Forlorn Hopes: The Japanese Respond

[John 3rd]

Jzanes--That is a CAPITAL idea!  I will move some Transports to Taung Gyi and first airlift the Army HQ to Moulmein.  Once I can get that moved then I will start pulling the two Inf Div to Bankok to rebuild.
 
Can a unit regain its strength if it is divided into two fragments? 
 
Ctangus--GOOD to hear from you!  The China option is dangerous.  Perhaps if he noticed the gathering of troops it might make him worry some...
 
Of course, a better option might be to move all those troops and the HQ unit and attack into southern China.  Hmm...that idea might have a lot more merit.  I could attack in the south where there is little risk of being cutoff and getting into DEEP trouble. 
 
I'll repeat...hmmm...
 
I do have to admit that you are also correct in that I WANT Sydney!  [:D][:D][:D]  BANZAI!
 

[ny59giants]

Can a unit regain its strength if it is divided into two fragments?

As far as I know, only the parent fragment can regain strength. The parent unit is the one with the most support squads in it. When you start transported part of the LCU out, it will take the combat capable squads first and leave the disabled ones for last. This is not universal, but a pretty good rule of thumb.

If your going to bring them back to Moulmein, I would start their prep for that location now.

[saj42]

No need to move transport a/c to Tuang-Gyi (they will use up the precious supply there)
Base them at Moulmein and use the 'pick-up troops' option.

Pull out 95% of both Inf Divs and the HQ - the remaining fragments will be mostly be support squads and will keep the unit count up when the base is reconed.

[John 3rd]

Thanks for that note Tally Ho!  I sent 48 Transports into Taung Gyi for the last turn.  I'll pull them back to Moulmein to extract the HQ unit and use Transports in Bangkok to begin pulling out the Inf Div.  Leaving the Fragments there makes perfect sense.  Perhaps it will be enough to keep Dan from thinking about attacking the base.
 
We've played two turns since the update and I have been watching the Forts and AS of the damaged units.  It is pretty interesting:
 
Rangoon
2/17  Forts 6/91  AS 1122
2/18  Forts 6/96  AS 1146
2/19  Forts 7/01  AS 1186
 
Moulmein
2/17  Forts 3/72  AS 732
2/18  Forts 3/84  AS 743
2/19  Forts 3/95  AS 755
 
If given 10-14 days, my units would start to be formidable.  We'll see what Dan does...
 
He is out of the office today so we aren't getting any turns done.
 

[John 3rd]

