 7
Defeated Allied Units Retreating!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
India: British 7 Armored Brigade arrived at Aden as reinforcement, now loaded and enroute to Bombay.
China: Light activity reported.
-
wneumann
- Posts: 3768
- Joined: Tue Nov 01, 2005 3:47 am
- Location: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective
Summary of Operations 3/3 -3/4/42
Burma: Two Japanese divisions are now reported in Mandalay - the division earlier reported in Meiktila appears to have moved up into Mandalay. Seems that the main axis of Japanese advance in Burma is in the north - can see the possibility of one division moving on Lashio, the second one on Myitkyina. If Pillager attempts both of these moves, might be a long shot chance of slipping a brigade from either of his flanks back into Mandalay and cutting both divisions off. I have a brigade available on each flank and may be able to get them in place for such a move without a great deal of risk.
India: All sectors quiet. Redeploying one infantry brigade to Ledo to meet a possible Japanese end run on the northern flank along the Burma-India frontier. Reserves in NE India include two divisions (one British, one Indian), along with ample artillery support and some tanks. RAF and RIAF air base units at bases along the India-Burma border are being ordered to move to the rear as the decision has been made to not operate aircraft out of these airfields for the time being as they will eventually be too close to (or directly on) the front lines.
Question.... It would seem the Japanese would have some difficulty with a frontal assault on a defended border between India and Burma, mainly due to supply reasons on their part. The winner of a battle along the India-Burma border would likely be the side with the best supply situation (and this is slightly in the Allied favor, especially if local air supremacy can be achieved directly over the frontier regions to allow air transport). Therefore, a very likely move for the Japanese would be to flank this line by a amphibious attack. I am tempted at this point to begin moving the reserves (at least one, probably both divisions and most of the tanks and artillery towards the coast). Opinions on this from any readers welcome.....
South Pacific: Two Japanese TF's (one of them carrier, the other probably shore bombardment) detected approaching Suva on 3/4. Minelaying operations ordered and now underway for Luganville and bases north of Noumea. A minelayer is also holding off Suva to drop mines there at a suitable point in time (I still have ships enroute for evacuation purposes and need to hold the port open temporarily).
A small Australian LCU (2/1 Independent Co) remains in Kavieng which is still in Allied hands - the Japanese having bypassed it. Several submarines in the area (all returning or heading to Australia to refuel) have been ordered to Kavieng to pick up what they can of the unit and bring it to Australia. Every LCU however small will be helpful and I'm sure Pillager will eventually decide go back and take Kavieng anyway.
China: Light activity reported.
Philippines: Japanese ground and air bombardments continue at Bataan and Cagayan.
Eastern Pacific: Unloading operations at Christmas Island complete, engineers are making nice progress. I am diverting an LCU (either RCT or division) from the SW Pacific reinforcement convoys north to garrison Christmas Is.
DEI: Air and ground attacks continue at Batavia and Soerabaja. Bandoeng (Java) captured in an airborne assualt by Japanese 1 Para Rgt on 3/3. Situation map and AAR's follow.
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Ground combat at Batavia
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 11340 troops, 45 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 549
5th Infantry Division, 4 Mixed Rgt, 17 Hvy FA Rgt, 10 Mountain Gun Rgt
Defending force 12636 troops, 45 guns, 38 vehicles, Assault Value = 211
1 & 2 KNIL Rgts, 1 NEIAF Aviation, Batavia CD Bn, Mobiele Einhard Armored Unit
Allied ground losses:
44 casualties reported
Guns lost 2
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Ground combat at Soerabaja
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 7676 troops, 241 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 537
2nd & 18th Infantry Divisions; 3,5,& 14 Mortar Bns; 2, 6 & 14 Tank Rgts; 3 & 18 FA Rgts, 3 & 10 Mountain Gun Rgts
Defending force 14995 troops, 62 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 196
4th & 6th KNIL Infantry Rgts, MLD Marine Bn, 6 CD Bn, 1 Dutch Naval Base Force
Japanese ground losses:
19 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
Allied ground losses:
232 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
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Java situation map as of 3/5/42.
Burma: Two Japanese divisions are now reported in Mandalay - the division earlier reported in Meiktila appears to have moved up into Mandalay. Seems that the main axis of Japanese advance in Burma is in the north - can see the possibility of one division moving on Lashio, the second one on Myitkyina. If Pillager attempts both of these moves, might be a long shot chance of slipping a brigade from either of his flanks back into Mandalay and cutting both divisions off. I have a brigade available on each flank and may be able to get them in place for such a move without a great deal of risk.
India: All sectors quiet. Redeploying one infantry brigade to Ledo to meet a possible Japanese end run on the northern flank along the Burma-India frontier. Reserves in NE India include two divisions (one British, one Indian), along with ample artillery support and some tanks. RAF and RIAF air base units at bases along the India-Burma border are being ordered to move to the rear as the decision has been made to not operate aircraft out of these airfields for the time being as they will eventually be too close to (or directly on) the front lines.
Question.... It would seem the Japanese would have some difficulty with a frontal assault on a defended border between India and Burma, mainly due to supply reasons on their part. The winner of a battle along the India-Burma border would likely be the side with the best supply situation (and this is slightly in the Allied favor, especially if local air supremacy can be achieved directly over the frontier regions to allow air transport). Therefore, a very likely move for the Japanese would be to flank this line by a amphibious attack. I am tempted at this point to begin moving the reserves (at least one, probably both divisions and most of the tanks and artillery towards the coast). Opinions on this from any readers welcome.....
