Scott1964 vs stldiver The War of the Samurai

[stldiver]

ADM Kimmel is interrupted by his aide, while he is debriefing the Joint Chiefs on the war situation.

Aide "Sir we have intercepted, a Japanese communication it appears that they may be forming new plans!"

Kimmel "Well we have broken their code, what are their plans!"

Aide "Unfortunatly sir, it appears they have a new member of their secret council"

Kimmel "What information do we have on this new member"

Aide "Well sir its name is fabertong and he appears to be communicating from the south pole"

Kimmel "Show me the plans"
the aide hands him the decyphered plans

Kimmel "My god these are pictures, What??? Is that??? A penguin??? and what is it doing to those US troops????"

Aide "Thats what I wanted to tell you, we have broken their code, but it appears this fabertong communicates in some sort of penguin symbols, we cannot decypher the plans, but from what we can tell, it doesn't look good for our troops"

Kimmel "Do we have a picture of this Fabertong, I want him captured as soon as possible"

Aide "Yes here is a picture taken of Fabertong passing secrets to his Japanese contact"

Kimmel "Ahh the villian, Good gosh look at the level Scott will lower himself to to build his war council!"

[stldiver]

Its been a few game days since I have updated so I will do a condensed version here.
March 21st thru March29th 1942.

North Pacific
I have begun hitting Adak with the BB Colorado shore bombardments and 32 B-25C Mitchells the base is damaged and I want to keep it that way, it is defended by the 5th SNLF as seen from the bombing March 29th
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Day Air attack on Sasebo 5th SNLF, at 97,38

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 30


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
87 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Central Pacific
I have not spotted any more of Scotts convoys nor have my CV’s been spotted since the 17th I believe!

Baker Island has been pounded several times by my BB’s and B-25’s are starting to hit it from Canton, once again a training ground and I want to keep it that way.
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Naval bombardment of Baker Island, at 94,96 One of the strikes by BB’s

Allied Ships
BB Mississippi
BB New Mexico
BB Idaho

Japanese ground losses:
477 casualties reported

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 13
Port hits 3
Port supply hits 4

Tarawa I snuck a CA in to disrupt his ships offloading
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Night Time Surface Combat, near Tarawa at 84,95

Japanese Ships
PG Ikunta Maru, Shell hits 19, and is sunk
PG Kaikei Maru, Shell hits 2, on fire
PG Kaiun Maru, Shell hits 4, on fire
PG Hokoku Maru, Shell hits 2, on fire
AP Kongo Maru
AP Kashima Maru
AK Hirokawa Maru, Shell hits 1
AK Yamasimo Maru, Shell hits 1, on fire
AK Tatsuharu Maru
AK Tatsuwa Maru, Shell hits 4, on fire
AK Aniwa Maru

Allied Ships
CA New Orleans, Shell hits 5
DD Case, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Conyngham
DD Shaw

South Pacific
Fiji is evenly matched in terms of troops, I have a few more at Suva he has a few more at Nandi, neither has the advantage, I just did a deliberate and achieved a 1 to 1, so it’s the long attrition. Until he reinforces. When the KB was around I would lose about 40 planes a day to his 5 to 10, not good odds, but I hit the KB once after that and a sub fired and missed the Shokaku he moved the KB back. I have moved subs around to try and get another chance.
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Sub attack near Nandi at 82,117

Japanese Ships
CV Shokaku All torps missed! [:-]
DD Kasumi
DD Arare
DD Tanikaze
DD Hamakaze
DD Urakaze
DD Shiranuhi
DD Isokaze
DD Kagero
DD Akigumo
CV Kaga

Allied Ships
SS S-27

One of the reasons I believe the KB also moved back was the arrival of the Lady Lex at Noumea!
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Day Air attack on TF, near Noumea at 66,117 Lexington in action
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 11
SBD-3 Dauntless x 34


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AK Montevideo Maru, Bomb hits 7, on fire, heavy damage Sinks
PC Ch 27, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage Sinks

After this attack on the 21st the KB moved towards Noumea then up near Luganville, now it wanders around between Luganville and Nandi and Noumea, ready to react in all 3 directions! With the loss of CVL Ryujo, and damaged CV Junyo, I only have to fear the KB and I know where it is. Also I have to fear Betty’s and Nells but the airfields in this area are not built up for this yet.

