wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective

[wneumann]

ny59giants:  Thanks for the info. Item #3 was precisely what I had in mind, though even when not in range of Jap LBA I would save a game turn or two of travel time (depending on the aircraft in question). I had been hoping to carry Army aircraft (P-40's and such, maybe 2E bombers as well but no luck).

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 4/25 - 4/26/42

First dateline, San Francisco... A TF of six submarines arrived here from the Philippines transporting elements of 120 USN Base Force that were evacuated before the fall of (wherever they came from) to Japanese forces. A seventh U.S. sub is still enroute with another small detachment of 120 Base Force. The unit was reassigned to HQ South Pacific and is to be rebuilt in the U.S. The subs are going in to repair light system damage (5-15 range) and then undergo 4/42 upgrades.

The first batch of DD's have completed 4/42 upgrades and are now being attached to carrier TF's. They are replacing DD's in these TF that will now go in for their 4/42 upgrades.

Another Jap submarine caught by ASW forces about 800 miles off San Francisco - AAR follows. The I-172 only took 13 "flesh wounds" and last reported still afloat - with a lot of luck it's crew might get back to Tokyo for extended shore leave.

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Sub attack at 131,53

Japanese Ships
SS I-172, hits 13

Allied Ships
DD Talbot
MSW Pelican
DD Kennison
DD Schley
DD Chew
DD Litchfield

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South Pacific: Two Jap LCU's (probably engineers) occupy Ndeni.

Appears that Pillager's next move is on Noumea and Luganville. A light Japanese surface combat TF is operating in this area and intercepted a TF of three Allied ML northeast of Noumea - one ML sunk, one critically damaged (expected to sink), the third ML is continuing to its objective (Luganville) undamaged. AAR follows. Minelaying operations have been underway for several weeks and a substantial number of mines await the Japs in Efate and Luganville.

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Day Time Surface Combat at 67,113

Japanese Ships
CL Natori
CL Kinu
DD Satsuki
DD Minazuki
DD Fumizuki
DD Nagatsuki
DD Harukaze
DD Sawakaze

Allied Ships
DM Stronghold, Shell hits 16, on fire, heavy damage
DM Thracian
ML Kung Wo, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

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There are no Allied LCU's are defending either Luganville or Efate - this due to the general shortage of ground combat units in the ANZAC area which pretty much dictates these forces are deployed as a priority to defend the east coast of Australia and New Zealand itself rather than forward bases. A NZ Infantry Brigade had been garrisoning Noumea but has been pulled back to Auckland since the fall of Suva.

Needless to say, the Japanese push deep into the South Pacific will factor into future Allied offensive plans. Hopefully in a way that will not be to Pillager's liking.

Australia: A (unidentified as of now) Japanese LCU is reported south of Wyndham, looks like an overland move in the works to outflank Darwin. Just from my own ground movement along the Katherine-Wyndham road, Pillager will find this march slow going. And I have LCU's in front of him. Otherwise, air bombing continues at Darwin.

The last three U.S. submarines operating from Darwin are leaving Darwin after refuelling for the last time. They will be proceeding to Townsville, from there to the U.S. for repairs (12-15 system damage each) and 4/42 upgrades. The subs were based in Manila before moving south and had been engaged mostly in submarine transport operations to evacuate LCU elements from bases in the Philippines and DEI. Their final sortie from Darwin was to evacuate remnants of Makassar Garrison Bn from Pinrang (Celebes) which is still in Allied hands (though with no supply or fuel on hand there).

Philippines: Ormoc and Roxas captured by the Japanese on 4/25 in mop-up operations. AAR's follow.

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Ground combat at Ormoc

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 9453 troops, 29 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 170
65th Infantry Brigade
Defending force 658 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 19
93rd Reserve Rgt

Japanese max assault: 150 - adjusted assault: 290
Allied max defense: 14 - adjusted defense: 1
Japanese assault odds: 290 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Ormoc base !!!

Allied ground losses:
1281 casualties reported (93rd Regiment eliminated)

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Ground combat at Roxas

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 9457 troops, 60 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 285
56th Infantry Division
Defending force 1002 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 24
61st Reserve Division, 11 PAF Air Base Force

Japanese max assault: 222 - adjusted assault: 105
Allied max defense: 19 - adjusted defense: 1
Japanese assault odds: 105 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Roxas base !!!

Japanese ground losses:
19 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
1569 casualties reported (Both units eliminated)

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China: The Battle of Hex 48,31 drags on. AAR's follow.

