Rebels (Canoerebel) vs. Redcoats (Miller) - Big B 192

[Canoerebel]

6/10/43
 
A tip of the hat to Miller for pressing on toward the fleeing Allied ships even though it brings him closer to Allied LBA.   He smells blood, and the smell doesn't deceive him.  This was not a very good day for the Allies, and tomorrow could be interesting indeed.
 
I think Miller expected the Allied fleets to withdraw toward Manado (level 3 port) rather than Morotai (level 1 port).  Some of his TFs made for the former, while others, especially the CV TFs, are still closer to the latter.  This time, Allied LBA flew some strikes and the LRCAP was up, but the Allies still had a really bad day.
 
LBA and scattered naval based strike aircraft sorties against a host of Jap TFs.  SBDs put a single bomb into BB Mutsu and another in CA Myoka; B24s scored two hits against already damaged BB Hiei, which is now at Davao.  Lots of other strikes missed the mark.
 
Then the Japs struck back.  Today the air losses went against the Japs by a lopsided margin - something like 230 to 115, but enough bombers got through to finish off the damaged CV Hornet (another TT from Palau-based bombers did her in).  Even worse, a massed strike from carrier-based air penetrated cap, taking severe losses, but scoring 2 TT and 4 bombs on CV Wasp, 4 bombs on CA Portland, and a single TT on CVE Suwanee (in earlier posts I said there are two US CVEs present, but there are actually four).  These ships can survive if left unmolested, but the Japs are closing in.
 
My first concern is a big strike by Jap surface combat ships (Yamato is around).  All the Allies have left is CAs, CLs, and DDs.  With the Jap CVs closing, it's dangerous to flee, so I've made a variety of decisions:  Wasp and other badly damaged ships will stay at Morotai, as will seveal transport TFs that will unload troops to make sure I don't lose this base.  Protection will be afforded by PT boats and three or four combat TFs that have two or three CAs each.  A transport convoy will arrive at Morotai tonight carrying a large base force, so beginning tomorrow the Allies will have a greatly increased ability to base aircraft in the battle area.  The Allied LBA at Weda, Morotai, and Manado are nothing to be sneezed at, so maybe they can get some licks in.
 
The two remaining undamaged US CVs are going to sprint for Darwin at flank speed.  They may get away.  The four US CVLs at Pearl are steaming SE and then SW and will serve as reinforcements when they arrive in two weeks or so.
 
Okay, Miller is hammering my giblets right now.  He did a great job planning this ambush.  I was wary, but not nearly wary enough.  A tip of the hat to an opponent who never gives up.
 
Now let's see what happens tomorrow!

[Canoerebel]

6/11/43
 
Miller indeed sent his powerful surface combat TFs into Morotai, where the relatively weak but determined Allied ships performed pretty well.  It was an incredibly bloody day, and the Japs came out ahead, but the battle isn't over yet and Miller may be in for a shock.
 
1)  On the 10th, I sent my last two undamaged CVs (Saratoga and Yorktown) sprinting south down the eastern side of the Moluccas into the Ceram Sea.  They made good speed and weren't attacked.  I sent many of the transport convoys and some damaged ships south down the west coast of the Moluccas.  These ships came under attack during the course of the day, with two CVEs, some combat ships, and a few transports getting hit.  But considering the amount of Japanese naval air and surface power in the area, the escape went fairly well.
 
2)  That left at Morotai a number of Allied surface combat TFs, most of these anchored by CAs and one by BB California.  There were a few convoys unloading too, including one carrying a large BF.  Another occupant of the harbor was the heavily damaged CV Wasp.  In came the Jap combat TFs including BBs Nagato, Yamato, Musashi, Haruna, Kirishima, and Kongo, supported by a host of CAs, CLs, and DDs.  A series of nine engagements then occurred.  Here are the highlights:
 
   # 1 - 4 Jap CAs vs. 2 Allied CAs left CA Kinugasa heavily damaged with CL Kako and at least four DDs heavily damaged.  At least two US DDs were heavily damaged.  Round #1 for the Allies.
 
   # 2 - 3 Jap CAs vs. 3 Allied CAs left CA Kumano and 3 DDs on fire.  But the Japs got in a devastating Long Lance attack (this happened regularly during the engagements) leaving CAs Canberra and Chester in flames along with two CLs and 6 DDs.  Round #2 for the Japs.
 
   # 3 - 2 Jap CAs v. 2 Allied CAs, with another devastating Long Lance attack.  CL Trenton goes down and CA Salt Lake City is a burning hulk, as are at least 2 DDs.  The Japs see CA Maya and 2 DDs heavily damaged.  Round # 3 for the Japs.
 
