Speedy vs Admiral Dadman

[Speedysteve]

Hi all,

Thought i'd start a new AAR of my game vs Dadman. It's not going to be updated daily since I don't have the time for that.

It is turning into a VERY interesting game though.

Firstly, Dadman STAY OUT[:'(]

A bit of history.

It's a 42A Campaign with me as Japanese and Dadman as Allies.

My aim was to go for something out of here = go for India in Q3 1942!

To do this I lured Dadman into thinking I was going for PM and Noumea by staging an active campaign to conquer Gili Gili and subdue PM. Secretly most of my forces were preparing in Truk for Bombay.

At the same time 4 x IJA Division were marching into India (Imphal/Kohima) to draw Dadman forward from India.

When the time came I moved a lot of stuff from Truk to Singapore in pretty good disguise.

LBA kept surpressing PM to make him think I was preparing to invade in due course.

I managed to get towards Ceylon/Madras undetected in mid-August. His fleet at Columbo was smashed (mainly CA/CL - 8 sunk). bombay had virtually no defences and was taken by 6 x IJA Division + Bde + numerous ARM/SNLF/ART /ENG units.

From there we swamped to the west taking Mannargudi, Trivandum and Bangalore within a week.

From there the main army moved to Hyderabad and a couple of SNLF marched east to take Jamshedpur.

5th Division took Panaji by 10th September.

The rest of the army marched north towards Bombay and encountered stiff resistance in the form of an Indian Division + 4 x Bde. It had level 9 forts and over the poast 2 weeks i've reduced this to level 6.

Things are ramping up now since Dadman retreated from Kohima with 6 x Division. They are currently moving on the rail near Lucknow.

Slowly but surely my Kohima forces have moved into Jorhat and will belatedly follow north.

Things are tight now since 4 x ARM Bde sped down the rail to cut my forces into Bombay. I'm still ok here though and have lots of supply for now. I hope to cut his ARM units off by marching the ARM Rgt east of Bombay to the SE sutting his rail link.

This is where we are on the ground in India. Here's the last attack by me yesterday at Bombay:

Ground combat at Bombay

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 210779 troops, 1745 guns, 315 vehicles, Assault Value = 3523

Defending force 52254 troops, 335 guns, 53 vehicles, Assault Value = 762

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 6

Japanese max assault: 3414 - adjusted assault: 1607

Allied max defense: 826 - adjusted defense: 3437

Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 6)


Japanese ground losses:
2915 casualties reported
Guns lost 167
Vehicles lost 13

Allied ground losses:
1663 casualties reported
Guns lost 13
Vehicles lost 10

If I can take Bombay and keep my forces intact I believe he will lose India no matter what.

The following posts will detail naval results around India and Dadman's reaction in the South Pacific..............

[DuckofTindalos]

Ooooh, aren't we being Mr. Clever Dick here...?[:'(][;)]

[Speedysteve]

Hi all,

So a little look at the naval action so far.

During the initial 2.5 months KB patrolled the South Pacific hoping to engage the US CV's. They were kept away though and no ction took place. Dadman was not goaded into reacting the 'imminent' threat to PM.

An I-Boat detected a probable convoy north of PH heading west in June. I guessed it was heading to Midway and I planned KB accordingly. They located the convoy there and sank CVE Long Island, 3 x AK, 2 x TK, 1 x AV, 5 x DD.

I did manage to strike Brisbane as well sinking 21 ships (CA Australia, 2 x CL, 2 x SS, 2 x PT, AS, AV, AK/AP/MSW).

KB + all heavy units moved to Singapore with 4 massive transport fleets bound for India in July.

Once there Ceylon was neutralised and a mass of enemy ships were surprised in dock or at sea near Columbo/Trincomalee. The following was sunk:

1 x CA
3 x CLAA
4 x CL
1 x DD
7 x AK
3 x MSW
4 x PG
9 x SS

From there KB spilt upinto 2 forces and scoured the Indian Ocean and Indian Coast upto Bombay to try and locate the British CV's and BB's. It was in vain though and Dadman routed them around me successfully......at least for now.

