6/11/43
Maldives: Fleets all over the place. For unknown reasons, my CV Indominatable fleet separate and headed back to India even though it had orders to follow the combat TF the other two TFs were following. My other two CV TFs obeyed orders and moved east. The Japs seem to have three TFs: one back at the Maldives (possibly the crippled Hiyo), a second south of Trivandrum (later identifed as Junyo), and a third (Shoho included) sprinted east and got past my obedient two CV TFs. Then things happened. My main CV TFs launched sorties against the Junyo TF, putting another TT in that carrier (in the afternoon, Liberator IIIs from Colombo put two bombs into her, so I think she's a wreck now). My CVs also launched several smaller strikes against Shoho, but missed. Junyo got up a very small strike before she was crippled, but the planes failed to score.
Tomorrow: I've sent my slowest combat ships back to Colombo. My two "forward/obedient" CVs are in TFs that will sprint east and try to keep up with, or gain on, Shoho. They are both at about 55% sorties, so I could get in another strike or two. I was able to transfer in a fresh squadron of Avengers (12 aircraft) from Colombo, so I still have some hope of getting the fleeing CVL. My rearward/disobedient CV TF will remain south of Trivandrum, trying to finish off Hiyo and Junyo.
Impact: QBall, this was what I had been hoping for - some sort of mistake that would lessen my long odds a bit. I hope John will be rather inflamed and seek to strike somewhere else. He's very, very good and very, very experienced, but he's also aggressive and I hope that will allow some recklessness in the future.
Forlorn Hopes: John III vs. Canoerebel
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Canoerebel
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Battle of the Maldives Islands, 2nd Day
"Rats set fire to Mr. Cooper’s store in Fort Valley. No damage done." Columbus (Ga) Enquirer-Sun, October 2, 1880.
RE: Battle of the Maldives Islands, 2nd Day
I posted to his AAR and told him I think he is a better player than me and has played flawlessly to this point, but made a strategic error.
I learned this exact lesson the hard way: RN CV's are tougher than you think (all that Flak and Armor), and the Junyo-class is softer than you think (nice loadout and it's called a "CV", but too easy to catch and too easy to sink). I lost a similar battle in the IO.
Not to complain because this AAR rocks, but a map would make it even cooler!
I learned this exact lesson the hard way: RN CV's are tougher than you think (all that Flak and Armor), and the Junyo-class is softer than you think (nice loadout and it's called a "CV", but too easy to catch and too easy to sink). I lost a similar battle in the IO.
Not to complain because this AAR rocks, but a map would make it even cooler!
RE: Battle of the Maldives Islands, 2nd Day
For unknown reasons, my CV Indominatable fleet separate and headed back to India even though it had orders to follow the combat TF the other two TFs were following.
Check the settings on that TF; while you set follow, you might have left it on "retire". If you did that, when it caught up to the target, it reverted to return to it's home base.
I have found to make someone stick on a follow target, you have to use "Patrol/DNR".
If this was not the case, I couldn't say what happened; perhaps you have a cowardly ADM in command....
Sing to the tune of "Man on the Flying Trapeze"
..Oh! We fly o'er the treetops with inches to spare,
There's smoke in the cockpit and gray in my hair.
The tracers look fine as a strafin' we go.
But, brother, we're TOO God damn low...
..Oh! We fly o'er the treetops with inches to spare,
There's smoke in the cockpit and gray in my hair.
The tracers look fine as a strafin' we go.
But, brother, we're TOO God damn low...
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Canoerebel
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Battle of the Maldives Map, Day 2
Here's the map of the 2nd Day of the Battle of the Maldive Islands.
The RN CV TF south of Trivandrum is the one that separated and will now linger behind trying to pick off the crippled Jap CVs.
The "top" (really western) Jap TF is Hiyo, I believe; the middle is Junyo; the bottom is Shoho. The remaining two Brit CV TFs are chasing the Shoho TF.
The RN CV TF south of Trivandrum is the one that separated and will now linger behind trying to pick off the crippled Jap CVs.
The "top" (really western) Jap TF is Hiyo, I believe; the middle is Junyo; the bottom is Shoho. The remaining two Brit CV TFs are chasing the Shoho TF.
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"Rats set fire to Mr. Cooper’s store in Fort Valley. No damage done." Columbus (Ga) Enquirer-Sun, October 2, 1880.
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Canoerebel
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Battle of the Maldives Map, Day 3
6/12/43
Bay of Bengal: There are alot of TFs intermingled (see map). The two Brit CVs caught and passed the Shoho CV and launched a strike of 15 Avengers, 5 Albacore, 2 SeaHurricanes, and 6 Spitfires. The Allied aircraft faced a cap of 16 Zeros and reported two Jap CVLs, Shoho and Zuiho. The former took a torpedo, which hopefully will slow it down enough to permit destruction. CV Formidable, in a TF trailing, applied the coup-de-grace to Junyo - 3 more TTs sent her to the bottom. (That's the first confirmed sinking of a Japanese carrier in the game). No sign of Hiyo, but she can't have escaped after taking three TTs. The Allied aircraft also put two TTs into a DD. The Allied carriers still have 40% sorties, so I'm continuing the chase. I also have several strong surface combat TFs scouring the area in hopes of stumbling into an surface engagment. (Note: I won't venture too close to the Jap airbase at Sabang, but that's not a worry yet).
CenPac: A Jap bombardment TF including BBs Heie and Haruna hit Jarvis Island, destroying about 12 aircraft on the ground. Two other Jap BBs are known to be at Rangoon. That gives me a little better feel for the position of the Jap BBs. The US CVs are approaching Palmyra and will continue toward Christmas just in case an opportunity arises or the Japs stick their noses out too far.