   # 4 - BB Nagato and CA Takao take on the same heavily damaged Allied TF.  Salt Lake City and 6 DDs are ravaged.  Round # 4 for the Japs.
 
   # 5 - CL Tama and 5 DDs face BB California and 2 CAs.  This should be a lark, but the danged Long Lances do their terrible work.  CL Tama goes down and 3 DDs are pummeled, but California, CA Chicago, and a DD are crippled.  Round # 5 for the Japs.
 
   # 6 - BBs Yamato and Musashi and 3 CAs come in against the Allied TF damaged in the preceeding round.  The Allies perform surprisingly well, with Yamato "on fire" and CA Ashigura, CLs Sendai and Nagara, and 3 DDs all heavily damaged.  Chicago goes down and California is a floating wreck (but somehow survives the day, although she'll never make it out of harm's way).  Round # 6 to the Allies, I'd say.
 
   # 7 - BBs Haruna, Kirishima, and Kongo face the sad remnants of the Allied convoy damaged in the prior two rounds, with CA Vincennes, a DMS, and a DD in flames.  However, BB Kirishima went down after a single torpedo hit.  Round # 7 a tossup, perhaps.
 
   # 8 - BB Kongo and a few others face two CAs.  CL Aguno goes down and CL Jintsu and 3 DDs are heavily damaged.  CAs New Orleans, Minneapolis, CL Raleigh, and 5 DDs are badly damaged (I think another bad Long Lance round).  Round # 8 for the Japs.
 
   # 9 - Another Jap force faces an Allied ASW force and badly damage two DMS and an MSW.  Round # 9 for the Japs.
 
During daylight hours, Allied LBA flew many unsuccessful sorties and a few that were profitable.  CA Ashigama (spelling?) took 7 hits, CL Sendai took 2, and 2 more DDs were damaged.
 
The Japs flew many sorties - mostly from various KB elements station about 120 miles NE of Morotai - with some LBA strikes from Palau.  These strikes including single TT hits on CVE Sangamon and Suwannee and CA Pensacola and CL Java, two hits on CA Canberra and CL Leander, and some bomb hits on some smaller ships including DDs and transports.  But the worst of the day came when a KB strike found the badly damaged CV Wasp at Morotai and added 2 TTs and more bombs hits to her troubles.  Wasp succumbed to her wounds.
 
For the day, the Japs lost 158 aircraft and the Allies 89.  Over the three day battle, the Allies probably lost 700 aircraft and the Japs approximately the same.
 
The Allies, however, have lost five (arg!) fleet CVs and at least two CVEs along with probably 4 BBs (only one a modern ship).  The Japs have lost 2 fleet CVs and a CVL and at leat one and possibly 2 BBs.
 
However, the battle isn't over yet.  A multitude of damaged Jap ships are within striking distance of LBA, and the KB elements are two unless Miller retreats overnight.  I think Miller is under the assumption that Morotai only has a small base force, and that was indeed the case until transports began unloading while there was havoc all around.  The Allies can now base 270 aircraft at Morotai (although it's a level 4, so house rules limit the numbers to 200 +/- 10%), up from 30 a day earlier.  If Miler stays close or continues his pursuit, he'll face 219 aircraft at Morotai, 232 at Manado, 45 at Weda, 103 and Namlea, 180 at Amboina, and, if he really gets crazy, 220 at Kendari.  I'm hoping that he'll get a big, bad suprise on the 11th, including massive strikes against what must be a depleted air crew on his CVs (not to mention the number of sorties flown over the past two days).  At the very least, I hope my LBA will pick off many cripples.
 
Three days ago, Miller led in the score 25,000 to 20,000.  It's now 29,000 to 22,000, so I've lost 2,000 points over the two day battle, but his ship losses will lag by a week or so, so the gap should hopefully narrow.
 
I've unloaded a strong force at Morotai (AV 750), so I hope the base is relatively safe from attack.  SigInt shows Miller prepping for Darwin.  Was he (is he) hoping for such a great victory that he can retake Darwin (and Kendari, Amboina, etc.?).  While he has come out ahead thus far, I don't think it's that bad.  LBA alone - the large numbers of aircraft and the numbers of good bases - should prevent anything that drastic.
 
Elswhere:  The Sumatra invasion forces will finish loading tomorrow.  If they could get underway and make good time it might be worth trying a sneak attack.  But if I get cold feet or think it's a bad idea, I think I can create a deception of imminent invasion of Palau or Balikpan to hold Miller's attention while the remaining US CVs (and the CVLs on the way from Pearl) join the Brits.  Is Miller expecting the Brits to try something on that front?  I'm about to move on Moulmein, which I hope will satisfy his suspicsions and allow me to hit Sumatra unexpectedly.
 