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Ground combat at 48,31 (4/25/42)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 110815 troops, 383 guns, 124 vehicles, Assault Value = 1504
26th, 32nd, 35th, 37th, 41st & 59th Infantry Divisions; 13 & 15 Tank Rgts, 6 FA Rgt;
5 & 13 Independent Brigades, 15 Mixed Brig
Defending force 21815 troops, 1 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 358
9th, 13th, 12th, 76th & 84th Chinese Corps

Japanese max assault: 1440 - adjusted assault: 1440
Allied max defense: 205 - adjusted defense: 13
Japanese assault odds: 110 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
480 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
Vehicles lost 1

Allied ground losses:
3713 casualties reported (76th Chinese Corps eliminated)
Guns lost 18

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Ground combat at 48,31 (4/26/42)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 111112 troops, 383 guns, 127 vehicles, Assault Value = 1523
26th, 32nd, 35th, 37th, 41st & 59th Infantry Divisions; 13 & 15 Tank Rgts, 6 FA Rgt;
5 & 13 Independent Brigades, 15 Mixed Brig
Defending force 18322 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 306
9th, 13th, 12th & 84th Chinese Corps

Japanese max assault: 1477 - adjusted assault: 1858
Allied max defense: 175 - adjusted defense: 17
Japanese assault odds: 109 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
746 casualties reported
Guns lost 2
Vehicles lost 3

Allied ground losses:
1157 casualties reported

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All other sectors quiet - no significant activity to report.

[ny59giants]

First dateline, San Francisco... A TF of six submarines arrived here from the Philippines transporting elements of 120 USN Base Force that were evacuated before the fall of (wherever they came from) to Japanese forces. A seventh U.S. sub is still enroute with another small detachment of 120 Base Force. The unit was reassigned to HQ South Pacific and is to be rebuilt in the U.S. The subs are going in to repair light system damage (5-15 range) and then undergo 4/42 upgrades.

I would advise that you consider holding off on some of those 4/42 upgrades for your subs until you examine what their capacity is for transport. For many of those subs, the upgrade does nothing useful except lower their transport capacity. When the 10/42 upgrade comes, they get radar. Thus, you may need to manually turn off each subs ability to upgrade.

I usually transport fragments from the PI to northern Australia by sub and, if needed, load them up on empty AK's to transport back to the USA.

[wneumann]

At this point, there is practically nothing left in the PI or DEI worth evacuating. With nearly all bases in the area in Japanese control, refuelling options for the subs were limited to only Darwin itself. With Darwin as a likely Jap invasion objective (I expect within the next 15-30 days or less), there is no place left in that area for basing subs. Perth is the only remaining useable Allied naval base in West Australia.
 
What will prpbably be the last Allied ships to set foot in Darwin are several short-ranged (3500 mi) Dutch subs based at Perth that I am trying to get to India - these will stop in Darwin to refuel and then proceed via Singkep Is (E of Singapore) which is still in Dutch control and has some fuel points left to India. These subs are far more useful operating from Colombo or Trincomalee than Perth - also have a shortage of operational (non-damaged) subs based in India.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 4/27/42

Central Pacific: Japanese sub I-169 spotted and attacked NNW of Johnston Is - no hits reported.

Three more U.S. submarines arrived in San Francisco from the Philippines - transporting elements of 2 Philippine (Inf) Rgt. Subs are unloading the LCU in San Francisco and will then go in for repair (8-15 system damage) and 4/42 upgrades.

Australia: Japanese landing reported on the beach hex at Exmouth (NW corner of Australia between Broome and Perth). Two unidentified Jap LCU are disembarking. No available Allied units to counter the landing - other than two Australian Inf Brigades defending Perth. However, a British carrier TF is in the eastern Indian Ocean area that can reach attack range of the Jap TF landing at Exmouth in 1-2 days sailing time (unfortunately too late to stop the landing but still in time to get the Jap transports).

Although it will take some time for the Japs to build a base at Exmouth, this base will eventually place much of the southern map edge approaches to Perth within range of Japanese patrol aircraft and land based bombers. Not good.

Other action in NW Australia... Japanese ground attack of RAN Base Force LCU withdrawing from Wyndham - AAR follows.

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Ground combat at 30,86

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 7185 troops, 22 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 187
21 Mixed Brigade
Defending force 2180 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1
109 RAN Base Force

Japanese max assault: 148 - adjusted assault: 142
Allied max defense: 0 - adjusted defense: 3
Japanese assault odds: 47 to 1

Allied ground losses:
102 casualties reported

Defeated Allied Units Retreating! (safely into the Australian front lines, which nicely happened to be the unit's march destination hex!)

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China: Latest action from the Hex 48,31 Pocket.

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Ground combat at 48,31

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 111352 troops, 383 guns, 126 vehicles, Assault Value = 1529
26th, 32nd, 35th, 37th, 41st & 59th Infantry Divisions; 13 & 15 Tank Rgts, 6 FA Rgt;
5 & 13 Independent Brigades, 15 Mixed Brig
Defending force 16909 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 243
9th, 13th, 12th & 84th Chinese Corps

Japanese max assault: 1488 - adjusted assault: 1251
Allied max defense: 138 - adjusted defense: 11
Japanese assault odds: 113 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
404 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
Vehicles lost 1

Allied ground losses:
8050 casualties reported (12th Chinese Corps eliminated)
Guns lost 13

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 4/28/42

No sightings of Val ASW air patrols in the Ops Reports for the last two days - either (1) the entire KB is now at sea, (2) KB has moved to other friendly bases where no U.S. submarines are present, or (3) Pillager has grounded his Vals from flying ASW patrols.