Operations Red Planet/Blue Planet: The Allies are now transfering most of the remaining transports and tankers at San Fran to Hawaii. This is to allow the operation to proceed if I decide to expedite things. But at the very soonest it would be the end of June or early July, so I'll have alot of time to think things over. I just want my transports available.
CV Balance: How will John react to the loss of one or more CVs? Will he replace them, go without CVs in the Indian Ocean, or possibly send a large KB force there to deal with the Royal Navy? (The latter is my best-case scenario, but it's highly unlikely). If Junyo and Hiyo go down, we're essentially even on carriers lost in the war (I've lost four, but one of those has been replaced with another about to be).
Bay of Bengal: There are alot of TFs intermingled (see map). The two Brit CVs caught and passed the Shoho CV and launched a strike of 15 Avengers, 5 Albacore, 2 SeaHurricanes, and 6 Spitfires. The Allied aircraft faced a cap of 16 Zeros and reported two Jap CVLs, Shoho and Zuiho. The former took a torpedo, which hopefully will slow it down enough to permit destruction. CV Formidable, in a TF trailing, applied the coup-de-grace to Junyo - 3 more TTs sent her to the bottom. (That's the first confirmed sinking of a Japanese carrier in the game). No sign of Hiyo, but she can't have escaped after taking three TTs. The Allied aircraft also put two TTs into a DD. The Allied carriers still have 40% sorties, so I'm continuing the chase. I also have several strong surface combat TFs scouring the area in hopes of stumbling into an surface engagment. (Note: I won't venture too close to the Jap airbase at Sabang, but that's not a worry yet).
CenPac: A Jap bombardment TF including BBs Heie and Haruna hit Jarvis Island, destroying about 12 aircraft on the ground. Two other Jap BBs are known to be at Rangoon. That gives me a little better feel for the position of the Jap BBs. The US CVs are approaching Palmyra and will continue toward Christmas just in case an opportunity arises or the Japs stick their noses out too far.
Operations Red Planet/Blue Planet: The Allies are now transfering most of the remaining transports and tankers at San Fran to Hawaii. This is to allow the operation to proceed if I decide to expedite things. But at the very soonest it would be the end of June or early July, so I'll have alot of time to think things over. I just want my transports available.
CV Balance: How will John react to the loss of one or more CVs? Will he replace them, go without CVs in the Indian Ocean, or possibly send a large KB force there to deal with the Royal Navy? (The latter is my best-case scenario, but it's highly unlikely). If Junyo and Hiyo go down, we're essentially even on carriers lost in the war (I've lost four, but one of those has been replaced with another about to be).
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"Rats set fire to Mr. Cooper’s store in Fort Valley. No damage done." Columbus (Ga) Enquirer-Sun, October 2, 1880.
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Canoerebel
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Battle of Maldives, Days 4 and 5
6/13/43 and 6/14/43
Bay of Bengal: The Royal Navy continued to chase Jap carriers and combat ships north and east, the enemy fleeing towards the refuge to be provided by airfields at Port Blair and Sabang. The Jap and British TFs spent the 13th intermingled, but Brit carrier based air only managed strikes against lone combat ships, putting two TTs into DD Naganami and 2 more into CA Mikuma. 24 Liberator IIIs from Colombo scored three hits against Mikuma.
On the 14th, a British combat TF managed to engage the Shoho/Zuiho TF in surface combat. The Jap TF was protected by CA Furataka and four DDs, while the Brits had CA Exeter, two CLs, two CLAAs, and 6 DDs. I thought the Jap CVLs were toast, but ended up with only three Jap DDs set afire. Then Liberator IIIs from Colombo put three bombs into CA Maya. British carrier air made several sorties: Avengers missed Shoho; 8 Avengers and 2 Albacores put a TT into striken CA Mikuma; and another strike of 8 Avengers and 2 Albas put 2 TT into Maya.
The British are now drawing fairly close to Sabang and Port Blair, so it's about time to give up the chase. Thus far, CV Junyo and CA Mikuma are confirmed sunk. I feel certain CV Hiyo (which took 3 TTs on the first day, way back at the Maldives) either went down, was scuttled, or will sink. CVL Shoho took a single TT. And at least five Jap DDs and CA Maya were badly damaged. The Jap ships seem to be on a northerly (true) course, as though Port Blair offered a better refuge than Sabang (the latter is a level three airfield, but maybe John doesn't have a decent base force there?). So I've set my ships to move NNW and most of them should spend tomorrow nine hexes south of Port Blair, and 9 west of Sabang. Maybe I'll get lucky and do a little more damage. The Brit CVs are down to 20% sorties, so tomorrow is the last shot.
Burma: The advance Chinese unit drove back a Jap engineering unit blocking the way to Pisanoluke. This Chinese unit has now reached the beginning of the "good" road. Two other units are a few days behind.
China: The Jap 104th Division suddenly collapsed. Another Chinese deliberate attack (this on the 14th) wiped them out. The road is open again, and the supply level at Lungchow, where my Vietnam invasion force is badly in need of supplies before beginning the invasion, increased from 11k to 13k. The 5 or 6 Chinese units at Kweiyang involved in the battle with 104th Division will now move out - one remaining behind, one heading toward Lungchow, and four moving to Changsha.
CenPac: Huge Allied transport TFs are moving from San Fran to Hawaii, with others loading supplies and oil in San Fran prior to moving out. San Fran fuel stock dropped from 999,999 to 555,000 in one turn. Two CVLs and two CVEs are moving from Panama City to San Fran where they will link up with CV Enterprise (and CV Lexington when she arrives in 40 days).