South Pacific: Two Japanese TF's (one of them carrier, the other probably shore bombardment) detected approaching Suva on 3/4. Minelaying operations ordered and now underway for Luganville and bases north of Noumea. A minelayer is also holding off Suva to drop mines there at a suitable point in time (I still have ships enroute for evacuation purposes and need to hold the port open temporarily).
A small Australian LCU (2/1 Independent Co) remains in Kavieng which is still in Allied hands - the Japanese having bypassed it. Several submarines in the area (all returning or heading to Australia to refuel) have been ordered to Kavieng to pick up what they can of the unit and bring it to Australia. Every LCU however small will be helpful and I'm sure Pillager will eventually decide go back and take Kavieng anyway.
China: Light activity reported.
Philippines: Japanese ground and air bombardments continue at Bataan and Cagayan.
Eastern Pacific: Unloading operations at Christmas Island complete, engineers are making nice progress. I am diverting an LCU (either RCT or division) from the SW Pacific reinforcement convoys north to garrison Christmas Is.
DEI: Air and ground attacks continue at Batavia and Soerabaja. Bandoeng (Java) captured in an airborne assualt by Japanese 1 Para Rgt on 3/3. Situation map and AAR's follow.
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Ground combat at Batavia
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 11340 troops, 45 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 549
5th Infantry Division, 4 Mixed Rgt, 17 Hvy FA Rgt, 10 Mountain Gun Rgt
Defending force 12636 troops, 45 guns, 38 vehicles, Assault Value = 211
1 & 2 KNIL Rgts, 1 NEIAF Aviation, Batavia CD Bn, Mobiele Einhard Armored Unit
Allied ground losses:
44 casualties reported
Guns lost 2
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Ground combat at Soerabaja
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 7676 troops, 241 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 537
2nd & 18th Infantry Divisions; 3,5,& 14 Mortar Bns; 2, 6 & 14 Tank Rgts; 3 & 18 FA Rgts, 3 & 10 Mountain Gun Rgts
Defending force 14995 troops, 62 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 196
4th & 6th KNIL Infantry Rgts, MLD Marine Bn, 6 CD Bn, 1 Dutch Naval Base Force
Japanese ground losses:
19 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
Allied ground losses:
232 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
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Java situation map as of 3/5/42.
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wneumann
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RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective
Another question for any readers.... If I have "regular" artillery LCU (not coastal defense) located in a coastal base hex or an island base, will they fire at enemy ships bombarding or attempting an amphibious landing at that base?
RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective
ORIGINAL: wneumann
Question.... It would seem the Japanese would have some difficulty with a frontal assault on a defended border between India and Burma, mainly due to supply reasons on their part. The winner of a battle along the India-Burma border would likely be the side with the best supply situation (and this is slightly in the Allied favor, especially if local air supremacy can be achieved directly over the frontier regions to allow air transport). Therefore, a very likely move for the Japanese would be to flank this line by a amphibious attack. I am tempted at this point to begin moving the reserves (at least one, probably both divisions and most of the tanks and artillery towards the coast). Opinions on this from any readers welcome.....
Yep, an overland assault against India by the Japanese would be very hard to supply. Plus it would take a long time, giving you plenty of time to adjust.
On the other hand an amphibious assault against your coast could show up with little warning. Better to keep your large LCUs near the coast IMO - you could still send them back to the Burma-India border ahead of any Japanese advance there.
ORIGINAL: wneumann
Another question for any readers.... If I have "regular" artillery LCU (not coastal defense) located in a coastal base hex or an island base, will they fire at enemy ships bombarding or attempting an amphibious landing at that base?
I think they will, but I'm honestly not entirely sure.
RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective
ORIGINAL: wneumann
Another question for any readers.... If I have "regular" artillery LCU (not coastal defense) located in a coastal base hex or an island base, will they fire at enemy ships bombarding or attempting an amphibious landing at that base?
Against the bombarment TF they will not fire, but against the amphibious landing they will.
At least according to my experience with japanese Hvy Artillery Brigade
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wneumann
- Posts: 3768
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RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective
Thanx ctangus & jumper.
As of now I have most of the available artillery LCU in India held back in reserve (keeping them out of the front line until such time as I know where I want to commit them). I am leaning more and more towards moving the reserves to beef up garrisons of bases along the east coast of India, especially Madras and around Calcutta. Based on what jumper posted, regular artillery would be a useful augment to coastal defence even if they don't have the full capability of a CD unit in this regard. With the reserves I have a good chance of putting together a decent "Atlantic Wall" along the key areas of the Indian east coast and Ceylon (which itself is already heavily defended) - at least to the point where the Japanese will not have an unopposed or lightly opposed landing at any point where there is a base large enough to support a assault.
As of now I have most of the available artillery LCU in India held back in reserve (keeping them out of the front line until such time as I know where I want to commit them). I am leaning more and more towards moving the reserves to beef up garrisons of bases along the east coast of India, especially Madras and around Calcutta. Based on what jumper posted, regular artillery would be a useful augment to coastal defence even if they don't have the full capability of a CD unit in this regard. With the reserves I have a good chance of putting together a decent "Atlantic Wall" along the key areas of the Indian east coast and Ceylon (which itself is already heavily defended) - at least to the point where the Japanese will not have an unopposed or lightly opposed landing at any point where there is a base large enough to support a assault.
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wneumann
- Posts: 3768
- Joined: Tue Nov 01, 2005 3:47 am
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RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective
Summary of Operations 3/5 - 3/6/42
India: Movement of reserve LCU to coastal bases began on 3/5. British LCU reinforcements arriving at Aden are being dispatched to India as quickly as they arrive in the game.
Burma. No detectable Japanese activity. Blenheim bombers based in NE India bombarded Japanese 55th Division at Mandalay inflicting light casualties - no Japanese air opposition over Mandalay at this time.
