Feinder(A) v Bilbow(J) CHS - The winds of war are constantly changing

[Knavey]

X marks the spot though...no one will ever get lost!

[VSWG]

Interesting game, great AAR! Too bad about the pics, though, I hope they re-appear soon. Until then you could use an imagehost like imageshack.us to upload your pictures.

[hawker]

Absolutely great AAR[&o]

[Feinder]

China, end of April 1943 -

The directive to (British) Marshall Greyling, over-all commander of the China and Burma theaters, is to "bring the Japanese to battle by any means in which favorable or even losses can be obtained."

In China, while the front lines are fairly static, the air war intensifies.

Sweeps by combined British, Dutch, Australian, and Chinese fighters over Canton, compel savage air battles. The RAF Spitfire Vs continue to be star peformers, and additional orders are placed with the Ministry of Armements in order replace the aging Hurricanes by the Fall. Meanwhile, Gen. Chenault sends a "strongly worded" letter of protest to Gen. Marshall, when the AVG is required to turn over their P-38s in favor of P-40s. Marshall's curt response was only, "The P-38s are needed for other operations. You allocation of P-40s will suffice your present operations." Losses are heaviest among the Chinese, whose planes and pilots are lesser quality. Losses to both the Allies and Japan are numbered in the hundreds,

With few Japanese fighters seen over the front lines, RAF Wellingtons begin to the pound the IJA fortifications along the front, perhaps in preparation of a Summer offensive?

Meanwhile, two groups of long range A-29 patrol bombers, are deployed to theater. They stage raids on the ports of Shanhai and even Manilla, damaging shipping and even scoring hits on the Battleship Hei. They also begin to interdict shipping around the Philipines and Formosa in the China Sea. Several transports and a tanker are sunk.

-F-

[Feinder]

Burma, end of April 1943 -

Lacking sufficient forces in Burma for a general assault, the Allies content themselves by making life miserable for the approximately 120,000 Japanese now "trapped" in Burma.

Submarines and small coastal frigates blockade the harbors of Rangoon and Moulmein, but continued attacks by Japanese bombers drive off the suface ships. Marshall Greyling resorts to sending his heavy Liberator IIIs to strew thousands of mines along the sea approaches to Rangoon and Moulmein.

Within a week, all barge traffic into Burma has stopped.

Meanwhile, RDAF B-25s and A-20s pound airfield and port facilities, and strafe targets of opportunity that might continue to dimish the Japanese defenders ability to fight.

-F-

[gladiatt]

[quote]ORIGINAL: Feinder

Code: Select all

 
 
 
 ==================================================================================================================
 
 Target			Type	Ordinance		Hit By			Type		Date
 ==================================================================================================================
 Ryujo			CVL	1x Bomb		USN VJ-10			Kingfisher	12-13-41			
 
 
 
 
 Nagato			BB	2x Torb		KXVIII			SS		12-14-41
 
 
 
 
 Aoba			CA	4x Shell		1st USMC Def Btn (det)	CD		12-07-41
 Chokai			CA	1x Torp		Parrott			DD		12-08-41
 Furutaka			CA	10x Shell		1st USMC Def Btn (det)	CD		12-07-41
 Kako			CA	8x Shell		1st USMC Def Btn (det)	CD		12-07-41
 Kumano			CA	1x Shell		Bulmer			DD		12-09-41
 
 ---cut ----
 [/quote]
 
  Sorry for a very very late appaerance here.
  I am only a newbie at this game, but anyway, i am really amaze at the most excellent result you had here. My fist game (as Allies versus AI) during the first three month of games were just crap, because even when trying, planes where shot down, boat sunken, torp missed or dud, bomb falling in water not close of their targets :a real nigthmare.
  So congrats !! (and i won't think of fighting against you !!!). 
  And nice AAR, i like the summaries of situation (rather than combats reports) ! [:)]

[Feinder]

Thanks much for following my AAR.  It's certainly been an interesting game.  That's why I changed the title from "I hate combat report AARs" to "the winds of war are constantly changing".  I think it can serve both sides in that, IMO I put up a pretty good scrap early on to slow down Bilbow.  And by the same token, he pulled off quite the reversal by ambushing my own CVs in Oct 42 (while most folks would have written off Japan in April, due to the loss of several flight-decks).  Bilbow has definately kept me on my toes, and no doubt will continue to surprise us both for while to come.
 