[font="times new roman"]February 1, 1943 [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Victory Points and Economic Summary[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Victory Points:[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Score[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Japan   39,256  (Up 2,474 Points)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Allies    12,518  (Up 1,438 Points)[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Still accruing a lot of VP over his but not at the same rate.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Ships Sunk[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Japan   290—2,401 VP (up 127)—Only 21 ships (NO warships lost) sunk during January.  Exact losses were:  8 AK, 3 AP, 1 APD, 5 MSW, 3 ML, and 1 TK.  Probably half of these came from air and SS attacks.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Major Japanese Vessels Sunk to Date---BB Fuso and Yamashiro, BC Kirishima, CAs Kinugasa and Kako, 5 CL, 26 DD (12 Modern DD lost), and 18 SS (14 I-Boats and 4 Ro-).[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Allies    521---6,645 VP (up 223)---Dan lost 29 ships.  Totals for the month were:  11 AK, 2 AP, 2 MSW, 7 PT-Boats, 1 DD, 5 TK, and SS Gunnel.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Major Allied Vessels Sunk---CVs Enterprise, Lexington, Hornet, and Wasp, BBs Colorado, West Virginia, Idaho, Tennessee, and Prince of Wales, 9 CA, 7 CL, 49 DD, and 8 SS.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Manchukuo Garrison---8,088 (8,000 Needed)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Political Points---1,652[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Units Transferred:  [/font]
[font="times new roman"]China               3rd Tank Division for Australia[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Manchuria        19th Inf Div for Burma[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Industrial Report[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Supply              2,249,656[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Fuel                  1,239,290[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Manpower       856 (918,190)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Heavy Industry 15,143 (767)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Resources        20,821 (2,103,686)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Oil                    2090 (754,412)[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Supply dropped about 30,000 and fuel is now becoming a BIG worry.  It dropped 103,000 from the previous month.  I WILL institute fuel-saving measures if it dips again by March 1st.  [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"][/font] 
[font="times new roman"]Shipyards[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Naval               1,366 [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Merchant          981 [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Repair              1,508[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]There are a number of SS coming into the que this month and they are going to cause issues for me.  About the 15th of February I will halt all of them so I can keep my capital ships moving forward.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Battleships[/font][/i]
[font="times new roman"]Musashi (202 Days) halted until Taiho completed.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Ise (173 Days)   Both BB Hybrid Conversions halted to keep CV work rolling.. [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Hyuga (180 Days)[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Carriers[/font][/i]
[font="times new roman"]Taiho (52 Days)—Accelerated but will make normal during the month.[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Unryu (267 Days)--Accelerated[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Amagi (339 Days)--Accelerated[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Katsuragi (584 Days).   [/font]
[font="times new roman"]CVL Chitose (304 Days)--Accelerated[/font]
[font="times new roman"]CVL Chiyoda (320 Days)--Accelerated[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Have a bunch of DD due to upgrade this month and also got Shokaku/Zuikaku/Hiryu upgraded.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Weapons[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Armament        572 (77,625)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Vehicles           156 (1,251)[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]My Vehicles are doing better.  I bumped their production some since I have 2 TK Divisions filling out and drawing their equipment.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Aircraft[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Engines 1,928[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Assembly         1,023+(694-Rd)[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Had a slight decrease in Assembly and a nice rise in Research.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Engine Production[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Mitsubishi         695/Month—Need 273—1,634 in Pool[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Nakajima         1,031(33)—Need 952---0 in Pool[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Kawasaki         182(18)---Need 190---352 in Pool[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Aichi                20---Need 0---233 in Pool[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Continue to expand Nakajima and decrease Mitsubishi.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Plane Production[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Fighters            Planes/Month (in Pool)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]A6M2  0 (280)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]A6M3  84 (12)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]A6M3a  167 (17)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Oscar   0 (342)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Oscar IIa 58 (13)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Tojo     76 (25)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Tony    190 (146)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Jack     78-R[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Heavy drawdown in my Fighter stockpiles.  The combat in Burma and Australia has REALLY taken a toll on my numbers and pilot quality.  It is a concern…[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Bombers[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Betty    34 (396)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Sally     0[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Helen   118 (0)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Lily       92 (0)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Nick-a 26 (0)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Nick-b 12 (6)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Val       32 (442)—Production is turned off.[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Kate     57 (108)—Still NOT keeping ahead of losses here…[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]There are major problems with my bomber production.  I am losing too many planes and am not able to replace them.  I shifted 50% of my Betty building over to Helen so I can bump my numbers last month and we’ll see how quickly they come up.  MUST replace losses!  [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Recon/Float[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Emily    20 (64)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Alf        5 (51)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Pete     0  (37)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Pete A  0  (42)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Rufe     0 (64)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Glen     4 (42)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Dinah   0 (132)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Irving    12 (7)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Jake     8 (91)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Babs    0 (71)[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Everything fine here.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Transports[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Tina      10 (34)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Sally     5 (31)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Topsy   10 (53)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Mavis-L 5 (25)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Tabby 10 (60)[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Continue production due to my heavy use of over Burma right now.[/font]

[John 3rd]