Australia: Two Japanese engineer LCU captured the beach hex at Exmouth. AAR follows.

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Ground combat at Exmouth

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 2296 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 10
56 & 4 AF Construction Bns
Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0

Japanese max assault: 8 - adjusted assault: 4
Allied max defense: 0 - adjusted defense: 1
Japanese assault odds: 4 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Exmouth base !!!

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Situation in the Perth area - Perth garrison includes two Australian Brigades (3rd and 13th) and an RAN Base Force LCU - 13th Brigade began marching overland to occupy the base at Geraldton (N or Perth). Two Allied transport convoys are now approaching Perth and will arrive within the next 2 days - these convoys are transporting 6 Australian Division plus a total of 34K supply points.

My original plan for 6 Australian Division was to either deploy it into NW Australia to support forces around Darwin & Katherine or move it to a location to replace other ground units sent to NW Australia. The situation at Exmouth requires a revision of this plan, especially given the importance of Perth and the eventual Japanese threat to it.

"Plan B" is going to require that 6 Australian Div remains in the Perth area to defend the base there. Until now there was no need to garrison Geraldton - this has changed as Japanese control of Geraldton would be a very logical jumping off point to an attack on Perth.

With 6 Australian Division garrisoning Perth, this allows the possiblity of operations against Exmouth. The arrival of 6 Division makes 3 Australian Brigade (in Perth) available for operations elswehere. With the proximity of Japanese forces in superior strength within range of Exmouth, it is unfeasible for Allied forces to recapture the Exmouth beach hex and hold it permanently. However, a plan may be possible to make a "hit and run" attack on Japanese forces at Exmouth - land 3 Brigade at Exmouth and recapture it (destroying the two Jap engineer LCU in the process), re-embark 3 Brigade, and withdraw to Perth.

Sigint reports indicate two Japanese LCU (HQ 14th Army and 3 Mountain Gun Rgt) are loaded on transports and now enroute to Wyndham. The presence of HQ 14th Army speaks very much for itself.

Jap forces reported landing at Wewak (last remaining Allied base on New Guinea).

Japanese bombers (G5N Liz) attacked Australian base at Coen (N or Cairns) for the first time.

Below is situation map of NW Australia as of 4/28/42

[wneumann]

More Operations from 4/28/42

U.S. submarine Greenling reports contact with Jap AS Heian Maru at Truk. Pillager creating or expanding a Jap submarine base there?

China: Japanese Army aircraft began heavy bombing of Ichang. Next Jap objective in China?

The latest communique from the Hex 48,31 Pocket... AAR follows

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Ground combat at 48,31

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 111806 troops, 383 guns, 127 vehicles, Assault Value = 1554
26th, 32nd, 35th, 37th, 41st & 59th Infantry Divisions; 13 & 15 Tank Rgts, 6 FA Rgt;
5 & 13 Independent Brigades, 15 Mixed Brig
Defending force 13279 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 212
9th, 13th & 84th Chinese Corps

Japanese max assault: 1513 - adjusted assault: 2220
Allied max defense: 122 - adjusted defense: 11
Japanese assault odds: 201 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
590 casualties reported
Guns lost 2
Vehicles lost 2

Allied ground losses:
10293 casualties reported (12th Chinese Corps eliminated)
Guns lost 13

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Situation map of China as of 4/28/42 follows

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 4/29/42

U.S. West Coast: CV Hornet completed 4/42 upgrade - it rejoins the fleet replacing CV Enterprise in an Air Combat TF that returned to the U.S. West Coast to exchange ships for 4/42 upgrades. The Enterprise will now undergo refit (5 system damage) and 4/42 upgrade. All escort ships in the (CV Hornet's) Air Combat TF are also being replaced with ships that finished the 4/42 upgrade.

Two other Air Combat TF's (CV Yorktown & Lexington) have DD escorts that completed the 4/42 upgrade. The carriers themselves and escorting CA/CL in these TF's are not upgraded as of yet - these ships be rotated out of the TF's and replaced with upgraded ships as ships completing the 4/42 upgrade become available.

CV Saratoga began its upgrade 10-12 days ago and still in progress. Per the ship arrival (reinforcement) display, CV Wasp is due to enter the game in 39 days.


Central Pacific: U.S. submarine S-34 torpedoed and sank (confirmed) two Japanese MSW at Kwajalein. S-34 also reports Val air patrols resumed over Kwajalein (Jap fleet CV in area). SS Grenadier at Saipan also reporting Val air patrols.

Southwest Pacific: Wewak was captured by Japanese (134 IJA Base Force).

Australia: Japanese TF consisting of CL's Naka & Sendai bombarded Darwin. Also noted is that air bombing raids on Darwin that previously targeted base facilities are now attacking ground units in Darwin (3rd Australian Div).