Finally, my hat's off to Miller.  What a tremendous, bold stroke, especially following so closely on the heels of his loss at Midway.  I thought he was on the defensive.  He organized a massive strike and earned a great victory.
 
 
 
 
 

[ny59giants]

OUCH!!
 
It looks like he threw everything he had at you. [X(]  What type of fighters did you have on your CVs?? Are Hellcats out in numbers in this mod yet??  If he had KB intact along with the new builds, that is a very powerful force.
 
In my CHS PBEM game (late 11/42), I've lost 2 CVs in 2/42 and only have 4 American CVs left. He just brought all 8 CVs out and used Midway and Johnson Island for target practice. [X(] I know I cannot go toe to toe for another 7 to 9 months until my 2 CV respawn and I get Hellcats. A reinforced KB is still very tough if your away from LBA.
 
Looks like you will be forced to island hop under the protection of your P-38s. Those CVs will not respawn until 45 and will be of little use. In my 3 PBEMs to date (counting John 3rd two brief games), I've lost 5 American CVs to 1 Japanese CV (John's Akagi in our first game on 12/8/41). These lessons are expensive in terms of CVs lost. [:-]

[Canoerebel]

The seven Allied fleet CVs had F4Fs.  Hellcats are available, but my CVs wouldn't swap for them at Darwin.  I didn't want to send my ships to Sydney or Melbourne and lose a month since there seemed to be so much easy pickings in the area (and that was indeed the case as the Allies took Timor, the Moluccas, Flores, and much of Celebes, but the opportunity evaporated when I moved on Davaoe).  Miller had just gotten those four new CVs - Amigari and three others I'm not familiar with since they never appeared in Uncommon Valor, and this is my first WitP game).
 
My 4 CVLs, which were based in Pearl have Hellcats.  York and Sara will retreat to Sydney and rebuild and rearm there.
 
This was a tremendously exciting battle to experience even though I came out on the short end. 

[ny59giants]

You will be a much better player when AE comes out. All these expensive lessons. [&o]
 
I know hindsight is a wonderful thing, but having Hellcats vs. F4Fs this late in the war would have been a tremendous advantage (and probably saved a CV or two).

[Canoerebel]

6/12/43 to 6/16/43
 
The Allies really took a drubbing in the Battle of Morotai.  The dust is beginning to settle, both sides are adjusting to the altered game balance, and there's some interesting things going on.
 
Battle of Morotai Summary:  There is no question the Japs prevailed decisively in this battle, inflicting far greater damaged and stopping an Allied invasion before it really got started.  Here are the estimated losses:
 
CVs:  Lexington, Enterprise, Hornet, Wasp, Essex; Shokaku, Zukaku
CVLs:  Zuiho
CVE:  Sangamon, Suwanee
BBs:  Colorado, Pennyslvania, California, Indiana (moderately damaged Maryland made it to Darwin); Kirishima (badly damaged Hiei made it to Davao and underwent a port attack by B24s taking five more hits, so there is some hope she might sink)
CAs:  Houston, Chester, Chicago, Salt Lake City, Canberra (all other damaged CAs are in port or safely on their way to Melbourne); Ashigara, Kinugasa.
CLs:  Leander, Trenton; Agano, Sendai, Tama
DDs:  I counted 13 Allied DDs sunk and only 6 Jap, but Miller says these numbers are about equal.
Misc:  I don't think the Japs lost any other ships, other than perhaps a sub or two; the Allies have lost some DMS, MSW, and AKs.
 
Morotai Region Now:  Two days after the battle, the Japs pulled back to Palau, and apparently had less crippled ships than I expected.  Allied LBA from Morotai applied the coup-de-grace to a damaged CAs and a few DDs, but that was about it.  Allied heavy bombers hit Davao and Palau on the 14th, putting 10 hits into the crippled Shokaku (she went down on the 16th) and 5 on BB Hiei; the raid at Palau scored one hit on CVL Ryujo ("heavy damage" and 1 on CV Hiryu "on fire.").  Allied troops are safely ashore at Morotai and there isn't yet any signs of the Japs launching an offensive (I feel like Longstreet after Pickett's charge, expecting the enemy to come after me).  Two Allied surface combat TFs remain at Morotai and I'm worried about the exposure, so may move them soon.
 
Allied Plans in the Region:  Fast transport convoys are making for Raba (spelling?) and Bali, which I think are undefended.  If so, I'll have those two little bases in three days or so.  But the main Allied objective in this area is to hold Miller's attention by showing signs that the Allies are regrouping and preparing to invade something important (Palau, Balikpan, etc).  After the air raid on Palau damaged his CVs, Miller said he pulled them out, but recon on the 16th showed a host of CVs anchored there.  I would like them to stay right there, so I want to give a very convincing appearance that the Allies are "on the move" as soon as they reorganize following the invasion.  I will move again, eventually, but other plans will take priority for awhile.
 