Java
Scott has just invaded Batavia and Merak the last few days. He has one Division and one Rgt ashore at Batavia but has not tested the defense yet. He uses his BB’s to soften up the targets.
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Naval bombardment of Merak, at 19,59

Japanese Ships
DD Sawakaze
DD Hatsuyuki
DD Shirakumo
DD Hibiki
DD Arashio
DD Oshio
DD Arashi
DD Nowaki
CL Oi
CL Kitakami
CL Kinu
CL Yura
CA Suzuya
CA Atago
CA Takao
BB Hyuga
BB Nagato
BB Haruna
BB Kongo


Allied ground losses:
172 casualties reported
Guns lost 2
Vehicles lost 5

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 3
Port hits 2
Port supply hits 4

He also bombs Lautem the last base I hold on Timor, the Battle for Java is in its final phases.

Burma
Scott has begun to bomb Akyab, I sent up Hurricanes and had a good day, then 100 fighters Ocars and Nates made the next day bad, I have since pulled back and let him bomb.
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Day Air attack on Akyab , at 30,28

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27 Nate x 72
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 51
Ki-21-II Sally x 58
Ki-48-I Lily x 13
Ki-15 Babs x 6

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb x 30

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-27 Nate: 6 destroyed, 1 damaged
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 3 destroyed, 1 damaged
Ki-48-I Lily: 1 damaged
Ki-15 Babs: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIb: 17 destroyed
[:(]
Allied ground losses:
36 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 5
Runway hits 14

Phillipines
Manila still holds, he does his shock or deliberate every 4 to 5 days and bombs daily, the troops have good morale but rations are drastically cut,
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Ground combat at Manila March 29th 1942

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 143721 troops, 505 guns, 100 vehicles, Assault Value = 2093

Defending force 52542 troops, 117 guns, 176 vehicles, Assault Value = 1184

Japanese max assault: 3904 - adjusted assault: 1964

Allied max defense: 1153 - adjusted defense: 2645

Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 1) Getting close to 1 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
8765 casualties reported [:D]
Guns lost 48
Vehicles lost 12

Allied ground losses:
1641 casualties reported
Guns lost 14
Vehicles lost 4

Cagyan also fell on the 29th with a lot of captured troops, this area has been a battle zone since early in the war and Scott kept bringing in more forces until finally he committed a division a couple of days ago.
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Ground combat at Cagayan

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 27422 troops, 92 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 426

Defending force 7866 troops, 71 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 192

Japanese max assault: 552 - adjusted assault: 502

Allied max defense: 181 - adjusted defense: 160

Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Cagayan base !!!

Japanese ground losses:
1160 casualties reported
Guns lost 6

Allied ground losses:
11766 casualties reported [:@]
Guns lost 54

China
Not much here except at Ichang where I have the 13th division surrounded and pummel it also every few days. The Yangtze SNLF and 2nd Motor Gun Rgt have ceased to exist and the 13th division has shrunk from 20k troops to around 12k before the attack on the 29th.
I have his relief forces blocked from advancing so in about 3 months this division will cease to exist hopefully, I cannot go faster due to supply situation, its China after all.
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Ground combat at Ichang

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 85558 troops, 523 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2114

Defending force 12116 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 189

Allied max assault: 4276 - adjusted assault: 3142

Japanese max defense: 105 - adjusted defense: 17

Allied assault odds: 184 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
1104 casualties reported[;)]

Allied ground losses:
1039 casualties reported
Guns lost 30

Japanese force disposition. I don’t count units that often, but it appeared Scott had more divisions operating then I thought were available 10. So the last week I started keeping track of which division where were and I came to a startling surprise, he has paid for 2 divisions moved from the Home Islands!!!!

Division Locations
Manila 4th, 52nd(Home Island), 38th,16th,48th,2nd 56th equals 7 divisions
Burma 2nd guard, 51st div
Cagyan 53rd div (Home Island)
Batavia 18th div (was at Singapore)
Port Morseby area 21st Division
There is still one more division but that was at Singapore so I am sure I will see it in Java shortly.

Once Manila falls (I predict in next 10 to 12 days), and since Cagyan just fell he will soon have 8 divisions to send where he wants!

Could be Suva, Central Pacific, Burma/India, New Zealand, Australia Northern, Perth?
Not sure but it will be exciting to say the least.
Oh yes Australia, he has landed and taken Portland roads a little dot way up north. I figure I can use it to train my troops.

