March 27, 1943
The IJN has sent 2 surface combat TFs to relieve the pressure on Irau and the results indicate that Irau is now on their own for as long as they can hang on. The Allied bombings continue and those guys must be exausted by now. Imperial HQ is preparing the monthly report for the Emperor now and it's not exactly a rosy picture though there is optimism that the final victory will be obtained despite mounting loses.
I'll tell ya it's a real bloodbath out there.
Tocaff vs bigred
RE: Irau logistics
Todd
I never thought that doing an AAR would be so time consuming and difficult.
www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=2080768
I never thought that doing an AAR would be so time consuming and difficult.
www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=2080768
RE: Irau logistics
March 31, 1943
A lowly Naval Commander was sent from Imperial HQ to the Emperor with the montly war report as more senior officers were afraid of the task. The news from Irau is that the defenders are hanging on and the Allies continue to suffer shipping loses from mines, shore batteries and air attack. The bad news is that no matter how many ships we sink and damage more are there to replace it.
The air bombardment in PNG continues without a break though HQ believes that this is just to tie down forces there. HQ also believes that the Allies don't have enough shipping to support a second thrust against our glorious forces in PNG.
Allied loses are reported as-
CV 5
CA 7
CL 5
DD 50
PG 4
APD 8
DMS 2
DM 1
MSW 11
AO 7
SS 14
PT 43
SC 14
TK 2
AP & AK 47
LST 4
LCI 5
2836 planes lost
14625/8035 victory points
It is believed that though the point spread gap is narrowing a victory can be gained by bleeding the advancing Allied forces. What remains to be seen is if the Imperial Forces can continue to inflict damage as they will surely be pushed back and a safe port will only be found eventually at Truk.
A lowly Naval Commander was sent from Imperial HQ to the Emperor with the montly war report as more senior officers were afraid of the task. The news from Irau is that the defenders are hanging on and the Allies continue to suffer shipping loses from mines, shore batteries and air attack. The bad news is that no matter how many ships we sink and damage more are there to replace it.
The air bombardment in PNG continues without a break though HQ believes that this is just to tie down forces there. HQ also believes that the Allies don't have enough shipping to support a second thrust against our glorious forces in PNG.
Allied loses are reported as-
CV 5
CA 7
CL 5
DD 50
PG 4
APD 8
DMS 2
DM 1
MSW 11
AO 7
SS 14
PT 43
SC 14
TK 2
AP & AK 47
LST 4
LCI 5
2836 planes lost
14625/8035 victory points
It is believed that though the point spread gap is narrowing a victory can be gained by bleeding the advancing Allied forces. What remains to be seen is if the Imperial Forces can continue to inflict damage as they will surely be pushed back and a safe port will only be found eventually at Truk.
Todd
I never thought that doing an AAR would be so time consuming and difficult.
www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=2080768
I never thought that doing an AAR would be so time consuming and difficult.
www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=2080768
RE: This is my Tarawa
The allies are studying the usage of the anti mine assets available. When I first went into Irau I loaded all my WSW/DMS units into each invading TF and did a slow, one TF every other turn approach. As the battle has progressed I have quickened my reinforcement schdule and moved my antimine assests 1 per each trans fleet. This is my Tarawa. Still learning the game system.[:@]
RE: This is my Tarawa
The attached ENG regiment from the 1st marines has been deployed into Irau to root out the defenders. I have noted on the battle reports the fighting strenght of the IJA is in the 20's. The defense has a fortification level of 7.
Recall of the rules states " the attacker must have a 2-1 ratio of attack points over the total of the defense mutiplied by the fortification level to reduce the fort by one level. So I figure if the japs have 25 combat points x7=175. Does the computer need for the attacker to have 175 combat points to reduce the defender one fort level?
Recall of the rules states " the attacker must have a 2-1 ratio of attack points over the total of the defense mutiplied by the fortification level to reduce the fort by one level. So I figure if the japs have 25 combat points x7=175. Does the computer need for the attacker to have 175 combat points to reduce the defender one fort level?
