wneumann vs Jolly Pillager- the Allied perspective

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 8/10/42

Central Pacific: Jap carrier aircraft patrol sightings continue by U.S. subs at Pago Pago and Canton Is. Otherwise, all sectors reporting quiet.


South Pacific: Japanese task force attacks small Allied transport TF east of New Zealand. AAR follows. British surface TF (BB Prince of Wales, 1CA, 3 CL's) sortied from Wellington to find and engage the Jap TF.

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Day Air attack on TF at 84,147

Japanese aircraft
F1M2 Pete x 4
E13A1 Jake x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
E13A1 Jake: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Peary
AP President Madison

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

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

Jap air bombing of base facilities on Norfolk Is reported.


Australia: Japanese air bombing raids continue against 4 Australian Div and airfield facilities at Daly Waters. Light casualties and damage.

India/Burma: Sigint reports Jap 1st Reserve Tank Rgt now at Moulmein - command of this unit had been transferred from HQ Home Defense Force to the Burma Army.

China: No major activity reported.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 8/11/42

Central Pacific: No sightings of Japanese carrier aircraft. Otherwise, all sectors quiet.

South Pacific: Jap floatplane air attacks on Allied transport shipping E of New Zealand. AAR's and situation map follow.

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Day Air attack on TF at 86,143

Japanese aircraft
F1M2 Pete x 4
E13A1 Jake x 5

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
DD Peary
AP President Madison, Bomb hits 2, on fire

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

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Day Air attack on TF at 86,143

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 2

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
DD Peary

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 8/11/42: Part deux

Australia: Japanese air bombing raids continue against 4 Australian Div and airfield facilities at Daly Waters. Light casualties and damage.

DEI: Japanese amphibious landing reported at Morotai - mop up operation.

Burma/India: Daylight bombing attack and fighter sweeps by Allied air forces against Japanese base at Mandalay. Jap fighter sweeps attempted against Allied airfield at Imphal. AAR's follow.

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Day Air attack on Mandalay , at 33,29

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 2

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb x 64

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIb: 2 damaged

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Day Air attack on Mandalay , at 33,29

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 1

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 20
IL-4c x 6

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 1 damaged
IL-4c: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x IL-4c bombing at 10000 feet
5 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 15000 feet
5 x Blenheim IV bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
3 x IL-4c bombing at 10000 feet
2 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
2 x Blenheim IV bombing at 15000 feet

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Day Air attack on Mandalay , at 33,29

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 1

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 10
Liberator III x 12

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
44 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Resources hits 1
Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 7

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
9 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
4 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet

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Day Air attack on Mandalay , at 33,29

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 1

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 16
Liberator III x 23

Japanese aircraft losses
No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Liberator III: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
34 casualties reported

Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 9

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
6 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
9 x Blenheim IV bombing at 11000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
4 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
5 x Blenheim IV bombing at 11000 feet
2 x Blenheim IV bombing at 11000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet

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Day Air attack on Imphal , at 34,26

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 22

No Japanese losses

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Day Air attack on Imphal , at 34,26

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 20

No Japanese losses

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China: Sigint reports Japanese ground forces preparing for attack on Liuchow.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 8/12/42

Central Pacific: Jap carrier aircraft patrols resumed at Pago Pago and Kwajalein.

South Pacific: Japanese air bombing raid at Norfolk Is. Floatplane air attacks by Jap task force in the same area E of New Zealand continue. AAR's follow.

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Day Air attack on Norfolk Island , at 60,123

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
G4M1 Betty x 11

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 11000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 11000 feet

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Day Air attack on TF at 88,142

Japanese aircraft
F1M2 Pete x 4
E13A1 Jake x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
E13A1 Jake: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Peary, Bomb hits 2, on fire

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

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


Australia: Japanese air bombing raids continue against 4 Australian Div and airfield facilities at Daly Waters. Light casualties and damage.

Burma/India: Japanese and Allied air bombing raids continue. Jap bombers strike Calcutta and Chittagong. Allied bombers attack Rangoon and Mandalay. AAR's follow.