[font="times new roman"]March 1, 1943 [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Victory Points and Economic Summary[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Victory Points:[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Score[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Japan   40,340  (Up 1,084 Points)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Allies    13,540  (Up 1,022 Points)[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]This is the first month where we are even in victory points gained.  Is February 1943 the High Tide of the Japanese Empire?[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Ships Sunk[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Japan   299—2,459 VP (up 58)—Only 9 ships (1 warship lost) sunk during February.  Exact losses were:  4 AK, 1 PG, 2 MSW, 1 TK, and I-11.  [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Major Japanese Vessels Sunk to Date---BB Fuso and Yamashiro, BC Kirishima, CAs Kinugasa and Kako, 5 CL, 26 DD (12 Modern DD lost), and 19 SS (15 I-Boats and 4 Ro-).[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Allies    527---6,696 VP (up 51)---Dan only lost 6 ships.  Totals for the month were:  5 AK and SS S-31.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Major Allied Vessels Sunk---CVs Enterprise, Lexington, Hornet, and Wasp, BBs Colorado, West Virginia, Idaho, Tennessee, and Prince of Wales, 9 CA, 7 CL, 49 DD, and 9 SS.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Manchukuo Garrison---8,041 (8,000 Needed)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Political Points---816[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Units Transferred:  [/font]
[font="times new roman"]China               60th Inf Div to Southern Area Command[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Tokyo              10th Area Army HQ to Burma Command[/font]
[font="times new roman"]                        2nd Air Fleet to Burma Command[/font]
[font="times new roman"]                        Karafuto Mixed Regiment to Southern Area Command[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Industrial Report[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Supply              2,344,038[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Fuel                  1,049,033[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Manpower       857 (970,120)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Heavy Industry 15,163 (757)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Resources        20,838 (2,191,353)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Oil                    2100 (728,667)[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Supply rose and fuel dropped again.  I am slowing Fleet activities this month to see if I can raise my stockpiles.  [/font]
[font="times new roman"][/font] 
[font="times new roman"]Shipyards[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Naval               1,366 (2)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Merchant          981 [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Repair              1,508[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Battleships[/font][/i]
[font="times new roman"]Musashi (202 Days) halted until Taiho completed.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Ise (172 Days)   Both BB Hybrid Conversions halted to keep CV work rolling.. [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Hyuga (180 Days)[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Carriers[/font][/i]
[font="times new roman"]Taiho (3 Days)—LOVE this CV! [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Unryu (213 Days)--Accelerated[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Amagi (289 Days)--Accelerated[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Katsuragi (542 Days).   [/font]
[font="times new roman"]CVL Chitose (278 Days)--Accelerated[/font]
[font="times new roman"]CVL Chiyoda (304 Days)--Accelerated[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Doing a sizeable amount of repair and upgrade work on the Fleet while in Home Waters.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Weapons[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Armament        572 (77,543)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Vehicles           170 (1,146)[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]My Vehicles are holding their own.  I bumped their production some since I have 2 TK Divisions filling out and drawing their equipment.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Aircraft[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Engines 1,952[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Assembly         1,051+(733-Rd)[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Had increases in Engines, Assembly and a nice rise in Research.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Engine Production[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Mitsubishi         695/Month—Need 273—1,725 in Pool[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Nakajima         1,050(14)—Need 1008---0 in Pool[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Kawasaki         187(13)---Need 190---257 in Pool[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Aichi                20---Need 0---244 in Pool[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Continue to expand Nakajima and decrease Mitsubishi.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Plane Production[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Fighters            Planes/Month (in Pool)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]A6M2  0 (96)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]A6M3  84 (26)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]A6M3a  167 (61)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Oscar   0 (343)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Oscar IIa 58 (23)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Tojo     76 (27)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Tony    190 (167)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Jack     82-R[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]My Fighter stocks start to rise a little with the airwar slowing in Burma and stopped in Australia.  I was beginning to panic as I watched my stockpiles collapse![/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Bombers[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Betty    34 (342)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Sally     0[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Helen   142 (0)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Lily       95 (2)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Nick-a 27 (0)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Nick-b 12 (6)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Val       32 (440)—Production is turned off.[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Kate     57 (115)—Finally see a slight gain in stockpile.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Production numbers rose by nearly 30 Helens last month.  I have pulled my Aussie and Burma Bombers back to train and replenish.  If I can have most of March open where I don’t have to use them then I should be in much better shape.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Recon/Float[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Emily    20 (63)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Alf        5 (41)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Pete     0  (37)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Pete A  0  (42)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Rufe     0 (55)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Glen     4 (40)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Dinah   0 (112)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Irving    12 (5)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Jake     8 (90)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Babs    0 (25)[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Everything fine here.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Transports[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Tina      10 (25)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Sally     5 (31)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Topsy   10 (1)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Mavis-L 5 (25)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Tabby 10 (59)[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]I used 52 Topsy last month as I got two new units and refilled a few more.  Restart production there so I have some stockpiled.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]

[John 3rd]

Hello Readers.

I have had a rather hectic couple of weeks with a pair of Hearings and haven't been able to do much with the AAR.  I just got Dan's March 12th turn and will run it.  I hope to get a good update done tomorrow if possible so you guys are kept up as things swing into balance within the campaign.