It's funny that you show that report, because I've gotten several messages asking for it (is it generated in-game etc).  Unfortunately, it's just a simple text file, that I would update with results from each combat report.  Unfortunately, the PC that had that report (and all it's history) died, and I haven't bothered to recreate it (and it this point it would be a LOT of work). 
 
The past month (April) has been "busy" throught the Pacific, but RL has been busy enough to challenge getting turns out, much less updating the AAR.  But I'll get it updated with the rest of the Pacific as quickly as I can.

[Feinder]

Australia, end of April 1943 -

B-24s continue to pound the Japanese positions at Daly Waters, while C-47s continue to haul supplies across the desert to the front. The supply flights are occasionally harassed by Japanese fighters, so RAAF Kittyhawks are dispatched to patrol the supply corridor.

The battle to liberate Daly Waters grinds slowly forward. Reminiscent of the trench warfare of WW1, Allied troops slowly advance the lines towards Daly Waters. An assault on 16th of April manages to capture a few key strong points (forts reduced to 4), but with it's supplies depleted, the Allied surge stalls once again.

-F-

[Feinder]

SWPac, end of April 1943 -

With most of the minefields clearned, the long anticipated invasion of Port Moresby is finally hurled against the Japanese bastion. The invasion is preceeded by massive arial bombardments, and the outlying airfields are pounded into submission. A large task force cruisers from the US Navy, Royal Navy, Royal Australian Navy, Royal New Zealand Navy, and Royal Dutch Navy pounds the Japanese fortifications for one final time on the night before the invasion.

Covered by nearly 200 P-38s and 100 Beufighters, nearly 5 divisions begin to unload against heavy coastal defense fire. As troops continue to unload, Japan's Mobile Striking Force composed of 8 or more carriers swoops down into the Solomon Sea and sends several massive strikes against the invasion. Even flying at long range, the Allied fighter prove up their task of defending the invasion convoy. While nearly 50 Allied fightes are lost, the Japanese carrier planes are decimated as they are impaled against the tenacious defenders. Almost four hundred of Japanese fighters, dive-bombers, and torpedo planes fail to return to their carriers. Japanese land-based bomber are also sent against the invasion, but they too fail to cause significant damgage while losing nearly a hundred of their own number. Allied B-24s are sent back in search of the Japanese carriers, but they have retreated out of range of the Allied bombers.

After only 3 days, the Allied Army is able to overwhelm the elite Japanese South Seas Detachment and it's supporting units, which retreat up the tortuous Kokkoda Trail.

While no aggregate total of losses are available over the last few months for the Port Morseby, the cost to take the Japanese bastion has been substantial. Approximately 10 transports are sunk during the invasion by coastal fire and torpedos, and nearly 20 precious mine-sweepers have been lost in the weeks preceeding, but the invasion has been a success. Not only has a strategic base been recaptured, but Japanese naval air-power has been heavily blunted.

-F-

[gladiatt]

WELL DONE ! [:)][&o]

[Feinder]

SoPac, end of April 1943 -

For weeks, several flotillas of minesweepers pick their way thousands of mines strewn about the tiny atoll. The constant bombing by planes from Abemama has long since silenced the shore batteries; but the minesweepers are under constant threat from enemy subs, aircraft, or high-speed surface raiders.


1st Naval Battle of Tarawa:

On the night of April 4th, the Japanese send a small raiding group to Tarawa comprised of the light cruisers Tatsuta and Yubari, along with 4 destroyers. Instead of raging among the sheep, the wolves run headlong into the shepherd - a USN TF comprised of 7 heavy cruisers, 6 light cruisers, and 6 destoyers. The battle goes heavily in favor of the Americans, and is over quickly. Both the Tatsuta and Yubari are sunk, along with all four desroyers. The Japanese do give a good account however; the Chicago is hit by a torpedo, and Northampton is heavily damaged by two torpedos. The minesweepers continue on thier dangerous task, while main USN covering force returns to Abemama for ammunition. The Northampton has been heavily damaged and will need to sent back to the West Coast for many months, and Chicago will return to Pearl Harbor for several weeks.