**A Warm & Fuzzy News Item for Royal Navy Carrier fanboys **

British Air Combat TF (CV's Indomitable & Formidable) intercepted and attacked Japanese transport TF off the beach hex at Exmouth. It appears the Jap transports they hit were enroute to Exmouth and carrying reinforcements to land there. Combat replay of the attack shows that 139 IJN Base Force was aboard the transports when they were struck. AAR follows.

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Day Air attack on TF at 13,85

Allied aircraft
Fulmar x 16
Albacore x 33

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AP Izumo Maru, Torpedo hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
PC Ch 25, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Ussuri Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
114 casualties reported

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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Indian Ocean: Japanese landed on and captured Christmas Island (Indian Ocean off Sumatra). AAR follows.

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Ground combat at Christmas Island (Indian Ocean)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 379 troops, 2 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 20
1 Parachute Rgt
Defending force 50 troops, 1 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1
Christmas Island Garrison

Japanese max assault: 20 - adjusted assault: 22
Allied max defense: 0 - adjusted defense: 1
Japanese assault odds: 22 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Christmas Island IO base !!!

Japanese ground losses:
4 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
37 casualties reported

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A curious item on today's Operations Report... Catalina I reports oil slick at 15,30

Hex 15,30 is located NE of Trincomalee in the Bay of Bengal. A Japanese submarine is shown on the map in this location - likely the I-122 sighted several times near and at Colombo in the past few days and now appears to be enroute back to its home base. However, Allied forces made no attacks on the I-122 nor were any hits reported scored on it (in either the Allied or Jap combat reports) - no known damage on it either. Chalk up this report as a dead whale...

Burma: Japanese air strikes on Akyab base by Sally bombers based at Magwe. No Allied troops are in Akyab, which is in no-man's land between the Allied and Japanese lines. Cox's Bazaar is the forward Allied outpost in this sector. Possible forecast of a move by Japanese ground forces from Rangoon along the Burma coast. Sizeable Allied forces are already in the path of this advance.

China: Japanese air bombing of Ichang continues - next move in this direction (?)

The long, painful saga of Hex 48.31 is nearly over... AAR follows.

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Ground combat at 48,31

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 113086 troops, 401 guns, 134 vehicles, Assault Value = 1615
26th, 32nd, 35th, 37th, 41st & 59th Infantry Divisions; 13 & 15 Tank Rgts, 6 FA Rgt;
5 & 13 Independent Brigades, 15 Mixed Brig
Defending force 7914 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 116
13th & 84th Chinese Corps

Japanese max assault: 1578 - adjusted assault: 2849
Allied max defense: 67 - adjusted defense: 5
Japanese assault odds: 569 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
182 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Allied ground losses:
8140 casualties reported (13th Chinese Corps eliminated)
Guns lost 3

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 4/30/42 - The Japanese "Zero Bonus" is over edition.

Central Pacific: Contact between U.S. ASW TF and Japanese sub I-29 approx 550 miles W of San Francisco. AAR follows. DD Kennison has moderate system and fire damage, somewhat heavier flooding - should make it to San Fran if flooding and fire damage can be kept under control. I-29 received one direct hit from depth charges, the other hits all near misses. It's a long ride back to Tokyo, boys...

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Sub attack at 133,52

Japanese Ships
SS I-29, hits 7

Allied Ships
DD Kennison, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Pelican
DD Talbot
DD Schley
DD Chew

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South Pacific: A Japanese TF probably consisting of two or three AV (plus escorts?) spotted and attacked a lone Dutch AK sailing eastbound from NZ to Panama City. AAR's follow. Location of this contact was near the southern map edge due S of Tonga. Pillager employed a similar tactic in the Indian Ocean at the end of 2/42 against Allied shipping moving between India and Perth (Australia) - the three AV's in question meeting their demise vs Swordfish from two British CV's.

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Day Air attack on TF at 91,146

Japanese aircraft
E8N Dave x 5
F1M2 Pete x 2
E13A1 Jake x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
E8N Dave: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
AK Abbekerk

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x E8N Dave bombing at 2000 feet
4 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
2 x F1M2 Pete bombing at 2000 feet
4 x E8N Dave bombing at 2000 feet

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Day Air attack on TF at 91,146

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
E13A1 Jake: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
AK Abbekerk

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet

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While no hits were scored on the Abbekerk, this encounter did serve as an "early warning" to the KB (or elements thereof) that Allied shipping is moving across the South Pacific. It would not be much of a surprise to find one or more Japanese Carrier TF(s) in mid-ocean east of this position or moving into this area. The KB carrier(s) in these TF(s) are likely to be those from which whose Val air patrols were detected while based at Pago-Pago. Now we know where they went.

There are also a number of TK's sailing individually from the U.S. to New Zealand on a westbound course that are yet to reach the area from the east but soon will. I am considering holding some of these up, but also deliberately allowing several to sail "into harms way". Although I'd rather not lose the ships, the sacrifice of them could provide some insight into Japanese anti-shipping tactics in this theater and aid me in getting transports through later.

The possibility could also be entertained of later using the KB's anti-shipping activity here as an means of entrapment (to attacks from my own CV's).