RE: This is my Tarawa
April 9, 1943
Imperial HQ, Tokyo
A lowly lt. has been given the "honor" of reporting to the Emperor that Irau has been lost to the Allies. There, of course, were no survivors and all fought bravely to the end for the honor of Japan. The Allied estimates on the combat strength of the Japanese on Irau were under what was there. Something that was upsetting was that the fort level started at 7 and was reduced to 6 at the end of a day's combat. The following day the fort level started at 5 and ended at 4. Next day started at 1 and ended in, well I already reported that.
Allied shipping loses have been heavier than BR would like and lighter than I had hoped for. If Irau was this tough what will Tulagi and Guadalcanl be like? Will there be enough of Allied anything to make a try for Shortlands? Stay tuned as BR continues his drive and I try to stay alive.
Imperial HQ, Tokyo
A lowly lt. has been given the "honor" of reporting to the Emperor that Irau has been lost to the Allies. There, of course, were no survivors and all fought bravely to the end for the honor of Japan. The Allied estimates on the combat strength of the Japanese on Irau were under what was there. Something that was upsetting was that the fort level started at 7 and was reduced to 6 at the end of a day's combat. The following day the fort level started at 5 and ended at 4. Next day started at 1 and ended in, well I already reported that.
Allied shipping loses have been heavier than BR would like and lighter than I had hoped for. If Irau was this tough what will Tulagi and Guadalcanl be like? Will there be enough of Allied anything to make a try for Shortlands? Stay tuned as BR continues his drive and I try to stay alive.
Todd
I never thought that doing an AAR would be so time consuming and difficult.
www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=2080768
I never thought that doing an AAR would be so time consuming and difficult.
www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=2080768
RE: This is my Tarawa
Bigred did you have multiple engineer units? That may account for the extra loss in fort levels.
When the fit hits the shan
April 11, 1943
A carrier battle took place SW of PM and I've got to say that I never got beaten by CVEs before! This game has gone totally into the crapper for the Imperial Japanese forces.
A lowly staff lt. that was sent on an errand to deliver a report to the royal palace has been reported as AWOL.
A carrier battle took place SW of PM and I've got to say that I never got beaten by CVEs before! This game has gone totally into the crapper for the Imperial Japanese forces.
A lowly staff lt. that was sent on an errand to deliver a report to the royal palace has been reported as AWOL.
Todd
I never thought that doing an AAR would be so time consuming and difficult.
www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=2080768
I never thought that doing an AAR would be so time consuming and difficult.
www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=2080768
RE: When the fit hits the shan
After the battle of Irau was over the base showed I had 67 engineer vehicles and 169 engineer troops on the ground. The units were all from where ever I could load them out. I was surprised how quick the japs folded.
The carrier battle SE of PM was a surprise for me. USN put 2 torps each into the Soryu and the Ruiho. All I had was 2x CVE's.
The carrier battle SE of PM was a surprise for me. USN put 2 torps each into the Soryu and the Ruiho. All I had was 2x CVE's.
RE: When the fit hits the shan
I was surprised too, but I only had 1 rgt of IJA inf, an aa battery, a cd battery and a naval inf garrison. Not the stuff that you'll soon be facing.
Todd
I never thought that doing an AAR would be so time consuming and difficult.
www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=2080768
I never thought that doing an AAR would be so time consuming and difficult.
www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=2080768
RE: When the fit hits the shan
April 20, 1943
A special mid month dispatch has been sent from Imperial HQs to Tojo's office.
Though Irau has fallen and the Allied dogs are building it up to attack the Solomon bases of ours they have only gained 163 VPs since our last report to the Emperor. Their loses to date, as accurately as we can make them out to be, not including damaged vessels are continuing to mount as our glorious forces fight on.