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Night Air attack on Rangoon , at 29,33

Allied aircraft
Liberator III x 3

Allied aircraft losses
Liberator III: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet

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Night Air attack on Mandalay , at 33,29

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 17

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Blenheim IV bombing at 15000 feet
5 x Blenheim IV bombing at 11000 feet

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Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 31,25

Japanese aircraft
G5N Liz x 16

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IF x 5

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x G5N Liz bombing at 23765 feet

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Night Air attack on Calcutta , at 29,23

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49 Helen x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49 Helen: 1 destroyed, 5 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 16000 feet

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Day Air attack on Rangoon , at 29,33

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 11
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 8
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 3

Allied aircraft
Liberator III x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Liberator III: 7 damaged

Heavy Industry hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
6 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet

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Day Air attack on Mandalay , at 33,29

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 14

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 2 destroyed, 4 damaged

Oil hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x Blenheim IV bombing at 10000 feet

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

China: All sectors reporting quiet.

[wneumann]

A tactical question for readers - advice and comments welcomed.

I'm in the very early stages of planning Allied offensive strategy (beginning sometime in '43).

The overall approach I am taking to formulate offensive strategy is "bottom up". My first stage in this is to first resolve tactical and game mechanics questions, with emphasis on what is most effective given the current strategic situation. My principal questions at this stage -

1) What offensive tactics are effective for use in the current strategic situation?
2) How to execute them.
3) What ships, aircraft, and LCU's are required and are the most effective.
4) Game mechanics in WitP involved with these tactics - either mechanics used to execute these tactics, or mechanics that could affect the outcome of a battle that could result.


Moving on to the question... Pillager has successfuly executed a number of naval bombardment attacks (mainly against Palmyra). His bombardment TF have been able to approach the target quickly and undetected from a starting point beyond the range of my naval patrol aircraft (PBY and/or B-17 in most cases) , execute an attack, and move outside the range of my LBA (mainly SBD-3 and A-24) - this all being done within a single (1-day) game turn.

What I have been able to notice was that Pillager's bombardment TF were small (3 to 5-6 ships), composed mostly or entirely of CA's (no escorting DD), and probably contained fast ships with sufficient endurance where they didn't need to slow down or stop to refuel each other. I am also estimating that these ships were moving at full speed.

What I would like to do.... Conduct this type of attack with carriers (instead of surface bombardment). Basic hit and run. Approach quickly, execute one large strike, and just as quickly get out of range of any Jap counterattack. My timing as to when these attacks occur would be Jan '43 at the earliest - having all CV and as many escorts as possible with 10/42 upgrades, have the reduction in the torpedo dud rate in effect (more effective torpedo attacks by my TBF's), also sooner availability of Essex CV's coming in as reinforcements to replace any CV(s) I may lose.

What I specifically have in mind... One mini "Pearl Harbor" strike - probably Pago Pago or Canton, Kwajalein a less likely candidate (due to other Jap airbases in its vicinity). If I can pick off 1/3 of the KB in a "surgical strike", all to the good.

So is this mission feasible? The best way to organize and execute it? Especially helpful are tips relating to tactics and game mechanics that would or might be involved.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 8/13/42: We haven't stopped playing, just a few days behind on reports...

Central Pacific: Normal Jap carrier aircraft patrol sightings reported from U.S. subs at Canton & Pago Pago. No U.S. submarines currently stationed on patrol at Kwajalein - the subs I've been sending there (Kwajalein) have been taking battle damage rather quickly of late as a result of the increased ASW ops Pillager has been conducting there. Jap ASW at Kwajaein hasn't sank any U.S. subs but have sent a few back to Pearl with significant damage.


South Pacific: Japanese TF continues floatplane air strikes against Allied shipping. AAR follows. Jap recon flights (H8K Emily) over Norfolk Is.

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Day Air attack on TF at 91,142

Japanese aircraft
F1M2 Pete x 4
E13A1 Jake x 6

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AP President Madison, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

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

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


Australia: Jap air raids continue against 4 Australian Division and airfield facilities at Daly Waters. Moderate casualties and damage reported.

DEI: Japanese amphibious assaults to mop-up and capture bases at Morotai and Singkep still under Allied control. AAR's follow.