Australia: A transport TF carrying 6 Australian Division has reached Perth and the division is now embarking. Also carried aboard this and a second transport convoy is a total of 34K supply. With the situation in NW Australia and eastern Indian Ocean, 6 Australian Division is likely to remain in the Perth area to help defend the base.

A Dutch submarine finished what the British CV's started. The lone Japanese survivor (Taizan Maru) of the reinforcement convoy bringing 139 IJN Base Force that was attacked on 4/29 by British CV's took two additional torpedoes. AAR follows. No confirmation as to whether the Taizan Maru sank. In any event, most or all of 139 Base Force went up in smoke.

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Sub attack near Exmouth at 11,86

Japanese Ships
AP Taizan Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage (ship now has 3 torpedo hits total)

Allied Ships
SS KX

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Burma: More Japanese air raids on Akyab. This is definately a new area of interest to Pillager.

China: The finale of Pocket 48,31. AAR follows.

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Ground combat at 48,31

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 113768 troops, 399 guns, 138 vehicles, Assault Value = 1650
26th, 32nd, 35th, 37th, 41st & 59th Infantry Divisions; 13 & 15 Tank Rgts, 6 FA Rgt;
5 & 13 Independent Brigades, 15 Mixed Brig
Defending force 4354 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 55
84th Chinese Corps (eliminated)

Japanese max assault: 1614 - adjusted assault: 1791
Allied max defense: 31 - adjusted defense: 3
Japanese assault odds: 597 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
30 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
8647 casualties reported
Guns lost 11

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Other sectors pretty quiet.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 5/1/42

Top Story: Carrier battle off Exmouth (NW Australia) between British and Japanese forces (Baby KB). AAR's and situation map follow.

From the Allied side, this battle was neither planned nor was it a surprise. The British carrier TF had been escorting the convoy with 6 Australian Division travelling from Aden to Perth (via Colombo), before diverting to Exmouth on 4/29 to attack the Japanese reinforcement convoy that was heading into Exmouth.

Following the attack on the Jap reinforcement convoy at Exmouth, the British carrier TF was starting its return to Colombo and moving on a SW heading when it engaged the Japanese TF (three CVL and at least two AV, with escort).

Heavy damage was taken by CV Indomitable (51 system, 48 float, 21 fire) and CA Dorsetshire (49 system, 61 float, 29 fire), all from torpedo hits. Both ships are still moving at 12-14 kts and ordered to proceed to Perth. Nearly all remaining serviceable aircraft in the air units from CV Indomitable landed on CV Formidable - these aircraft are aboard the Formidable and available for action.

CV Formidable is still fully operational. Available aircraft on Formidable include 32 Fulmar, 12 Albacore, 9 Sea Hurricane. Of the three Japanese CVL's in this action, only one (Zuiho) remains undamaged. Of the other two CVL's - Shoho is probably no longer operational, Ryuho is undetermined. None of them reported sunk. Based on information from intel and turn replay displays (both Allied & Jap), the majority of Kate TB's (41 of the 48 attacking) were destroyed or damaged in action.

CV Formidable and remaining escorts are continuing on a SW heading (towards the Japs) and will attempt to engage the Jap carriers again while leaving the area. The SW heading is necessary as the fuel situation among all ships in the TF requires the TF to proceed on a direct as possible course towards Colombo (there is insufficient fuel in Perth for this TF to replenish).

From the standpoint of my own game experience in WitP, this action was my first vs a human opponent in WitP and also the first carrier action playing CHS and NikMod. A relatively small-scale action was certainly in my best interests before diving into bigger, more decisive battles. I had figured that carrier battles in stock WitP vs the Japanese AI were just a little bit too easy, and that estimate proved correct.

Also noticed that at least one of the Jap CVL's carried Vals. So much for the premise that only Jap fleet CV's carried them.

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Day Air attack on TF at 7,74

Japanese aircraft
A5M4 Claude x 11
A6M2 Zero x 21

Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane x 7
Fulmar x 16
Albacore x 34

Japanese aircraft losses
A5M4 Claude: 2 damaged
A6M2 Zero: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Sea Hurricane: 5 damaged
Fulmar: 2 destroyed, 7 damaged
Albacore: 1 destroyed, 23 damaged

Japanese Ships
CVL Zuiho
CVL Ryujo, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CVL Shoho, Torpedo hits 3, on fire

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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Day Air attack on TF at 8,77

Japanese aircraft
A5M4 Claude x 12
A6M2 Zero x 19
D3A2 Val x 8
B5N2 Kate x 48
F1M2 Pete x 4
E13A1 Jake x 2

Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane x 9
Fulmar x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed, 7 damaged
D3A2 Val: 3 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 4 destroyed, 37 damaged
F1M2 Pete: 4 damaged
E13A1 Jake: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Sea Hurricane: 2 destroyed, 5 damaged
Fulmar: 1 destroyed, 8 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Formidable, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1
CV Indomitable, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CL Glasgow, Torpedo hits 1
CA Dorsetshire, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
1 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
4 x F1M2 Pete bombing at 2000 feet
3 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 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
3 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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Day Air attack on TF at 8,77