[John 3rd]

I have been crazy busy and am nearly a month behind in the AAR so I have decided to do a couple of screenshots to show the current situation in the contested areas of the war.

This is Burma on March 18, 1943. The shot is very busy and has a lot of info within it. I still control the air over southern Burma and that is what has kept me from total calamity.

Reinforcements coming into Theatre:

Within the next 3-5 days: Karafuto Mixed Regiment, 2nd Air Fleet HQ, and 6th Reserve Tank Regiment.

Within 12-14 days: 31st Infantry Division

Long View: (From Australia) 1st and 3rd Tank Divisions as well as 16th and 48th Infantry Divisions. They are full strength and XP around 95+.

Anyone have any ideas for help here?

[John 3rd]

[font="times new roman"]April 1, 1943 [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Victory Points and Economic Summary[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Victory Points:[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Score[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Japan   40,832  (Up 492 Points)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Allies    14,147  (Up 607 Points)[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]This is the first month that he has gained more VP then I did.  It is a sobering development.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Ships Sunk[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Japan   313—2,502 VP (up 43)—Only 14 ships (0 warship lost) sunk during March.  Exact losses were:  3 AK, 1 MSW, 6 ML, and 4 AP.  [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Major Japanese Vessels Sunk to Date---BB Fuso and Yamashiro, BC Kirishima, CAs Kinugasa and Kako, 5 CL, 26 DD (12 Modern DD lost), and 19 SS (15 I-Boats and 4 Ro-).[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Allies    535---6,745 VP (up 49)---Dan only lost 8 ships.  Totals for the month were:  6 AK, 1 SC, and KXIII.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Major Allied Vessels Sunk---CVs Enterprise, Lexington, Hornet, and Wasp, BBs Colorado, West Virginia, Idaho, Tennessee, and Prince of Wales, 9 CA, 7 CL, 49 DD, and 10 SS.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Manchukuo Garrison---8,163 (8,000 Needed)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Political Points---2,824[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Units Transferred:  [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Manchuria        22nd Engineer Reg to Burma[/font]
[font="times new roman"]                        3rd Cavalry Brigade to 4th Fleet[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Tokyo              6th Reserve Tank Regiment to Burma[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Industrial Report[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Supply              2,419,101[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Fuel                  1,013,592[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Manpower       857 (990,811)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Heavy Industry 15,099 (992)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Resources        20,763 (2,307,784)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Oil                    2070 (734,997)[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Supply rose and fuel dropped only slightly.  I remained highly concerned about fuel but since it leveled off we shall see if it rises next month.  I keep running a nice 700-1,000 point Heavy Industry Surplus.[/font]
[font="times new roman"][/font] 
[font="times new roman"]Shipyards[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Naval               1,366 [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Merchant          981 [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Repair              1,508[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Battleships[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Musashi (202 Days) halted.[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Ise (155 Days)   [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Hyuga (163 Days)[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Carriers [/i][/font]
[font="times new roman"]Unryu (151 Days)--Accelerated[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Amagi (227 Days)--Accelerated[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Katsuragi (514 Days).   [/font]
[font="times new roman"]CVL Chitose (220 Days)--Accelerated[/font]
[font="times new roman"]CVL Chiyoda (262 Days)--Accelerated[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Few repairs on the Fleet this month; however, I did upgrade 4 CV and 4 more upgrading plus a batch of DDs upgrading as well.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Weapons[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Armament        572 (69,371)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Vehicles           171 (955)[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]WOW—armament dropped by 7,000 last month!  This must be the Inf Div refitting within Burma as well as the Divisions I opened up in Manchuria.  I had noticed that about 10 Inf Div there were about 90% strength.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Aircraft[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Engines 1,926[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Assembly         1,157+(763-Rd)[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Saw engine production drop since I switched and raised a bunch of production from Mitsubishi to Nakajima last month.  I increased aircraft assembly by 100 planes and added 30 to research—not too bad.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Engine Production[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Mitsubishi         610/Month—Need 293—1,858 in Pool[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Nakajima         1,112(187)—Need 1188---0 in Pool[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Kawasaki         184(16)---Need 190---161 in Pool[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Aichi                20---Need 0---256 in Pool[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Continue to expand Nakajima and decrease Mitsubishi since all those bombers I have added draw from Nakajima.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Plane Production[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Fighters            Planes/Month (in Pool)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]A6M2  0 (81)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]A6M3  96 (0)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]A6M3a  167 (9)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Oscar   0 (412)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Oscar IIa 58 (38)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Tojo     76 (0)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Tony    190 (125)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Jack     94-R (10/43)[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Fighter stocks remain WAY too low.  This is not comforting to watch the numbers stay close to zero for the last two months.  Things SHOULD improve as long as nothing terrible happens. [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Bombers[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Betty    34 (358)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Sally     0[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Helen   172 (0)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Lily       103 (0)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Nick-a 27 (0)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Nick-b 12 (6)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Val       32 (459)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Kate     57 (94)—See a slight drop in stockpile.  Will expand some more.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Production numbers rose by 30 Helens and 10 Lily last month.  I have pulled my Aussie and Burma Bombers back to train and replenish.  I also disbanded about 5 Sentai to reform in Japan within 60 days.  If I can have most of April open where I don’t have to use them then I should be in much better shape.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Recon/Float[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Emily    20 (60)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Alf        5 (33)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Pete     0  (56)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Pete A  0  (42)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Rufe     0 (22)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Glen     4 (39)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Dinah   0 (35)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Irving-R 35 (0)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Irving-S 23 (0)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Jake     8 (83)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Babs    0 (108)[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Am running low on several recon planes and am having to watch this area for the first time.  [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Transports[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Tina      10 (21)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Sally     5 (28)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Topsy   20 (39)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Mavis-L 5 (24)[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Tabby 10 (52)[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Raised Topsy by 10 during the month.  Have heavy Transport usage over Burma right now.[/font]