2nd Naval Battle of Tarawa:

After their loss on the 4th, the Japanese follow up on April 8th with a larger surface force comprised of the battleships Fuso and Yamashiro; and the heavy cruisers Ashigara and Kako, along with 4 escorting destroyers. This time, the Japanese met only by only a token screening force of three frigates lead by the Coast Guard cutter Haida. The Japanese force is picked up on radar and a message is immediately sent out for the minesweepers to scatter and return to Abemama. Fully aware of how the battle must end, Haida and her small flotilla charge the Japanese dreadnaughts to buy time for the slower minesweepers to escape. Under a withering hail of heavy salvos the valiant screening force is wiped out - Haida, Sacramento, Seminole and Gemma are sunk. but their sacrifice is not in vain, all of the minesweepers are able to escape back to Abemama. Atempting to avenge to Haida and her consorts, USN PB4Y patrol bombers harry the Japanese task force as it returns to Kwajalein, but no hits are scored. The Japanese have managed to wipe out four frigates for no loss, but the Japanese must return to Kwajalein and report that the minesweepers will remain active at Tarawa.

-F-

[Feinder]

NoPac, end of April 1943 -

Pressing the strategy of engaging Japan on all fronts, Nimitz orders the bases of the Aleutians expandend. Kiska, Attu, and Adak are fortified and their airfields expanded. The presense of Allied recons over the Kuriles does not go un-noticed by Japan, who begins to strengthen her own perimeter in turn.

-F-

[Feinder]

China, end of May 1943:

The air war continues over China, with Allied fighters clashing with Japanese CAP over Canton and Nanning. Altho intial strikes are favorable (losses at about 1:1), the introduction of increasing numbers of J2M Jacks prove the superior technology of this 2nd generation fighter over that of the aging P-40s and Hurricanes. Gen Chennault presses Marshall for more advanced airframes, who in turn begins to ship P-47s to the CBI theather.

Long range patrol bombers continue to harass Japanese convoys moving in the Sea of China; and in a daring long-range raid, the port of Nagasaki is bombed. Several transports are heavily damaged in the raid, the bombers RTB without loss. Altho really just a nuisance raid, the Allies ability to hit the Japanese home islands is not lost on Japan's leadership.

[Feinder]

Burma, end of May 1943:

After months of preparation, Allied troops are on the move in Burma. The British 14th Army under Brig. Gen Crandall has pushed across the mountains separating India and Burma. Additional troops are landed at Akyab, and march overland, with the bulk of the Army marshalling at Mandalay. The 9th Air Transport Wing is tasked with supplying nearly 100 thousand men using C-47s to fly supplies into Mandaly.

The 14th Army, comprised of British, Indian, Chinese, and Burmese troops push south towards Rangoon. On May 31st, lead patrols begin to make contact with the IJA 14th Army just east of Rangoon, while the drone of hundreds of Allied bombers drone overhead...

-F-

[Feinder]

Australia, end of May 1943:

The Japanese continue to reinforce their army in Australia. The estimated IJA strength now stands at 7 divisions plus supporting troops. On the 29th of May, US and Australian forces attack the enemy positions at Daly Waters. Among heavy casualities to both sides, the Japanese line holds.

Having been fighting for Daly Waters for nearly a year, the Allied Army is in need of rest and refit; but Mac orders that it remain in place. In the face of increasing Japanese strength, Gen MacArthur and Gen Kenny order the deployment of several groups of B-25s to Tennet Creek, where they will provide low-level ground support for upcoming offensives. Combined with close support by additional bombers, MacArthur intends to continue to press the Japanese in Australia.

-F-

[Feinder]

SWPac, May 1943 (part 1):

Heavy and Medium bombers begin suppressing Japanese bases in New Guinea and New Britian. Long range patrol bombers also begin to intercept convoys heading to Rabaul and the Solomons.

Allied minesweepers continue the dangerous task of clearing the minefields around Milne Bay. They are protected by a collection of 6 RAN, RNZN, and RDN cruisers.