CV 5
BB 1
CA 7
CL 5
DD 51
PG 4
APD 9
DMS 3
DM 1
MSW 12
AO 7
AV 1
SS 16
PT 48
SC 17
LST 4
LCI 11
TK 2
AP & AK 53
3025 aircraft of all types from all causes
15319/8992 VPs
The minefields at Irau are still hampering Allied operations and the repositioning of our forces is going as plannned. The bases in PNG are still be plastered on a daily basis. Small recon forces are being landed at various points in the Solomons to gather intel about our stength and they are being duly eliminated.
Our regular monthly report to the Emeror will now be issued directly to your offices as you've directed so that your staff may "review" things before bothering the Emperor with these matters.
The fight goes on and the skies are firmly in Allied control, though raids are leaking through the CAP umbrella and doing damage to his shipping. This has degenerated into the typical 1943 situation for the Japanese forces where they starve and wait to be attacked. As in real life surrender is not in the code of Bushido.
A special mid month dispatch has been sent from Imperial HQs to Tojo's office.
Though Irau has fallen and the Allied dogs are building it up to attack the Solomon bases of ours they have only gained 163 VPs since our last report to the Emperor. Their loses to date, as accurately as we can make them out to be, not including damaged vessels are continuing to mount as our glorious forces fight on.
CV 5
BB 1
CA 7
CL 5
DD 51
PG 4
APD 9
DMS 3
DM 1
MSW 12
AO 7
AV 1
SS 16
PT 48
SC 17
LST 4
LCI 11
TK 2
AP & AK 53
3025 aircraft of all types from all causes
15319/8992 VPs
The minefields at Irau are still hampering Allied operations and the repositioning of our forces is going as plannned. The bases in PNG are still be plastered on a daily basis. Small recon forces are being landed at various points in the Solomons to gather intel about our stength and they are being duly eliminated.
Our regular monthly report to the Emeror will now be issued directly to your offices as you've directed so that your staff may "review" things before bothering the Emperor with these matters.
The fight goes on and the skies are firmly in Allied control, though raids are leaking through the CAP umbrella and doing damage to his shipping. This has degenerated into the typical 1943 situation for the Japanese forces where they starve and wait to be attacked. As in real life surrender is not in the code of Bushido.
Todd
I never thought that doing an AAR would be so time consuming and difficult.
www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=2080768
I never thought that doing an AAR would be so time consuming and difficult.
www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=2080768
RE: When the fit hits the shan
Date:4-24-43
IJA troop disposition, PNG.
1x reg w/air wing=100 ftr and 20 med bmrs located @Lea
1x corp w/ 6 regiments and assorted attachment @Buna, airfeild closed
2x regiments moving to PM on the Kododa trail.
1x regiment, 2xengineers, HQ at PM, airfeild closed
1xregiment @Lea Lea
1xregiment @Salimanua
1x regiment at GG, airfeild closed
2xengineers at dobadura, airfeild closed
Units at Buna acting as QRF for Buna/PM area action. Allied B25J strafed Buna at 100ft last turn and reported 1500 IJA casualties.
Eastern Solomans : Allied transports have reassembled for the next push. Arrival of the Princeton and Victorious have streghtened CAP.
IJA dispositions:
3xregiments at GC w/ probably 2000 defensive mines. airfield closed.
1xregiment at Tassaforonga
1xregiment at tulagi
1xregiment at Russell Island.
1xregiment at Villa.
1xregiment at Villa Lavelle
The mine issue at Irau causes the allies to consider if a special anti-mine TF is needed to clear the area. Irau was captured as a 0port/1airfield in early april. 24 april Irau is 2/2.
Offensive is moving up the solomans. Interesting to see how empty Luganville is becoming.
IJA troop disposition, PNG.
1x reg w/air wing=100 ftr and 20 med bmrs located @Lea
1x corp w/ 6 regiments and assorted attachment @Buna, airfeild closed
2x regiments moving to PM on the Kododa trail.
1x regiment, 2xengineers, HQ at PM, airfeild closed
1xregiment @Lea Lea
1xregiment @Salimanua
1x regiment at GG, airfeild closed
2xengineers at dobadura, airfeild closed
Units at Buna acting as QRF for Buna/PM area action. Allied B25J strafed Buna at 100ft last turn and reported 1500 IJA casualties.