Invasion of Sumatra:  The Sumatra invasion fleets rendezvoued at
Colombo during this period and a Jap sub showed up and took pictures.  So Miller knows something is up and he may deduce what I'm doing, but I hope I can create the appearance that Port Blair and the Andaman Island are the objective.  I moved a recon outfit to Akyab and began flying over Port Blair a few days ago.  A mock invasion fleet formed at Colombo at the same time the Sumatra fleet did.  Both moved out on the night of the 15th - the Sumatra force to the south, the Port Blair force will round Ceylon, make for Madras like it is picking up troops, and then make for Port Blair.  It will be covered by the only Brit CV left.  One CV isn't going to help the Sumatra force - Miller will either expect it, or is prepared for it, in which case one CV would just get sunk, or he will be totally surprised in which case that CV won't be needed.  The invasion fleet will make for Telekbetong or possibly western Java.  The "pocket invasion" of Bali will help me get a base closer to this area.  (While the Morotai battle was going on the Allies landed a 90 unit base force at Makassar, so that was one development on the positive side. 
 
Diversion in Burma:  To add to the illusion that the big thrust is against Port Blair and Burma; the Allied troops in Meiktila began moving out on the Rangoon road on the 15th, and will reach the next hex on the 17th.  These troops may actually move on Moulmein, but I haven't decided yet.  Heavy bombers hit Moulmein on the 16th, destroying some 20 aircraft on the ground, but losing the a2a battle against a multitude of Tonys.
 
China:  The Hanoi invasion has become a war of attrition, but my guys are running out of steam.  I may have to retreat.  A wierd thing happened near Changsha.  After the Chinese defeated two large Jap forces that entered Changsha on successive days, I ordered most of my troops to advance one hex on the Nanchang Road to administer a drubbing to the "defeated, demoralized, fatigued" troops that retreated that way.  Due probably to some zone of control rule that I don't understand, my units didn't take the road out of Changsha toward Nanchang - they moved SE into a hex with a poor road leading to Kanhsien, and THEN toward the target hex.  This slowed things down.  But the weird thing is that some STATIC units joined the march, moved into that vacant hex, and now won't budge.  So I only have two units left in Changhsa (AV 700 with forts 9) and Miller sent his troops back into town!  He hasn't attacked yet, but I'm in trouble.  But my big army from Changsha is beginning to arrive in the so-called target hex.  Miller launched an attack on the 16th (58th Div. and an artillery unit) and got pummeled.  So he's cut me off, I've cut him off, and I have static units in the middle of nowhere.
 
CenPac:  To further confuse Miller (I hope), I have a mock invasion moving on Wake Island, including a fully prepped 37th Division.  This fleet won't go near Wake, but I hope he'll get some troubling SigInt.
 
Situation:  Despite the drubbing, the Allies are in pretty good position.  If the Sumatra invasion is a surprise it will be fun; if Miller guesses right or has plenty of troops and aircraft in the area, it won't be.
 

[Q-Ball]

Cool battle, Miller certainly followed IJN Doctrine of the "One Big Battle" concept, though it wasn't necessarily a "Big Gun Battle".

Very interesting read! And I agree, you are still ahead!

[Canoerebel]

6/17/43 to 6/30/43
 
As I type this, I'm awaiting the next turn from Miller - the Allied invasion force will arrive at Tjilijap on Java's southern shore.  If Miller's turn arrives, I'll add an update to this report before posting.
 
Java:  The invasion fleet - including two Indian divisions and a brigade, two armored regiments, a large BF, combat engineers, artillery, supplies, and aircraft - sailed from Colombo on the 15th, with a decoy invasion TF making for Port Blair in the Andaman Islands.  To my knowledge - and allowing for the sync bug that has vexed me throughout the game, making recon reports unreliable - Miller hasn't spotted the invasion force yet.  As the decoy invasion approached Port Blair, Miller transferred aircraft there - there were a few modest strikes against this fleet, but no damage done.  Miller could see that this force had a CV present.  I then withdrew this decoy force to the south as if I might be approaching the western tip of Sumatra.  At the same time, a large army arrived a hex from Rangoon and Moulmein.  I think that Miller concluded that the "Port Blair invasion convoy" was a decoy to draw aircraft away from Rangoon.  He only left the aircraft in Port Blair a single turn.  I was worried that he had an idea I was heading for Java, but based upon the complete lack of opposition, it is more likely he thought this was all about Rangoon.
 
Assuming the Java invasion force gets ashore in good shape and takes Tjilijap, the Allies will have a strong position in the DEI.  I have Aussie troops ashore at Bali and should take that base pretty soon.
 