China: This has been ongoing for several (game) days, a bit bizarre perhaps, but I can take it... A doomed Chinese Army HQ trapped behind enemy lines has been valiantly holding up a Japanese division in its tracks single-handed. AAR from 3/6 turn follows.
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Ground combat at 49,38
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 19048 troops, 85 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 386
116th Infantry Division
Defending force 2740 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0
HQ 23rd Group Army
Japanese max assault: 359 - adjusted assault: 163
Allied max defense: 0 - adjusted defense: 7
Japanese assault odds: 23 to 1
Allied ground losses:
42 casualties reported
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Philippines: The usual air and ground bombardments of Bataan and Cagayan continue. No change in the situation.
DEI: Japanese capture Batavia on 3/6 - AAR follows. All defending Dutch LCU were eliminated.
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Ground combat at Batavia
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 26570 troops, 55 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 602
5th Infantry Division, 4 Mixed Rgt, 21 Mixed Brig, 1 Parachute Rgt, 5 Engineer Rgt, 17 Hvy FA Rgt, 10 Mountain Gun Rgt
Defending force 12044 troops, 36 guns, 37 vehicles, Assault Value = 192
1 & 2 KNIL Rgts, 1 NEIAF Aviation, Batavia CD Bn, Mobiele Einhard Armored Unit
Japanese max assault: 904 - adjusted assault: 532
Allied max defense: 194 - adjusted defense: 124
Japanese assault odds: 4 to 1 (fort level 2)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Batavia base !!!
Allied aircraft
no flights
Allied aircraft losses
Brewster 339D: 3 destroyed
Japanese ground losses:
676 casualties reported
Guns lost 2
Allied ground losses:
21344 casualties reported
Guns lost 27
Vehicles lost 12
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South, Southeast, and Eastern Pacific: No major activity reported.
Question concerning engineers - I have several Army combat engineer LCU's available on the U.S. west coast. Do combat engineers have any capability to perform construction tasks (i.e. expanding base capacities), either alone or combined with other ground units?
BB damaged at Pearl Harbor on 12/7/41 attacks are reparing nicely in San Francisco. Not that I have anything to do with them for the moment, but nice to get them repaired and out of the way before my ship yards get more serious work to do. Two other BB not shown here - BB Pennslyvania (40 damage) enroute to Seattle to complete repair there after initial repairs at Pearl, BB West Virginia (52 damage) remains at Pearl Harbor. Oddly enough, the number of damaged ships undergoing repair is rather small.
India: Movement of reserve LCU to coastal bases began on 3/5. British LCU reinforcements arriving at Aden are being dispatched to India as quickly as they arrive in the game.
Burma. No detectable Japanese activity. Blenheim bombers based in NE India bombarded Japanese 55th Division at Mandalay inflicting light casualties - no Japanese air opposition over Mandalay at this time.
China: This has been ongoing for several (game) days, a bit bizarre perhaps, but I can take it... A doomed Chinese Army HQ trapped behind enemy lines has been valiantly holding up a Japanese division in its tracks single-handed. AAR from 3/6 turn follows.
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Ground combat at 49,38
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 19048 troops, 85 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 386
116th Infantry Division
Defending force 2740 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0
HQ 23rd Group Army
Japanese max assault: 359 - adjusted assault: 163
Allied max defense: 0 - adjusted defense: 7
Japanese assault odds: 23 to 1
Allied ground losses:
42 casualties reported
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Philippines: The usual air and ground bombardments of Bataan and Cagayan continue. No change in the situation.
DEI: Japanese capture Batavia on 3/6 - AAR follows. All defending Dutch LCU were eliminated.
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Ground combat at Batavia
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 26570 troops, 55 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 602
5th Infantry Division, 4 Mixed Rgt, 21 Mixed Brig, 1 Parachute Rgt, 5 Engineer Rgt, 17 Hvy FA Rgt, 10 Mountain Gun Rgt
Defending force 12044 troops, 36 guns, 37 vehicles, Assault Value = 192
1 & 2 KNIL Rgts, 1 NEIAF Aviation, Batavia CD Bn, Mobiele Einhard Armored Unit
Japanese max assault: 904 - adjusted assault: 532
Allied max defense: 194 - adjusted defense: 124
Japanese assault odds: 4 to 1 (fort level 2)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Batavia base !!!
Allied aircraft
no flights
Allied aircraft losses
Brewster 339D: 3 destroyed
Japanese ground losses:
676 casualties reported
Guns lost 2
Allied ground losses:
21344 casualties reported
Guns lost 27
Vehicles lost 12
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South, Southeast, and Eastern Pacific: No major activity reported.
Question concerning engineers - I have several Army combat engineer LCU's available on the U.S. west coast. Do combat engineers have any capability to perform construction tasks (i.e. expanding base capacities), either alone or combined with other ground units?
BB damaged at Pearl Harbor on 12/7/41 attacks are reparing nicely in San Francisco. Not that I have anything to do with them for the moment, but nice to get them repaired and out of the way before my ship yards get more serious work to do. Two other BB not shown here - BB Pennslyvania (40 damage) enroute to Seattle to complete repair there after initial repairs at Pearl, BB West Virginia (52 damage) remains at Pearl Harbor. Oddly enough, the number of damaged ships undergoing repair is rather small.
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wneumann
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RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective
Intelligence display with status as of 3/6/42.
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wneumann
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RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective
Summary of Operations 3/7 -3/8/42
Starting to look at ship upgrades upcoming in 4/42 - what ships will go in for upgrades, where they will be done, etc. My plan is to use smaller shipyards (Portland, San Diego, Canadian ports) as much as possible for upgrade activity, especially to upgrade smaller warships (DD, SS, some CL's) and auxiliaries. Spare shipyard capacity in larger ports (SF, LA, Seattle, Pearl Harbor) will be used when available.