Eastern Solomans : Allied transports have reassembled for the next push. Arrival of the Princeton and Victorious have streghtened CAP.
IJA dispositions:
3xregiments at GC w/ probably 2000 defensive mines. airfield closed.
1xregiment at Tassaforonga
1xregiment at tulagi
1xregiment at Russell Island.
1xregiment at Villa.
1xregiment at Villa Lavelle
The mine issue at Irau causes the allies to consider if a special anti-mine TF is needed to clear the area. Irau was captured as a 0port/1airfield in early april. 24 april Irau is 2/2.
Offensive is moving up the solomans. Interesting to see how empty Luganville is becoming.
RE: When the fit hits the shan
You intel is interesting. Don't always accept as gospel what your recon reports give to you though.
Minefields expected to be in the 2K area, interesting. Let's count them as you sweep and get hit. Was that just for The 'Canal or Tulagi too?
BR is right though in saying that I'm not going to stop his offensive. I just hope to slow and bleed him.
Luganville empty, I doubt that as it's probably full of shipping and troops until Lunga and Tulagi are taken and built up for the assault on Shortlands and Rabul.
Minefields expected to be in the 2K area, interesting. Let's count them as you sweep and get hit. Was that just for The 'Canal or Tulagi too?
BR is right though in saying that I'm not going to stop his offensive. I just hope to slow and bleed him.
Luganville empty, I doubt that as it's probably full of shipping and troops until Lunga and Tulagi are taken and built up for the assault on Shortlands and Rabul.
Todd
I never thought that doing an AAR would be so time consuming and difficult.
www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=2080768
I never thought that doing an AAR would be so time consuming and difficult.
www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=2080768
RE: Russell Island, Lea Lea
4-26-43: From his forward base at Irau, Nimitz paces backand forth waiting on battle reports, his troops by now have landed at Russell Island and LeaLea. The mine issue is considered a nagging threat. Col Hackinsack reports that CAP may hAVE NOT BEEN POSTED OVER THE INVASION FLEET. COL Hackinsack is a professional soldier, always admitting the truth in an effort to save lives. In this case, Nimitz will undoubtably sack Col Hack. [X(]
RE: Russell Island, Lea Lea
The loss of CAP at Russell island resulted in the sinking of 3 ships, another cut to the ankle, but it could have been a cut to the throat. Nimitz ponders the question of putting CVE's in shallow or coastal water, among sea mines and a never ending stream of torpedo bombers.[&:]
RE: Russell Island, Lea Lea
Russell has been lost to an overwhelming force. The Imperial forces of the Empire of Japan continue to bleed the Allied dogs and make them pay for anything that they take.
Soon all of these sunk and damaged ships will take their toll as the supply lines are strectched.
It only gets harder from here on out for both of us.
A good game regardless of the outcome.
Soon all of these sunk and damaged ships will take their toll as the supply lines are strectched.
It only gets harder from here on out for both of us.
A good game regardless of the outcome.
Todd
I never thought that doing an AAR would be so time consuming and difficult.
www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=2080768
I never thought that doing an AAR would be so time consuming and difficult.
www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=2080768
RE: Russell Island, Lea Lea
April 30, 1943
The Allies have taken Lae Lae, Irau and Russell Island so our brilliant staff weenies at HQ have decided that the next assaults will be PM, Guadalcanal and Tulagi. The Allied bombing is still fierce and deadly. BP123143 is in full effect with the repositioning of assets ongoing, though difficult due to Allied control of the seas and air.
Allied loses being reported to Tojo's office are as follows
CV 6
BB 1
CA 8
CL 5
DD 51
PG 4
APD 9
AV 1
DMS 3
DM 1
MSW 14
AP 7
SS 16
PT 48
SC 18
TK 2
LST 5
LCI 11
AP & AK 62
Allied aircraft lost due to all causes 3137
VP 15510/9587
This situation is looking to be more and more like one that the Allies can win, if they can beat the clock and minimize their loses in taking the bases needed.
