BB1.4 THE BLUNT EDGE-->Lexington Sunk in wild multi-CV battle

[n01487477]

12/4/42: Cagayan Captured
Cagayan on the Philippine Island of Mindanao finally fell ... it has been a war of attrition since day 2. Unwilling to put more troops onto the field, was probably a mistake, but now it frees up a Bde and some NLF/SNLF's for duty, after a bit of RnR.

Norfolk Is: Troops land to light opposition, the shepherds are arming their flocks in the forlorn hope of fighting off the invaders. Funny though some troops unloaded, then the TF, set itself to "DO NOT UNLOAD". I've corrected it, but is this a bug ? Hudsons attacked from Auckland much to my chagrin, as I had been trying to do the same thing when his forces were unloading, from airfields at Noumea-- none flew!

Preparation for India: Withdrew some forces out of Manila, had to withdraw all of them, half moved out, then stopped withdrawing those still at Manila. Would be nice if you could do this more efficiently. They will reinforce at Clark Field, before I send some of them back into Manila, and the rest to Singapore, for my Northerly foray!

CV's: Split ACTF 55 near Adak, with Akagi and Soryu to return to Tokyo before rendezvousing with ACTF 1 at Singapore. ACTF 1 is now being deployed to Singapore, it should take 10-12 days from Noumea, leaving the Central and S Pacific vulnerable, but I'm willing to take that risk.

[n01487477]

16/4/42: Norfolk Is.
The Sydney Herald:
Australian's are shocked to hear the news, a whole Australian Bde, wiped out at Norfolk Is., not since the debacle on the beaches of Galipolli, has the nation mourned as deeply. Australian PM, John Curtin, has called for a day of national mourning, and to prepare for a direct assault on the mainland.
Hording of basic essentials, has led some government officials to call for stricter rationing. Shortages of Vegemite have been reported in some areas. The PM is calling for calm on this matter.
--------------

Another wasted use of my carriers, shadowing my troop transports, has put more miles on the clock ... no opposition surface TF's. But if I decide to switch my focus to New Zealand, this is a good stepping stone.

Preparations are going well for India, except the position of my CV's and the lack of AP's to load all my troops coming from Soerabaja, Lingayen and Singapore....

[n01487477]

Another DB update: this is a regional DB, showing production capacity, and production output. Eventually, it will give a 30 day total ... +/- OIL/RES to Import.
Will also link this form to a history form of regional production.

[n01487477]

19/3/42: Don't you hate traveling around Baatan, this was one of those stupid doh moments, when I sent 2 DD's from Lingayen on escort duty further south ...15 coastal shots from 60 miles off found their target....
Seeing as I've lost a hell of a lot of DD's this early, I'm less than happy about this. I knew about this problem before, but ...#%$^!!!

[n01487477]

Also last night finished sorting the clusters. I decided to break up Korea and Manchuria and East China, so that I could get a better idea of regional supply-resource production and resource use.

Making clusters is really, much easier than I initially thought ...

I know they are connected by road, and maybe this will screw with the figures, but overall I hope this will enable me to make better calculations globally for my access DB.

The DB application is coming along well, and I hope that with a week or two, I can make a general post, and see if people have any opinion on it.

Also if you want the more accurate cluster definitions let me know...

[n01487477]

The Colour of War:

Letter from PFC Ito to his mother:

Dear Mother,
by now you would have heard the news, about the fall of Soerabaja, My platoon arrived too late to see any real action, and for the last week we've been welcoming new recruits into our ranks. Tomorrow we head to Singapore for more outfitting. Some of the lads have been talking about a big push somewhere, but that is all to be taken with a grain of salt, in the boredom, some of the younger troops seem to have nothing better to do than spend hours playing cards and gossiping...
One of the guys came across some chickens the other night, he rescued them from their pens and we had a lovely chicken stew. We've kept one alive, and take turns having a fresh egg in the morning.
All for now, miss you all
Love Ito

Nagumo's War Diaries:
18/3: Position NW of Rabaul, TF1 divided CV Hiryu, 2 BB's and some escorts for repair.