Eastern Pacific/U.S. West Coast: HQ 7th Air Force arrived at Pearl Harbor. Except for continuing Japanese air recon over Palmyra, no other activity in this area reported.
Southeast Pacific: ASW activity in the shipping channels south of Panama City - AAR follows. Some transport shipping is moving northward to Panama City and should not be seriously impacted. I'm confident Pillager will be sending some of the KB down for a "free lunch", good distraction for him. Actually, I'm headed out for some fun of my own....
South Pacific:
Japanese surface combat TF bombarded base at Suva on 3/7 - in their haste they missed four Allied transport ships that reached Suva just after the Japs finished bombarding. The transports picked up a U.S. Army FA Rgt and parts of 8 NZ Brigade and quickly departed unscathed except for several bomb hits from floatplanes. However, the Jap TF did catch and sink a U.S. minelayer approaching Suva.
Two U.S. minelayers reached Luganville and left 80 "meatballs" in the harbor. Other Allied minelayers are enroute to leave "droppings" at other bases in the vicinity.
Australia: Japanese air recon active over base at Coen (NE Australia) - Coen is currently vacant. 1st Australian Motor Brigade is moving overland towards Coen to garrison the base and should arrive within the next several days. No other Japanese activity reported around Australia or NZ other than continued Jap air bomb attacks at Darwin and Katherine in NW Australia.
Phillipines: Continued Japanese air and ground bombardment at both Bataan and Cagayan. A Japanese base force LCU (31st) is reported with the attacking ground forces at Cagayan.
DEI: Japanese ground and air bombardment attacks continue at Soerabaja. Some of the Jap LCU previously engaged at Batavia were detected moving eastward towards Soerabaja - none of these units are identified. Dutch garrison at Tilitjap still holding.
India: Deployments of British and Indian ground forces to cover bases on the Indian east coast continue. Blenheim bombers are now striking Japanese ground units at Magwe and Mandalay. Approx 20K fuel points and some resource points stockpiled at Chittagong are now being loaded on transport ships for removal to other locations in India.
A Japanese TF (estimated one AV and one CVL) was detected approx 8-9 hexes east of Ceylon, heading unknown. The British carrier TF (CV Indomitable & Fomidable) is refueling at Colombo and going back out to sea ASAP. Depending on the tactical situation, the British CV may engage the Jap TF if the situation is favorable to do so. The Jap TF will soon enter naval air search range of Catalinas from Trincomalee if it proceeds on a westward course - intend to watch it for now.
Burma: Japanese 33rd Division captured Magwe on 3/7. Situation map follows.
Starting to look at ship upgrades upcoming in 4/42 - what ships will go in for upgrades, where they will be done, etc. My plan is to use smaller shipyards (Portland, San Diego, Canadian ports) as much as possible for upgrade activity, especially to upgrade smaller warships (DD, SS, some CL's) and auxiliaries. Spare shipyard capacity in larger ports (SF, LA, Seattle, Pearl Harbor) will be used when available.
Eastern Pacific/U.S. West Coast: HQ 7th Air Force arrived at Pearl Harbor. Except for continuing Japanese air recon over Palmyra, no other activity in this area reported.
Southeast Pacific: ASW activity in the shipping channels south of Panama City - AAR follows. Some transport shipping is moving northward to Panama City and should not be seriously impacted. I'm confident Pillager will be sending some of the KB down for a "free lunch", good distraction for him. Actually, I'm headed out for some fun of my own....
South Pacific:
Japanese surface combat TF bombarded base at Suva on 3/7 - in their haste they missed four Allied transport ships that reached Suva just after the Japs finished bombarding. The transports picked up a U.S. Army FA Rgt and parts of 8 NZ Brigade and quickly departed unscathed except for several bomb hits from floatplanes. However, the Jap TF did catch and sink a U.S. minelayer approaching Suva.
Two U.S. minelayers reached Luganville and left 80 "meatballs" in the harbor. Other Allied minelayers are enroute to leave "droppings" at other bases in the vicinity.
Australia: Japanese air recon active over base at Coen (NE Australia) - Coen is currently vacant. 1st Australian Motor Brigade is moving overland towards Coen to garrison the base and should arrive within the next several days. No other Japanese activity reported around Australia or NZ other than continued Jap air bomb attacks at Darwin and Katherine in NW Australia.
Phillipines: Continued Japanese air and ground bombardment at both Bataan and Cagayan. A Japanese base force LCU (31st) is reported with the attacking ground forces at Cagayan.
DEI: Japanese ground and air bombardment attacks continue at Soerabaja. Some of the Jap LCU previously engaged at Batavia were detected moving eastward towards Soerabaja - none of these units are identified. Dutch garrison at Tilitjap still holding.
India: Deployments of British and Indian ground forces to cover bases on the Indian east coast continue. Blenheim bombers are now striking Japanese ground units at Magwe and Mandalay. Approx 20K fuel points and some resource points stockpiled at Chittagong are now being loaded on transport ships for removal to other locations in India.
A Japanese TF (estimated one AV and one CVL) was detected approx 8-9 hexes east of Ceylon, heading unknown. The British carrier TF (CV Indomitable & Fomidable) is refueling at Colombo and going back out to sea ASAP. Depending on the tactical situation, the British CV may engage the Jap TF if the situation is favorable to do so. The Jap TF will soon enter naval air search range of Catalinas from Trincomalee if it proceeds on a westward course - intend to watch it for now.
Burma: Japanese 33rd Division captured Magwe on 3/7. Situation map follows.