[rtrapasso]

Bump!

[John 3rd]

I am here Kind Sir!  Life has been beyond busy.  I have notes for about 6 weeks worth of action and I NEED about an hour of time to write a comprehensive report.  It has been driving me nuts to get things written.

When one has a 4 year-old and 2 year-old and has become a stay-at-home Dad, it gets a little interesting. There has been on-going life complication in our household that makes things difficult to get much done. Perhaps I will explain this fairly soon...

In all seriousness, I will work on an update tomorrow and get something in.  Current game turn in April 10th.

[John 3rd]

Combat Summary
Australia



Over the last 6 weeks I reached the decision point of abandoning my assault on Sydney and Melbourne. As thought by members of this Forum, I did not stand much of a chance in taking either urban center and since I had to watch BOTH at once, my large army had to be split in two.

I made a 3 division assult on February 21st. The odds were HORRIFIC and my divisions got hit pretty hard. Rather then destroy an army that averages 95-98 experience, I immediately begin my planned redeployment to hold Australia for as long as possible. This will be a delaying action to buy as much time as possible to keep the Allies away from New Guinea and the DEI.

To be honest, there was an additional consideration. I had real fear of losing Rangoon and/or Moulmein so I knew that I needed to pull troops out to buttress those locations. In realizing this and seeing the futility of assaulting an urban hex, I ordered 2 full strength Infantry Divisions (16th & 48th) as well as the 1st and 3rd Tank Divisions to load out and head for Soerabaja. They reached this base on April 3rd and are resting as well as regaining their complete strength. These troops will be used in forming a coutnerattack against the Allied Forces in Burma.

I pulled back most of the Japanese Air Force there as well for training. There are now 6 Sentai and Daitai of Fighters spread through Adelaide, Newcastle, and Brisbane. There are 4 Daitai of Betty sitting at Devonport and Newcastle waiting for any supply convoys to arrive. I have 6 Daitai/Sentai of Fighters training as well as 5 Sentai of Army bombers reprovisioning and waiting at Perth.

Once the decision to pull back had occurred it was only necessary to figure out which units went where and establish various defensive lines for my troops to fall back on. To build up Adelaide, Broken Hill, and Brisbane Forts, I absolutely HAD to have the time to accomplish this. All my engineers and about 75% of my Base Forces withdrew to these locations as well as Kalgoorlie, Alice Springs, and Rockhampton. This set of six cities form my first and second lines of defense against the Allied counterattacks.