KB moved back to Madras to refuel and re-arm.

When the battle of Bombay began KB moved up the coast again. A mixture of 10-15 enemy transport ships were sunk trying to sneak stuff around.

We then started a series of gruelling air battle involving KB and enemy P40's and Spitfire's escorting Beauforts and B24's. It cost me 50% of my experienced aviators but the enemy lost 3:1 in planes and BB Ramilles was located at Karachi and sunk wioth all hands. At least 2 more BB's are hiding there almost under seige now with I-Boats outside of the harbour and KB almost constantly on patrol near Panaji and Bombay.

On my side Bloody B24's hit CVL Shoho and CV Akagi 4-8 times each. Both limped into Panaji (size 4 port). CVL Shoho gave up the fight a week ago but CV Akagi soldiers on at 88 SYS damage. her Flt has ranged from 86 back to 30 and is now 43! Come on lads.

CV Shokaku has taken a bomb (24 SYS) and in general KB needs a rest 5-15 SYS damage for each ship. I need them to finish off the British though and take India.

Over the past 2 weeks IJAAF units started to make their presence felt in Panaji and Bangalore. We are playing with PDU on so upgrades are restricted. Only about 1/2 of my units can upgrade to Tony/Tojo. These have started to trickle into India and a Tojo unit is at Lae proiding cover.

I've just moved up 3 x BB T's (seen on above map NE of Panaji) to start shelling the crap out of Madras. I must take this place soon. tiem is of the essence.

KB is currently at Panaji.

This is the scene in India.

[Speedysteve]

A quick look at China.

In short I believe Dadman is scerewed here. Chungking masses moving NW to take out Chengtu. A fresh advance is to be made west of Yenen soon as well to take the Sian besiegers in the arse.

[pauk]

ahhh! you gamey boy - attacking the India in the 3rd Q of 1942!!!!, conquest of the China...[:-][;)]

Nice to see you Englander in Japanese boots...will watch this carefully[;)]

[Speedysteve]

Hi all,

Now onto the Dadman response in the South Pacific.

Once I had moved into India Dadman rightly so moved towards Lunga.

The problem here is that I think he was caught off guard and not expecting the Indian gambit and as such had scratch forces available to attack me with.

As such my small garrison at Lunga was soon overwhelem d by 2nd USMC Division guarded by US CV's. A BF was also landed.

This was in early September

This is where the lack of other assets for Dadman came into play IMO (this is of course unless some mass secret plan is in operation by Dadman).

Other than trying to get supply and fuel into Lunga little else was achieved. PM is closed constantly by Sally/Helen's from Lae. The only axis of advance is through Lunga. Dadman apparently has few air units in the region since only a Fulmar and Wildcay squadron occupied Lunga with SBD's.

I decided to strike back here in 2 ways.

1. I formed some small SC TF's at Truk centered around a couple of CL's and CA Haguro to try night naval action at Lunga.

In the space of 4 days from 24-27th September 1942 a series of night engagements involving 1 x CA, 1 x CL + 5 x DD on my side led t the engagement of undefended AK/TK's!

Over the first 3 nights 15 x AK and 2 x TK were smashed by my naval forces.

Dadman reacted vigorously and sent in 6 x US BB!

My force of:

CA Haguro
CL Kuma
DD Kawakaze
DD Suzukaze
DD Umikaze
DD Sazanami
DD Wakaba

Was smashed. Only CA Haguro fled to truk undamaged. Every other ship was sunk.

The good news is that the sunk AK's were carrying vital supplies and BF/Eng personnel.

Time for plan number 2.

Plan 2 was to subjugate the Americans by air from the bastion of Rabaul.

4 x Zero Daitai and 4 x G4M Betty Daitai are based there.

They struck out at the US ships over the past week causing mayhem. With the US CV's having fled (probably to Noumea or Sydney for 10/42 upgrade) only F4F and Fulmar's based at Lunga provided CAP.

The enemy shipping was hit hard and 5 x AK and 1 x TK have been sunk.