Operations Red & Blue Planets: I think the soonest I can begin either operation is the first of August, once CV Bunker Hill plus another CVL and CVE arrive in Panama City and make their way to Pearl. That would give me 6 CVs, 6 CVLs, and something like 13 to 15 CVEs. SigInt reported 288,538 men at Palau! Is that possible? Is SigInt reliable, or is it susceptable to enourmous exaggeration? If John has anything like that at Palau, which is far to the rear of his main lines, I think it must be a reserve concentration force - a good location where he could react to any attack on his major bases to the east or southeast. Unfortunately, it's also very close to the Philippines.
Here's my plan at the moment (subect to modification as circumstances dictate): Operation Red Planet to get underway about August 1. The invasion force will proced north around Midway and approach Marcus from the north. However, I do not intend to hit Marcus - my plan is to bring on a major CV engagement by threatening that island. If things are still going smoothly, the force will slide between Marcus and Iwo and make for Philippines. It will be at this point that I'll transfer F-5 squadrons from China to Iloilo to recon the key points on Luzon. If that recon makes it clear that Luzon is weekly held, the invasion will continue. If Luzon is strongly held, I will change the target to Marcus Island. Immediately after taking Marcus, I might then implement Operation Blue Planet.
Bay of Bengal: The Royal Navy continued to chase Jap carriers and combat ships north and east, the enemy fleeing towards the refuge to be provided by airfields at Port Blair and Sabang. The Jap and British TFs spent the 13th intermingled, but Brit carrier based air only managed strikes against lone combat ships, putting two TTs into DD Naganami and 2 more into CA Mikuma. 24 Liberator IIIs from Colombo scored three hits against Mikuma.
On the 14th, a British combat TF managed to engage the Shoho/Zuiho TF in surface combat. The Jap TF was protected by CA Furataka and four DDs, while the Brits had CA Exeter, two CLs, two CLAAs, and 6 DDs. I thought the Jap CVLs were toast, but ended up with only three Jap DDs set afire. Then Liberator IIIs from Colombo put three bombs into CA Maya. British carrier air made several sorties: Avengers missed Shoho; 8 Avengers and 2 Albacores put a TT into striken CA Mikuma; and another strike of 8 Avengers and 2 Albas put 2 TT into Maya.
The British are now drawing fairly close to Sabang and Port Blair, so it's about time to give up the chase. Thus far, CV Junyo and CA Mikuma are confirmed sunk. I feel certain CV Hiyo (which took 3 TTs on the first day, way back at the Maldives) either went down, was scuttled, or will sink. CVL Shoho took a single TT. And at least five Jap DDs and CA Maya were badly damaged. The Jap ships seem to be on a northerly (true) course, as though Port Blair offered a better refuge than Sabang (the latter is a level three airfield, but maybe John doesn't have a decent base force there?). So I've set my ships to move NNW and most of them should spend tomorrow nine hexes south of Port Blair, and 9 west of Sabang. Maybe I'll get lucky and do a little more damage. The Brit CVs are down to 20% sorties, so tomorrow is the last shot.
Burma: The advance Chinese unit drove back a Jap engineering unit blocking the way to Pisanoluke. This Chinese unit has now reached the beginning of the "good" road. Two other units are a few days behind.
China: The Jap 104th Division suddenly collapsed. Another Chinese deliberate attack (this on the 14th) wiped them out. The road is open again, and the supply level at Lungchow, where my Vietnam invasion force is badly in need of supplies before beginning the invasion, increased from 11k to 13k. The 5 or 6 Chinese units at Kweiyang involved in the battle with 104th Division will now move out - one remaining behind, one heading toward Lungchow, and four moving to Changsha.
CenPac: Huge Allied transport TFs are moving from San Fran to Hawaii, with others loading supplies and oil in San Fran prior to moving out. San Fran fuel stock dropped from 999,999 to 555,000 in one turn. Two CVLs and two CVEs are moving from Panama City to San Fran where they will link up with CV Enterprise (and CV Lexington when she arrives in 40 days).
Operations Red & Blue Planets: I think the soonest I can begin either operation is the first of August, once CV Bunker Hill plus another CVL and CVE arrive in Panama City and make their way to Pearl. That would give me 6 CVs, 6 CVLs, and something like 13 to 15 CVEs. SigInt reported 288,538 men at Palau! Is that possible? Is SigInt reliable, or is it susceptable to enourmous exaggeration? If John has anything like that at Palau, which is far to the rear of his main lines, I think it must be a reserve concentration force - a good location where he could react to any attack on his major bases to the east or southeast. Unfortunately, it's also very close to the Philippines.
Here's my plan at the moment (subect to modification as circumstances dictate): Operation Red Planet to get underway about August 1. The invasion force will proced north around Midway and approach Marcus from the north. However, I do not intend to hit Marcus - my plan is to bring on a major CV engagement by threatening that island. If things are still going smoothly, the force will slide between Marcus and Iwo and make for Philippines. It will be at this point that I'll transfer F-5 squadrons from China to Iloilo to recon the key points on Luzon. If that recon makes it clear that Luzon is weekly held, the invasion will continue. If Luzon is strongly held, I will change the target to Marcus Island. Immediately after taking Marcus, I might then implement Operation Blue Planet.
"Rats set fire to Mr. Cooper’s store in Fort Valley. No damage done." Columbus (Ga) Enquirer-Sun, October 2, 1880.
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Canoerebel
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Surface Comabt with Mini-KB
This engagement occurred in the Bay of Bengal on 6/14/43. For description, see preceeding post.
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"Rats set fire to Mr. Cooper’s store in Fort Valley. No damage done." Columbus (Ga) Enquirer-Sun, October 2, 1880.
RE: Battle of Maldives, Days 4 and 5
How badly damaged were the Chinese units that finished off the 104th?
Good job in the IO - you completely out maneuvred John there.
(IMHO LRCAPping a CV is not gamey - was it a 24a/c squadron of P-38s or a 72a/c group?)