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5
B5N2 Kate x 9
F1M2 Pete x 5
E13A1 Jake x 5

Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane x 3
Fulmar x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 2 destroyed, 5 damaged
F1M2 Pete: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged
E13A1 Jake: 3 damaged


Allied Ships
CV Formidable
DD Tjerk Hiddes
CV Indomitable, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
1 x F1M2 Pete bombing at 2000 feet
1 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
3 x F1M2 Pete bombing at 2000 feet
3 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet

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Day Air attack on TF at 8,77

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 5

Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane x 3
Fulmar x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
E13A1 Jake: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged

Allied Ships
CA Exeter

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 8,77

Japanese aircraft
F1M2 Pete x 5

Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane x 3
Fulmar x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
F1M2 Pete: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Formidable
CV Indomitable, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x F1M2 Pete bombing at 2000 feet
4 x F1M2 Pete bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 8,77

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11
D3A2 Val x 5
B5N2 Kate x 5
F1M2 Pete x 8
E13A1 Jake x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A2 Val: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 5 damaged
F1M2 Pete: 2 destroyed, 4 damaged
E13A1 Jake: 3 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Formidable, Bomb hits 1
CA Exeter
CA Cornwall

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
1 x F1M2 Pete bombing at 2000 feet
2 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
2 x F1M2 Pete bombing at 2000 feet
2 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
3 x F1M2 Pete bombing at 2000 feet
3 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet

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

[wneumann]

More Operations for 5/1/42

As for 6 Australian Division, it is now fully disembarked in Perth.

A Japanese AK (Kanto Maru) was reported torpedoed and sunk in the Malacca Straits by British submarine Rover.

With the end of the Japanese "Zero bonus" - Allied fighters will now begin to more actively engage Japanese aircraft in air-to-air combat.

With the way the "front lines" are located at the current time, opportunities for LBA to engage in air-to-air combat against each other are actually rather limited (outside of Burma, eastern India, and NW Australia). There are very few bases anywhere on the map where either the Japanese or Allies can place LBA within striking range of an enemy-controlled airfield.

All other sectors relatively quiet - no major Japanese activity detected or encountered.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 5/2/42

Indian Ocean: Light Japanese air strikes launched against both CV Formidable and CV Indomitable task forces - attacks were made entirely with small bombs (100 & 250 lb). CA Exeter (with Formidable TF) took moderate damage from a single bomb hit. Several bomb hits on other ships caused no significant additional damage. AAR's follow.

Both British CV's are retiring - Indomitable due to damage, Formidable running low on fuel.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 8,79

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7
B5N2 Kate x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 3 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Indomitable, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 5000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 8,79

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
E13A1 Jake: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Indomitable, on fire, heavy damage
CA Dorsetshire, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
4 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 5,73

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5
F1M2 Pete x 2
E13A1 Jake x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
F1M2 Pete: 2 damaged
E13A1 Jake: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Formidable

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
2 x F1M2 Pete bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 5,73

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4
F1M2 Pete x 3
E13A1 Jake x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
F1M2 Pete: 1 damaged
E13A1 Jake: 3 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Formidable
CL Glasgow
CA Exeter, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
3 x F1M2 Pete bombing at 2000 feet
4 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 5,73

Japanese aircraft
D3A2 Val x 7
B5N2 Kate x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A2 Val: 7 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 3 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Formidable, Bomb hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet

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

South Pacific: KB has appeared just east of Efate, attacking a minelaying TF of 3 ships. All three ML were sunk. Japanese air groups participating in the attack were identified as from Akagi, Soryu, Hiryu, Shokaku, Zuikaku. AAR follows.

It appears that the KB is appearing in support of imminent Jap invasion operations on Luganville and/or Efate to discourage interference from "Force Z and friends" during operations in this area (and a repeat performance of what happened at Suva). "Force Z and friends" had not been projected to engage Japanese operations at Luganville or Efate due to the KB being expected in the area (since its detection at Pago Pago).

Val air patrols continue at Kwajalein - possible location of Kaga.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Efate at 72,114

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 62
D3A2 Val x 106
B5N2 Kate x 102
Air Groups Identified: Akagi, Soryu, Hiryu, Shokaku, Zuikaku

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
ML William van der Zaan, Bomb hits 14, on fire, heavy damage
ML Prins van Oranje, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
ML Bungaree, Bomb hits 5, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
9 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
5 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
5 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
9 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
9 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
9 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
9 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
9 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
9 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
9 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
9 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
9 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

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


China: Heavy Jap air raids continue against Ichang. Chinese and Japanese ground forces now engaged W of Ichang (Hex 47,32). AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 47,32

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 21978 troops, 106 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 708
13th Infantry Division, 11 Independent Brigade
Defending force 22342 troops, 111 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 707
18th, 67th & 85th Chinese Corps

Allied ground losses:
6 casualties reported

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

Burma: Japanese bombing raid on Cox's Bazar.