DD Case was blown up with 2 torpedoes

3 x BB's were hit with 2 x torpedoes each sending them limping back to Luganville.

BB Idaho was smashed to bits and capsized after 6 torpedo hits.

SS I-21 blew up DD Arunta with 3 torpedoes.

Enemy CAP ranged from 15-30 planes. The range from Rabaul and deteriorating pilot quality has led to losses though. Most Zero Daitai's at Rabaul have an average experience of 65-70.

My plan here for now is to keep him at bay with Rabaul LBA until India is finished and I can move KB back to Japan for repair and then to South Pacific to counter the Americans.

I need to neutralise British Sea and Air within the next month so the land forces can deal with the rest and KB & Co can move away from the scene.

[Speedysteve]

Here's the latest score.

Overall I am happy with how it's going.

It's a very exciting game with India becoming very tense.

At game start I decided to take a risk rather than playing the standard boring Japanese game. Hence I went for India in a tough timeframe - Q3 1942.

If I succeed it will be a long hard game. If I fail in India it will be over by 1944.

[Speedysteve]

ORIGINAL: pauk


ahhh! you gamey boy - attacking the India in the 3rd Q of 1942!!!!, conquest of the China...[:-][;)]

Nice to see you Englander in Japanese boots...will watch this carefully[;)]

Pffft. We agreed on all of this stuff at game start. You're jealous of my skill in China and India I see.

We have HR's and we're sticking to them

One I agreed on (once more for a challenging game) is he can use Corsairs on CV's.................

[Speedysteve]

Hi all,

A fun day in India and to be a Japanese aviator over Lunga.

During the night the main Japanese battle line smashed Bombay to bits destorying 130 enemy planes on the ground!:

Naval bombardment of Bombay, at 20,10


Allied aircraft
no flights


Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort I: 4 destroyed
Blenheim IV: 7 destroyed
Spitfire Vb: 6 destroyed
Hurricane II: 7 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 3 destroyed
B-24D Liberator: 7 destroyed
Catalina I: 3 destroyed
Beaufort V-IX: 3 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CL Kiso
CL Natori
CA Kumano
CA Suzuya
BB Yamashiro
BB Fuso


Allied ground losses:
6227 casualties reported
Guns lost 50
Vehicles lost 49

Airbase hits 20
Airbase supply hits 8
Runway hits 93

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Bombay, at 20,10


Allied aircraft
no flights


Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 6 destroyed
Beaufort I: 3 destroyed
Spitfire Vb: 1 destroyed
Blenheim IV: 2 destroyed
Hurricane II: 4 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 2 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CL Sendai
CA Chokai
CA Maya
CA Atago
BB Kirishima
BB Hiei
BB Haruna
BB Kongo

Allied Ships
SS O24, hits 1


Allied ground losses:
3252 casualties reported
Guns lost 22
Vehicles lost 12

Airbase hits 16
Airbase supply hits 10
Runway hits 137

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Bombay, at 20,10


Allied aircraft
no flights


Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 7 destroyed
Hurricane II: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CL Isuzu
CL Nagara
CA Mogami
CA Ashigara
CA Nachi
BB Hyuga
BB Ise
BB Mutsu
BB Nagato


Allied ground losses:
1539 casualties reported
Guns lost 7

Airbase hits 16
Airbase supply hits 5
Runway hits 278

During the day the b*stards kicked out my seige units SE of Bombay. I was kind of expecting it but hoped to hold. He had 3 x ARM Bde + 1 x Divison vs 1 x Mixed Bde:

Ground combat at 20,11

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 42038 troops, 258 guns, 1433 vehicles, Assault Value = 1151

Defending force 15905 troops, 197 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 288

Allied max assault: 1105 - adjusted assault: 439

Japanese max defense: 300 - adjusted defense: 186

Allied assault odds: 2 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
102 casualties reported
Guns lost 6

Allied ground losses:
421 casualties reported
Guns lost 15
Vehicles lost 8


Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

I am not overly concerned by this since I think it leaves him with a tough decision. He either enters Bombay as reinforcements. If so that is good since I will re-surround him and destroy even more of his forces in time. He either surrounds me in bombay. This is not great but I can re-supply by sea since I control the sea and air. Or he can move south towards Bangalore etc. If he does this it's not great but I have 1000AV in total down there with another 200 AV 4 days away from Madras and an extra Bde and Division are a month away.