Banda Sea and Vicinity:  Jap reinforcements have arrived and it would be tough to take Palau now; but Palau has never been my main objective - Davao was.  Once I get my CVs and CVLs together and ready to steam, I'll move that way.  But it's going to be many weeks- the two CVs are at Sydney and all their DDs are at Melbourne with SYS damage in the upper teens (due to upgrading).  Five CVLs are on the way to Sydney and should arrive in about ten days.
 
CenPac:  Gracious plenty US troops prepped for Marcus Island are in Pearl or on the way to Pearl.  I probably have enough transports to handle them, but no CVs to provide cover.  At some point - perhaps by year's end, the Allies will make a move on Marcus.
 
China:  The weird movement snafu that sent nearly all of my Changsha units south into the wilderness instead of a hex east toward Nanchang led to the Japs taking Changsha on the 26th.  Now Chinese troops are hung up between the two cities.  I'm trying to dislodge a modest Jap force (two divisions plus) a hex from Nanchang.  I have a much larger force, but they are low on supplies and badly fatigued.  I may have to pull these units back to Kahnsien and perhaps further south.  This opens some opportunities for Miller, but I'm not really worried about it.  China is a quagmire - he cant' go far without facing lots of Allied aircraft, additional troops, and the threat of his territorial gains splitting up his forces and making it easier for me to counterattack.  I don't think he's going to gain anything lasting here.
 
As I finish this report, no turn yet from Miller, so I'll go ahead and post.  Update later today.

[Canoerebel]

Miller's Email:  Well you certainly took me by suprise going for Tjilliap....one of my sub recon planes actually spotted your fleets about 10 days ago but I assumed they were part of your aborted Port Blair invasion/bait force.[/align] [/align]Very risky considering you have no air cover until you take the base.....next turn will be very interesting![/align] [/align]My Reply:  That's pretty much the way this operation was organized - a single Brit CV wasn't going to help, so all or nothing. If I take the city this next turn, I'll count it a victory no matter how many ships I lose. If I don't take it this turn, then in all likelihood this is a bad defeat.  I was afraid to recon either here or Djakarta - I would have chosen whichever looked more lightly held. Since the latter was a mountain hex, I decided to go with Tjilitjap. Let's see what happens as the Jap airforce gets lots of target practice this turn. [/align] [/align]Invasion:  Clearly this invasion was a surprise - Tjilitjap wasn't mined and there was no naval opposition.  Most of the transports began unloading overnight, and by afternoon a fairly stout force was ashore, though unloading is going more slowly than I had anticipated.  It looks like the city is lightly held by two units - and these units might not have any offensive capabilities.  Usually (I think) invasions prompt an auto-bombardment counterattack; but there wasn't one, so I don't think Miller has any soldiers in the hex.  Scattered elements of the Jap airforce hit the invasion force - small squadrons of Betties and some Sallies from all over the place.  Enough to sink a transport or two and damage a handful of others.  Tomorrow will be paintful as Miller has shifted his airforce to meet this threat, and my ships won't have any CAP.  But if we take the city, the large base force will allow me to bring in P38s from Makassar and Kendari and vicinity; so the key is whether I take the city tomorrow.  If so, the battle has been won no matter how many ships I lose; if not, I lose the battle.  Once I have the airfield up and running, I don't think Miller can evict me from the island - not with the Americans and Australians as close as Bali and Makassar.[/align] [/align]So the Indians had better seize the city!

[/align][/align]

[Canoerebel]

The invasion force arrives at Tjilitjap on July 1, 1943. The Allies had better take the city on the 2nd to get an airfield up and running.

[Canoerebel]

7/1/43 to 7/5/43
 
Java:  The Brits - mainly Indian units - took Tjilitjap on the 1st without much difficulty.  A small Jap DD TF gave a few transports some trouble, and Jap aircraft in moderate numbers have hit the port seveal days, damaging a variety of ships, sinking a handful of transports, BB Valiant, and CL Emerald.  But this operation has been a big success - to get a strong foothold in Java (the Brit AV is 750+) without risking any CVs is a victory.  The Allies transfered in P38s and other fighters from the Celebes, and these are doing good work.  I don't know yet if Miller will mount a land campaign to contest the Allied foothold, but he won't have an easy time of it should he do so.
 
Bali:  Allied troops took Bali on the 4th and a P38 squadron is already based there.  With Bali and Makassar close to Java, the Allies can probably come to the aid of the Java troops if the need arises.
 
Celebes and Vicinity:  The Allies are shuffling troops around via transport so that fragmentary units can rejoin their parents (after becoming separated during the Davao invasion debacle).  It will take me a few weeks to get everything sorted out, but when I do I'll begin working again on the Davao invasion.  Or, I should say, I'll try to create a situation where the Allies can move either in Java or north from the Celebes, choosing one if the Japs focus on the other.  The Japs have reinforced Palau, but I think Davao is still lightly held.
 