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Ground combat at Morotai

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 1704 troops, 7 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 12
146 IJNAF Base Force
Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0

Japanese max assault: 10 - adjusted assault: 12
Allied max defense: 0 - adjusted defense: 1
Japanese assault odds: 12 to 1 (fort level 0)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Morotai base !!!


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Ground combat at Singkep

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 456 troops, 4 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 21
1 Parachute Rgt
Defending force 120 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1
13 NEIAF Base Force

Japanese max assault: 22 - adjusted assault: 24
Allied max defense: 0 - adjusted defense: 1
Japanese assault odds: 24 to 1 (fort level 1)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Singkep base !!!

Allied ground losses:
296 casualties reported

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


China: Japanese city bombing raids against manpower centers at Hengchow. AAR follows.

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Day Air attack on Hengchow , at 44,37

Japanese aircraft
Ki-51 Sonia x 14

No Japanese losses

Manpower hits 10

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
2 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet

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All sectors elsewhere reporting quiet - no major activity.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 8/14/42

Central Pacific: Jap carrier air patrols continue at Pago Pago, Kwajalein, Canton Is.

U.S. submarine Saury hit and damage by Jap air attack at Kwajalein - Saury moderately damage but forced to return to Pearl.


South Pacific: Jap recon flight and air raid at Norfolk Is. Japanese TF continues floatplane air strikes against Allied shipping. AAR follows. Allied surface TF (BB Prince of Wales, 1 CA, 3 CL) from Wellington is closing undetected on known position of the Jap TF.

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Day Air attack on TF at 85,142

Japanese aircraft
F1M2 Pete x 4
E13A1 Jake x 6

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
DD Peary, Bomb hits 1, heavy damage

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

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

U.S. submarine S-46 operating from Sydney attacked Jap CL Kinu at Noumea - the Kinu was not hit.


Australia: Jap air raids continue at Daly Waters.

Malacca Straits: Dutch submarine K-X attacked and hit by Ki-48 Lily bomber. The K-X reports heavy damage and is returning to base in Ceylon.

No significant action to report in India, Burma, or China theaters.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 8/15/42

Most locations reporting no significant activity.

North Pacific: Attu Is occupied by U.S. forces. A convoy carrying 13th USN Seabees and supply arrived at Attu and is now disembarking. Two other convoys with a U.S. RCT and additional supply are enroute to Attu and due to arrive shortly. This completes occupation of all bases in the Aleutians with the exception of Kiska which has been temporarily bypassed. Construction of facilities is starting or in progress at all base locations in the Aleutians.

Central Pacific: Jap carrier air patrols reported by U.S. subs at Saipan in addition to normal Jap patrols. Japanese AP Asaka Maru reported hitting mine laid by U.S. sub Argonaut at Pago Pago - Asaka Maru on fire with heavy damage.

Australia: Only one Jap air raid reported over Daly Waters (against airfield facilities) - no attack on Australian 4 Div.

Rebuilding of Australian 22nd Brigade (evacuated from Singapore) from cadre to full-strength LCU nearly complete.

The bottleneck for most of my LCU rebuilding seems to be support squads (elements) - don't seem to produce these fast enough to go around and they're needed everywhere. However, I do have rebuilding for a considerable number of evacuated LCU's from cadres either in progress or on hold - including nearly all the Allied infantry brigades that were in Malaya, several Philippine units and U.S. LCU's from the Philippines, small Australian infantry units originally in Rabaul, Kavieng, and New Guinea. Rebuilding on some of these units is on hold, others are being allowed to rebuild. This activity has taken a bite out of my replacement pools.


India: Jap recon flights reported over Calcutta, Port Blair (Andaman Is).

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 8/16/42

Central Pacific: U.S. subs report continued contacts with Jap carrier air patrols at Kwajalein, Pago Pago, Canton Is. Otherwise, all other sectors reporting quiet.

North Pacific: Disembarking of 13th USN Seabees and supply continues at Attu Is.

South Pacific: Japanese air bombing continues over Norfolk Is. Allied surface TF (BB Prince of Wales, 4 cruisers) reached last known position east of New Zealand of the Jap task force responsible for launching floatplane attacks on Allied transport ships without making any contact. As there is no longer any Allied transports moving through the area, the surface TF has turned southward for a brief search of the area before returning to its base at Wellington.