Jorhat was stormed by 5 x IJA Division + ARM Rgt. They are now on rail lines and will move west towards Dimapur. 2nd Burma Rifles was brushed aside towards Ledo. ARM Rgt will pursue them.

Over Lunga a massive concentrated air strike was launched from Rabaul:

Day Air attack on Lunga , at 67,97

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 81
G4M1 Betty x 133

Allied aircraft
Fulmar x 3
F4F-3 Wildcat x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 4 destroyed, 1 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 7 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Fulmar: 7 destroyed
F4F-3 Wildcat: 7 destroyed
Hudson I: 3 destroyed
Swordfish: 4 destroyed
PBY Catalina: 2 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
36 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
Vehicles lost 1

Airbase hits 16
Airbase supply hits 10
Runway hits 51

We rest tomorrow except a Betty Squadron is ordered on port attack at Tulagi to finish off a suspected enemy TK.

AK Samuel Adams was confirmed sunk today after damage sustained at Lunga.

[Alfred]

Speedy,
 
I'm curious that just like in your game against the Penguin, you have chosen a May 1942 start.  I would have thought that in view of your expressed objective of conquering India, a December 1941 start would have been more appropriate.
 
Of course starting in May 1942 makes it more impressive to view what has been accomplished by the Empire.  I apologise to your opponent if my comments are unfair but based on the information revealed to date, it would seem that the Allied player made the common mistake of disregarding sound RL military and political considerations which inter alia demand rear areas be garrisoned and that strategic reserves be maintained.
 
It may well not apply in this case, but too often I read in the AARs of highly rated Allied players who rush everything to the front, transfer UK CVs to operate from Pearl Harbour/USA West Coast by February 1942 or deploy the Australian CMF outside of Australia in 1942 and get away with it because their opponents lack the skill to punish such unrealistic and flawed strategy.  Skillful Empire players will run rings around such Allied players and if so inclined goble up India or Australia, or New Zealand with ease.
 
Alfred

[Speedysteve]

Hi all,

Hi Alfred - part of the reason for starting 5/42 campaign is as you say it's more of a challenge for the Japanesed player to accomplish these things. I really wanted to make this game a real challenge for myself (as mentioned above he can use Corsairs freely on CV's for example). The second reason for 5/42 start is I was quite tired at the time of the initial marathon moves by the Japanese in 12/41[:)]

It's important not to discredit Dadman. He is an experienced player. I think he just genuinely never thought I would attack India with such a majority of my force from 5/42 start!

He has done the best he could so far in India IMO. He hasleft the campaign in the balance by 'cutting' off my forces at Bombay. That supply link will soon be re-opened and I'll have another 250ish AV at MAdras within 4 days. If I get theat and he hasnot reacted with hios Tank Army outside of Bombay I believe he will be in much more trouble.

My Burma army will be at the gates of Dimapur tomorrow. 6 enemy units are reported there. I am quite happy with the looks of it being a piecemeal defence of a few units here and a few units there. The next 2 weeks will be crucial in India.

Bad weather prevented most air raids today.

My ARM Rgt smashed the Burma Bde into Ledo for it's final stand.

2 x BB TF will set out to bombard Bombay tomorrow.

CV Akagi is at 88/47/0. It's a real battle on it's own. She just won't go down!

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

No action in South Pacific.

Here's the major ship casualties. As you can see quite light apart from 3 x Allied BB (forgot to add Valiant to my tally above. Sunk by KB during my Karachi raid)

[Alfred]

Speedy,
 
Did not mean to specifically "discredit" Dadman as the full story is unknown, but he would have to agree that he has been quite outplayed so far.  I don't resile from my generic comments regarding other "highly rated/experienced" Allied players who seem to get their reputations without playing the really good Japanese players, players who know how to properly utilise/marshal interior lines and logistics/production.
 