Good job in the IO - you completely out maneuvred John there.
(IMHO LRCAPping a CV is not gamey - was it a 24a/c squadron of P-38s or a 72a/c group?)
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Canoerebel
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Battle of Maldives Ends
6/15/43 to 6/17/43
Bay of Bengal: The Royal Navy tried once more to locate Jap carriers and combat ships fleeing for Andaman Islands and Sumatra. The CA Exeter TF managed to sink already-damaged DD Hatsuzuki in surface combat. The scouting aircraft failed to relocate Shoho and Zuiho. The Allied ships then headed back SSW the following two days, primarily using search aircraft to see if CV Hiyo might be limping home. No sign of her; she still hasn't shown up in the Ships Sunk list, so I'm a little worried. She was hit by three torpedos, so I doubt she could get away, but I won't county my victims until they are in the Sunk list.
Burma: After John's attack at Rangoon failed a week or so ago, he began a massive shifting of troops. Where Rangoon once had 200k+ and AV 4800, it now has about 150K with AV 3100. Moulmein has received some reinforcements, but not that many. This withdrawal, along with apparent withdrawals elsewhere, has me wondering what John is up to. (My guess is shuffling of troops as he commits more fully to the defensive). The three Chinese units continue to advance toward Pisanoluke, but I expect their success to come to a screeching halt there.
China: To reply to Tallyho's question above, the Chinese units that vanquished the Jap 104th Division are in decent shape. All of them will remain on defensive duty at major bases, so they should recover their strength quickly. The Chinese units at Lungchow remain critically low on supplies even though the supply line is open and I have about five HQ (including two War Area) there. To the north, John has an army gathering across the river NE of Yenen. This has been a backwater the entire game. Neither Yenen or Sian are strongly garrisoned, so I'm shifting a few units that way, primarily from Honan and vicinity.
CenPac: Ships by the score are on the way from San Fran to Hawaii; some are already there and loading, although I may unload transport TFs as soon as I confirm they are large-enough to carry the full compliment of troops assigned. Bad karma to have units sit on ships for a month even if the doesn't have an effect in the game (I don't know whether it affects morale/disorganization/fatigue or not). John was not withdrawing troops from Midway as I had previously reported. The garrison remains essentially the same (43,000 troops); all those ships must have been bringing supplies and perhaps a few small units like AA.
Australia: Signs of Jap withdrawal here. 4th Division was long posted near Sydney, but is now on the way to Brisbane. Mitchells and Liberators out of Melbourne hit Jap transports at Adelaide three days running, badly damaging or sinking 7 to 10 transports. One that went down was carrying part of Imperial Guards, another division that saw long duty in SE Australia.
Operation Red Planet: Give this (apparent) withdrawal, I sadly conclude that John has determined that there is no need in keeping a huge force in Australia at this date in the game. Drat him for thinking things through and making a wise move. So, where do his reinforcements go? By design or by luck will he have a strong presence in the Philippines? Also, he's been taking "dot" islands all over the place - Sumatra, Eastern Solomons, over near Nanumea, etc. Yet, near as I can tell, he isn't paying attention to the Philippines. Talaud Island is still an Allied dot hex; and the Allies still hold Iloilo (a small infantry unit; and a base force that is quietly working to increase the size of the level 2 airfield - but not all the way to level 3 until I'm ready). These and other factors lead me to believe John still expects the first attack to come somewhere like Midway or the Marshalls. I hope he isn't thinking Philippines....it would be awfully sweet to use Iloilo against him.
Bay of Bengal: The Royal Navy tried once more to locate Jap carriers and combat ships fleeing for Andaman Islands and Sumatra. The CA Exeter TF managed to sink already-damaged DD Hatsuzuki in surface combat. The scouting aircraft failed to relocate Shoho and Zuiho. The Allied ships then headed back SSW the following two days, primarily using search aircraft to see if CV Hiyo might be limping home. No sign of her; she still hasn't shown up in the Ships Sunk list, so I'm a little worried. She was hit by three torpedos, so I doubt she could get away, but I won't county my victims until they are in the Sunk list.
Burma: After John's attack at Rangoon failed a week or so ago, he began a massive shifting of troops. Where Rangoon once had 200k+ and AV 4800, it now has about 150K with AV 3100. Moulmein has received some reinforcements, but not that many. This withdrawal, along with apparent withdrawals elsewhere, has me wondering what John is up to. (My guess is shuffling of troops as he commits more fully to the defensive). The three Chinese units continue to advance toward Pisanoluke, but I expect their success to come to a screeching halt there.
China: To reply to Tallyho's question above, the Chinese units that vanquished the Jap 104th Division are in decent shape. All of them will remain on defensive duty at major bases, so they should recover their strength quickly. The Chinese units at Lungchow remain critically low on supplies even though the supply line is open and I have about five HQ (including two War Area) there. To the north, John has an army gathering across the river NE of Yenen. This has been a backwater the entire game. Neither Yenen or Sian are strongly garrisoned, so I'm shifting a few units that way, primarily from Honan and vicinity.
CenPac: Ships by the score are on the way from San Fran to Hawaii; some are already there and loading, although I may unload transport TFs as soon as I confirm they are large-enough to carry the full compliment of troops assigned. Bad karma to have units sit on ships for a month even if the doesn't have an effect in the game (I don't know whether it affects morale/disorganization/fatigue or not). John was not withdrawing troops from Midway as I had previously reported. The garrison remains essentially the same (43,000 troops); all those ships must have been bringing supplies and perhaps a few small units like AA.
Australia: Signs of Jap withdrawal here. 4th Division was long posted near Sydney, but is now on the way to Brisbane. Mitchells and Liberators out of Melbourne hit Jap transports at Adelaide three days running, badly damaging or sinking 7 to 10 transports. One that went down was carrying part of Imperial Guards, another division that saw long duty in SE Australia.