Hiryu, has been lagging behind the fleet lately, I sent word about this while refueling at Rabaul. Adm. Yamamoto, has allowed us to divide and sent word to us that we shall be bolstered by CV Soryu and Akagi, & 2 fresh BB's when we reach Singapore harbour.

Scout planes had a fix on 2 CV's at Colombo, 5 days ago, but since, they have disappeared. Could the British have two CV's operating, or is this the American fleet that attacked Noumea on the 24/2 ?

Hopefully, we can inflict serious damage this time.

[n01487477]

25/3/42
TOP SECRET:
Japanese Army High Command
to The War Office

Re: Operation preparation report
Movement of the 2nd,4th & 48th Infantry Divisions from the Philippines to Singapore is nearing completion. These Divisions are 90% combat ready.

Additionally the 19th, 21st Infantry Divisions, the 21st and 23rd Mixed Inf Bde and the 35th Bde are reinforcing at Singapore, they should be 100% in a few days.

Tank Bde's and SNLF's are waiting for AP's to be moved from Soerabaja to Singapore.

Naval and Army air force numbers: fighters 250+, Lvl Bombers 250+

Gen Yoshijiro.

25/3/42
TOP SECRET:
Japanese Navy High Command
to The War Office

Re: Operation preparation report

By the 30th of April, there will be approximately 5 CV's 2 CVL's, 6 BB's, 6 CA's, 3 CL's, 30 DD's, 20 MSW's & 10 SS's ready at Singapore. All are above 90% efficiency.

Are we to proceed with the operation?

Adm Yamamoto.

[n01487477]

28/3/42
TOP SECRET:
The War Office to
Japanese Navy High Command
Japanese Army High Command

Re: Operation preparation report
When all preparations are complete, I expect a complete operational plan of the sea invasion, this must be approved before the end of the month.

I expect the operation to nullify the British in India to begin within the week. Make sure that I am not disappointed in this matter.

This operation will be given the code name: "Tigers breath".

In the name of the Emperor,

Tojo.

[n01487477]

To the War Office:
TOP SECRET: Tojo's eyes only

Here is an initial plan for the capture of India, I shall detail more as the TF's are assembled and sent.

Including a battle damage assessment and a full list of units involved.

The operation to take Akyab, will commence in 2-3 days, weather dependent.

Admiral Yamamoto

[n01487477]

1/5/42 End Of Month - Situation Report (April has been a quiet month)

Burma - Just about to launch operation "Tigers Breath", no real air combat this month, just refreshing my airforce and waiting for the big push...

Celebes - 2 SS's just spotted, so after a month of hazard free shipping, they're back.

Java - The island chain down to Dili is still not secured, but the major bases are. Australia beckons, but not ready just yet.

China - No activity to report

SE Pacific - Sent some troops to Pago Pago, and am preparing for an attack on Fiji, supported with ACTF 2

NE Pacific - Major buildup of troops on both sides, unfortunately my airport building is going at a glacial pace.

Central Pacific - He caught 2 DD's and a TK, returning from Palmyra, I hate the pathing in this game sometimes.

ACTF 1 - Currently stationed at Singapore, about to escort my invasion force to India; Includes CV Akagi, Zuikaku, Shokuku, Soryu, CVL Shoho, Ryujo, 2 BB's, CL Oi (radar), and some DD's

ACTF 2 - About to arrive in the Kwajalein area, and then will go to Fiji, for support of the proposed invasion... 2 CV's, Hiyo, Junyo, CVE Hosho & Taiyo & CVL Zuiho, 1 BB, 2 CA's and a radar DD

Economy: With better cluster definitions, I got a better idea of what to ship, where and when, resources and oil are starting to flow into the Home Island, and I have increased these supplies by 10 days from last month = +90K Oil and +150K Res.

Aircraft numbers are rising steadily.
A6M2's - 220
Betty's - 200
Val and Kate - 120 + each
(will give a better breakdown later)

Ship Yard Repairs
1 CV - 12 sys
3 BB - 12 sys each
4 CA - average 15 sys
4 CL's - 10 sys
23 DD's - 10 sys
20 + AK's
20 + AP's
17 SS's

[Gen.Hoepner]

This is, more or less, the PzB "Hangover"tm. plan! Even the timings are similar. The difference here relies in the mod. pzB was playing against wollby using Stock scen. let's see how it works here.
Good luck!