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wneumann
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RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective
Summary of Operations 3/9 - 3/11/42
U.S. West Coast/Eastern Pacific:
Enemy mines were reported at Midway - probably laid by Japanese submarines (type 88). AK Haleakala struck one mine when arriving at Midway - moderate damage to the ship, no damage to cargo. Haleakala is returning to Pearl Harbor. This is the first reported Japanese mining activity of the war against an Allied-controlled base. Gotta start using the minesweepers.
SS Bonita reports a Val dive bomber spotted on patrol near Kwajalein - this would suggest one or more Japanese fleet CV(s) are docked or based there. Also several F1M2 floatplanes were spotted by the Bonita near Kwajelein - these are known to operate from some Japanese CS, also from Nagato class BB.
SS Pompano reports a Mavis flying boat near Wake Is. A number of U.S. submarines will shortly be operating in areas of the northern Pacific to survey Japanese air patrol activity and ship movement between the area north and northwest of Wake and the Japanese home islands. With the Japanese emphasis in the South Pacific, a study is underway to consider feasibility of some kind of activity along the Japanese northern flank, especially if the KB is drawn once again into the South Pacific.
South Pacific: Light activity in most sectors. A number of Japanese ships are operating in the area near Suva - several floatplane attacks on Allied ships have been reported, no major damage. Based on Japanese aircraft types and number of aircraft reported (E8N, E13A1) - at least one CS is in the area operating the E13A1, several CA or BB (Kongo, Fuso, or Ise class) that are operating the E8N. AK Rhesus reached Suva, successfully evaded several Japanese floatplane air attacks without damage, The Rhesus picked up the last of 8 New Zealand Brigade from Suva and is now departing there for Auckland.
Australia: Light activity reported.
India: British 7 Armored Brigade now disembarking in Bombay. British carrier TF (CV Indomitable & Fomidable) has been ordered to return to Colombo - no contact was made with the Japanese AV or CVL task force reported east of Ceylon. Removal of excess fuel and resource points from Chittagong by sea continues. All other sectors quiet.
Burma: No detectable Japanese activity reported.
China: Japanese bombardment attacks continue along many sectors of the front lines - this is normal Japanese activity for most areas of the Chinese front lines.
Phillipines: Evacuation of elements of the 31 U.S. RCT from Bataan for rebuilding in Australia underway. The main consideration for this is the need for infantry LCU's in Australia.
DEI: Japanese capture Pamakasan (off Soerabaja) on 3/10, Soerabaja itself also fell on 3/11. AAR follow.
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Ground combat at Pamakasan
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 8669 troops, 26 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 414
4th Infantry Division
Defending force 1773 troops, 9 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 60
Barisan Rgt
Japanese max assault: 848 - adjusted assault: 562
Allied max defense: 52 - adjusted defense: 5
Japanese assault odds: 112 to 1 (fort level 2)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Pamakasan base !!!
Japanese ground losses:
400 casualties reported
Guns lost 4
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Ground combat at Soerabaja
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 57466 troops, 367 guns, 145 vehicles, Assault Value = 1229
2nd & 18th Infantry Divisions; 21 Mixed Brigade; 3, 5,& 14 Mortar Bns; 2, 6 & 14 Tank Rgts; 3 & 18 FA Rgts, 3 & 10 Mountain Gun Rgts
Defending force 14277 troops, 54 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 165
4th & 6th KNIL Infantry Rgts, MLD Marine Bn, 6 CD Bn, 1 Dutch Naval Base Force
Japanese max assault: 1103 - adjusted assault: 1159
Allied max defense: 146 - adjusted defense: 96
Japanese assault odds: 12 to 1 (fort level 5)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Soerabaja base !!!
Allied aircraft
no flights
Allied aircraft losses
Brewster 339D: 1 destroyed
F.K.51: 4 destroyed
Japanese ground losses:
351 casualties reported
Guns lost 6
Vehicles lost 1
Allied ground losses:
11747 casualties reported
Guns lost 69
Vehicles lost 2
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An interesting Japanese dispatch was picked up from my (normally very quiet) opponent Pillager....
"Your Engineers COMPLETELY destroyed Soerbaja. 0/500 Resource centers active. 0/100 Oil centers active. I have never seen anything like it before. It is going to cost me 600,000 supply to repair all of that damage...ouch."
Did we witness a very fortunate Allied "dice roll" here... Was it the "Russian advisors" embedded with the Dutch engineer unit at Soerabaja. Or maybe some Japanese "smoke and mirrors". In any event, some Allied submarine presence at Soerabaja will be needed, especially with the prospect of sinking some of that 600K supply rolling into there (or the oil leaving there if this dispatch is false).
If the resource and oil facilities at Soerabaja were actually damaged to that extent.... How urgent is it for the Japanese to rebuild at Soerabaja? What impact would the supply points required to rebuild have on the rest of the Japanese economy, also military operations in the front lines?
FEAR THE GATOR!!!
U.S. West Coast/Eastern Pacific:
Enemy mines were reported at Midway - probably laid by Japanese submarines (type 88). AK Haleakala struck one mine when arriving at Midway - moderate damage to the ship, no damage to cargo. Haleakala is returning to Pearl Harbor. This is the first reported Japanese mining activity of the war against an Allied-controlled base. Gotta start using the minesweepers.
SS Bonita reports a Val dive bomber spotted on patrol near Kwajalein - this would suggest one or more Japanese fleet CV(s) are docked or based there. Also several F1M2 floatplanes were spotted by the Bonita near Kwajelein - these are known to operate from some Japanese CS, also from Nagato class BB.