Operation Red Planet: Give this (apparent) withdrawal, I sadly conclude that John has determined that there is no need in keeping a huge force in Australia at this date in the game. Drat him for thinking things through and making a wise move. So, where do his reinforcements go? By design or by luck will he have a strong presence in the Philippines? Also, he's been taking "dot" islands all over the place - Sumatra, Eastern Solomons, over near Nanumea, etc. Yet, near as I can tell, he isn't paying attention to the Philippines. Talaud Island is still an Allied dot hex; and the Allies still hold Iloilo (a small infantry unit; and a base force that is quietly working to increase the size of the level 2 airfield - but not all the way to level 3 until I'm ready). These and other factors lead me to believe John still expects the first attack to come somewhere like Midway or the Marshalls. I hope he isn't thinking Philippines....it would be awfully sweet to use Iloilo against him.
"Rats set fire to Mr. Cooper’s store in Fort Valley. No damage done." Columbus (Ga) Enquirer-Sun, October 2, 1880.
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Canoerebel
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Operation Green Planet
Operation Green Planet: Until now, this has been a sham operation simply to (hopefully) give John the impression something was up. Now that something is about to happen, I've decided to assign it this name.
My previous report that my previous report that John was evacuating Midway was incorrect is, in fact, incorrect. John HAS pulled troops from Midway. Where once there were 43k troops and 6 units, there are now 25k and 5 units. Sounds like he pulled out at least a Mixed Brigade.
I'm going to move on Midway as soon as CV Enterprise can link up with the CVL and CVEs on the way from Panama City and get to Pearl (should be about a week). The rationale:
1. I didn't want to tackle an atoll with 43k defenders as it looked tough enough to result in a bog down operation. With at least four divisions fully prepped for Midway, though, I think it wouldn't take long now.
2. I should have time for this while awaiting implementation of Operation Red Planet around August 1. Taking Midway will greatly aid Red Planet by: (1) Negating the need to take a longer path around Midway; (2) Giving me a port of refuge closer to the "action" when Red Planet occurs.
3. I had intended to await CV Bunker Hill and additional CVL/CVE reinforcements, but P-38 LRCAP from Laysan Island can partially "fill the gap" in their absence.
4. Part of Red PLanet is to trigger the inevitable big CV engagement that's going to happen when the Allies push the Japs hard enough (and which the Allies must win for Red Planet to succeed). It would be nice to bring it on this close to a friendly port. I am not sure, however, that John would commit the KB as he might be wary of the P-38 LRCAP from Laysan. I think that's what prompted him to begin the pull back from Midway.
So, Green Planet should go forward in about a week with CVs Saratoga, Yorktown, Essex, and Enterprise, four CVLs, and about 10 CVEs. If successful, that should increase the immediate threat to Wake Island and Marcus Island, hopefully focusing John on the threats there. Red Planet would then proceed, but would be more likely to bypass Marcus and head straight for Luzon. Should Red PLanet get scrubbed for any reason, Midway makes a wonderful jumping off point for Blue Planet (the invasion of Hokkaido).
My previous report that my previous report that John was evacuating Midway was incorrect is, in fact, incorrect. John HAS pulled troops from Midway. Where once there were 43k troops and 6 units, there are now 25k and 5 units. Sounds like he pulled out at least a Mixed Brigade.
I'm going to move on Midway as soon as CV Enterprise can link up with the CVL and CVEs on the way from Panama City and get to Pearl (should be about a week). The rationale:
1. I didn't want to tackle an atoll with 43k defenders as it looked tough enough to result in a bog down operation. With at least four divisions fully prepped for Midway, though, I think it wouldn't take long now.
2. I should have time for this while awaiting implementation of Operation Red Planet around August 1. Taking Midway will greatly aid Red Planet by: (1) Negating the need to take a longer path around Midway; (2) Giving me a port of refuge closer to the "action" when Red Planet occurs.
3. I had intended to await CV Bunker Hill and additional CVL/CVE reinforcements, but P-38 LRCAP from Laysan Island can partially "fill the gap" in their absence.
4. Part of Red PLanet is to trigger the inevitable big CV engagement that's going to happen when the Allies push the Japs hard enough (and which the Allies must win for Red Planet to succeed). It would be nice to bring it on this close to a friendly port. I am not sure, however, that John would commit the KB as he might be wary of the P-38 LRCAP from Laysan. I think that's what prompted him to begin the pull back from Midway.
So, Green Planet should go forward in about a week with CVs Saratoga, Yorktown, Essex, and Enterprise, four CVLs, and about 10 CVEs. If successful, that should increase the immediate threat to Wake Island and Marcus Island, hopefully focusing John on the threats there. Red Planet would then proceed, but would be more likely to bypass Marcus and head straight for Luzon. Should Red PLanet get scrubbed for any reason, Midway makes a wonderful jumping off point for Blue Planet (the invasion of Hokkaido).
"Rats set fire to Mr. Cooper’s store in Fort Valley. No damage done." Columbus (Ga) Enquirer-Sun, October 2, 1880.
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Canoerebel
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RE: Operation Green Planet
6/18/43 to 6/24/43
Operation Green Planet: CV Enterprise rendezvoued with two CVLs and a CVE west of San Diego; they are now on their way to Hilo. The Midway invasion force is preparing to load at Pearl Harbor. Embarkation date should be 7 to 10 days (to give the CVLs and CVE a chance to swap Wildcats for Hellcats). Recon shows similar numbers at Midway - 28k Jap troops in five units.