Australia:  The two remaining fleet CVs are refitting at Sydney and will soon be joined by five or six CVLs.  The DDs upgraded and have high SYS damage (14 to 20) that may take weeks to fix, so it's going to be awhile before American carriers are ready to get underway.
 
Jap CVs:  A number of Jap CVs were sighted at Taraway.  Miller may be interested in raiding merchant lanes.
 
CenPac: The Allies have gathered many units prepping for Marcus at Pearl Harbor.  The only trouble is that an invasion fleet wouldn't have air cover.  I won't try anything until I can bring CVs this way - unless I sense a golden opportunity to strike.

[Canoerebel]

Received this email from my opponent, Miller, last night:[/align] [/align]"Hi Dan, I made an error this turn that I must hold my hands up to. I forgot to stand down about half of my Betty's based at Sorebaja and they flew against targets at Tjillajap, therefore I violated the 50 x base size number of a/c flying in a single day.[/align] [/align]They sink quite a few damaged transports, but nothing major. My apologies and I will try my best to make sure this does not happen again."[/align] [/align]I faced Miller in a marathon UV campaign, and this is our first WitP match.  This would have been no big deal to me - over a long game it's bound to happen now and then.  I wouldn't have caught it, but Miller did.  This is one of many reasons I enjoy my contests with him.  I know the vast majority of WitP players are the same.  A good group of men.  Character counts.[/align]

[ny59giants]

I would go for Java first vs. Davao. My reasoning is to spread out your forces around the parameter and have him not know were you will strike from. "IF" you can capture all of Java, then Sumatra comes into play along with most of Borneo and a possible attack on the Malaya peninsula (close off shipping to and from Burma). The more you can use your LBA to attrite his forces, the better off you will be long term, IMO.

[Canoerebel]

7/6/43 to 7/17/43
 
NYGiants, no question that the Allied foothold in Java is dangerous to the Japs, but before I can expand my hold there I've got to distract Miller.  I have a plan....

Java:  A big part of the KB showed up near Batavia shortly after the Allies took Tjilitjap and Jakarta and hammered both the Royal Navy and British transports in Tjilitjap and to the south.  This was a big (and painful, for the Allies) operation that lasted nearly a week.  Miller sank a handful of CAs and CLs, quite a few DDs, and a bucket load of transports.  Allied fighters just haven't handled the situation well even though I've been feeding in squadrons from the Celebes and Timor - aren't Allied fighters supposed to hold their own (like in real life at Guadalcanal or in Uncommon Valor where a few Corsairs would shoot down the entire Jap airforce?).  P38s, Corsairs, Spitfires, and Hurricanes have been ineffective.  I'm getting clobbered here!  On the ground, most of two Jap divisions moved west and are contesting the Allied hold on Jakarta, but the Japs don't have enough to dislodge the Allies (an Indian division and an armored brigade) yet.  I still have a firm hold on these two cities in Java, but I want to "lift the seige" before things get dicey.  The KB just returned to the scene after refueling to the NW (at Palembang or Singapore, I think).  It's taken station south of Java.  I have reinforcements on transports steaming in circles far to the SE of Ceylon - protected by an advanced line of picket ships.  As soon as the KB clears out they'll go in.  I have a plan to entice the KB away, but if that doesn't work, the Allied CV/CVL fleet will be available in about a month.

Philippines:  With much of the KB  stationed at Java, I'm proceeding with the invasion of Davao.  This city is lightly held (10,000 troops) and should fall easily. The invasion fleet won't have CV cover, but this operation will depend on the absence of most of the KB.  I sent transports to re-load the troops that unloaded at Morotai during the first, aborted invasion effort.  When the KB left Java and disappeared to the north a few days ago, I then sent those transports SE towards Amboina, hoping that they would "disappear" from Miller's view into the Banda Sea, making him wonder if their target is Java.  When the KB showed up at Java again (far enough away from Davao that it isn't a threat to the invasion), the show was on.  The transports are all rendezvousing in Morotai and the invasion will get underway in two or three days.

China:  My simple little advance out of Changsha to punish some Jap troops has turned into a fiasco, as described in previous posts. Those units took a cross-country route rather than marching one hex down the road toward Nanchang.  The units got cut off, Miller took Changsha, and now he has taken Kansien.  In return, Chinese troops are moving over from Wuchow.  So there are multiple stacks of units cutting off the enemy.  Miller has the upper hand here and could isolate and destroy a huge Chinese army.  All this because of the weird ground movement mechanics in WitP.

[Canoerebel]

7/18/43
 
Miller never sends CVs within range of Allied LBA - he is the epitome of the cautious, careful player.  So imagine my surprise when a Jap Mini-KB shows up just north of Morotai, where an Allied invasion fleet is gathering. 
 