Dan--quite nicely--has given me the time to accomplish this. I left behind 2 Inf Div and support troops at both Port Kembla and Newcastle. A blocking force remained at Albury to keep the troops at Melbourne from getting too frisky. During the last six weeks or so, Dan has hit Port Kembla twice for no result and Albury once with the same effect. In all three times he has quickly pulled back after a single attack. This gives me more time to get my Forts raised at the cities listed above.


My vision is the Italian Campaign being refought throughout Australia. I want to tie down LOTS of his troops and free up mine for action. To that effect I have already pulled out:


1. The 2 Inf Div and 2 Tk Divisions now at Soerbaja.
2. 2 Inf Brigades now redeploying to New Caledonia (which was woefully weak)
3. 3 Aviation Regiments being sent to various locations.

I will pull more troops once Dan realizes that he can attack...



Here is how Australia currently looks:

[John 3rd]

Combat Report
Burma Summary

If Dan's goal in attacking Burma was to distract me from other places, it succeeded magnificently. I first thought that Meiltila would hold indefinately but was wrong. I then thought the same for Rangoon but have BARELY held on by my fingernails! A HUGE--for I consider a USELESS Theatre of Operations--Japanese Army is now in place here. havcing said what I think of the Theatre, I am now contemplating serious counterstroke designed to clear the entire Theatre by middle of the summer.

My noble opponent invested Rangoon in mid-February and I have watched it fortunes sink and then rise over the last 8 weeks of time. The city is now firmly mine with little chance of Dan taking it. Forts just hit 9 and I have an Assault Strength (AS) of 2300 that is climbing rapidly.

Why have I been able to hold it? Very simple answer: AIRPOWER! I have averaged 250-280 Fighters (Tony and Zero about 50-50) flying CAP over the hex. I have decimated Dan's Liberators and Wellingtons over and over. He has tried Fighter Sweeps from Meiktila and I have still maintained control as well as inflicted an average of 2-1 casualties against his fighters (including P-38s). Moulmein supplements this with another 80-100 fighters and an equal number of bombers. It is April 1943 and I control the skies over my army!

Beyond that little snippet, I have stationed BBs Mutsu/Nagato with 12 DD off the coast of Rangoon and they bombard the Allied Forces everyday for anywhere between 125--500 Cas with 3-10 Guns destroyed.

With air and sea control, I can move troops and supplies around at will. This is how I have won this battle so far.

The screenshot I am attaching details the smaller bases but I don't have room for what is at Rangoon and Moulmein. Let me put that down here:

Rangoon Air 373 Assault Strength 2,272 Fort 9
2nd Air Fleet HQ, 28th Army HQ, 19th Inf Div, 15th ID--C, 5 Brigades, 4 smaller Inf Units, 4 Tank Reg, 3 Artillery Regiments, 2 Eng Reg, and 12--various sized--Base Forces.

Air: 271 Fighters, 70 Bombers, and 10 Recon

This city has supplies over 35,000 and the AS is climbing by 10-15 points everyday.


Moulmein Air 165 Assault Strength 1,350 Fort 8/03
Burma Area Army, 15th Army HQ, 22nd Air Flotilla, 3rd Air Division, 4 Inf Div (21st, 31st, 33rd, 38th), 1 Brig, and 6--various sized--Base Forces.

Air: 64 Fighters, 85 Bombers, and 34 Transports

Supplies running about 25,000 and these beat-up Inf Div are regaining strength at about 8-15 per day.

The Counterstroke:
As mentioned in my Australian report I have 4 full strength Divisions (2 Infantry and 2 Armored) in Soerabaja right now. The Assault Strength of these units is nearly 1,800. I have attached an Army HQ and plan to put them into the theatre pretty quick.

To create further chaos, I have both Parachute Regiments at full strength sitting in Tavoy right now with plenty of Transport strength to drop them wherever I want...

As mentioned in my "Is this an INSANE Idea for April 1943" thread in the War Room, I have thought about launching this thunderbolt into India. I got a lot of good thoughts from people but have swung over to accept the reality of Allied Airpower being too much to try such a bold and risky move. I've dominated this war by being bold and risky--with some luck and intelligence--and I cannot help but agree that landing in India would be suicide and cost prohibitive.

This; therefore, leaves a more conservative move. I think I will land all these units in Moulmein and launch them--plus the rebuilding Inf Divisions--across the river and try to dislodge the 18 units sitting directly east of Rangoon. If I can then I will drive northwards with all my forces to take Meiktila and Magwe. The Magwe prong will pivot and try to cut off retreating units above Moulmein.