Australia: The Jap withdrawal seems to be accellerating as John has apparently concluded he can better utilize the garrison troops elsewhere. Gull Force Batallion advanced from Sydney and took Port Kembla on the 24th (just the fifth city reclaimed by the Allies to date). A larger Allied force moved west from Sydney and pushed back a Jap tank regiment and special naval force unit. The Jap garrison from Port Kembla, including one division, may be thus cut off, but should be able to escape across country.
New Zealand: Transports moved from Panama City toward Auckland - one at a time - carrying 2nd Marine Air Wing. The first AK just arrived. None of them have been molested, so I think John is vacating these sea lanes. A sub did report a CV at Pago Pago, but I'm not sure if that is reliable.
India: The RN CVs are refueling at Bombay. Still no sign of CV Kaga on the ships sunk list. It will hurt my feelings if she made it to port safely.
Burma: Status quo here - both sides bombard at Rangoon. The Chinese units moving on Pisanoluke ran into part of a Jap Division a hex to the north. I don't know if the Chinese can take the hex.
China: The Jap build-up continues on the Yenen Road. The Japs got alot of reinforcements in mid-June, and my suspicion is that John has slated at least some of the infantry to put pressure on the Chinese in this vicinity. I usually give up Yenen if pressed (since it's easy to simply bypass the city) and make my stand at Sian. I'll do so should the need arise.
Situation: Except for the recent Battle of the Maldives Island, it has been a quiet spell. That will end soon as the Allies implement Operation Green Planet by early July, and either Operation Red Planet or Blue Planet about a month later.
Operation Green Planet: CV Enterprise rendezvoued with two CVLs and a CVE west of San Diego; they are now on their way to Hilo. The Midway invasion force is preparing to load at Pearl Harbor. Embarkation date should be 7 to 10 days (to give the CVLs and CVE a chance to swap Wildcats for Hellcats). Recon shows similar numbers at Midway - 28k Jap troops in five units.
Australia: The Jap withdrawal seems to be accellerating as John has apparently concluded he can better utilize the garrison troops elsewhere. Gull Force Batallion advanced from Sydney and took Port Kembla on the 24th (just the fifth city reclaimed by the Allies to date). A larger Allied force moved west from Sydney and pushed back a Jap tank regiment and special naval force unit. The Jap garrison from Port Kembla, including one division, may be thus cut off, but should be able to escape across country.
New Zealand: Transports moved from Panama City toward Auckland - one at a time - carrying 2nd Marine Air Wing. The first AK just arrived. None of them have been molested, so I think John is vacating these sea lanes. A sub did report a CV at Pago Pago, but I'm not sure if that is reliable.
India: The RN CVs are refueling at Bombay. Still no sign of CV Kaga on the ships sunk list. It will hurt my feelings if she made it to port safely.
Burma: Status quo here - both sides bombard at Rangoon. The Chinese units moving on Pisanoluke ran into part of a Jap Division a hex to the north. I don't know if the Chinese can take the hex.
China: The Jap build-up continues on the Yenen Road. The Japs got alot of reinforcements in mid-June, and my suspicion is that John has slated at least some of the infantry to put pressure on the Chinese in this vicinity. I usually give up Yenen if pressed (since it's easy to simply bypass the city) and make my stand at Sian. I'll do so should the need arise.
Situation: Except for the recent Battle of the Maldives Island, it has been a quiet spell. That will end soon as the Allies implement Operation Green Planet by early July, and either Operation Red Planet or Blue Planet about a month later.
"Rats set fire to Mr. Cooper’s store in Fort Valley. No damage done." Columbus (Ga) Enquirer-Sun, October 2, 1880.
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ny59giants
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RE: Operation Green Planet
How is your supply/fuel situation in Australia and New Zealand??
In Oz you will need Oil to run your HI as you should have enough Resources.
In Oz you will need Oil to run your HI as you should have enough Resources.
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[/center]RE: Operation Green Planet
Having LCUs loaded on ship for extended periods will increase their fatigue (i would not want to be cooped up on a troopship for too long), but no idea on how long before the fatigue loss kicks in or how much.
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Canoerebel
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Operation Green Planet
6/25/43 to 6/29/43
Operation Green Planet: Troop and supply transports are loaded and read to sale from Pearl Harbor, but embarkation day is still probably four days off. I'm awaiting arrival of two fresh CVLs and two CVEs, all of which need to swap Wildcats for Hellcats (CV Enterprise is coming in with them, but already has Hellcats). In the meantime, I've created a mock invasion force that will sail southeast from Pearl tonight, escorted by a small force including CVE Long Island. This decoy will make a demonstration somewhere on the other side of Johnston or Palmyra.
Operation Yellow Planet: This is the newly designated invasion of Vietnam. The Chinese troops at Lungchow finally drew supplies, going from about 2.5% supply to about 95%. Additional units are moving to the front from Nanning. This invasion should get underway within ten days. The first wave of Chinese should have an AV of about 7,000. Hanoi or Haiphong will be the first target. The Chinese will have another 2,000 AV in reserve.
Operations Red Planet and Blue Planet: Still on target to follow shortly after the Allies take Midway.
Australia: The Japs seem to be in full retreat from southeastern Australia. The Allies have re-taken Albury and Canberra, the 6th and 7th bases recaptured in the war to date (following Meiktila, Magwe, Geelong, Taung Gyi, and Port Kembla). The Allies will nose around the road to Broken Hill, and also the roads to Newcastle and Brisbane to see if the Japs are in force at those places. To answer NYGiants question, no supply convoys have made it to Anzac in many, many months, so supplies are low. About a week ago, a large tanker convoy loaded with oil left Panama City (where it had been sitting for nearly a year) for New Zealand.
India: The Royal Navy CV TFs are refueld and have replaced the aircraft lost in the recent Maldives battle. The TFs are on the way to Trincomalee or Madras.