SS Pompano reports a Mavis flying boat near Wake Is. A number of U.S. submarines will shortly be operating in areas of the northern Pacific to survey Japanese air patrol activity and ship movement between the area north and northwest of Wake and the Japanese home islands. With the Japanese emphasis in the South Pacific, a study is underway to consider feasibility of some kind of activity along the Japanese northern flank, especially if the KB is drawn once again into the South Pacific.
South Pacific: Light activity in most sectors. A number of Japanese ships are operating in the area near Suva - several floatplane attacks on Allied ships have been reported, no major damage. Based on Japanese aircraft types and number of aircraft reported (E8N, E13A1) - at least one CS is in the area operating the E13A1, several CA or BB (Kongo, Fuso, or Ise class) that are operating the E8N. AK Rhesus reached Suva, successfully evaded several Japanese floatplane air attacks without damage, The Rhesus picked up the last of 8 New Zealand Brigade from Suva and is now departing there for Auckland.
Australia: Light activity reported.
India: British 7 Armored Brigade now disembarking in Bombay. British carrier TF (CV Indomitable & Fomidable) has been ordered to return to Colombo - no contact was made with the Japanese AV or CVL task force reported east of Ceylon. Removal of excess fuel and resource points from Chittagong by sea continues. All other sectors quiet.
Burma: No detectable Japanese activity reported.
China: Japanese bombardment attacks continue along many sectors of the front lines - this is normal Japanese activity for most areas of the Chinese front lines.
Phillipines: Evacuation of elements of the 31 U.S. RCT from Bataan for rebuilding in Australia underway. The main consideration for this is the need for infantry LCU's in Australia.
DEI: Japanese capture Pamakasan (off Soerabaja) on 3/10, Soerabaja itself also fell on 3/11. AAR follow.
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Ground combat at Pamakasan
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 8669 troops, 26 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 414
4th Infantry Division
Defending force 1773 troops, 9 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 60
Barisan Rgt
Japanese max assault: 848 - adjusted assault: 562
Allied max defense: 52 - adjusted defense: 5
Japanese assault odds: 112 to 1 (fort level 2)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Pamakasan base !!!
Japanese ground losses:
400 casualties reported
Guns lost 4
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Ground combat at Soerabaja
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 57466 troops, 367 guns, 145 vehicles, Assault Value = 1229
2nd & 18th Infantry Divisions; 21 Mixed Brigade; 3, 5,& 14 Mortar Bns; 2, 6 & 14 Tank Rgts; 3 & 18 FA Rgts, 3 & 10 Mountain Gun Rgts
Defending force 14277 troops, 54 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 165
4th & 6th KNIL Infantry Rgts, MLD Marine Bn, 6 CD Bn, 1 Dutch Naval Base Force
Japanese max assault: 1103 - adjusted assault: 1159
Allied max defense: 146 - adjusted defense: 96
Japanese assault odds: 12 to 1 (fort level 5)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Soerabaja base !!!
Allied aircraft
no flights
Allied aircraft losses
Brewster 339D: 1 destroyed
F.K.51: 4 destroyed
Japanese ground losses:
351 casualties reported
Guns lost 6
Vehicles lost 1
Allied ground losses:
11747 casualties reported
Guns lost 69
Vehicles lost 2
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An interesting Japanese dispatch was picked up from my (normally very quiet) opponent Pillager....
"Your Engineers COMPLETELY destroyed Soerbaja. 0/500 Resource centers active. 0/100 Oil centers active. I have never seen anything like it before. It is going to cost me 600,000 supply to repair all of that damage...ouch."
Did we witness a very fortunate Allied "dice roll" here... Was it the "Russian advisors" embedded with the Dutch engineer unit at Soerabaja. Or maybe some Japanese "smoke and mirrors". In any event, some Allied submarine presence at Soerabaja will be needed, especially with the prospect of sinking some of that 600K supply rolling into there (or the oil leaving there if this dispatch is false).
If the resource and oil facilities at Soerabaja were actually damaged to that extent.... How urgent is it for the Japanese to rebuild at Soerabaja? What impact would the supply points required to rebuild have on the rest of the Japanese economy, also military operations in the front lines?
FEAR THE GATOR!!!
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wneumann
- Posts: 3768
- Joined: Tue Nov 01, 2005 3:47 am
- Location: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective
Summary of Operations 3/12/42
DEI: The battle for Java has ended - Tjilitap captured by the Japanese today. AAR follows.
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Ground combat at Tjilitjap
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 10497 troops, 41 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 542
5th Infantry Division, 21 Mixed Brigade, 4 Mixed Rgt, 2 Parachute Rgt, 17 Hvy FA Rgt
Defending force 1827 troops, 9 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 32
Tjilitjap Garrison Bn, 5 Coastal Gun Bn
Japanese max assault: 87 - adjusted assault: 39
Allied max defense: 28 - adjusted defense: 4
Japanese assault odds: 9 to 1 (fort level 2)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Tjilitjap base !!!
Allied aircraft
no flights
Allied aircraft losses
Hawk 75A: 8 destroyed
Brewster 339D: 4 destroyed
Japanese ground losses:
9 casualties reported
Allied ground losses:
1418 casualties reported
Guns lost 14
Vehicles lost 4
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Bases and areas in the DEI remaining in Allied control include: parts of eastern Sumatra (including Palembang), Singkep Is,
Muntok (Bangka Is), Pontianek (Borneo), Pinrang (Celebes), Morotai, and Manokwari.
Orders have been issued to British and Chinese bomber squadrons based in India and southern China to target oil facilities in Burma. The purpose of this action is to attempt to gauge whether the Japanese are actually having difficulties with oil supplies (based on what transpired in the previous game turn). While these air attacks will inflict little or no significant damage to Japanese-held oil facilities, any Japanese reaction to these attacks could provide some indication as to whether oil supplies are an issue and (if so) how serious an issue it may be.