Australia: Jap air bombing raids continue at Daly Waters against airfield facilities and 4 Australian Div. Light casualties and damage reported.

India/Burma: Japanese bombing raid on Chittagong - no damage or casualties. Jap recon flights (Ki-46 Helen) reported over Calcutta.

China: AAR report on land battle NW of Ichang between Chinese guerrilla units and Japanese ground forces.

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Ground combat at 46,33

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 99 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 10
43rd Chinese Guerilla Corps/C
Defending force 36655 troops, 100 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 892
58th Infantry Division; 1, 10 & 11 Independent Brigades

Allied max assault: 8 - adjusted assault: 0
Japanese max defense: 911 - adjusted defense: 1091
Allied assault odds: 0 to 1

Allied ground losses:
87 casualties reported

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 8/17/42

Central Pacific: Regular Japanese carrier air patrols reported by U.S. subs. A flotilla of seven U.S. subs reached Kwajalein and executed a minelaying mission. All other sectors reporting quiet.

South Pacific: Jap air recon and bombing raid reported at Norfolk Is. Allied surface TF (BB Prince of Wales & cruisers) now returning to Wellington. No reports of Japanese naval activity along the southern Panama City-Wellington shipping route.

Australia: No Japanese air activity over Daly Waters. All other sectors quiet as well. Tankers from both Aden and the U.S. west coast have arrived and finished unloading oil at Australian ports (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane). Several other TK carrying oil are currently enroute to Australia from both Aden and the U.S.

India: Jap air recon continues over Calcutta.


Burma: Daylight bombing raids carried out by Liberator bombers from air bases in India against Japanese port facilities in Rangoon. AAR's follow. Three Jap DD's hit by bombs - all three reported with heavy damage and on fire.

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Day Air attack on Rangoon , at 29,33

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 15
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 18
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 9

Allied aircraft
Liberator III x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 1 damaged
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 2 damaged
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Liberator III: 1 destroyed, 5 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Oboro, Bomb hits 1
DD Shirakumo, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Japanese ground losses:
11 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
2 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet

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Day Air attack on Rangoon , at 29,33

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 15
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 18
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 9

Allied aircraft
Liberator III x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 1 damaged
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 6 damaged
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Liberator III: 24 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Oboro, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Asakaze, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Japanese ground losses:
90 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Liberator III bombing at 10000 feet

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Jap air recon was reported flying over Port Blair (Andaman Is).


China: Heavy Jap air raids against Chinese ground forces in Liuchow and Hengchow - light to moderate casualties reported. Today's air attacks on Chinese forces defending Liuchow follow Sigint report on 8/11/42 indicating a Japanese ground unit is preparing for attack there.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 8/18/42 Overall, a quiet day at the office...

Central Pacific: Regular Japanese carrier air patrols reported by U.S. subs.

South Pacific: Jap air bombing raid on Norfolk Is. AAR follows.

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Day Air attack on Norfolk Island , at 60,123

Japanese aircraft (based at Noumea)
A6M2 Zero x 6
G4M1 Betty x 12

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 11000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 11000 feet

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Australia: Jap air bombing resumes against airfield facilities at Daly Waters - light damage and casualties.

India: Jap recon flights reported over Calcutta.

China: Jap air bombing of Chinese ground forces continue.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 8/19/42

Central Pacific: U.S. subs report normal contacts with Jap carrier aircraft patrols at Kwajalein and Canton Is - none reported at Pago Pago. Otherwise, all sectors reporting quiet.

South Pacific: Jap recon flights and air bombing attack at Norfolk Is.

Australia: Japanese air bombing of airfield facilities at Daly Waters - light damage and casualties.


India: Severe naval shore bombardment attack on Calcutta by Japanese TF. AAR follows. Additional damage from this attack not shown in the AAR below includes - very few operational aircraft remaining (nearly all undestroyed aircraft were damaged), very heavy disabling of elements in many supporting units (particularly AA regiments where nearly all undestroyed flak gun squads were disabled), also heavy destruction of supply point stocks in Calcutta. All this damage is gonna take a little while to fix, assuming there isn't another attack.

If four Jap BB's can do this kind of damage, I can't wait to see the "bomb" in '45... I have to pinch myself and remember this is August '42.