Burma: The Allies tried their third big air raid on Rangoon with poor results. Taking into account both a-2-a and ground losses, the Allies lost twice the number of aircraft (80 to about 40) as the Japs. I'm doing these raids infrequently - just often enough to try to keep John honest. The real air campaign should begin in early autumn as the Allies begin to get large numbers of Thunderbolts and P-38Js. The advance on Pisanoluke isn't large enough to take the city, but it is large enough to draw John's full attention and worry him a bit. If the invasion of Vietnam is successful, John should really have some concerns in SE Asia, just as Operation Red Planet kicks off. That's my objective.
Operation Green Planet: Troop and supply transports are loaded and read to sale from Pearl Harbor, but embarkation day is still probably four days off. I'm awaiting arrival of two fresh CVLs and two CVEs, all of which need to swap Wildcats for Hellcats (CV Enterprise is coming in with them, but already has Hellcats). In the meantime, I've created a mock invasion force that will sail southeast from Pearl tonight, escorted by a small force including CVE Long Island. This decoy will make a demonstration somewhere on the other side of Johnston or Palmyra.
Operation Yellow Planet: This is the newly designated invasion of Vietnam. The Chinese troops at Lungchow finally drew supplies, going from about 2.5% supply to about 95%. Additional units are moving to the front from Nanning. This invasion should get underway within ten days. The first wave of Chinese should have an AV of about 7,000. Hanoi or Haiphong will be the first target. The Chinese will have another 2,000 AV in reserve.
Operations Red Planet and Blue Planet: Still on target to follow shortly after the Allies take Midway.
Australia: The Japs seem to be in full retreat from southeastern Australia. The Allies have re-taken Albury and Canberra, the 6th and 7th bases recaptured in the war to date (following Meiktila, Magwe, Geelong, Taung Gyi, and Port Kembla). The Allies will nose around the road to Broken Hill, and also the roads to Newcastle and Brisbane to see if the Japs are in force at those places. To answer NYGiants question, no supply convoys have made it to Anzac in many, many months, so supplies are low. About a week ago, a large tanker convoy loaded with oil left Panama City (where it had been sitting for nearly a year) for New Zealand.
India: The Royal Navy CV TFs are refueld and have replaced the aircraft lost in the recent Maldives battle. The TFs are on the way to Trincomalee or Madras.
Burma: The Allies tried their third big air raid on Rangoon with poor results. Taking into account both a-2-a and ground losses, the Allies lost twice the number of aircraft (80 to about 40) as the Japs. I'm doing these raids infrequently - just often enough to try to keep John honest. The real air campaign should begin in early autumn as the Allies begin to get large numbers of Thunderbolts and P-38Js. The advance on Pisanoluke isn't large enough to take the city, but it is large enough to draw John's full attention and worry him a bit. If the invasion of Vietnam is successful, John should really have some concerns in SE Asia, just as Operation Red Planet kicks off. That's my objective.
"Rats set fire to Mr. Cooper’s store in Fort Valley. No damage done." Columbus (Ga) Enquirer-Sun, October 2, 1880.
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Canoerebel
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Operation Green Planet Proceeds
6/30/43 to 7/2/43
The game is about to hit warp-speed.
Operation Green Planet: The carriers at Hilo sailed on the 1st. The carriers and all invasion TFs sailed from Pearl on the 2nd. The invasion of Midway is easily the biggest Allied undertaking of the war: 4 CVs, 5 CVLs, about 10 CVEs, and more than 15 transport TFs carrying 3rd Marine Divsion, 4 Army Divisions, 2 RCT, combat engineers, a big base force, artillery, armor, two seabees, and supplies. The defense consists of 25,000 troops in three units (John having just withdrawn a small unit). I want this invasion to proceed smoothly so that the Allies will be able to proceed with Operation Red Planet on schedule. The question is whether John will sortie his CVs, and if so the outcome of that battle. The mock invasion TF is nearing Palmyra and will dance around and try to attract attention.
Operation Yellow Planet: The invasion of Vietnam will commence in less than a week. Chinese troops with AV in excess of 7,000 will cross the border and threaten Hanoi (58,000 defenders) and Haiphong (at least one Jap division and something like 40k defenders).
Australia: Aussie troops continue to spread out and feel for the next point of resistance. The Jap 20th Division remains at Newcastle, but other than that I'm not sure where John is or how strong he is posted at Newcastle, Brisbane, Broken Hill, and Adelaide.
Bay of Bengal: To my great joy, CV Hiyo showed up in the Ships Sunk list. I had nearly given up hope.
Burma: The Chinese troops nearing Pisanoluke stopped a hex away and are content with bombarding in the short term, while I wait to see what effect the invasion of Vietnam will have on things.
China: No immediate signs of Jap offensive elsewhere (I'm particularly concerned about Yenen, Honan, Changsha, and Wuchow). I'll keep a weather eye out as the Vietnam operation commences.
Philippines: SigInt reports a Naval Guard unit aboard a Maru heading for Cebu. If that's indicative of the level of concern John has for the Philippines, Planet Red should be off to a good start. Whether it is indicative, or just the tip of the iceberg, is yet to be determined. No obvious signs of Jap activity in the PI. The Allies continue to hold Iloilo. It is 85% of the way to a level 3 airbase. I'll stop things at about 95% until I'm ready to really spring Red Planet.
US CVs: CV Bunker Hill and CVL Langley are due in Panama City in 12 days; CV Lexington is due in San Fran in 22 days. These carriers should make Pearl Harbor in about 30 days, allowing Planet Red to proceed (as long as the Midway operation goes well).
The game is about to hit warp-speed.
