Combat Report March 14th
Calcutta
They failed to move the bombers after yesterday's sweep, and today a large IJA bombing raid from Magwe wrecked carnage! 22 Hurricanes, 22 Blenheims, and 8 Dutch Buffalos destroyed in exchange for 7 Zeros and 5 Oscars. We need to take a dent out of those Blenheims prior to landing at Viz.
Vizingapatam Forces
There are 5 Divisions, plus all sorts of ancillary units, on the way to Vizingapatam. 4 units are now reported there; I think they got an intel report. I have asked John, but I still say we go, we have alot of troops, naval and air support, and it's a clear hex.
They have not yet spotted the convoys, they are currently 2 hexes NNW of Port Blair.
Ceylon Raid?
John outlined a raid on Colombo yesterday, but bad weather cancelled all strikes. The surface TF found nothing other than a sub, and the port appears fairly empty from search aircraft.
I told John, I think he chased the RN out of the Bay of Bengal. There are 9 Sea Gladiators on CAP every turn at Madras, but it's hard to tell if that's a docked HMS Hermes, or just the airgroup. I think the latter, since only half the sqdrn would be on CAP while in port. We haven't seen any Sea Hurricanes anywhere, which would have indicated the presence of the the other RN CV (Formidable is due to arrive any day at Aden, to make it 2 CVs). We know BC Repulse and at least 3 D-Class CLs are not in the IO (they are in New Zealand).
It would probably be unwise or suicidal to take on that kind of IJN CV force directly, so they must have bugged out. If I saw 135 Kates hitting Trincomalee like last turn, I would be leaving quickly too.
DEI
Not sure if John mentioned, but the last outpost in the DEI fell on the 10th, at Bankha. There are troops at Pamakasan, but we are leaving those alone for now in a self-guarding POW camp. They have no supply source, so they can rot.
Elsewhere in the PI, we are prepping a Bde for a landing at Iloilo, and a Nav Gd for Cebu, in a cleanup campaign there. Have to clear those hexes, because they have a supply source in each. Cagayan remains an isolated POW Camp/training range.
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ny59giants
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RE: Clearing the Flanks
Where is Mr. Beaufort V-IX?? Any AF size 4 and any ships that get within 4 hexes of them are at risk. They have over 100 available and I would have upgraded non-British bombers to have some of them ready.
What are the AF sizes of Hyberabad and Diamond Harbor?? If Hyberabad has gone from AF 3(3) to something larger, it "may" mean they are using that for a possible AF for bomber of various types. They should have added 3 Aviation Rgt (Aviation Support 270) and 2 BF (Aviation Support 90 plus some "nasty" AA guns) to India's defense.
What happened to the CD guns at Rangoon?? If they were smart, they would have shipped those out in the first few days of war and placed them at Viza (I would have).
What are the AF sizes of Hyberabad and Diamond Harbor?? If Hyberabad has gone from AF 3(3) to something larger, it "may" mean they are using that for a possible AF for bomber of various types. They should have added 3 Aviation Rgt (Aviation Support 270) and 2 BF (Aviation Support 90 plus some "nasty" AA guns) to India's defense.
What happened to the CD guns at Rangoon?? If they were smart, they would have shipped those out in the first few days of war and placed them at Viza (I would have).
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[/center]RE: Clearing the Flanks
ORIGINAL: ny59giants
Where is Mr. Beaufort V-IX?? Any AF size 4 and any ships that get within 4 hexes of them are at risk. They have over 100 available and I would have upgraded non-British bombers to have some of them ready.
What are the AF sizes of Hyberabad and Diamond Harbor?? If Hyberabad has gone from AF 3(3) to something larger, it "may" mean they are using that for a possible AF for bomber of various types. They should have added 3 Aviation Rgt (Aviation Support 270) and 2 BF (Aviation Support 90 plus some "nasty" AA guns) to India's defense.