Well that should catch everyone up, below is the Lady Lex just before Noumea action

[thegreatwent]

ADM Kimmel is interrupted by his aide, while he is debriefing the Joint Chiefs on the war situation.

Aide "Sir we have intercepted, a Japanese communication it appears that they may be forming new plans!"

Kimmel "Well we have broken their code, what are their plans!"

Aide "Unfortunatly sir, it appears they have a new member of their secret council"

Kimmel "What information do we have on this new member"

Aide "Well sir its name is fabertong and he appears to be communicating from the south pole"

Kimmel "Show me the plans"
the aide hands him the decyphered plans

Kimmel "My god these are pictures, What??? Is that??? A penguin??? and what is it doing to those US troops????"

Aide "Thats what I wanted to tell you, we have broken their code, but it appears this fabertong communicates in some sort of penguin symbols, we cannot decypher the plans, but from what we can tell, it doesn't look good for our troops"

Kimmel "Do we have a picture of this Fabertong, I want him captured as soon as possible"

Aide "Yes here is a picture taken of Fabertong passing secrets to his Japanese contact"

Kimmel "Ahh the villian, Good gosh look at the level Scott will lower himself to to build his war council!"

It is all Imperialist propaganda. Next the nefarious imperialists will insist that it was Japan instigated the war as per http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7702374.stm.

[scott64]

4th Fleet Mobile HQ Command

"General, our forces have been successful."
"Good the tide is turning."
"Admiral, we have spotted a sizable enemy force near Koumac."
"Do not worry, we shall crush them."

[stldiver]

The month of March has come to a close so I will post an update on the ships lost.
In the last couple of Days, Nandi in Fiji has fallen, that leaves Suva as my last hold, but its a good one.
Scott landed the 21st division at Efate and took it, so he has a division close to Suva, its days are numbered.
He has also pummeled Batavia down to zero fortifications, it should fall tommorrow, all troops have been told to run!!!!!!

Below is the score on April 2nd and see from US side, I will give the ship lost so far in the war.

Japanese Losses
CVL 1 Ryujo
CA 1 Nachii
CL 1
DD 9
PC/PG 7
DM
MSW 7
ML
AV 1
CS 1 Mizuho
SS 10 [:D]
APD 2
TK 6
AO 2
AP 42
AK 74
AE 1

Allied Losses
BB 1 Prince of Wales
CA 1 Houston
CL 4
DD 12
PC/PG 11
DM 2
MSW 5
ML 3
AVD 2
SS 7
APD 2
TK 4
AO 3
AP 17
AK 68
PT 29

Not show is the CV Junyo that is heavily damage at Truk and out of the war for many months, also the CV Enterprise has taken moderate damage but is safe for the moment.

Scott has over 117 AP/AK's down already but I believe he has over 230 APs and 800 AK's to start with so just a scratch.
Also the 10 subs sunk represent a fair portion of the 59 he begins with.

All in all boths sides are still very capable of waging war. Java will in the next few weeks be under Imperial control and Suva will probably fall in the next few weeks as will Manila. What happens then should be an exciting April.

[stldiver]

April 3rd and 4th 1942

Well it took long enough but the British CV's finally caught themselves a convoy, As you will see below they snuck in between the major airbases of Rangoon and Singapore. They withdrew successfully on the 4th.

Scott did a paradrop on Port Blair and took it, Batavia has also fallen.

The KB ran west after Nandi fell, he might be chasing ghosts! [8|]

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Day Air attack on TF at 22,43 AM strike

Allied aircraft
Fulmar x 2
Albacore x 19

Allied aircraft losses
Albacore: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Nichibi Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
PG Shinko Maru #1, Torpedo hits 1
AK Kinmo Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AK Daigen Maru #3
AK Bengal Maru

Japanese ground losses:
63 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
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Day Air attack on TF at 22,43 AM strike

Allied aircraft
Fulmar x 6
Albacore x 17

Allied aircraft losses
Albacore: 5 damaged

Japanese Ships
PG Chohakusan Maru
AP Asaka Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AK Kaifuku Maru, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage Sinks
PG Kiso Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
154 casualties reported
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Day Air attack on TF at 22,43