Eastern Pacific: SS Bonita at Kwajalein reports a Val dive bomber and Kate torpedo bomber spotted on patrol - this confirms the presence of one or more Japanese fleet CV(s) docked or based there.
South Pacific: AV Kinagawa Maru spotted and attacked by Hudsons near Suva.
Japanese 51 Independent Mixed Brigade landed at and captured Funafuti Is.
Minor or no detected Japanese activity reported in other sectors.
DEI: The battle for Java has ended - Tjilitap captured by the Japanese today. AAR follows.
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Ground combat at Tjilitjap
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 10497 troops, 41 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 542
5th Infantry Division, 21 Mixed Brigade, 4 Mixed Rgt, 2 Parachute Rgt, 17 Hvy FA Rgt
Defending force 1827 troops, 9 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 32
Tjilitjap Garrison Bn, 5 Coastal Gun Bn
Japanese max assault: 87 - adjusted assault: 39
Allied max defense: 28 - adjusted defense: 4
Japanese assault odds: 9 to 1 (fort level 2)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Tjilitjap base !!!
Allied aircraft
no flights
Allied aircraft losses
Hawk 75A: 8 destroyed
Brewster 339D: 4 destroyed
Japanese ground losses:
9 casualties reported
Allied ground losses:
1418 casualties reported
Guns lost 14
Vehicles lost 4
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Bases and areas in the DEI remaining in Allied control include: parts of eastern Sumatra (including Palembang), Singkep Is,
Muntok (Bangka Is), Pontianek (Borneo), Pinrang (Celebes), Morotai, and Manokwari.
Orders have been issued to British and Chinese bomber squadrons based in India and southern China to target oil facilities in Burma. The purpose of this action is to attempt to gauge whether the Japanese are actually having difficulties with oil supplies (based on what transpired in the previous game turn). While these air attacks will inflict little or no significant damage to Japanese-held oil facilities, any Japanese reaction to these attacks could provide some indication as to whether oil supplies are an issue and (if so) how serious an issue it may be.
Eastern Pacific: SS Bonita at Kwajalein reports a Val dive bomber and Kate torpedo bomber spotted on patrol - this confirms the presence of one or more Japanese fleet CV(s) docked or based there.
South Pacific: AV Kinagawa Maru spotted and attacked by Hudsons near Suva.
Japanese 51 Independent Mixed Brigade landed at and captured Funafuti Is.
Minor or no detected Japanese activity reported in other sectors.
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wneumann
- Posts: 3768
- Joined: Tue Nov 01, 2005 3:47 am
- Location: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective
Summary of Operations 3/13/42
India: Deployment of LCU to cover ports along the eastern coastline of India nearly complete. Also deploying British level bomber squadrons (particularly Blenheim IV) to bases within striking range of targets in Burma. Removal of fuel and resource points stockpiled at Chittagong nearly complete without Japanese interference - oddly enough no Jap bombers are known to be currently based in Burma at this time.
Burma: No detected activity or movement from Japanese army ground forces. A Jap fighter squadron (Oscars) is now based at Mandalay, probably in response to British bombing attacks on LCU and oil facilities there. I have switched these bombers to night attacks - too few aircraft and too little bomb load to inflict serious harm either by day or night but still useful from the standpoint of combat experience. Chinese IL-4 bombers from Kunming also participating in bombing attacks.
DEI: No activity reported on 3/13.
Philippines: Japanese ground attack on Bataan. AAR follows.
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Ground combat at Bataan
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 102925 troops, 455 guns, 168 vehicles, Assault Value = 1982
16th, 38th, 48th & 56th Infantry Divisions; 65th Infantry Brigade; 4, 7 & 8 Tank Rgts, 2 NLF, Yokosuka 1 & 3 SNLF,
Kure 1 SNLF, 3 & 21 Engineer Rgts, 1 & 8 Heavy FA Rgts, 15 Mortar Bn, 1 Heavy Brig
Defending force 45859 troops, 244 guns, 246 vehicles, Assault Value = 924
11th, 21st, 31st, 41st & 71st Reserve Divisions; 2nd Constabulary Division, 31 US RCT, 45 & 57 PS RCTs, 26 PS Cavalry Rgt, 4 Marine Rgt, 192 & 194 Tank Bns, Provisional FA Group; 301 Provisional, 86 & 88 FA Rgts; Corregidor Fortress CD, 200 Cst AA Rgt, 14 PS Engineer Rgt, 803 EAB, 4 & 109 USAAF Base Force, 118 USN Base Force, 8 PAF Base Force
Japanese max assault: 1982 - adjusted assault: 1845
Allied max defense: 814 - adjusted defense: 2095
Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 4)
Japanese ground losses:
1914 casualties reported
Guns lost 34
Vehicles lost 6
Allied ground losses:
1462 casualties reported
Guns lost 37
Vehicles lost 9
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South Pacific: Japanese 51 Independent Mixed Brigade landed at and captured Nukufetau.
Australia/New Zealand: No reported Japanese activity other than continued light air bombing attacks in NW Australia.
Central Pacific: SS Bonita at Kwajalein continues reporting Val dive bomber and Kate torpedo bomber spotted on patrol - apparently Kwajalein is one of the primary bases for the KB. Development of Japanese airbases on several islands surrounding Kwajalein has also been detected.
India: Deployment of LCU to cover ports along the eastern coastline of India nearly complete. Also deploying British level bomber squadrons (particularly Blenheim IV) to bases within striking range of targets in Burma. Removal of fuel and resource points stockpiled at Chittagong nearly complete without Japanese interference - oddly enough no Jap bombers are known to be currently based in Burma at this time.