What happened to the CD guns at Rangoon?? If they were smart, they would have shipped those out in the first few days of war and placed them at Viza (I would have).
These are great tactical questions!
1. The CD guns surrendered at Rangoon. No help there!
2. Haven't seen ANY Beauforts. The only way they could be there is if they moved the RAAF Hudson units there early. We have seen alot of Hudsons on the North Coast of OZ about a month ago, which was too late to stage to India. We have seen alot of Hudsons over New Zealand, about 30 or so. We captured the southern DEI by the end of December, which would make staging from Australia impossible after this date for anything but 4E. I suspect at most there is 1 16-plane sqdrn of Beauforts, (the RAAF unit that starts in Khota) but I bet not even that. I think those guys moved to Darwin.
Beauforts are important, one reason it's alot easier to do this before May 1,1942, when the RAF can upgrade.
3. Hyderabad and Diamond Harbor are still 3 (3) and 1 (6) respectively. Madras is the only size 4+ airbase near Viz, and it's 5 hexes away (outside all fighter range but Buff and Curtis). They haven't done any airbase building it seems (probably trenches instead).
4. We do need to keep at least 3 hexes away from size-2s, I know they have Wildebeests and Swordfish handy. Viz is size 1.
I am concerned about the ground resistance at Viz. They will get a few transport hits, but I don't think they can stop us from getting ashore. They can only stop us if there is a signficant, prepped, dug-in force at Viz.
They have lost over 80 Hurris so far in the war, and 68 Blenheims; these numbers mean they are probably not full strength there. They do have all 44 Wellingtons, so those are likely there. The AVG has lost 103 Curtis, so it's also depleted. Overall, the RAF has had serious losses, which blunts it's ability to do much with our invasion.
RE: Clearing the Flanks
"Houston--We are go for launch!"
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
RE: Clearing the Flanks
I would an additional concern to Brad's list: B-17s. We have not SEEN a 4EB since pounding the crap out of them in December and early-January.
We didn't get the double whammy AGAIN with Rangoon socked in with weather for the 2nd straight day. Ggrrr...
As per Brad's request I have ordered the CVs to move east and then strike Madras day after tomorrow. I would REALLY expect the Invasion Force to be spotted tomorrow with it being 3 days out at that point.
Elsewhere in the Pacific:
New Zealand Gisbome went to AF-3 last turn and I ordered down 2 Daitai of betty to fillout the AF. They get the immediate order to attack Wellington's AF. Don't know what is there so I set the 2 Zero Daitai to CAP 50% so there is a strong Escort to accompany the raid.
Pago Pago The 56th Inf Div is moving to this final target. Troops were prepped at about 35% prior to loading. Naval Search picked up an AK at Pago this turn and it will be hit by a STF tomorrow.
We didn't get the double whammy AGAIN with Rangoon socked in with weather for the 2nd straight day. Ggrrr...
As per Brad's request I have ordered the CVs to move east and then strike Madras day after tomorrow. I would REALLY expect the Invasion Force to be spotted tomorrow with it being 3 days out at that point.
Elsewhere in the Pacific:
New Zealand Gisbome went to AF-3 last turn and I ordered down 2 Daitai of betty to fillout the AF. They get the immediate order to attack Wellington's AF. Don't know what is there so I set the 2 Zero Daitai to CAP 50% so there is a strong Escort to accompany the raid.
Pago Pago The 56th Inf Div is moving to this final target. Troops were prepped at about 35% prior to loading. Naval Search picked up an AK at Pago this turn and it will be hit by a STF tomorrow.
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
OK...now what?
Brad and I have one heck of a discussion going on for strategy with India about to happen. This is the series of emails so far for the morning:
From Bard:
It should be obvious now what is up. They are concentrating Air at Madras, away from those bombers over Calcutta and Dacca. Madras is the only AF that can interdict the invasion. Hopefully that will be taken care of tommorow.