Is Dadman going to run his own AAR on this game?
 
Alfred

[Speedysteve]

Hi all,

Hi Alfred - not sure to be honest. I've asked him in our last e-mail exchange if he plans to do an AAR. My gut feeling is no he won't be.

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

Bad weather prevented most air ops in the South Pacific as such the main focus was in India.

Bad weather up here prevented most air ops but movements on the ground were interesting.

Firstly, 2nd Burma Rifles Bde surrendered to the Japanese at Ledo. Off to build railways boys.

Secondly, 255th Ind. Tk Bde moves INTO Bombay. Good good. If I can just unite my Burma and Indian force.

Talking of my Burma force the initial elements have reached Dimapur and 6 enemy units. 2 more are 60 miles SW. Also enemy untis in Calcutta increased from 7 to 9.

Also recon has identified 3 more enemy units moving from Lanchow to Bombay. I'd say he has divided the old Burma forces between Dimapur/Calcutta and moving to Bombay.

A nice bombardment destroyed 32 enemy planes on the ground at Bombay:

Naval bombardment of Bombay, at 20,10


Allied aircraft
no flights


Allied aircraft losses
Spitfire Vb: 3 destroyed
Blenheim IV: 4 destroyed
B-24D Liberator: 6 destroyed
Beaufort I: 4 destroyed
Beaufort V-IX: 1 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CL Sendai
CA Chokai
CA Maya
CA Atago
BB Kirishima
BB Hiei
BB Haruna
BB Kongo


Allied ground losses:
1887 casualties reported
Guns lost 14
Vehicles lost 6

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 43
Port hits 7
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 2

Dadman also sent out 2 x ASW TF's from Karachi heavily damaging 2 x I-Boat and in return DD Inconstant took a torpedo leaving her heavily damaged.

Akagi watch - 88/43/0.

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

I have a hunch. Just a hunch that Dadman is routing USN CV's to India. We'll see.

[racndoc]

First and foremost I want to congratulate Speedy on your China and India conquests! Ive read both AARs yet have NO idea of how it was possible to capture Chungking. However in regards to previous posts I think it is not fair to characterize AdmDadmans's gameplay as responsible for the debacle in India. I see no evidence that Dadman has stripped his defenses in either China or India. The stock scenarios vastly underepresent Allied forces in both China and India. Both CHS and BigB scenarios have gone a long way in correcting the OOB in both theatres. Its one thing for the Allied player to strip his rear areas to reinforce the fronts......he should certainly be held accountable for that.

Its another thing for an Allied player to be overwhelmed when the Japanese player has full knowledge of Allied OOB. I would characterize this game more as superior gameplay by Speedy than poor gameplay by Dadman.

[Speedysteve]

Hi all,

Hi Adm - thanks. Regarding China it's been my tactic to divide and conquer. I basically went for Changsha in a big way which I took. I then moved 60 miles further west threatening the bases to the SW. Leaving a token force with asizeable garrison in Chansha I then speedily moved through Homan, Ichang and Sian. With a massive force of 30 units in the south of China (near Changsha) Dadman was badly out of position and he had only mainly battered remnants of 25 units to stop my army at Chungking. It took about 2 weeks to surpress the forts but now he's to the NW of Chungking and IMO in a disaterous position with 40 (out of supply units) in the south of the country, 25 near Chengtu, 10 at Yunan and15 in north China. Everything will be destroyed piecemal. A large army will move NW from Chungking to Chengtu and at the same time 2000AV will move west from Yenen towards Kungchang.

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

A fairly quiet turn with no action in South Pacific.

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

The main events as normal took place in India.

Dadman took the bait and launched a poorly attempted deliberate attack at Dimapur:

Ground combat at Dimapur

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 15134 troops, 49 guns, 8 vehicles, Assault Value = 399

Defending force 64525 troops, 564 guns, 14 vehicles, Assault Value = 1330

Allied max assault: 149 - adjusted assault: 39

Japanese max defense: 1256 - adjusted defense: 2001

Allied assault odds: 0 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
54 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 1

Allied ground losses:
694 casualties reported
Guns lost 17

Another 2 x division will be there tomorrow and then we attack the enemy.