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Naval bombardment of Calcutta, at 29,23

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson I: 2 destroyed
Hurricane IIb: 3 destroyed
Dakota I: 10 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 2 destroyed
Blenheim IF: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CL Naka
CL Kitakami
BB Nagato
BB Hyuga
BB Ise
BB Mutsu

Allied ground losses:
17978 casualties reported
Guns lost 239
Vehicles lost 14

Airbase hits 35
Airbase supply hits 5
Runway hits 164

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Problem is the Royal Navy can do nothing about this - Only three British BB's available (Valiant and two "R" Class, all in Aden) and one of these has to leave shortly due to British Withdrawal rule. Even if the Royal Navy did outnumber the Japs, the last place I'd want to send BB's would be Calcutta - Calcutta being the perfect cul-de-sac for the IJN to corner them for the KB to cut them to pieces. Don't want to mine Calcutta harbor, but this could be the best feasible defense against naval attack.

So did Pillager get a good "die roll" on this attack, or does the IJN have nuclear battleships? Only the game designers and Yamamoto's hairdresser know.

Enough beefing. On to China...

Japanese ground attack against Chinese defenders at Kanhsien. AAR follows.

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Ground combat at Kanhsien

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 3588 troops, 2 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 76
Shanghai SNLF, 20 Mixed Brigade/B
Defending force 5940 troops, 4 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 221
63rd Chinese Corps

Japanese max assault: 66 - adjusted assault: 60
Allied max defense: 190 - adjusted defense: 29
Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 7)
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 6

Japanese ground losses:
205 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
25 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 8/20/42

Central Pacific: U.S. subs report normal contacts with Jap carrier aircraft patrols. Otherwise, all sectors reporting quiet.

North Pacific: Transport convoy carrying U.S. 201 RCT and 2K supply arrived and now disembarking at Attu. With the exception of Kiska, all major islands in the Aleutians are occupied by U.S. ground units and base construction underway. How new bases in the Aleutians will fit into longer-term strategy is uncertain, what is certain at this time is that (1) the Japanese do not occupy them, and (2) bases are being built up and will be available for use in future operations if the need for them exists.

South Pacific: Japanese air raid on Norfolk Is. Otherwise, quiet.

Australia: Jap air bombing raids on airfield facilities and 4 Australian Div at Daly Waters - moderate casualties to 4th Division, light casualties and damage to Daly Waters airbase.


India: Picking up the pieces in Calcutta - it will be a long and slow process, an incredible amount of damage for only four Jap BB's.

Way too early to tell, but a little extra vigilance in India and Burma might be in order for at least the short term. It would take Pillager a while to build up for an offensive here but it is within the realm of possibility. To do this though, he would have to reinforce the Japanese army in Burma and Southeast Asia. Removal of one or more Japanese divisions known to be in NW Australia is possible - and there has been little or no recent activity detected in Australia by Jap ground forces. I'm finding it hard to see last turn's naval bombardment of Calcutta as an isolated incident.

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Strategically speaking, the "status quo" through the rest of 1942 would be a big plus from the Allied view. Best Allied scenario as of now is that Pillager is "letting the air out of the ball" in anticipation of a Jap auto-victory in 1/43. The Allies do not have the forces (or a suitable jumping-off point for launching those forces) to contest a Jap auto-victory. The decision to concede Pillager the auto victory has already been made.

Makes for a rather boring game but the best Allied strategy for the rest of 1942 in this situation is to do nothing, except to collect forces and build-up to attack in '43. One remote possibility here is that Pillager gets bored and makes a move that might compromise his strategy as the Japanese and/or result in serious damage or loss of major Japanese forces (KB maybe). An unanticipated side effect of the "phony war in the Pacific" might just be the inactivity luring the Japanese into a major mistake. As I said, boring as hell but also my best option.

If this were the Russian Front... it's only a question of where Pillager is lining up the Romanians, Italians, and Hungarians. I'm just sitting back and quietly adding to my collection of KV's, T-34's, and Stalin organ pipes. Someday it will be my turn to come out and play...

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 8/21/42

Central Pacific: U.S. subs reporting normal contacts with Jap carrier aircraft patrols. Pillager is now operating a group of Ki-49 Helen bombers from Kwajalein on ASW patrol.