To do this will require my bringing up a number of bombers to support the offensive. Those bombers are in Australia at the moment. I'll get these 200 bombers and add them to my current 200 and TRY to drive Dan back to Mandalay...

That is the plan. Any thoughts?

Here is the screenshot:

[John 3rd]

Combat Report
China Summary

Anyone who has ever read my AARs know that I HATE CHINA and only see it as a way to gain troops for my operations elsewhere. Much to my chagrin, I think that is about to change...

To Recap:
1. Throughout the war I have pulled Chinese troops out to garrison my islands, atolls, and enable my offensive against Australia to occur.
2. Dan realized what I was doing and then started to massively airlift troops from China into Burma causing chaos there.
3. Dan still thinks he can attack in China and take cities. Three times this has been proven to be wrong.

In the latest instance, the Chinese invested Canton with nearly 11,000 Assault Points of Strength! [X(][X(][X(] Having only 3 Inf Div stationed there, I panicked initially but then found out that this was EASILY plenty to hold off the Chinese hordes. My opponent withdrew about 2 weeks ago and is fishing around for another target.

My guess is that he will come after Hanoi again.

While moving to reinforce this city, I notied that I am coming up on a HUGE set of reinforcements. I get over 7 Japanese Infantry Divisions throughout China about May 15th. What dawned on me is that if I link these fresh troops with what is already deployed in the south of China, I will have a MASSIVE Army to assault southern China with. I don't want to take too many risks with these troops and figure that this area is the best and safest for me to attack.

Let me detail what is where and then you can see my proposal on the screenshot.

Hanoi AF 6 Forts 9 Air 175 Assault 361
Troops: 5th Inf Div (rebuilding from Taung Gyi), 22nd Ind Mix Brigade, 1 Art Reg, 1 AA unit, 2 BF.

Air: 123 Fighters, 27 Bombers, 12 Transports and 9 Recon

Haiphong Port 6 AF 4 Forts 7/23 Air 90 Assault 100
Troops: Inf Unit and 3 small BF

Reinforcements Arriving from CRB: 60th Inf Div, 10th Area Army HQ, 3rd Cav Reg, 22nd Eng Reg, and 10th Mortar Btn

China:
Canton Pt-6 AF 6 Forts 9 Air 120 Assault 2,350
Troops: 23rd Army HQ, 1st Air Div HQ, 6 Inf Div (26th, 51st, 59th, 69th, 70th, and 110th), 1 Art Reg, and 2 BF

Planes: 72 Fighters

Kanshien AF 1 Forts 9 Air 0 Assault 2,150
Troops: China Expeditionary Army HQ, 12th Army HQ, 5 Inf Div (6th, 27th, 36th, 39th, and 58th), and 1 Brigade

I have an assault strength of 4,500 between these two forces and when I add a further 7 Inf Div (2,800 Assault), this will truly constitute a massive force that will be flung into Southern China. If Dan wants to play here then....

[ny59giants]

Sir John,
First, I think it was a mistake to post a separate thread on your "Insane" idea somwhere other than on this thread. If you did that against me, i would automatically review my force dispositions and make corrections as needed.

Australia - I would move your blocking force that is NW of Sydney to the hex just NW of there and gain the benefits of it being a wooded hex and thus the x2 combat bonus. [;)] I would consider having the ability to move into Sydney "if" he tries to move into this hex or Port Kembla with too much and not leave enough to defend Sydney. Thus, isolating them from his main base. [:D]

Soerabaja - this mobile force should "not" be sent to Burma unless you need it to hold Rangoon and/or Moulmein. I would let it rebuild to max and then move it with sufficient shipping to Palau or Truk to act as your rapid reaction force (Japanese version of the 82nd & 101st Airborne Divisions). That "giant" to the east has got to be getting ready to spring somewhere and this battle will decide the war. Burma and China will always remain side shows. [:-]

China - Wuchow has 5 bases within 3 hexes of it from Dan's viewpoint. It will be very difficult for you to close enough of them to gain local air superiority. He can use just about every type of aircraft in this battle. My "insane" battle would be to try to take the base between Ichang and Chungking. [:D] Why?? Even with the Burma road open, his main supply comes through Chungking and this attack will allow you to use your superior aircraft range to greater effect ( apotential air offensive against Chungking will hurt him everwhere in China, IMO). A short ranged air battle is his friend not yours.