Burma: No detected activity or movement from Japanese army ground forces. A Jap fighter squadron (Oscars) is now based at Mandalay, probably in response to British bombing attacks on LCU and oil facilities there. I have switched these bombers to night attacks - too few aircraft and too little bomb load to inflict serious harm either by day or night but still useful from the standpoint of combat experience. Chinese IL-4 bombers from Kunming also participating in bombing attacks.
DEI: No activity reported on 3/13.
Philippines: Japanese ground attack on Bataan. AAR follows.
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Ground combat at Bataan
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 102925 troops, 455 guns, 168 vehicles, Assault Value = 1982
16th, 38th, 48th & 56th Infantry Divisions; 65th Infantry Brigade; 4, 7 & 8 Tank Rgts, 2 NLF, Yokosuka 1 & 3 SNLF,
Kure 1 SNLF, 3 & 21 Engineer Rgts, 1 & 8 Heavy FA Rgts, 15 Mortar Bn, 1 Heavy Brig
Defending force 45859 troops, 244 guns, 246 vehicles, Assault Value = 924
11th, 21st, 31st, 41st & 71st Reserve Divisions; 2nd Constabulary Division, 31 US RCT, 45 & 57 PS RCTs, 26 PS Cavalry Rgt, 4 Marine Rgt, 192 & 194 Tank Bns, Provisional FA Group; 301 Provisional, 86 & 88 FA Rgts; Corregidor Fortress CD, 200 Cst AA Rgt, 14 PS Engineer Rgt, 803 EAB, 4 & 109 USAAF Base Force, 118 USN Base Force, 8 PAF Base Force
Japanese max assault: 1982 - adjusted assault: 1845
Allied max defense: 814 - adjusted defense: 2095
Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 4)
Japanese ground losses:
1914 casualties reported
Guns lost 34
Vehicles lost 6
Allied ground losses:
1462 casualties reported
Guns lost 37
Vehicles lost 9
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South Pacific: Japanese 51 Independent Mixed Brigade landed at and captured Nukufetau.
Australia/New Zealand: No reported Japanese activity other than continued light air bombing attacks in NW Australia.
Central Pacific: SS Bonita at Kwajalein continues reporting Val dive bomber and Kate torpedo bomber spotted on patrol - apparently Kwajalein is one of the primary bases for the KB. Development of Japanese airbases on several islands surrounding Kwajalein has also been detected.
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wneumann
- Posts: 3768
- Joined: Tue Nov 01, 2005 3:47 am
- Location: just beyond the outskirts of Margaritaville
RE: wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective
Summary of Operations 3/14 - 3/15/42
India & Burma: Light Japanese air raids on Akyab continuing for several days - no estimates on damage as there have been no Allied LCU or air units in Akyab for the last 10-12 days. Most of the fuel and resource points stockpiled at Chittagong have now been removed from there by sea and transferred to other locations in India. Otherwise, no significant Japanese activity reported.
Also, I am considering an operation to oppose the anticipated Japanese move to capture Palembang. What is being considered is to use the British carrier TF (CV Indomitable & Formidable) now docked at Colombo - the plan would be for this TF to sail for a point along the southern coast of Sumatra opposite Palembang.
The TF would either (1) launch a naval air strike (with Swordfish & Albacore TB's) from off the south coast of Sumatra (flying northward across the island) to attack a Japanese landing force as it enters Palembang, or (2) approach close enough to the southern coast of Sumatra to launch all its Swordfish and Albacore TB and transfer (temporarily) these aircraft to one of two remaining Allied-controlled bases on Sumatra. From there, the Swordfish would attack the Japanese invasion TF at Sumatra and then transfer back to the CV.
Pitfalls to this plan include (a) the south coast of Sumatra is within range of Japanese LBA based at Singapore that include Betty & Nell, (b) neither of the Allied-controlled bases in southern Sumatra has an airbase LCU - aircraft damaged during transfer from the CV's or in the strike on Palembang would have to be abandoned, (c) timing of the TF's movement would have to be tightly synchronized with the Japanese invasion at Palembang.
Any other considerations here? Is this operation even feasible?
India & Burma: Light Japanese air raids on Akyab continuing for several days - no estimates on damage as there have been no Allied LCU or air units in Akyab for the last 10-12 days. Most of the fuel and resource points stockpiled at Chittagong have now been removed from there by sea and transferred to other locations in India. Otherwise, no significant Japanese activity reported.
Also, I am considering an operation to oppose the anticipated Japanese move to capture Palembang. What is being considered is to use the British carrier TF (CV Indomitable & Formidable) now docked at Colombo - the plan would be for this TF to sail for a point along the southern coast of Sumatra opposite Palembang.
The TF would either (1) launch a naval air strike (with Swordfish & Albacore TB's) from off the south coast of Sumatra (flying northward across the island) to attack a Japanese landing force as it enters Palembang, or (2) approach close enough to the southern coast of Sumatra to launch all its Swordfish and Albacore TB and transfer (temporarily) these aircraft to one of two remaining Allied-controlled bases on Sumatra. From there, the Swordfish would attack the Japanese invasion TF at Sumatra and then transfer back to the CV.
Pitfalls to this plan include (a) the south coast of Sumatra is within range of Japanese LBA based at Singapore that include Betty & Nell, (b) neither of the Allied-controlled bases in southern Sumatra has an airbase LCU - aircraft damaged during transfer from the CV's or in the strike on Palembang would have to be abandoned, (c) timing of the TF's movement would have to be tightly synchronized with the Japanese invasion at Palembang.
Any other considerations here? Is this operation even feasible?
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