All other sectors relatively quiet - no major Japanese activity detected.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 5/3/42

Central Pacific: Japanese sub (w/oil slick?) spotted W of San Francisco, possibly the I-29 encountered by our ASW TF on 4/30 four hexes E of this location. If it is indeed the I-29, it will have some more visitors shortly. Japanese surface TF (CA Haguro & Myoko) bombarded Palmyra - light casulties and damage, one shell hit on the Myoko.

South Pacific: KB still off Noumea, bombed and sank the ML Kung Wo docked in Noumea. The Kung Wo was severely damaged (99 system) on 4/26 by a Japanese surface TF near Efate.

Philippines: Japanese 65th Infantry Brigade lands at and captures Zamboanga in mop-up operations W of Mindanao.

Australia: Coen bombed by Jap G5N bombers from Port Moresby. Japanese air strikes continue on Darwin.

Indian Ocean: No further action in the battle off Exmouth (NW Australia), looks like everyone is going home.

Burma: Japanese continue air bombing of Imphal air base - no significant damage reported.

All other sectors mainly quiet.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 5/4/42

Indian Ocean: CV Formidable sunk and CA Exeter severely damaged (likely to sink) in air attack from Baby KB. Japanese air groups participating in the attack were from CVL's Zuiho and Hosho. The Hosho had not been previously spotted and was not involved in any of the earlier carrier action. Also noted was several land-based (apparently carrier-capable) Chutai that also appeared in the strike - Hainan (equipped w/Kates) & BI/Bako (Vals). AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 5,69

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18
D3A2 Val x 7
B5N2 Kate x 22
F1M2 Pete x 7
E13A1 Jake x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A2 Val: 1 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 7 damaged
F1M2 Pete: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Formidable, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
CA Exeter, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
3 x F1M2 Pete bombing at 2000 feet
3 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
2 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
4 x F1M2 Pete bombing at 2000 feet
1 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 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
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 5,69

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 4

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 5,69

Japanese aircraft
F1M2 Pete x 5

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x F1M2 Pete bombing at 2000 feet
4 x F1M2 Pete bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 5,69

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 14
D3A2 Val x 5
B5N2 Kate x 11
F1M2 Pete x 10
E13A1 Jake x 10

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
CV Formidable, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
2 x F1M2 Pete bombing at 2000 feet
2 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
2 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
4 x F1M2 Pete bombing at 2000 feet
2 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
4 x F1M2 Pete bombing at 2000 feet
4 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
4 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Question.....

While I can see several things in this display that would in some way restrict the Formidable's ability to launch a full complement of CAP, there isn't any one factor here that would appear to account for it launching no planes at all for CAP or in its own defense. Of the fighters carried on board, 60-70% of them were allocated to CAP. Granted, the ship was a bit low on fuel and ammo (but not low enough for a fuel AND an ammo explosion after torpedo hits), we had 6 whole points of system damage, 16 extra planes on board (which I would fully expect those not to be launched), and (okay) the radar wasn't working. Even with all those problems, you'd think that at least one plane would get off the flight deck to fly CAP and show up. Also granted... Fulmars are practically useless vs the Zero. But still, would have been nice to at least make a contest out of this.

At least I might have sank one (CVL) in this battle (Shoho w/3 torp hits), maybe a second one (Ryuho w/1 torp hit) if I was very lucky. Worst case scenario is two more ships to clog the Jap shipyards and more Jap sailors on extended shore leave.

[wneumann]

More Operations from 5/4/42

Australia: Japanese ground forces pushing eastward along the Wyndham-Katherine road. AAR follows. This (flanking) movement could eventually become a problem in the Allied defence of Darwin.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 31,86

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 7376 troops, 23 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 197
21 Mixed Brigade
Defending force 2925 troops, 23 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 31
Sparrow Force Bn, 109 RAN Base Force

Japanese max assault: 150 - adjusted assault: 288
Allied max defense: 28 - adjusted defense: 8
Japanese assault odds: 36 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
9 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
142 casualties reported
Guns lost 4

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

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

Central Pacific: Val air patrol contact reports continue from Kwajalein - D3A2 Val attacking S-34 at 81,84.

Other sectors relatively quiet - no major Japanese activity reported.

[ny59giants]

Indian Ocean: CV Formidable sunk and CA Exeter severely damaged (likely to sink) in air attack from Baby KB.

The best way to combat this is to send the two PBY squadrons from the PI to India early in the game. They have greater range than the British search planes. Plus, the Americans get plenty of these throughout the war.