Allied aircraft
Fulmar x 8
Albacore x 21

Allied aircraft losses
Albacore: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Nichibi Maru, on fire
PG Kure Maru #5, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage Sinks
AK Bengal Maru
AP Kirishima Maru, Torpedo hits 1
PG Kiso Maru, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage Sinks

Japanese ground losses:
30 casualties reported
Guns lost 1


I continue to pound the 13th divsion at Ichang
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Ground combat at Ichang This was April 3rd my troops recover faster now he is reduced in strength

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 86652 troops, 533 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2133

Defending force 10847 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 132

Allied max assault: 4290 - adjusted assault: 4954

Japanese max defense: 72 - adjusted defense: 11

Allied assault odds: 450 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
1082 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
803 casualties reported
Guns lost 8

Elsewhere in China the 1/3 of the 51st division is forced back to Foochow, this is the second retreat so it is pretty well smashed for a while
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Ground combat at 47,41

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 28645 troops, 151 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 888

Defending force 4943 troops, 17 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 108

Allied max assault: 1640 - adjusted assault: 1117

Japanese max defense: 106 - adjusted defense: 29

Allied assault odds: 38 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
191 casualties reported
Guns lost 4

Allied ground losses:
181 casualties reported
Guns lost 12

Defeated Japanese Units Retreating! [:D]

Paradrop on Port Blair
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Ground combat at Port Blair

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 309 troops, 4 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 10

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0 Nobody home

Japanese max assault: 16 - adjusted assault: 10

Allied max defense: 0 - adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 10 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Port Blair base !!!

At Fiji I try to push his troops out of Suva before he reinforces from Nandi, I was unsuccesful [:(]

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Ground combat at Suva

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 7560 troops, 39 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 282

Defending force 12082 troops, 71 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 170

Allied max assault: 296 - adjusted assault: 160

Japanese max defense: 158 - adjusted defense: 225

Allied assault odds: 0 to 1 [:(]

Japanese ground losses:
66 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Allied ground losses:
580 casualties reported
Guns lost 6

Scott forces the trailing troops out of Batavia, time to set my next line
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Ground combat at Batavia

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 24648 troops, 85 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 427

Defending force 8301 troops, 2 guns, 35 vehicles, Assault Value = 64

Japanese max assault: 594 - adjusted assault: 536

Allied max defense: 66 - adjusted defense: 28

Japanese assault odds: 19 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Batavia base !!! [:(]

Japanese ground losses:
39 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
116 casualties reported Armored unit last to retreat!
Vehicles lost 1

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

In the north BB Colorado rules the waves, Also tommorrow I will take my first base back!
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Naval bombardment of Attu Island, at 91,35

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
E13A1 Jake: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
DD Kane
DD Hatfield
DD Brooks
DD Cassin
BB Colorado

Japanese ground losses:
316 casualties reported
Guns lost 10

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 2

CV Formidable in action

[scott64]

Somewhere in a cold region of the world. The lone figure finished dressing in a cold dark cave.

Proper dress attire, check.
Secret plans, check.
Master of the World, priceless. [:'(][:D]

[stldiver]

Gifford scanned the skies looking for any sign of the Japanese. This was their 4th day since they had moved up to Mandalay. The Japanese had begun bombing and sweeping in the area, so High command decided it was time to show some force.

The day before on the 9th they had been sweeping over another base when the enemy bombers with a weak escort had shown up over Mandalay their home base. Today would be different, they had come in force 4 squadrons, close to 60 Hurricane IIB's would soon make short work of the thin skinned bombers.

This was not his first mission, Gifford already had two kills in airbattles over Akyab, that had been a bloody disaster, when the Japanese had show up with over 100 fighters as escorts. They had felt lucky to be alive.

Suddenly he hears over the radio, enemy bombers 2 oclock 3000 feet below, he quickly looks in that direction and is shocked again, almost 200 enemy planes fill the skies, over half of them enemy fighters, this will be a day he will be lucky if he survives.

Over the radio he hears his commander giving out orders to attack, Gifford feels the vibration as he climbs and accelerates towards the mass of death in front of him, no time for fear now, just cold blooded killing.