Operation Green Planet: The carriers at Hilo sailed on the 1st. The carriers and all invasion TFs sailed from Pearl on the 2nd. The invasion of Midway is easily the biggest Allied undertaking of the war: 4 CVs, 5 CVLs, about 10 CVEs, and more than 15 transport TFs carrying 3rd Marine Divsion, 4 Army Divisions, 2 RCT, combat engineers, a big base force, artillery, armor, two seabees, and supplies. The defense consists of 25,000 troops in three units (John having just withdrawn a small unit). I want this invasion to proceed smoothly so that the Allies will be able to proceed with Operation Red Planet on schedule. The question is whether John will sortie his CVs, and if so the outcome of that battle. The mock invasion TF is nearing Palmyra and will dance around and try to attract attention.
Operation Yellow Planet: The invasion of Vietnam will commence in less than a week. Chinese troops with AV in excess of 7,000 will cross the border and threaten Hanoi (58,000 defenders) and Haiphong (at least one Jap division and something like 40k defenders).
Australia: Aussie troops continue to spread out and feel for the next point of resistance. The Jap 20th Division remains at Newcastle, but other than that I'm not sure where John is or how strong he is posted at Newcastle, Brisbane, Broken Hill, and Adelaide.
Bay of Bengal: To my great joy, CV Hiyo showed up in the Ships Sunk list. I had nearly given up hope.
Burma: The Chinese troops nearing Pisanoluke stopped a hex away and are content with bombarding in the short term, while I wait to see what effect the invasion of Vietnam will have on things.
China: No immediate signs of Jap offensive elsewhere (I'm particularly concerned about Yenen, Honan, Changsha, and Wuchow). I'll keep a weather eye out as the Vietnam operation commences.
Philippines: SigInt reports a Naval Guard unit aboard a Maru heading for Cebu. If that's indicative of the level of concern John has for the Philippines, Planet Red should be off to a good start. Whether it is indicative, or just the tip of the iceberg, is yet to be determined. No obvious signs of Jap activity in the PI. The Allies continue to hold Iloilo. It is 85% of the way to a level 3 airbase. I'll stop things at about 95% until I'm ready to really spring Red Planet.
US CVs: CV Bunker Hill and CVL Langley are due in Panama City in 12 days; CV Lexington is due in San Fran in 22 days. These carriers should make Pearl Harbor in about 30 days, allowing Planet Red to proceed (as long as the Midway operation goes well).
"Rats set fire to Mr. Cooper’s store in Fort Valley. No damage done." Columbus (Ga) Enquirer-Sun, October 2, 1880.
RE: Operation Green Planet Proceeds
So you plan a deep thrust with your CV's from midway to the PI? Where are you going to refuel, resupply and repair your ships?
Surface combat TF fanboy
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Canoerebel
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RE: Operation Green Planet Proceeds
In order for the operation to proceed, two things must first happen:
1) If there is a CV engagement at Midway, the Allies must come out of it okay. If both sides lose equal numbers of CVs or if the Allies win, then Operation Red Planet has a green light.
2) Once Red Planet is underway, and once the invasion TFs get close enough to the PI to make it clear to John what the target is, the Allies will stage recon aircraft into Iloilo in the Central Philippines. These recon aircraft will scout Luzon to determine how strong the Japanese presence is there, and to make sure that some of the bases (Aparri in particular) is lightly held. It is imperative that the Allies will be able to take a few bases immediately, both to get the airfields operational, and to offer ports.
3) The Allies have a multitude of AOs to serve as replenishment, and the invasion TF will include somthing like 40-50 Tankers.
So there are many conditions to be met before implementing Red Planet or going through with it. The way I want it to work is that the Allies seize most of northern Luzon quickly and face no more than a division or so at Manila. If recon indicates there is more than that, I may get cold feet and switch to another target, or switch to Operation Blue Planet.
1) If there is a CV engagement at Midway, the Allies must come out of it okay. If both sides lose equal numbers of CVs or if the Allies win, then Operation Red Planet has a green light.
2) Once Red Planet is underway, and once the invasion TFs get close enough to the PI to make it clear to John what the target is, the Allies will stage recon aircraft into Iloilo in the Central Philippines. These recon aircraft will scout Luzon to determine how strong the Japanese presence is there, and to make sure that some of the bases (Aparri in particular) is lightly held. It is imperative that the Allies will be able to take a few bases immediately, both to get the airfields operational, and to offer ports.
3) The Allies have a multitude of AOs to serve as replenishment, and the invasion TF will include somthing like 40-50 Tankers.
So there are many conditions to be met before implementing Red Planet or going through with it. The way I want it to work is that the Allies seize most of northern Luzon quickly and face no more than a division or so at Manila. If recon indicates there is more than that, I may get cold feet and switch to another target, or switch to Operation Blue Planet.
"Rats set fire to Mr. Cooper’s store in Fort Valley. No damage done." Columbus (Ga) Enquirer-Sun, October 2, 1880.
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anarchyintheuk
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RE: Operation Green Planet Proceeds
I've never invaded Vietnam. Any idea how strong those 4 divs are that spawn when you invade?
RE: Operation Green Planet Proceeds
ORIGINAL: anarchyintheuk
I've never invaded Vietnam. Any idea how strong those 4 divs are that spawn when you invade?
They come in at about 25% strength.
RE: Operation Green Planet Proceeds
ORIGINAL: anarchyintheuk
I've never invaded Vietnam. Any idea how strong those 4 divs are that spawn when you invade?
It's 1/3 strength, and they also come in 35 exp, with (0) Prep. In other words, not real useful initially. Give them time, though, and they will fill out to full IJA Square Divisions at 50+ exp, quite a nice addition to the IJA. They also come in as Southern Area Army command, so can be moved anywhere.
I am playing Big-B, and my opponent I think didn't know this rule or tripped it by accident. He moved 4 corps accross the border in early '42, and triggered all 4 VM divisions.