I have several floatplanes that are going to recon Viz tommorow; the day after, we are going to bombard, and we are going to land the day after that. I am hoping there are no CD guns there; if not we can use DD's. Only way to find out unfortunately is to send 1 DD in to bombard with the cruisers. I'll make it an old one, so if it gets shot up we don't lose anything.
We need to look at where all the ground troops are going. I think we are going to need alot for India, basically all we can scrape together. I think there are 2 Bdes in China coming out, I would advocate sending them to India. But let's look at troops commitments around the map. Against the USN, we probably need small garrisons, using airpower to guard those areas, and have a ready reserve of troops.
The most likely places for early Allied landings are Wake, Tarawa, and Exmouth.
I would think about grabbing Thursday Is. That base is a pest if the Allies reinforce it.
I think Pago Pago is going to be a cakewalk. After that, 56th Division can probably do one of 3 things:
1. Go to handy port and become mobile reserve
2. Prep for Canton Is.
3. Land on NZ, see if we can take North Island
Auckland is probably out of reach though, but I think they are sufficiently freaked out at the moment, witness the Hudsons all over the place there.
My Reply:
The actual range to Viza is 13 from BOTH locations so I left everything the same. Moved some Vals up to Taung Gyi to hit Lashio for training. Don't think they should take some losses. If they do then we can pull them back and transfer them back to the CVs.
We need GOOD weather!!! Will find out about Madras.
There are currently 3 Inf Brig in China all heading for Shanghai. One is about to FINALLY leave the Pucheng hex, another is about 4 hexes from Shanghai, and the last is moving east from Central China. My thoughts were to use these units to provide the punch for taking the North Island.
If you think moving them to India would be more appropriate then that might be true and it needs to be thought about.
The 56th could help in New Zealand too. As you point out their will be a fairly short window of opportunity. The Betty and Zero can help some flying out of Gisbome. I am going to TRY and hit Wellington with enough troops to make a real crack at it. This should give an indication as to what might be possible.
If there isn't much hope then we do a pullout before we run the great risk of losing all of it.
I will move this discussion over to the AAR for people to comment. Might be really fun to see what they say.
His Comment:
This question really speaks to how to defend the Empire. I don't think that's an easy question. The most complicated aspect is Atolls, for example.
Take the Gilberts. Building Fort Tarawa is obvious. What do you do with the rest?
Do you leave it alone? That saves time and troops, but it also leaves the area vulnerable to a neat Allied tactic of:
1. Bomb Tarawa to bits with 4E.
2. Land several SeeBees at 2 nearby Atolls, with enough troops to guard it
3. Build airbases
4. Bomb Tarawa constantly with 2E; train your pilots; move on to the next chain. Tarawa starves.
Do you build up the neighboring atolls? Well, the advantage is that makes it much harder to shut down the airfields; you have to take out several, not just Tarawa. But on the flip side, we have to defend them in force, or give them an instant airbase if they do get troops in.
Ultimately what makes it harder is that once we lose control of the air, we lose control of the base, no matter what land defenses we have. It's just a matter of how much Allied effort it takes.
Until about 7/42, we have enough airpower to maintain a defensive perimeter, regardless of boots on the ground. USN CV's cannot, under any circumstances, sail within 8 hexes of a size-4 Japanese airbase without seriously being exposed. (this is Zero range). Once they get enough 4Es together, they have a chance; once they get P-38s in 10/42, they can go on the offensive, because those fuckers can clear the skies. They also can take more risks with CV's, because they have reinforcements coming in 1943.
So we have to think about outer,inner perimeters, and the ultimate defensibility of points. I think, for example, that Gisbourne is impossible to defend, though that expedition has been great, because it's really thrown them off. Once they get 4Es to Auckland, though, it's over for us there. Ideally, they organize a massive attack for it, and then find it empty.
I think that this is a very good discussion and would like to see what people have to say...
From Bard:
It should be obvious now what is up. They are concentrating Air at Madras, away from those bombers over Calcutta and Dacca. Madras is the only AF that can interdict the invasion. Hopefully that will be taken care of tommorow.