Usual land bombardments at Bombay. Massive sea bombardment by Fuso and Yamashiro & Co destroying 60 enemy planes on the ground and causing over 2000 casualties.

The big news is this. SS I-11 attacked and missed CL Leander west of Karachi. Interestingly they had USN DD escorts and a Seagull sppotted my sub! I don't know for certain but I now HIGHLY suspect the entire USN to be up here. As such it's time to act accordingly.

I am not happy for KB to attack this unknown force yet. I am under strength in terms of planesd and pilot quality on board my CV's are vigorous action at Midway, Brisbane and all around India.

I am hoping CV Akagi can reduce flooding soon and when she does I will move back from Panaji to Madras. There I will re-stock. At the same time 3 x Aviation Rgt's will be embarked for India over the next week to bolster air options. Further Squadrons of Betties, Zero's, Kate's and Vals's will be brought onto the scene to supplement KB with LBA.

[Speedysteve]

Hi all,

Almost all of the action was centered around India today (other than I-156 being sunk by 2 x DMS inbetween Luganville and Lunga).

Interesting. An enemy TF was spotted heading SW from Karachi by an Emily.

Akagi is at 88/28/0. My CV's and BB's are evac'ing Panaji back to Madras on a TEMPORARY basis. If I fought the full USN line up as is I would lose. My CV squadrons are at 1/2 strength and we're about even in CV's = i'd get smacked.

I will move back to Madras to re-stock. I'll also have friendly LBA to aid me in the form of Betties, Zeros and Kates.

I expect to lose Akagi on the way to Madras but if I leave her at Panaji and IF the fleets coming from Karachi are USN CV's i'd be dead anyway.

I did manage to smash Bombay one more time with the 4 x BC destroying another 22 planes on the ground, sinking SS O24 and causing 1700 Allied casualties.

I'm risking another deliberate attack here tomorrow since my forces are still in 3/4 supply.

I have massed at Dimapur and the enemy only has weak Bde's and a divisions here:

Ground combat at Dimapur

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 64780 troops, 570 guns, 13 vehicles, Assault Value = 2328

Defending force 34339 troops, 222 guns, 7 vehicles, Assault Value = 491

Allied ground losses:
44 casualties reported

I am shock attacking tomorrow and hoping to follow him further west into India.

[Speedysteve]

Hi all,

Well this day was suspense filled but turned out to be a null event.

I was anticipating an Allied dash with fleets down the Indian Coast but instead I think he stayed on station WNW of Bombay.

All of KB and SC TF will be at Madras tomorrow. Akagi is limping 120 miles SW of Panaji and is upto 88/32/0. She won't make it now i've accepted that.

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

A surprisngly bad day on the grouns in India.

Both my attacks at Bombay and Dimapur failed!:

Ground combat at Bombay

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 207754 troops, 1613 guns, 310 vehicles, Assault Value = 3366

Defending force 46106 troops, 291 guns, 453 vehicles, Assault Value = 1020

Japanese max assault: 3285 - adjusted assault: 1801

Allied max defense: 1089 - adjusted defense: 9145

Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 7)


Japanese ground losses:
5525 casualties reported
Guns lost 91
Vehicles lost 6

Allied ground losses:
1199 casualties reported
Guns lost 19
Vehicles lost 2

And:

Ground combat at Dimapur

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 112421 troops, 1133 guns, 29 vehicles, Assault Value = 2332

Defending force 34365 troops, 226 guns, 7 vehicles, Assault Value = 493

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 1

Japanese max assault: 4230 - adjusted assault: 1081

Allied max defense: 487 - adjusted defense: 925

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 1


Japanese ground losses:
3361 casualties reported
Guns lost 85
Vehicles lost 5

Allied ground losses:
392 casualties reported
Guns lost 6

I am resting in both of these locales for now.

I aim to break through at Dimapur now and take it from there.