On the night of May 10th, the shepheards are attacked by an IJN task force of four cruisers and escorting destroyers. The Allied force is completely surprised, and in the opening minutes of the battle, the Allied light cruisers Sumatra, Java, and Leander are mortally struck by torpedos. As the battle continues, the HMAS Perth and HMNZS Achilles take on fatal lists, and 5 escorting destroyers are sunk. In return, the Allies are able only to sink 2 enemy DDs.

The naval battle of Milne Bay is nothing short of a disaster for the Allies, having lost 5 CLs and 5 DDs, and sinking only 2 enemy DDs in return. The only saving grace (if you could call it that), is that the 20-odd MSWs manage to escape towards Port Moresby before being caught by the IJN surface force.

-F-

[Feinder]

SWPac, May 1943 (part 2):

Despite the previous loss at Milne Bay, the Allies proceed with the planned invasion. By May the 15th, the minefields are cleared, and nearly a hundred transports leave Townsville. A large fighter sweep and bomber raid pounds Rabaul for 4 days; altho nearly 40 P-38s are shot down, enemy fighter and bomber losses (destroyed air-to-air and ground) approach 200 aircraft. Rabaul is closed and will not offer interferance for the coming invasion of Milne Bay. As an additional precaution, USN and Royal Navy carriers approach Milne Bay from the south, to cover the invasion.

The decision to deploy the Allied carriers proves it's worth. Patolling Kingfishers locate an IJN task force, lying off Shortlands ready to pounce on the invasion force for Milne Bay. Altho the IJN task force is covered by 25 Zeros, these are swept aside, and the Allied carrier dive and torpedo bombers assail the Japanese ships. The IJN battleships Mutsu and Ise sustain multiple bomb hits and no less than 12 torpedos stike home. An escorting destroyer is also sunk, and the light cruiser Kiso is heavy damaged.

Nimitz keeps his carriers on short leash however, and orders them to continue covering the invasion, and to not pursue the fleeing Japanese surface fleet. Despite Halsy's protest, Nimitz is concerned that Japan may be waiting for the chance to lure the Allied carriers into her own land based air, air then amubush with support of the IJN carriers.

With having avenged the loss of the Commonwealth cruisers a week before, the invasion of Milne Bay begins. Now under the nickname "The 1st Exile Army", two Philipino divisons and several KNIL Btns quickly secure the a beachead and move inland towards the all-important airfields. After a month of pounding, the starving and un-supplied Japanese defenders are quickly overcome and melt into the jungles to the northwest. There, they will be constantly attacked over the coming weeks, until either rescued by submarine or they starve to death.

-F-

[Feinder]

SoPac, May 1943:

Long range PB4Y heavy bombers strike the Japanese anchorage at Kwajalein. They are met by a handful of Tonys and severa Rex float-fighters. The Japanese fighters are swept aside, and several submarines and tenders are heavily damaged. Only two of the large bombers are brought down (and two enemy fighters are brought down as well).

Minesweeping operations around Tarawa continue.

However, on the evening of May 16th, the light cruiser Phoenix collides with the destroyer Case on their way to rendesvous with their minesweeper squadron. While the damage to the ships is minor, the covering task force is delayed. Uninformed of the situation, the minesweeper task force proceeds to Tarawa.

A Japanese surface for is poised for just such an opportunity, and swoops down upon the defenseless minesweepers. The IJN force, comprised of the battleships Fuso, Yamishiro, four cruisers and several destroyers, make short work of their prey. Ten minesweepers are sunk before the others are able to scatter and escape. Altho alerted by distress calls, the covering task force does not arrive for another hour, and is only able to pull survivors from the treacherous waters.

-F-

[Feinder]

NoPac, May 1943:

Altho a month behind schedule, the US airbase at Attu is now fully operational in time for the favorable weather of late spring and summer. Several squadrons of B-24s are deployed and they begin the reduction of Japanese airfields in the Northern Kuriles.

-F-

[Feinder]

Allied capital ship losses, end of 05-43.
You can see the distaster Wake so many months ago was quite painful.

-F-


Plus 36x DD and 42x SS (remember, Japan raided Manila on 12-07-41, thus sinking a lot of subs).