Jap ML Wakataka reported hitting mine laid by U.S. subs at Kwajalein - reported on fire, heavy damage. U.S. submarine Shark torpedoed Jap AP La Plata Maru at Kwajalein - reported on fire.

A forward base for U.S. submarine operations is now in the process of setting up at Christmas Is. Christmas Is is fully built up to a maximum size 4 port and size 5 airfield, two small USN base force units (117 & 119), one AS based there now with a second AS enroute from the west coast, ample stocks of fuel and supply points on hand.

Decision has been made to locate HQ South Pacific at Fanning Is. Fanning Is will very shortly be built up to a maximum size 3 port and size 4 airfield. Two USN base force units (32 & 116) are now on Fanning Is along with ample supply and fuel point stocks. Fanning Is is now garrisoned with a Philippine division and several engineer units - plans are underway to reinforce this garrison along with transfer of aircraft and additional air support LCU to Fanning. Movement of HQ South Pacific to Fanning Is is estimated in Sept/Oct 42 once disrupted support elements in the HQ unit are fully recovered and other preparations at Fanning Is are completed. Deployment of HQ South Pacific to Fanning Is will give the HQ a central location from which it can provide support to all bases in the Line Islands.


South Pacific: Jap air bombing attack on Norfolk Is. Otherwise quiet.

Australia: Japanese air raids continue on airfield facilities at Daly Waters. Light damage and casualties reported.

India: Jap air recon (Ki-46 Dinah) reported over Asansol. Otherwise quiet.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 8/22/42

Central Pacific: U.S. subs reporting normal contacts with Jap carrier aircraft patrols. Another Jap ML (Hatsushima) hits a mine at Kwajalein - reported on fire, heavy damage.

South Pacific: Small Japanese surface combat TF (CL Natori & Kinu, two DD's) spotted operating along the NW coast of New Zealand (just west of Auckland). Jap TF was attacked several times by Hudson bombers - no hits reported. Allied surface TF (BB Prince of Wales and cruisers) has returned to base at Wellington, refuelled, and will engage the Jap TF if it continues to proceed on its current course. A second small Jap TF is operating west of Auckland and launched a flotplane attack against DD Peary which is returning to Wellington with heavy damage from earlier floatplane attacks. AAR's follow.

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Day Air attack on TF at 61,133

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk I x 7
Hudson I x 27

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
CL Kinu
DD Harukaze
CL Natori
DD Asagao

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Hudson I bombing at 2000 feet
6 x Hudson I bombing at 15000 feet
2 x Hudson I bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Hudson I bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Hudson I bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Hudson I bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Hudson I bombing at 15000 feet
4 x Hudson I bombing at 2000 feet

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Day Air attack on TF at 61,133

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk I x 5
Hudson I x 19

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
CL Natori
DD Asagao
CL Kinu

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Hudson I bombing at 2000 feet
4 x Hudson I bombing at 15000 feet
2 x Hudson I bombing at 2000 feet
6 x Hudson I bombing at 15000 feet
4 x Hudson I bombing at 2000 feet

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Day Air attack on TF at 69,142

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
DD Peary, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x E13A1 Jake bombing at 2000 feet

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India: Jap air recon (Ki-46 Dinah) flights over Calcutta and Port Blair (Andaman Is). Otherwise, all sectors quiet.

China: Japanese ground forces attack Chinese defenders at Kanhsien. Jap forces at Kanhsien reinforced by 19 Engineer Rgt. AAR follows.

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Ground combat at Kanhsien

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 3475 troops, 2 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 86
Shanghai SNLF, 20 Mixed Brigade/B, 19 Engineer Rgt
Defending force 5917 troops, 1 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 220
63rd Chinese Corps

Japanese max assault: 61 - adjusted assault: 35
Allied max defense: 202 - adjusted defense: 101
Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 6)

Japanese ground losses:
281 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
5 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 8/23/42

Central Pacific: U.S. subs reporting normal contacts with Jap carrier aircraft patrols. Sigint reports Japanese 65 Construction Bn is now at Kwajalein - this unit apparently reassigned from HQ Home Defense Force when it was deployed to Kwajalein.