Day Air attack on Mandalay , at 33,29

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 22
Ki-27 Nate x 66 [X(]
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 57 [X(]
Ki-21-II Sally x 27
Ki-48-I Lily x 12
Ki-15 Babs x 5

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb x 50

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 1 damaged
Ki-27 Nate: 6 destroyed, 1 damaged
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 16 destroyed, 1 damaged
Ki-21-II Sally: 1 damaged
Ki-48-I Lily: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIb: 27 destroyed (12 pilots lost)

Allied ground losses:
36 casualties reported

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 5


Later Gifford lands at Mandalay, the airfield is relatively undamaged and the engineers have it perfect shortly. Only 6 of the 16 planes in his unit manage to land, 4 pilots are lost forever. After debriefing he has two more japanese flags painted on his airplane, he is to weary to care.

Later in the day High command issues orders, all fighters to pullout and rebuild. Apparently we don't have enough planes to take losses at this rate.

History Fact
Following the outbreak of war with Japan, 51 Hurricanes (MkII) were sent in crates to Singapore, with 24 pilots, the nucleus of five squadrons. They arrived on 3 January 1942, by which time the Allied fighter squadrons in Singapore, flying Brewster Buffalos, had been overwhelmed in the Malayan campaign. The Imperial Japanese Army Air Force's fighter force, especially the Nakajima Ki-43, had been underestimated in its capability, numbers and the strategy of its commanders.[20]

The recently-arrived pilots were formed into No. 232 Squadron. In addition, No. 488 Squadron RNZAF, a Buffalo squadron, converted to Hurricanes. 232 Squadron became operational on 20 January and suffered the first losses and victories for the Hurricane in East Asia, when S/L Lawrence Landels was shot down and killed; he was avenged by his number two, Sgt Jimmy Parker. The squadron destroyed three Ki-43s that day,[21] for the loss of three Hurricanes. However, like the Buffaloes before them, the Hurricanes began to suffer severe losses in intense dogfights.

Between 27 and 30 January, another 48 Hurricanes (Mk IIA) arrived with No. 226 Group (four squadrons) on the aircraft carrier HMS Indomitable, from which they flew to airfields code-named P1 and P2, near Palembang, Sumatra in the Dutch East Indies.

Because of inadequate early warning systems, Japanese air raids were able to destroy 30 Hurricanes on the ground in Sumatra, most of them in one raid on 7 February. After Japanese landings in Singapore, on 10 February, the remnants of 232 and 488 Squadrons were withdrawn to Palembang. However, Japanese paratroopers began the invasion of Sumatra on 13 February. Hurricanes destroyed six Japanese transport ships on 14 February, but lost seven aircraft in the process. On 18 February, the remaining Allied aircraft and aircrews moved to Java. By this time, only 18 serviceable Hurricanes remained out of the original 99.


One of many Hurricanes that did not end the day well

[stldiver]

Bgen P, Tri-zbe walks into the command tent and marches directly to Gen Sun leader of 2nd Group Army HQ overall command of the Ichang assault “Sir we just received word from our corps commanders surrounding the Imperialist 13th division, Sir there has been total capitulation!”

The room goes quiet, Gen Sun and the Chinese army had first marched into Ichang on Dec 28th, since that time they surrounded then forced the 13th division into the Jungles, since then they have destroyed a motor rgt and Eng base force but the 13th division had always held out.

Gen Sun looks up from the charts “April 12th 1942, its taken 3 ½ months of constant warefare and we finally have destroyed a japanese division, at this rate its going to be a long war. What about their commanders?”

Bgen Tri-zbe “Sir all their commanders took their own lifes, but we have captured close to 10,000 soldiers”

Gen Sun “ Very well rest the men while we plan for the next assault, and begin marching the Japanese to Chunking, I’m thinking a parade is in order!”

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Ground combat at Ichang April 12th 1942

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 88705 troops, 552 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2204

Defending force 8734 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 43

Allied max assault: 4426 - adjusted assault: 4716

Japanese max defense: 30 - adjusted defense: 5

Allied assault odds: 943 to 1

Japanese ground losses: IJA 13th Division Surrendars!
9737 casualties reported
Guns lost 7

Allied ground losses:
584 casualties reported
Guns lost 21

History Fact

IJA Thirteenth Division was an infantry division in the Imperial Japanese Army. Its call-sign was the Mirror Division.
The 13th Division was resurrected in 1937 with the start of the Second Sino-Japanese War, and saw combat during the Battle of Shanghai, Battle of Nanjing (and subsequent Nanjing Massacre, although it was not one of the main Divisions at Nanjing at the time), Battle of Xuzhou, and Battle of Wuhan. It was also part of Operation Ichigo (Battle of Henan-Hunan-Guangxi). It ended the war in Changsha, Hunan Province.