I have several floatplanes that are going to recon Viz tommorow; the day after, we are going to bombard, and we are going to land the day after that. I am hoping there are no CD guns there; if not we can use DD's. Only way to find out unfortunately is to send 1 DD in to bombard with the cruisers. I'll make it an old one, so if it gets shot up we don't lose anything.
We need to look at where all the ground troops are going. I think we are going to need alot for India, basically all we can scrape together. I think there are 2 Bdes in China coming out, I would advocate sending them to India. But let's look at troops commitments around the map. Against the USN, we probably need small garrisons, using airpower to guard those areas, and have a ready reserve of troops.
The most likely places for early Allied landings are Wake, Tarawa, and Exmouth.
I would think about grabbing Thursday Is. That base is a pest if the Allies reinforce it.
I think Pago Pago is going to be a cakewalk. After that, 56th Division can probably do one of 3 things:
1. Go to handy port and become mobile reserve
2. Prep for Canton Is.
3. Land on NZ, see if we can take North Island
Auckland is probably out of reach though, but I think they are sufficiently freaked out at the moment, witness the Hudsons all over the place there.
My Reply:
The actual range to Viza is 13 from BOTH locations so I left everything the same. Moved some Vals up to Taung Gyi to hit Lashio for training. Don't think they should take some losses. If they do then we can pull them back and transfer them back to the CVs.
We need GOOD weather!!! Will find out about Madras.
There are currently 3 Inf Brig in China all heading for Shanghai. One is about to FINALLY leave the Pucheng hex, another is about 4 hexes from Shanghai, and the last is moving east from Central China. My thoughts were to use these units to provide the punch for taking the North Island.
If you think moving them to India would be more appropriate then that might be true and it needs to be thought about.
The 56th could help in New Zealand too. As you point out their will be a fairly short window of opportunity. The Betty and Zero can help some flying out of Gisbome. I am going to TRY and hit Wellington with enough troops to make a real crack at it. This should give an indication as to what might be possible.
If there isn't much hope then we do a pullout before we run the great risk of losing all of it.
I will move this discussion over to the AAR for people to comment. Might be really fun to see what they say.
His Comment:
This question really speaks to how to defend the Empire. I don't think that's an easy question. The most complicated aspect is Atolls, for example.
Take the Gilberts. Building Fort Tarawa is obvious. What do you do with the rest?
Do you leave it alone? That saves time and troops, but it also leaves the area vulnerable to a neat Allied tactic of:
1. Bomb Tarawa to bits with 4E.
2. Land several SeeBees at 2 nearby Atolls, with enough troops to guard it
3. Build airbases
4. Bomb Tarawa constantly with 2E; train your pilots; move on to the next chain. Tarawa starves.
Do you build up the neighboring atolls? Well, the advantage is that makes it much harder to shut down the airfields; you have to take out several, not just Tarawa. But on the flip side, we have to defend them in force, or give them an instant airbase if they do get troops in.
Ultimately what makes it harder is that once we lose control of the air, we lose control of the base, no matter what land defenses we have. It's just a matter of how much Allied effort it takes.
Until about 7/42, we have enough airpower to maintain a defensive perimeter, regardless of boots on the ground. USN CV's cannot, under any circumstances, sail within 8 hexes of a size-4 Japanese airbase without seriously being exposed. (this is Zero range). Once they get enough 4Es together, they have a chance; once they get P-38s in 10/42, they can go on the offensive, because those fuckers can clear the skies. They also can take more risks with CV's, because they have reinforcements coming in 1943.
So we have to think about outer,inner perimeters, and the ultimate defensibility of points. I think, for example, that Gisbourne is impossible to defend, though that expedition has been great, because it's really thrown them off. Once they get 4Es to Auckland, though, it's over for us there. Ideally, they organize a massive attack for it, and then find it empty.