South Pacific: Japanese surface TF (CL Natori & Kinu, two DD's) operating along the NW coast of New Zealand has reversed course and now located N of Auckland moving on a NE heading. This TF was again attacked by Hudson bombers with one bomb hit reported on CL Kinu. The other Jap task force W of Auckland engaged and sank DD Peary in a surface action. AAR's of both actions follow.

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Day Air attack on TF at 62,128

Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 23

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
CL Natori
CL Kinu, Bomb hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x Hudson I bombing at 2000 feet
1 x Hudson I bombing at 5000 feet
3 x Hudson I bombing at 3000 feet
3 x Hudson I bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Hudson I bombing at 5000 feet
4 x Hudson I bombing at 2000 feet
4 x Hudson I bombing at 5000 feet
4 x Hudson I bombing at 5000 feet

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Day Time Surface Combat at 67,142

Japanese Ships
DD Manazuru
PG Aikoku Maru
PG Hokoku Maru

Allied Ships
DD Peary, Shell hits 7, and is sunk

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Jap air recon (H8K Emily) reported over Norfolk Is.


Australia: Japanese air bombing raid on airfield facilties at Daly Waters - light damage.


India: Jap recon flights continue over Calcutta. Several air attacks by Blenheim bombers on Japanese naval bombardment TF off Akyab - bomb hits and minor damage to BB's Mutsu and Nagato. AAR's follow.

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Day Air attack on TF at 28,28

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 18

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Mutsu, Bomb hits 1
CL Naka
BB Nagato, Bomb hits 1
BB Hyuga

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Blenheim IV bombing at 5000 feet
1 x Blenheim IV bombing at 5000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 5000 feet
4 x Blenheim IV bombing at 5000 feet
2 x Blenheim IV bombing at 5000 feet
4 x Blenheim IV bombing at 5000 feet

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Day Air attack on TF at 28,28

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 11

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 6 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Nagato
BB Mutsu

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Blenheim IV bombing at 5000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 5000 feet
4 x Blenheim IV bombing at 5000 feet

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Multiple sweeps by Japanese fighter aircraft reported at Imphal. Nearly all RAF Hurricanes at Imphal were out an an aborted fighter sweep - only several Hurricane fighters were on CAP over Imphal to engage Jap fighters. Jap fighters originated from air bases in Burma. AAR's follow.

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Day Air attack on Imphal , at 34,26

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 21

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIb: 2 damaged

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Day Air attack on Imphal , at 34,26

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 21

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIb: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

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Day Air attack on Imphal , at 34,26

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 20
A6M3 Zero x 20

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb x 2

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIb: 2 destroyed

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 8/24/42

Central Pacific: U.S. subs reporting normal contacts with Jap carrier aircraft patrols.

PBY patrol plane from Palmyra reports detecting enemy TF including Jap CA Atago west of Palmyra (hex 102,90). All other sectors reporting quiet.


South Pacific: Catalina patrol aircraft from Auckland detects Jap surface TF (CL Kinu) due east of Norfolk Is (hex 63,123) moving northeast.

Jap air recon flights (H8K Emily) reported over Norfolk Is.


Australia: Jap air bombing attack on airfield facilities at Daly Waters - light damage and casualties.

Dutch F-4 recon aircraft sent over Darwin - 70+ ships reported in port there along with many LCU's and a small number of aircraft (mostly fighters). Identites and types of ships and LCU's unknown. The majority of Jap bomber aircraft operating in raids on Daly Waters are based in Katherine.


India/Burma: Dutch submarine K-XIII sinks south of Rangoon after heavy damage from multiple attacks from Jap ASW TF and aircraft while on patrol at Rangoon. Japanese sub RO-33 detected in Calcutta.

Allied fighter sweep by RAF Hurricanes launched against Jap airbase at Mandalay. AAR follows.

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Day Air attack on Mandalay , at 33,29

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 14

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb x 60

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 1 destroyed, 6 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIb: 3 damaged

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Jap recon flights (Ki-46 Dinah) reported over Calcutta and Port Blair.


China: Mostly quiet except for Jap air bombing raids on Chinese front-line troops.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 8/25/42

Central Pacific: U.S. subs reporting normal contacts with Jap carrier aircraft patrols.