The Formidable has too many planes on her to conduct air operations.[X(] I think you can have only 110% capacity and still have CAP work. [:D]

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 5/5/42

Indian Ocean: Baby KB shadowing remaining ships of British carrier TF withdrawing to Colombo. AAR follows. CA Cornwall and CL Glasgow both heavily damaged. Is there any limit on Japanese air ops? Guess we'll see next turn.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 5,67

Japanese aircraft
D3A2 Val x 1

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
CA Exeter, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 5,65

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
B5N2 Kate x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 1 destroyed, 5 damaged

Allied Ships
CL Glasgow
CA Cornwall

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 5,65

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5
F1M2 Pete x 7
E13A1 Jake x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
F1M2 Pete: 1 damaged
E13A1 Jake: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Norman
CA Cornwall, Bomb hits 1
DD Nizam

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
3 x F1M2 Pete bombing at 2000 feet
4 x F1M2 Pete bombing at 2000 feet
4 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 5,65

Japanese aircraft
B5N2 Kate x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 5 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Norman
CL Glasgow, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 5,65

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
E13A1 Jake: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
CL Glasgow, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 5,65

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4
D3A2 Val x 3
B5N2 Kate x 7
E13A1 Jake x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 7 damaged

Allied Ships
CA Cornwall, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 5,65

Japanese aircraft
F1M2 Pete x 5

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
DD Nestor
CA Cornwall, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x F1M2 Pete bombing at 2000 feet
4 x F1M2 Pete bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 5,65

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
E13A1 Jake x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
E13A1 Jake: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
CA Cornwall, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet

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

South Pacific: Japanese landing at Luganville (or more precisely, stepping across the mines to get on the beach). LCU(s) not identified as of now. Pillager is getting some good practice at minesweeping ops.

Central Pacific: Two subs for the price of one. Where I expected to find the I-29 off San Francisco, the four newly upgraded DD enroute to Pearl Harbor found instead the I-8 and I-25 - both subs receiving a barrage of depth charges. The I-25 was sunk, the I-8 heavily damaged (6 hits, bridge flooded), and someone left an oil slick on the way down. Small compensation for the Indian Ocean affair, but I guess I can't be picky. Wonder if my true calling is playing with U-boats in the Atlantic...

Other sectors relatively quiet for now.

Interesting idea, ny59giants. I am removing a few excess aircraft (mainly Dutch evacuees) from Australia. Some of the Do-24's (soon to be PBY) could head for India. Thanks.

[ny59giants]

Central Pacific: Two subs for the price of one. Where I expected to find the I-29 off San Francisco, the four newly upgraded DD enroute to Pearl Harbor found instead the I-8 and I-25 - both subs receiving a barrage of depth charges. The I-25 was sunk, the I-8 heavily damaged (6 hits, bridge flooded), and someone left an oil slick on the way down. Small compensation for the Indian Ocean affair, but I guess I can't be picky. Wonder if my true calling is playing with U-boats in the Atlantic...

If you don't look at playing a PBEM in two ways, your in trouble.

Men just want to have FUN!!![:D][:D]

It's a LEARNING experience every time you play. [:-][:-]

That's why games against the AI aren't as beneficial...You can always restart the game after the first few months of mistakes. [8D][8D]

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 5/6/42

Indian Ocean: Japanese continue naval air attacks on British ships - two DD hit and heavily damaged. AAR's follow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 6,64

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 1
B5N2 Kate x 1
F1M2 Pete x 4

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
CA Exeter, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x F1M2 Pete bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 5,63

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 1
F1M2 Pete x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
CA Cornwall, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x F1M2 Pete bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 5,63

Japanese aircraft
F1M2 Pete x 5

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
CA Cornwall, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x F1M2 Pete bombing at 2000 feet
4 x F1M2 Pete bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 5,61

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
D3A2 Val x 2
E13A1 Jake x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
DD Tjerk Hiddes
DD Nizam
DD Norman

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet
1 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet
1 x D3A2 Val bombing at 2000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 5,61

Japanese aircraft
B5N2 Kate x 1

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
DD Norman

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 5000 feet


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 5,61

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
B5N2 Kate x 8
E13A1 Jake x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Tjerk Hiddes, Bomb hits 2, on fire
DD Nestor, Bomb hits 2, on fire
DD Napier

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 5000 feet
4 x B5N2 Kate bombing at 5000 feet
4 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet

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

Japanese air raids on Port Blair reported - Andaman Is may now be a Jap objective.


South Pacific: Luganville falls to Japanese forces. At least three Jap AP's were hit in Allied minefields during landing ops. AAR follows.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Luganville

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 3332 troops, 29 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 101
Yokosuka 8 SNLF, 18 & 19 Naval Guard
Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0

Japanese max assault: 91 - adjusted assault: 35
Allied max defense: 0 - adjusted defense: 1
Japanese assault odds: 35 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Luganville base !!!

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

Other sectors mostly quiet.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 5/7 - 5/8/42

Most sectors have been quiet.

Central Pacific: ASW vs Japanese sub actions NE of Hawaii. Jap submarine I-29 engaged by DD's on 5/8 - four hits, minor or no damage to the I-29. Another ASW TF was attacked by Japanese sub I-17 - one MSW sunk, I-17 was not attacked.

Indian Ocean: Japanese Baby KB task force withdrew on 5/7, no further contact.

Anyway... Here's the "big picture" map as of 5/9/42.