I think that this is a very good discussion and would like to see what people have to say...
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
Current IO Situation:
The map clearly shows the massed firepower that is about to descend upon India.
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ny59giants
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RE: Current IO Situation:
My division of force would be:
Madras - get one Bde to a full Division to lay siege only
Hyberabad - one to two Divisions. I would have made this the reserves for the SW part of India
Hex 21,13 - the crossroads 5 hexes from Bombay and it would stop any troops coming and going from there.
Bhopal & Cawnpore - Each would get a Bde to replace the Tk Rgt that ran out initially
Asansol & Rangpur & the hex just SW of Rangpur - This is were my main efforts would be to cut off Calcutta and all those troops in Burma.
Other bases within this bubble would get attention briefly.
John/Brad - Did you guys send in a few Tks worth of Oil in the follow up forces?? Asansol has 450 HI and other places like Hyderabad have HI. It would be nice to get the added supplies from them. Have a few Tks stop off in northern Sumatra to fill up.
Madras - get one Bde to a full Division to lay siege only
Hyberabad - one to two Divisions. I would have made this the reserves for the SW part of India
Hex 21,13 - the crossroads 5 hexes from Bombay and it would stop any troops coming and going from there.
Bhopal & Cawnpore - Each would get a Bde to replace the Tk Rgt that ran out initially
Asansol & Rangpur & the hex just SW of Rangpur - This is were my main efforts would be to cut off Calcutta and all those troops in Burma.
Other bases within this bubble would get attention briefly.
John/Brad - Did you guys send in a few Tks worth of Oil in the follow up forces?? Asansol has 450 HI and other places like Hyderabad have HI. It would be nice to get the added supplies from them. Have a few Tks stop off in northern Sumatra to fill up.
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[/center]RE: Current IO Situation:
ORIGINAL: ny59giants
My division of force would be:
Madras - get one Bde to a full Division to lay siege only
Hyberabad - one to two Divisions. I would have made this the reserves for the SW part of India
Hex 21,13 - the crossroads 5 hexes from Bombay and it would stop any troops coming and going from there.
Bhopal & Cawnpore - Each would get a Bde to replace the Tk Rgt that ran out initially
Asansol & Rangpur & the hex just SW of Rangpur - This is were my main efforts would be to cut off Calcutta and all those troops in Burma.
Other bases within this bubble would get attention briefly.
John/Brad - Did you guys send in a few Tks worth of Oil in the follow up forces?? Asansol has 450 HI and other places like Hyderabad have HI. It would be nice to get the added supplies from them. Have a few Tks stop off in northern Sumatra to fill up.
These are great thoughts, but we have to get ashore first. John is running the turn now, and will report, but we did finally see some air attacks, including PTs and B-17s. They didn't hit much of anything, so we figure to unload without much damage tommorow.
Scary Image
A turn doesn't start too well when you see this:
No harm done and 2 PTs sunk but it certainly got my attention!
No harm done and 2 PTs sunk but it certainly got my attention!
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The Map
Here we are the day before landing. We are coming ashore without have had a single ship hit in any manner!
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D-1
Combat Report
March 17, 1942
I said in an email I sent to the players that I am a fickle player when it comes to the weather. When this day dawned it immediately told us the Air Ops had been canceled for the FOURTH straight day at Rangoon and CV Operations were canceled for the second day in a row. At first I was very pissed...
The plan had been to hit Madras for the day. Prior to the 17th it had shown a standard of about 20-25 fighters and that was it. With the CVs unable to launch, a Mavis did recon over the target and found over 60 Fighters (mainly Hurricanes and P-40s) flying CAP. Now I was THANKFUL to the weather Gods for having the bad weather. Fickle as I said before...
The Landing shall occur tomorrow and we shall see what the endeavor brings Japan.