I'm not sure the exact purpose of this Mini-KB raid.  I think it's to protect Jap transports unloading at Davao (ouch! bad timing for the Allies!).  I sure hope it's not offering cover for a Jap invasion of Morotai, because that base is relatively empty after all the troops embarked on transports destined for Davao.  Who's invading who here?  What a great situation - the reason I love this game.
 
The Jap force includes CVE Taiyo, CVL Chitose, CVE Shingo, and CVL Chiyoda.  There may be others, because the Japs put an awful lot of bombers in the air.  A series of strikes came in against Allied shipping at Morotai.  The Jap aircraft took big losses, but sank CVE Chenango, critically damaged CVE Copahee, and moderately damaged BB Idaho and a CL.  In return, Chitose took five hits and is badly damaged, and Chiyoda one hit and "on fire."  The Japs lost 192 aircraft in A2A combat, the Allies 28.  For the day, the Japs lost 214 aircraft, the Allies 36.
 
My invasion fleet is loaded and ready to sale, but they've got Jap CVs in front and Jap troops unloading at Davao.  I'll wait a few turns to see if the picture clears.  The Allies have a fearsome amount of LBA at Morotai, Manado, Weda, and further to the rear.  Will Miller skedaddle, or is he committed to something larger?
 
Meantime, the main KB remains stationed south of Java which suits me at the moment.  Five US CVLs are on the way to Darwin.  Two CVs are at Sydney and will sail in about a week.  CV Bunker Hill and another CVE are on the way from Panama City.
 
 

[ny59giants]

Place an AS or two along with a few ARs at Perth (or Darwin) and send in subs, in masse, around Java and hope you get a lucky and hit a CV or two. You may lose a few, but it will make him pause for a moment or two as a damaged CV will not help his cause. I would send all my subs, which should be a lot, around Java and Davao to flood the area. Your torpedoes have their dud rate at minimal. [&o]  I might even use 2 subs TF to lay mines in ocean hexes around KB and then after they drop their loads, switch them to patrol as they may get a lucky shot in if they linger in the area.
 
Where are your 4e bombers in all this??

[John 3rd]

Hey Dan and Mike!
 
I hadn't read any of this AAR and cannot believe how different of a situation it is compared to our Forlorn Hopes AAR!  There is a reason why I believe the Japanese should clear NW Australia and this game has proved it.  What a fight...
 
I cannot betray my gaming support for the Japanese but it really looks like your opponent is in trouble Dan.
 

[Canoerebel]

7/19/43
 
Miller sent in a series of BB-led TFs against the Allied fleets at Morotai.  It was a bloody day.
 
First came BBs Nagato, Musashi, and Mutsue facing a series of Allied TFs, none with ships larger than CAs.  There followed about seven distinct rounds of combat.  The Allies lost several CLs and more DDs and may lose at least one CA (Astoria ended up with 98 SYS damage and high float damage).  The Japs lost a few DDs and it looks like BBs Nagato and Mutsu will go down.  Both took two TTs from Allied DDs, followed by at least a dozen bombs from SBDs.  Musashi also left the fray afire, but should make Palau.  The Jap BBs kept losing escorts, but kept coming, until finally it was the three BBs alone, each ablaze, facing Allied ships like MSW, PTs, and SCs.  The PTs performed well, scoring something like 79 hits against one damaged BB, but failed to score any torpedo strikes.
 
In the afternoon, a large force of B24s and B17s from Manado struck the Jap transports at Davao, heavily damaging about ten ships.
 
One small strike force of 4E bombers took a stabh at Chiyoda, which is east of Davao, without success.
 
Overall, I think this round of combat went for the Allies.  The invasion fleet is still sitting in Morotai, the collective sphincters of about 100,000 soldiers and sailors tightly pinched as they watched those Jap BBs come in.
 
The KB has moved north, back to near Batavia.  Another BB strike force hit Tjilitjap, damaging the airfield.  I won't send the Davao invasion force if that KB isn't confirmed down around Java.
 
I have AS and several ARs at Darwin.  I haven't tried your mining suggestion, NYGiants, but that's a good idea.  I have big groups of 4E bombers at Kendari, Manado, Morotai, Amboina, Namlea, and Koepang.  I'm trying to get another to Bali, but I think there's may be a Jap invasion force moving that way.  I have smaller 2E and single-engine bombers at Weda, Lautem, and Makassar.  So the Banda Sea is a no-float zone for Jap ships.  Getting the airfield at Bali fully functional with a large base force will be a big help, and seizing Davao would open up a multitude of nearby targets in the Philippines.
 