The Allies have taken Lae Lae, Irau and Russell Island so our brilliant staff weenies at HQ have decided that the next assaults will be PM, Guadalcanal and Tulagi. The Allied bombing is still fierce and deadly. BP123143 is in full effect with the repositioning of assets ongoing, though difficult due to Allied control of the seas and air.
Allied loses being reported to Tojo's office are as follows
CV 6
BB 1
CA 8
CL 5
DD 51
PG 4
APD 9
AV 1
DMS 3
DM 1
MSW 14
AP 7
SS 16
PT 48
SC 18
TK 2
LST 5
LCI 11
AP & AK 62
Allied aircraft lost due to all causes 3137
VP 15510/9587
This situation is looking to be more and more like one that the Allies can win, if they can beat the clock and minimize their loses in taking the bases needed.
Todd
I never thought that doing an AAR would be so time consuming and difficult.
www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=2080768
I never thought that doing an AAR would be so time consuming and difficult.
www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=2080768
RE: Russell Island, Lea Lea
May 12, 1943
The situation continues to deteriorate as PM has fallen. The Imperial Japanese troops never had a chance to fix, let alone build there as the Allied bombing was brutal from the time our glorious forces took the base. The name of the game is trading ground for time as the Allied juggernaught steamrolls it's way towards taking any base that they want. BR has to be loving it as of now and I'd love to know what his shipping loses really are along with ships knocked out of action due to damage.
The Allied loses to date as reported to Tojo's office are as follow.
CV 6
BB 1
CA 8
CL 5
DD 51
PG 4
APD 9
AV 1
DMS 3
DM 3
MSW 14
AO 7
SS 16
PT 48
SC 19
TK 2
LST 5
LCI 11
AP & AK 65
Aircraft loses due to all causes for the Allies apeear to be 3209
VPs 16375/10236
The gap in VPs is rapidly shifting and there's still 6 1/2 months to go. Plan 123143 is in full swing and appears to be running smoothly.
The situation continues to deteriorate as PM has fallen. The Imperial Japanese troops never had a chance to fix, let alone build there as the Allied bombing was brutal from the time our glorious forces took the base. The name of the game is trading ground for time as the Allied juggernaught steamrolls it's way towards taking any base that they want. BR has to be loving it as of now and I'd love to know what his shipping loses really are along with ships knocked out of action due to damage.
The Allied loses to date as reported to Tojo's office are as follow.
CV 6
BB 1
CA 8
CL 5
DD 51
PG 4
APD 9
AV 1
DMS 3
DM 3
MSW 14
AO 7
SS 16
PT 48
SC 19
TK 2
LST 5
LCI 11
AP & AK 65
Aircraft loses due to all causes for the Allies apeear to be 3209
VPs 16375/10236
The gap in VPs is rapidly shifting and there's still 6 1/2 months to go. Plan 123143 is in full swing and appears to be running smoothly.
Todd
I never thought that doing an AAR would be so time consuming and difficult.
www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=2080768
I never thought that doing an AAR would be so time consuming and difficult.
www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=2080768
RE: Russell Island, Lea Lea
With the base of PM allied shipping should be safer w/ resupply runs int PNG as I also sweep the sea lanes of shipping w/ my air attcks. The IJA tried to send two brigades across the Kodoga trail to reinforce PM before my attacks. One brigade of Aussies caught them in the mountains and a stalemate has occurred in PNG at this time.
The Sopac forces have been bsy consolidating gains made at Russell and Irau. The one RAAF FB sqn(misquetos) has rebased to Russell and is closing the Solomans to enemy barge traffic.
My shipping losses are causing me to put a hold on offensive actions until my forward bases are fully developed. The IJN is still loaded w/ SCS which will sortie from time to time, as when 18000 tons of allied shipping was sunk early in the Russell campaign. That did hurt and it was probably a newbie mistake by me to have left that trans fleet unescorted. The lack of enemy action caused me to let down my guard.