[n01487477]

Thanks General, maybe I am standing on the shoulders of others, more seasoned than myself, but I am going to give it my best shot ...

I think this might be a make or break campaign, the stakes are high and the nerves are jingling with anticipation. Can't wait - in a frightened sort of way!!!

Ok, just loaded the 21,18,19,5 Div's & 1 tank, 5 NLF, 1 HQ, 1 Special force & 21st & 23rd Mixed in Singapore, they should be embarking tomorrow for Diamond Harbor.

I have a Bombardment force heading for Rangoon, to assist my 2 DIv's & Special Base Force landing there in the next few days.

The numbers of ships I've assembled is staggering to me. I just wish I had a few of the other repairing BB's on offer ...
includes:-
ACTF1 5 CV's 2 CVL's
5 BB's
7 CA's
7 CL's
30+ DD's
25 MSW's
180 AP's
60 AK's

Chance would be a fine thing !!!

And while I'm here I just wanted to update my picture DB of regional production. Still want to incorporate more here like a flow chart diagram ala WITP economics chart V3.0.

[Gen.Hoepner]

Which is the state of the DH base right now? AF level? cause you'd need an early operative AF for your betties in order to prevent any RN action in bengal bay and a good platform for your sallies/helens in order to be able to bomb calcutta back to stoneage! Calcutta is an urban hex so it will be a tough nut to crack. If he brings here his crack troops (for ex. the 18th Uk and the two indian armoured brigades) it's gonna be difficult to move them out. If i was you...i'd try to make a kind of subterfuge. You should make him think you're gonna unload the bulk of your forces at Chandupur, so he'll move his crack units to Dacca at least (or directly at Chandupur at Best), then unload fast at DH and try to get to Calcutta before he can move in his forces. Calcutta is the key. If you do not get it fast you could be trapped there, so on the shore...could be a bad situation

[n01487477]

Thanks for the heads up... DH is at Lvl 6, I have never invaded India even against AI, so your advice is very enriching. I can see a large force of troops at Calcutta, so maybe I should reverse my plan and go for Madras/Chandapur/Sri Lanka first ?
Even a landing at Chittagong, might draw his troops ?

Anyway, I can make a better evaluation in a few days... with recon from Akyab, I hope

[Gen.Hoepner]

Akyab needs to be taken and immediately defended with crack fighters. If it's (as i hope) already developed at level 4 AF, place there immediately your betties. You need to cover your shoulders from the RN.
Imho Chandupur is a better place to unload your troops. it's a clear hex and when conquered he will have some trouble defending dacca because you're gonna have another railway to march through in order to flank Dacca's position, so he will have to devide his troops if he wants to defend the rivercrossing. Secondly there's no urban hex nearby.
Once you estabilish yourself in Chandupur he will have to move his units towards Dacca if he wants to defend it, so Calcutta won't be so well defended. That will be the time(when he will unbalance himself) to land at DH...so to force him to face 2 different threats.
key is to forbid him from using his close-support AFs...so you have to grab asap a level 4 AF in the area, move in crack fighters and soften his first attempt to close it. Then when his fighters will be blown away, move in your bombers (hundreds of them) and close every AF in range.
At this stage, if things go well, he will be forced to abbandon the area 'cause with so many railroad and no wooden or urban hex to defend, and above all with no air support for his troops, he will be threatened of being flanked (bring tanks with you!).
Anyway imho the key for you is not to be stopped on the shore.

[n01487477]

Thanks again General,
am trying to adjust my plans on the fly, feels like a real fluid battle plan now, so I'll keep plugging away and see how it progresses.

A BAD DAY AT CHITTAGONG
I don't usually show combat reports but this one is of note, as they were rested and about 80% experience. Sure they were on LREscort duty, here;s what my esteemed opponent says ...