John, this game is vastly different from our game because both Miller and I are inexperienced.  This is his first game as the Japs, and it is my first game (ours is my second).  So Miller and I are both learning as we go.  He's really giving me fits in Burma, China, Java, and in the big CV battle we had north of Morotai a month ago.   But overall, yes, the Allies are in good position considering it's mid-'43.
 
 

[Canoerebel]

7/20/43 to 7/25/43
 
Morotai:  The Japs combat ships and CVs from the recent Battle of Morotai have left the scene - the latter for the Philippines, the former for Palau.  I haven't received any reports that the stricken Jap BBs, CVE, and CVL went down, but I have my fingers crossed.  LBA strikes against Palau haven't scored any more hits on the damaged BB or two believed to be in port there.  During this period, the Allied invasion fleet destined for Davao has remained at Morotai, waiting to see what might happen.  Reinforcements, including BB South Dakota, have arrived, offering more protection in the event the KB and more BBs come this way.  I've augmented the land-based CAP and reduced the bombers, shifting the latter to Manado, Weda, and Amboina.  The invasion fleet is ready to sail once I'm sure the KB is down around Java, but the KB disappeared from view and now I'm not sure where she is.
 
Java:  Massed Jap fighters and bombers hit Tjilitjap on the 20th (targeting shipping) and the 23rd (targeting the airfield).  Both strikes were damaging - why is it that my fighters aren't doing well?  On the 25th, Miller sent a large force of unescorted Helens against what had been - until that day - the lightly defended airfield at Bali.  But a big base force had arrived the day before and the field had about 15x the fighters it had the day before.  About 25 Helens went down.  Bali is now a real factor - it can base 150 aircraft and is close enough to offer some support to the Allied forces in Java.  The KB was near Batavia at the start of this period, but then disappeared.  Where is it?  Because if it's around, I want to move on Davao.  But if the KB is moving north to protect Davao, Allied reinforcements are in transports south of Java ready to move in.  The reinforcements include 18th UK Division, several artillery units, and alot of supplies.  The TFs are protected by two RN CVs.  Even if the KB vacates the area and I send this force to Tjilitjap, it will take losses - maybe heavy losses - from Jap LBA.  But the reinforcements and supplies are crucial.
 
US CVs:  The two veteran US CVs and five CVLs - all carrying Hellcats - are steaming north from Sydney and will arrive in Darwin within a week.  These could offer support to the Davao invasion, or serve as backup for the British transports heading to Java.  Bunker Hill and another CVL are on the way from Panama City, but won't arrive for about a month.
 
Burma:  A massed Allied army has been stationed 60 miles north of Rangoon for weeks (it was a decoy while the Java invasion went in).  I still can't decide whether to enter Rangoon to probe, or to try to cross the river to hit Moulmein.
 
China:  Miller tried a deliberate attack against the isolated stack of Chinese units between Changsha and Nanchang, but the Japs got a bloody nose.  He's got me by the short hairs here, but he can't get a real good grip yet.  The Chinese could suffer a devastating defeat in this area, or the Japs could wear themselves out smashing against the Chinese.  I don't know who's going to prevail here.

[Canoerebel]

7/26/43 to 7/28/43
 
Things are getting tense in the DEI and vicinity; we're reaching a tipping point, where something is going to give.
 
DEI:  Miller pounded the airfield at Bali on the 28th, and takes periodic whacks at Tjitjap.  But Hellcats are arriving, so the tables may turn soon.  I think the Allied base at Bali is "safe", but both Miller and think the Allied grip on Java is tenuous.  The reinforcement convoys continue steaming slowly well to the south, waiting for the "opportune" moment - as best I can find one - to come in.  The US CVs and CVLs will be in Darwin in a few days, so I may await their availability before sending 18th UK Division and the other troops and supplies in Tjititjap.
 
Morotai:  The Davao invasion force is still anchored at Morotai.  It's got to be a big temptation for Miller and he could well send another force against it. And I could take a pounding, or my forces could give him one.  I had a brief moment of panic when a big part of my CAP - 54 F4Fs - finally decided to switch over to Hellcats.  For a turn, I was very low on CAP.  But the Hellcast are coming on line now and will significantly bolster the CAP.  Unless Miller commits the KB somewhere in the meantime, I'll probably stay the Davao invasion and proceed with the Java reinforcement run (as soon as the US CV/CVLs are ready to provide cover or to spring if the KB sorties).
 
Burma:  A large Thunderbolt squadron moved forward to Meiktila a turn before Miller launched a large air raid against that base.  The Japs lost 212 aircraft, the Allies 81.  That was a nice change of events.
 
China:  This will be a mess for the Allies for a long time.  The mass of isolated Chinese troops east of Changsha are stuck and can't go anywhere.  Miller is taking advantage of the situation by probing several different places.