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

A large raid was sent from Rabaul to hit Lunga:

Day Air attack on Lunga , at 67,97

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 41
G4M1 Betty x 122

Allied aircraft
Fulmar x 3
F4F-3 Wildcat x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed, 11 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Fulmar: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
F4F-3 Wildcat: 4 destroyed, 1 damaged
Swordfish: 4 destroyed
Hudson I: 1 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
27 casualties reported

Airbase hits 9
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 42

[Speedysteve]

Hi all,

These turns really are very tense and of all my 5 x WiTP, 2 x WiTM and 1 x BTR games going this is the one I have to pay greatest attention and energy to succeed at.

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

Another heavy air raid on Lunga:

Day Air attack on Lunga , at 67,97

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 41
G4M1 Betty x 128

Allied aircraft
Fulmar x 9
F4F-3 Wildcat x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed, 1 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 3 destroyed, 7 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Fulmar: 2 destroyed, 5 damaged
F4F-3 Wildcat: 4 destroyed
PBY Catalina: 2 destroyed
Swordfish: 3 destroyed
Hudson I: 1 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
40 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
Vehicles lost 1

Airbase hits 7
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 64

The long journey has tired my pilots out over the past 2 days so tomorrow they rest.

DD Vendetta found one of my mines at Ndini[:)]

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

A combined offensive has begun in China that will ultimately lead to the end of 2 of the 3 pockets left in China.

A massive 500AV army stormed NW from Chungking to smash the pathetic Chinese rabble there towards Chengtu:

Ground combat at 42,31

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 263613 troops, 2161 guns, 15 vehicles, Assault Value = 5224

Defending force 40884 troops, 113 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 714

Japanese max assault: 5122 - adjusted assault: 1714

Allied max defense: 696 - adjusted defense: 140

Japanese assault odds: 12 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
3960 casualties reported
Guns lost 113
Vehicles lost 5

Allied ground losses:
2185 casualties reported
Guns lost 38
Vehicles lost 2


Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

They will move on Chengtu before moving back to Chungking and then Yunan/Kunming.

At the same time orders were issued today for 1800AV of men to move west from Yenen to smash the 6 units to their west and then to take Kungchang.

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

Then onto India..........it feels a little like a Stalingrad at the moment. At the end of my resources and edge of my Empire............

Bombay is in danger with the Allies cutting the last supply link today when elements of my ARM Rgt and BFF Bde fought before my tankers were pushed to the SW of Bombay.

I am confident that Dimapur will fall within 5 days but beyond there it will take time to move my 5 x Dvision to the aid of Bombay.

If Dadman gives me the time he will lose India. If he quickly attacks Bombay and moves south to Madras he will get me and i'm screwed.

Every day brings reinforcemnts closer to Madras:

90AV NG Unit just landed.
56th Bde to be picked upfrom Palau in 3 days.
1st Guards Bde passing Luzon.
13th Division boarding at Inchon.
Bde to be collected from Pakhoi in a week.
Bde arriving at Taan in 4 days.
Mixed Rgt marching NW of Madras.

KB and SC TF's will be at Madras tomorrow and will re-stock.

Akagi is at 88/37/0. Still 7 days out from Madras, 2 back to Panaji. Have to risk going for Madras since Panaji is a death sentence guaranteed.

Enemy ships detected 360 miles WNW of Akagi................

[Speedysteve]

Hi all,

A fairly quiet day in the war.

In the South Pacific SS I-22 was detected by convoy escorts 620 miles east of Noumea. A couple of AK's were also spotted.

Nothing else in South Pacific.

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

India - My forces will deliberate attack Dimapur tomorrow. Hopefully I will push him out.

The situation is pretty desparate at Bombay now. He has firmly surrounded me but amazinglymy focrs are still in full supply!

The issue now is to get enough troops between him and Madras to halt a probable advance of 2 x ARM Bde, 1 x Division, 1 x Bde + 1 other unit.

At present I have 2 x Mixed Rgt, 2 x SNLF (1 decimated), 1 x ARM Rgt and 2 x large NG Unit.