Looks like the Hurricane compares pretty well against the Zero. Zero has an edge on maneuver and slight better climb. The Hurricane is better armored has better guns and is faster, and there is no
longer a Zero bonus. Seemed fairly accurate, alot of hurricanes were damaged and some shot down, more Zeros were shot down than damaged. I think this reflects fairly well the fighter idology of both sides. My planes will never be as agile as yours but they take damage better and hit hard. I think this is the lament of an awful lot of Japanese players.

Day Air attack on Chittagong , at 31,25

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 54
G4M1 Betty x 118

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb x 53

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 22 destroyed, 1 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 15 destroyed, 22 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIb: 13 destroyed, 21 damaged


Allied ground losses:
83 casualties reported
Guns lost 4

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 12

Anyway, got to keep going now, I'm committed to taking India, "farewell to my arms" !!!

[n01487477]

A STUPID DAY AT RAMTREE IS. (1 hex Sth of Akyab)

Using Ramtree as a waypoint on my way to Akyab, I set my TT to "DO NOT UNLOAD" ... you guessed it ... they did!!

Now I've got my posterior sticking out ready to be slapped ... I asked whether my opponent wanted to redo ... It seems a bit rude, but this is not FOW, just a game bug... so we'll see.

Should say also, I've learnt this lesson, no land based waypoints!)

Have changed some things (took the screenshot later)

[Gen.Hoepner]

NEVER LAND WAYPOINTS!!!!!!....[:(]
A redo here would be just fine imho...

[n01487477]

7/5/1942: Akyab
Despite the fact that the monsoon season was a month away, the oppressive heat and humidity, were not the only reason that this once peaceful fishing community was quiet at midday. No feluccas were out today, the town’s population had fled into the surrounding fields, leaving the town to the Indian Division which had taken up residence months before. The Ex-Pat British Commander, twirled his wax pointed moustache, and thought:
“My troops are not as ill disciplined and ill equipped as some of those toffee-nosed Oxbridge types, sitting back in Dacca, believe. My guys have a strong back-bone, one that can only be acquired from years of being kicked around by British Colonial troops.”

A bead of sweat formed on his brow and ran down his cheek as he frowned and thought,

”I just hope we are not overwhelmed, 17000 troops might not be enough to hold those stinking Japs”

“Sir, surveillance photo’s, and some combat reports just in”, his adjutant walked with purpose in his step …




The General whipped his cheek and flicked through the reports first … damn …
“Jap para’s have taken Cox's Bazaar, the beach 120 miles north…”
“Jap armor spotted 50 miles south, with an Inf Div 50 miles behind them.”
He turned to the photo, counted the ships, “Hmm maybe only a Division and some support … maybe we have a chance after all … ”

Overhead, the rush of air and sound of falling shrapnel, brought both the General and the adjutant, into the beating sun. They looked up to see the swarming P-38’s and Curtis H81-3A’s, engage the Zero’s which were protecting the convoy of ships, which had just emerged on the horizon. Soon the air was littered with white and red falling stars.
“Those fighting Tigers”, he grinned, ”if only we had more of those lads, the war would be over by Christmas” …
“Sir, communication from our coastal guns … one Destroyer hit, Jap troops landing in force … ”
“Double Damn, I’ll have that junior officer’s stripes … one DD hit !! I should have known, he never could play cricket ... no eye for it …

Overhead, the sound of Swordfish and Beaufort’s droned, the General waited for the sound of explosions … none came. “Where are they going?”, he thought … “someone’s made a cock-up … “

Later it was learned, 1 AP was sunk at Ramtree Is.

[n01487477]

8/5/42: Akyab

Just a quick update, troops almost completely offloaded, this TF, was the worst packed, as I didn't have enough AP's at Rangoon. I'd like to have them offloading a bit better in the future!

Lots of ASW action today 5 different allied subs attacked around Akyab and Blair Island.

The Allies sent 5 PT's to Akyab, catching me without a SC TF, and it thumped my ASW TF instead, 1 DD is limping back to Rangoon, out of the war for a month I guess. I only got one PT sunk ... I hope SCTF make a difference in this.

Next turn is my first assault on Akyab, supported with a BB bombardment, I'm hoping for some good casualties, unfortunately my planes haven't flown for 3 turns