Sigint reports Jap 57 Construction Bn is now at Gardner Is - this unit apparently transferred out of HQ Home Defense Forces command to make this deployment.

Multiple Japanese TF's detected due west of Palmyra just outside the range of U.S. LBA based on Palmyra - number of ships, types, and identities unknown. Reported movement of these TF's is either stationary or at slow speed on an E heading. The location of Jap TF's appears to be an assembly point for offensive ops in the Line Islands (probably Palmyra) within the next 1-2 days. Situation map follows.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 8/25/42 part deux

South Pacific: Jap air recon continues over Norfolk Is. No further contact with Japanese TF's operating north and east of New Zealand.

Australia: Jap air bombing attacks continue on airfield facilities at Daly Waters - light damage and casualties.

India/Burma: Japanese sub RO-33 in Calcutta attacked by small Allied ASW TF (two MSW), One hit, minimal or no damage. Jap air recon also continuing over Calcutta. All other sectors reporting quiet.

China: No major activity reported.

[wneumann]

Summary of Operations 8/26/42

Central Pacific: Jap carrier air patrols continue to be detected by U.S. subs at Kwajalein, Pago Pago, and Canton Is.

U.S. submarine Shark at Kwajalein torpedoes Jap AK Paris Maru. Paris Maru reported to be on fire.

NOTE: I have received the 8/27 turn from Pillager and observed (though cannot necessary confirm) at least some of the ASW flights by Kates and Vals in these locations may have been a "smoke screen". I did recognize the possibility of a Japanese "smoke screen" over the past several months of game turns given the fact there are (a relatively small number of) Jap land-based air units equipped with Kates or Vals. With the majority of Kate and Val aircraft based on carriers, it could be safe to assume at least some of these patrols actually had to be flying from carriers. The trouble is... which is which. With my recon capability at Kwajalein, Canton Is, and Pago Pago limited to submarine patrols, determining where a particular Val or Kate air patrol originated from is a near impossibility given the lack of other information. More on this in future ops reports as more info becomes available.

Caveat Emptor, Kiddies....

In the meantime... Multiple Japanese shore bombardment TF's hit Palmyra. Light damage and casualties reported, though air ops on Palmyra greatly reduced mainly due to the number of damaged aircraft. AAR's follow.

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Naval bombardment of Palmyra, at 110,90 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
No Allied losses

16 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
CL Yubari
CL Oi
CA Furutaka
CA Ashigara

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

Airbase hits 4
Runway hits 5

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Naval bombardment of Palmyra, at 110,90

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger: 2 destroyed
PBY Catalina: 1 destroyed
A-24 Dauntless: 2 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CA Kumano
CA Atago
BB Haruna
BB Kongo

Allied ground losses:
313 casualties reported
Guns lost 5
Vehicles lost 4

Airbase hits 8
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 24

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Naval bombardment of Palmyra, at 110,90

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger: 2 destroyed
A-24 Dauntless: 1 destroyed
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CA Nachi
CA Haguro
CA Myoko

Allied ground losses:
73 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 23

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Naval bombardment of Palmyra, at 110,90 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
A-24 Dauntless: 1 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed

8 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
CL Abukuma
CL Isuzu
CL Sendai
CA Maya

Allied ground losses:
40 casualties reported

Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 20

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Naval bombardment of Palmyra, at 110,90

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CA Suzuya
CA Mikuma

Allied ground losses:
24 casualties reported

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 9

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South Pacific: Jap recon air flights continue over Norfolk Is. Otherwise quiet.

Australia: Jap air bombing attacks continue on airfield facilities at Daly Waters. Light damage and casualties.


India/Burma: Contact lost with Jap submarine RO-33 at Calcutta. Allied ASW TF (two MSW) in Calcutta attacked - AAR follows. Jap recon flights continue over Calcutta. All other sectors reporting quiet.

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Day Air attack on TF, near Calcutta at 29,23

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 4 damaged

Allied Ships
MSW Oudh

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet

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China: Widespread bombing attacks Japanese aircraft on Chinese front-line ground forces. No major casualties from these air raids reported from any location. No detected activity by Japanese army ground forces in China.