Below is the stats on IJA 13th division Dec 8th 1942 in CHS overall 19k troops are lost in 3 1/2 months

[stldiver]

In the north I had used the 2nd Marine Rdr Battallion to take Amchitka several days ago, 4 Japanese DD showed up after and sank 2 of the 3 AP's but all troops had unloaded. Since that time the BB Colorado and 4 DD continued to pound various bases, with B-25s from Unmak pounding Adak.

To Scotts surprise and mine, the morning of April 11th was a surprise for both. The BB Colorado had bombarded Adak on the 10th and normally withdrew to rearm, not today it held station as AP's and AKs carrying the 279th RCT landed on Adak!! Its time once again to liberate the north.

Meahwhile Scott had manuevered unseen a small CV force north of the Aluetians and on the morning of the 11th they were poised to strike the retreating BB, that had not retreated. What occured was fortunate timing for the allied command as 3 TK's suffered torpedo attacks while the Colorado only endured 250lb bombs.

The next day saw both sides withdraw, with the CV's pulling back to attack Adak, and the allied ships just running fast.

On April 13th Adak fell to the Allies, It appears the north is getting more attention! The CV's were unidentified but from the planes appears to be the Zuiho/Hosho group with a CS but could also be Taiyo? Unsure.

The KB has not been spotted still but was near Efate a few days ago.

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Day Air attack on TF, near Adak Island at 97,38

Japanese aircraft
B5N2 Kate x 7 Range 5 [:-]
E13A1 Jake x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 1 damaged
E13A1 Jake: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
BB Colorado, Bomb hits 1
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Day Air attack on TF, near Umnak Island at 101,37

Japanese aircraft
A5M4 Claude x 3
A6M2 Zero x 6
B4Y Jean x 6
F1M2 Pete x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
B4Y Jean: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
TK Maersk, Bomb hits 1, on fire
TK Paua, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
TK Empire Bronze
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Day Air attack on TF, near Umnak Island at 101,37

Japanese aircraft
A5M4 Claude x 3
A6M2 Zero x 6
B5N2 Kate x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
TK La Brea, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
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Day Air attack on TF, near Umnak Island at 101,37 PM strike

Japanese aircraft
B4Y Jean x 4
F1M2 Pete x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
B4Y Jean: 1 damaged
F1M2 Pete: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
TK Maersk, Bomb hits 2, on fire
TK Paua, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage Sinks
TK Empire Bronze, Bomb hits 3, on fire

Below is the area on April 11th

[scott64]

[:D][:'(][X(]

[scott64]

Rabaul HQ 4th Fleet

"Situation report."
"Our troops made advancement in Manila and Suva."
"In Manila we finally reduced their fortifications to nothing, We have snipers out to pick off those imperialist when they try to fill sandbags." [:D]
"Near Suva, we have reduced their forts down to four logs and a prayer."


"Admiral, in the next few days we will have several top secret plans that will be complete." [X(][:'(]

[stldiver]

LCDR Wagner was awakened from a deep sleep.
“Sir your needed on the bridge immediately”
Wagner “What is it man, we are out in the middle of nowhere, what could be the trouble?”
“Sir there are two Japanese planes spotted”
Wagner jumps up with a start and thinks impossible we are to far from land, quickly he runs thru the few corridors till he arrives at his small bridge.
The man on watch hands him a pair of binoculars, and points to the north
“Sir, what are they?”
Wagner “Boys I’m no expert, but those Japs look like they come from carriers!”

He mulls over in his mind, what are his options, hes over 500 miles to the east of New Zealand, they have already delivered his load of planes so he has no cargo. Hes alone, maximum speed is about 10 knots, and there is not a single gun on the whole ship.