As mentioned I do have other forces en route but they are weeks away.

I made a good decision yesterday in continuing Akagi's ordeal to Madras. She is at 87/39/0 now but about to round the SW tip of India near Ceylon. Recon spotted enemy CV's 180 miles west of Panaji! IF I had moved Akagi back to Panaji she would be definite toast. As is she is still at risk but you never know. 5 days to Madras.

KB and SC TF's are fully stocked at Madras now c.700 planes and pilots[:)] Pilot quality has dropped to about 60-80 average now but still a formidable force. I will pretty soon moved out to engage the enemy again PROVIDED I can keep some of my airfields to project fighter cover.

[Speedysteve]

Hi all

What a day.

Firstly in the South Pacific the Americans tried to sneak a small freighter into Lunga. SS RO-33 had recently arrived on station and spotted the AK Alchiba. She surfaced and put 2 shells and 2 torpedoes into her leaving her heavily damaged.

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Now onto India.............

Firstly on the ground Dimapur is weakening:

Ground combat at Dimapur

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 107249 troops, 1030 guns, 20 vehicles, Assault Value = 2175

Defending force 33813 troops, 227 guns, 6 vehicles, Assault Value = 497

Japanese max assault: 1946 - adjusted assault: 1156

Allied max defense: 505 - adjusted defense: 673

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 1


Japanese ground losses:
1693 casualties reported
Guns lost 43
Vehicles lost 6

Allied ground losses:
430 casualties reported
Guns lost 8

Now on to the main event. Dadman sent what looks like all of his CV's towards the SW tip of India! They located the poor Akagi and finished her off with 14 bombs and a torpedo. A sad end to a marvelous fighting effort to save the ship[&o]

I was not expecting Dadman to come this far south and assuch my LBA and CV's were not ready for him. As such only a moderate effort was launched from Madras. Still they did a job. Here's the series of tense air battles over his TF's:

Day Air attack on TF at 12,17

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 33
G4M1 Betty x 29
Ki-21 Sally x 8

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 19
F4F-4 Wildcat x 61

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 16 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 4 destroyed, 17 damaged
Ki-21 Sally: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 4 destroyed, 4 damaged
F4F-4 Wildcat: 19 destroyed, 11 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Hornet, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
CA Minneapolis, Torpedo hits 1

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Day Air attack on TF at 11,20

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 15
Ki-21 Sally x 38
Ki-49 Helen x 12

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 41
F4F-4 Wildcat x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 10 destroyed
Ki-21 Sally: 7 destroyed, 5 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 3 destroyed, 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 9 destroyed, 5 damaged
F4F-4 Wildcat: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Formidable
CV Illustrious

Most of these aircrew (at least the Zeroes) were of average quality and they managed to down 35 enemy Wiildcats for 26 Zeroes. Good.

Hornet is NOT confirmed sunk but I can't imagine she'll survive 4 torpedoes.

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So if Dadman wants to play. Let's play!

The KB has been mobilised. Masses of LBA have been flown in for tomorrow. Here's what we have if he stays on station (I taunted him saying if you're a man and want a CV battle stay where you are[:'(]):

KB1 - Hiryu, Soryu, Shokaku, Zuikaku - 256 planes
KB2 - Kaga, Junyo, Hiyo, Ryujo, Shoho, Zuiho, Ryuho - 274 planes
KB3 - Hosho, Taiyo, Unyo, Chuyo - 76 planes (mostly Zeroes)

Madras - 73 x A6M, 84 x G4M, 54 x Ki21, 24 x Ki49
Bangalore - 37 x A6M, 24 x B5N, 22 x D3A, 24 x Ki21
Hyderabad - 48 x A6M
Panaji - 17 x Recon, 64 x Tony.

In total including CV and LBA = 1074 planes.

Bring it on!

N.B most of my CV's are bwetween 5 and 25 SYS damage (due to constant operations and Zuikaku with a bomb hit). This is the time though. If I can get him I can control the seas for another year and greatly increase my chances of taking India.

All of my BB's arre going with them too in one 60 mile area of sea!

BANZAI!