Currently I have 5 sqn's of f4Us and 6 SQNs of p38. The "grind" against the IJA air is getting to where enemy planes are aborting in the middle of air combat. If I had been playing the Japs now in this situation I am sure I would just be watching the allied navy move as they wish. I am also sure Tocaff has a few more tricks up his sleeve.
The Sopac forces have been bsy consolidating gains made at Russell and Irau. The one RAAF FB sqn(misquetos) has rebased to Russell and is closing the Solomans to enemy barge traffic.
My shipping losses are causing me to put a hold on offensive actions until my forward bases are fully developed. The IJN is still loaded w/ SCS which will sortie from time to time, as when 18000 tons of allied shipping was sunk early in the Russell campaign. That did hurt and it was probably a newbie mistake by me to have left that trans fleet unescorted. The lack of enemy action caused me to let down my guard.
Currently I have 5 sqn's of f4Us and 6 SQNs of p38. The "grind" against the IJA air is getting to where enemy planes are aborting in the middle of air combat. If I had been playing the Japs now in this situation I am sure I would just be watching the allied navy move as they wish. I am also sure Tocaff has a few more tricks up his sleeve.
RE: Russell Island, Lea Lea
Tricks? Who me!?! Maybe....
Those troops on the Kodoga Trail were never intended to go to PM, rather they were to stop where they did and hold Allied forces up that might try to advance on Buna. The Japanese forces are doing OK given the difficult situation that they face.
Plan 123143 is moving along nicely and with any luck it will help the Imperial Japanese cause against the round eyed barbaian hoardes.
BR & I are having a really good game and he's doing very well for a PBEM newbie. You can't not slip up sometimes in this game and we all do it. With limited resources you can't cover everything at the same time.
Those troops on the Kodoga Trail were never intended to go to PM, rather they were to stop where they did and hold Allied forces up that might try to advance on Buna. The Japanese forces are doing OK given the difficult situation that they face.
Plan 123143 is moving along nicely and with any luck it will help the Imperial Japanese cause against the round eyed barbaian hoardes.
BR & I are having a really good game and he's doing very well for a PBEM newbie. You can't not slip up sometimes in this game and we all do it. With limited resources you can't cover everything at the same time.
Todd
I never thought that doing an AAR would be so time consuming and difficult.
www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=2080768
I never thought that doing an AAR would be so time consuming and difficult.
www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=2080768
RE:
5-18-43: I noted the combat value of the IJA regiment at the most recent PM battle started in the 80's. Was this unit part of the original battle of PM? If yes, then what is the strenght of the other participating regiments at this time? I recall the first battle of PM the allies had 9 regiments at PM which required the IJA to commit 10+ regiments. When PM fell the IJA regiments were all in the 40 combat value range from the extended siege.
So did the replacements ever show up? Did the original battle of Port Morsby really bleed the IJA into an inability to now be able to fight?
Intel reports 10 regiments operating in PNG. Recent fly over by RECon B17 at Rabaul indicates 200+ planes. Shortland 150 planes. By now IJN has seen Allied BF south of Lunga. PM at 0 damage as of today. With capture PM damage 100/100/100. Victory point count is now the name of the game. I can look at the value of the bases on the map and predict the allies may get the short end of the stick.
6000 point differential currently.
Too be taken
Lunga, shortland, buna, lea, rabaul, and many smaller bases.
So did the replacements ever show up? Did the original battle of Port Morsby really bleed the IJA into an inability to now be able to fight?
Intel reports 10 regiments operating in PNG. Recent fly over by RECon B17 at Rabaul indicates 200+ planes. Shortland 150 planes. By now IJN has seen Allied BF south of Lunga. PM at 0 damage as of today. With capture PM damage 100/100/100. Victory point count is now the name of the game. I can look at the value of the bases on the map and predict the allies may get the short end of the stick.
6000 point differential currently.
Too be taken
Lunga, shortland, buna, lea, rabaul, and many smaller bases.