“Gentleman, alert New Zealand command, spotted two Japanese carrier planes, give them our location and alert all ships in the area, Helmsman I want you to bring us to full speed and head for that low bank of clouds, hopefully we are not worthy of attack, then pray”

D3A2 Val has spotted Coldbrook at 70,131
B5N2 Kate has spotted Coldbrook at 70,131


History Fact

Colebrook (Also known as Coldbrook) Hog Islander merchant ship grounded off Middleton Island, Alaska on 16 June 1942. Total loss

Hog Islanders
Hog Islanders were so named because they were built at the Hog Island emergency shipyard in Philadelphia during World War I. Hog Island had 50 shipways and was the first shipyard ever built for mass production of ships. It launched its first ship, the SS Quistonck on August 5, 1918, and the last of 122 ships on January 29, 1921. Twelve of the ships were built as troop transports. None of the ships were ready in time to take part in that war, but 58 Hog Islanders were casualties in WW II.

The Coldbrook

[scott64]

Tokyo

The scientist walked into the room.
"Emperor, we have developed a new variant of our Mitsubishi A6M fighter."
"How good is this variant?"
"It is a stepping stone until we can develop a new carrier based fighter."
"What are the draw backs?"
"Lower range."
"When will the other plane be ready?"
"Around then end of the year."
"Why so long?"
"We, had some umm trouble getting this model into production."
"Trouble?"
"The POW's were refusing to work, with the rations we were providing."
"Did you make an example?"
"We executed 250, and shipped another 250 off to our cousins in Europe." [:D]
"How much of a delay?"
"One week."

[scott64]

Tokyo HQ



The  Inner Council arrived at a secret bunker just outside of Tokyo. The Emperor greeted each one in turn for a job well done.
"Congrats on the first part of of Operation Samurai Sword."
"Soon those imperial cowards will pay for their misdeeds." said thegreatwent.
"Our next objective should be quick and overwhelming." stated Feurer Krieg.
"We have multiple options at this time." Fabertong said as he was vigorously rubbing his flippers together.
Feurer Krieg pointed out. "On one hand , yes we do have Australia, and on the other hand we can go North East."
Farber Tong stated. "That is the beauty of our plans, the inferior armies of the US, Canada, Britain, and Australia, can not be prepared for this operation."
"But first Manila must fall." thegreatwent said.
"Another day or two and it will." exclaimed the Emperor.

[stldiver]

The leaders of the allied commands meet on the deck of the HMS Repulse. The ship is still undergoing repair from a torpedo strike early in the war but is almost finished, it is symbolic to have this summit aboard one of the first ships damaged and one that will lead the charge back.

“Gentleman, It’s the 26th of April we have been at war almost 5 months its time to assess our situation. Lets have each commander give an update of his area and any recent news.”

Northern Command representative “Gentleman, We hold the Aluetians up to Adak, there are still some Japanese troops hidden in the hills but we shall reduce them. The Japanese have sent BB’s and their CVL’s into the area and scored some sinkings of transport vessels but nothing to worry about. Our base at Unmak can handle the biggest bombers and we over the next few months shall slowly clear this area out.”

Central Command representative “Gentleman, Midway, Johnston, Canton, Pago all form our front line, we have lost Fiji on April 17th but staged a heroic evacuation with transports rushing in at the last minute, in spite of this 5500 men were captured. We feel our next line of defense will be stronger.”

South Pacific Command representative “Sirs, Several days ago a small transport east of New Zealand spotted over 7 carrier planes over two days, none attacked but we believe the KB was hunting or a portion of it south of Fiji and Noumea, all transports were ordered to take evasive action. New Zealand has been reinforced and is on constant alert since the fall of Fiji. We feel this is where the next hammer will fall.”

Australian Command “Good day gentleman, Norfolk was just invaded and captured with no resistance the other day. There is nothing between the Japanese islands and New Zealand and Australia. Mark my words if they come we will be ready but we have not spotted any incursions except the taking of Portland Roads a few weeks ago. We wait and grow stronger every day”

Java Command “Things are bleak for the dutch forces, All of the Borneo and Java area have been captured except Soerabaja. Our troops have withdrawn into the city and await an assault, at least 2 divisions and 1 Bde are on the island, vs these we can hold out. It was just reported a Battleship, cruiser and destroyer group just bombarded and suffered heavy causualties as the Japanese ships approached close and our shore batteires damaged their destroyers and light cruisers. We are ready to defend but need reinforcements if more troops arrive”

Manila Command “We have held out for many months, but I must report our defenses are slim and the enemy every day wittles at our strength. We cannot hold much longer without supplies, I urge you to send in relief as we are defending against 7 divisions and over 159,000 troops. If we fall these will be released to god knows where, if we get supplies we can hold!”