[Lameduck]

Are you sure that those new divisions you'll get in China will come in at full strength? I seem to remember something about troops coming in at 25% strength if there aren't enough armament points in the pool, and I would think 7 divisions would use up a lot of points.

[John 3rd]

Japanese CVs
Disposition in Mid-April 1943
 
I have--seemingly--been nothing but upgrading my CV throughout Feb--Mar--April!  I still hold a massive edge in Carrier strength and want to use it to maximum effect.  This is my current layout of Carriers as well as their current mission:
 
The Main Striking Force (THE KB)
TF1  CVs Akagi/Kaga and CVL Ryuho (177 Planes)  Adm. Nobutani  1 CS, 3 CA, 1 CL, 7 DD  AAA Rating:  3,903
 
TF2  CVs Shokaku/Zuikaku and CV Taiho (219 Planes)  Adm. Yamaguchi  4 CA, 2 CL, 7 DD  AAA Rating:  5,275
 
TF3  CVs Hiryu/Soryu and CVL Ryujo (173 Planes)  Adm Nagumo  2 BC, 1 CA, 2 CL, 6 DD  AAA Rating:  3,799
 
These 9 CV are currently moving NW away from Pearl Harbor where they were lying in wait to ambush a convoy or two.  They were discovered on the 13th of April and Dan sent out ALL of his CVs.  I decided NOT to join in battle!  They will move north and then head for Pago Pago for another possible raid.  All CVs are upgraded until 1944.
 
 
TF4  CVs Junyo/Hiyo and CVL Shoho/Zuiho (162 Planes)  Adm Nabeta  1 BB, 2 CA, 2 CL, 8 DD  AAA Rating:  3,825
 
This TF is finishing its upgrade in Japan and will head for Pago Pago to rejoin the rest of the KB.
 
 
 
TF5  CVEs Hosho, Kaiyo, Unyo (64 Planes)  Disbanded 
 
TF6  CVEs Chuyo, Taiyo, ??? (85 Planes)  Disbanded
 
These CVEs are disbanded at Noumea and will soon be moving to interpose between New Zealand and Australia.  For escort they have 2 CA, 4 CL, and 14 DD to spread between them.
 
 
Reinforcements
Within the next two months I will gain 2 CV, 2 CVL, and 2 BB/AS Hybrids to add to the Fleet.
 
 
Guys--I just saw you notes but am headed out for a family walk that ends with ice cream.  Will write back in a little while...
 

[John 3rd]

Mike,
 
Do you mean that I should take Kweiyang?  That is the city SE of Kumming...
 
I think I comprehend your thought regarding moving the Sydney Blocking Force the hex closer to the city.  Anything to raise the defensive value would be good.  I have 2 Tk Reg and a Brigade sitting there.
 
As to the creation of a Rapid Deployment Force in the Pacific, I am already in the process of doing that.  I have 1 1/2 Inf Divisions in Kwajalein refitting with another Brigade headed there.  I intend to do a massive set of screenshots with base compositions within the next couple of days so one can view the perimeter.  The Outer Perimeter is solid.  I am currently beginning to create the Inner Line...
 
Posting that "Insane" Thread was quite purposeful.  I WANT Dan guessing as to me doing something CRAZY!  Whether I do or not isn't relevant.  Anything that makes him wait an extra week or two, change his mind about something, draw units away from an area, etc...makes for solid work.  It is a little bit of psychological warfare against my opponent.
 

[ny59giants]

That could be the city in China. I forgot its not in CHS, so I just gave you a general place. [:D]
 
Looks like you need to become a counter puncher for the rest of this game, Mr Ali. 
Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.

[John 3rd]

Sting like a HORNET!
 
I do so enjoy the campaigns when they shift to give and take and where one can stil land some surprises here and there.
 
I'll seriously think about your China proposal.  The only problem is location.  Nearly all my troops are on the eastern side of China and not near Kumming.  Hmm...
 
As to Lameduck's thought, I BELIEVE that those new Japanese Inf Div come in at about 75% strength.  Not completely sure though...