Burma/India Command “There is very little activity we hold and build at Mandalay, the Japanese have 2 divisions at Meiktila, we can hold with what we have. At India it is a rock and once the month of May comes we will be upgrading our airforces and an invasion will not be possible, thus we need to start looking at a counteroffensive to take pressure off other theatres”

China command “We our happy to announce with the liberation of Ichang we have fully destroyed the Japanese Mirror Division. The fronts are stabilized, most of our guerillas have been chased from the Japanese rear areas but our forces are building and soon will try to pressure the front and force the Japanese to recommit here. In the air the war is fairly quiet with the AVG occasionally scoring an ambush. We are not worried and recommend you send support elsewhere as this front is stabilized”

Supreme allied commander “Thankyou all for your reports, it appears that as long as Manila and Soerabaja hold the Japanese cannot unleash their massive troops, thus lets take advantage of this time and try to bring pressure wherever we can, as each day we grow stronger, go back to your wards and draw up new plans for taking the offensive to the Japanese! Its time for us to set the tempo!”

A hearty cheer roared over the harbor from the deck of the HMS Repulse.

Picture of Repulse, you can see the awning over the back for the summit!

[stldiver]

There is a knock at the door. The admiral rises from his half sleep and walks over and opens it.

The orderly hands him a note. He takes it and closes the door.

Walking stifly over to his desk he turns on the lamp and reads the few lines written.

To CIC Central Pacific

Operation Cookout a success.

Marines landed on 28th on Baker island, resistance 52 Naval Guard, Mazuro 2nd SNLF, 23rd Special Base force.
4 BB's pounded the beaches 2 days, Bombers from Canton also assisted.
Airfield captured on 29th, all resistance cease to exist on 30th.
Mavis floatplanes seen landing on 30th and rescueing some of the 52 Naval Guard, few escaped.

Ships withdrawing at high speed.

p.s. CIC North Pacific reports Adak cleared of all resistance, Japanese have been reinforcing Attu.

KB not spotted, location unknown.

Recommendation secure assets begin prepping next units for next assault.

He smiles, so it begins!

[stldiver]

Here is the current score for May 1942.

I have finally overtaken scott in the number of ships sunk although April was quiet compared to the other months.
The Main event happening was the Japanese capture of Fiji and the US capture of Baker.
I will post maps of Burma, Java and China as well as an overall map of expansion.
I am also happy with the large loss of Men by the Japanese forces this is due to the surrendar of the Mirror Division, 1 base force and 1 Motor Rgt in China, as well as a SNLF in Adak and 2 Navy Gds, SNLF and 2 BF's at Canton and Baker the past few months.
The allied command also has a lower loss count, as our directive is to rescue every last man. This has caused a higher toll in transports trying to get to stranded troops but overall has allowed us to rescue units and refortify the second line.

Manila still barely holds and Soerabaja has just been surrounded. The next few months will determine if this is the high water mark for Scott or does he have other diabolical plans!

[stldiver]

The Burma front May 1942

As you can see the British at Mandalay and the Japanese at Metikela are in a holding pattern.
B-17's fly from india every few days and hit the 2 divisions there while Oscars and Nates try to bring them down, attrition is on the allied side.
With May comes the upgrade of many fighter units to Hurricanes, and bombers to Wellingtons.
His next push will meet a determined and fully stocked airforce.

[stldiver]

The China Stalemate May 1942.

The chinese have been able to liberate Inchang and Nanchang, but the war is pretty much a stalemate after that. The AVG occasionally ambushed a few Japanese air units but I was tricked into an ambush, lucky for me the AVG experiance had them come out a little better then even but they have to retire for a bit and rebuild. This battle saw the introduction of the new A6M3 we brought down 5 of these new fighters.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Changsha , at 45,37 I was suckered into an ambush, lucky for me I came out even! The AVG was very experianced.

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 69
A6M3 Zero x 24
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 18
Ki-21-II Sally x 39
Ki-46-II Dinah x 5

Allied aircraft
P-40B Tomahawk x 22
P-40E Warhawk x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 25 destroyed, 2 damaged
A6M3 Zero: 5 destroyed, 1 damaged
Ki-21-II Sally: 3 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-40B Tomahawk: 9 destroyed, 4 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 16 destroyed [:(]

Allied ground losses:
12 casualties reported

Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 4