India
Diamond Harbor
We did have a major strike fly this day. Magwe sent a force of 75 Zero, 15 Oscars, and 100 Sally/Helen to attack the AF. The strike was met by 20 Hurricanes on CAP. For a cost of 7 Zero, 2 Oscar, and 1 Bomber we shot down 15 Fighters and did very minor damage to the AF. NOT a good exchange if you ask me!
B-17s!!!
I KNEW these planes were present in India. We hadn't seen a B-17 for over 2 months until this day. They flew from Madras in an impressive number of 41 B-17 (in 2 models) and 13 Brit Bombers against the leading edge of the Invasion Fleet. Brad had 14 Zero on CAP flying from Hosho and Taiyo. We lost 3 Zero for 1 B-17 and 2 Wellington with another 15 bombers damaged. NO HITS SCORED!
New Zealand
Auckland
A combined strike of 32 Zero, 27 Kate, and 40 Betty attacked this city for the first time. There was no aerial resistance and we got porr results from the attack. The strike did reveal 7 Units present.
There are 4 at Wellington so we shall give Wellington a crack. If we cannot grab the North Island then will will pull back, load troops, and redeploy. This attack has always been done on a Shoestring and was not be too serious.
SE PAC
Savaii
AF went to 3 this day and it got some Zero and Betty to begin attacks on Pago Pago.
Pago Pago
Target will be bombarded tomorrow and then invaded within 3 days by the 56th Inf Div.
KB
The KB finished refueling between NZ and Australia. It will no move slowly towards Sydney to see if it can catch anything without undue risk.
EDIT: WOW! This is my 3,000th Post on the Forum.
March 17, 1942
I said in an email I sent to the players that I am a fickle player when it comes to the weather. When this day dawned it immediately told us the Air Ops had been canceled for the FOURTH straight day at Rangoon and CV Operations were canceled for the second day in a row. At first I was very pissed...
The plan had been to hit Madras for the day. Prior to the 17th it had shown a standard of about 20-25 fighters and that was it. With the CVs unable to launch, a Mavis did recon over the target and found over 60 Fighters (mainly Hurricanes and P-40s) flying CAP. Now I was THANKFUL to the weather Gods for having the bad weather. Fickle as I said before...
The Landing shall occur tomorrow and we shall see what the endeavor brings Japan.
India
Diamond Harbor
We did have a major strike fly this day. Magwe sent a force of 75 Zero, 15 Oscars, and 100 Sally/Helen to attack the AF. The strike was met by 20 Hurricanes on CAP. For a cost of 7 Zero, 2 Oscar, and 1 Bomber we shot down 15 Fighters and did very minor damage to the AF. NOT a good exchange if you ask me!
B-17s!!!
I KNEW these planes were present in India. We hadn't seen a B-17 for over 2 months until this day. They flew from Madras in an impressive number of 41 B-17 (in 2 models) and 13 Brit Bombers against the leading edge of the Invasion Fleet. Brad had 14 Zero on CAP flying from Hosho and Taiyo. We lost 3 Zero for 1 B-17 and 2 Wellington with another 15 bombers damaged. NO HITS SCORED!
New Zealand
Auckland
A combined strike of 32 Zero, 27 Kate, and 40 Betty attacked this city for the first time. There was no aerial resistance and we got porr results from the attack. The strike did reveal 7 Units present.
There are 4 at Wellington so we shall give Wellington a crack. If we cannot grab the North Island then will will pull back, load troops, and redeploy. This attack has always been done on a Shoestring and was not be too serious.
SE PAC
Savaii
AF went to 3 this day and it got some Zero and Betty to begin attacks on Pago Pago.
Pago Pago
Target will be bombarded tomorrow and then invaded within 3 days by the 56th Inf Div.
KB
The KB finished refueling between NZ and Australia. It will no move slowly towards Sydney to see if it can catch anything without undue risk.
EDIT: WOW! This is my 3,000th Post on the Forum.
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
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ny59giants
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RE: D-1
There was no aerial resistance and we got poor results from the attack.
Recon....Recon
How many Recon LBA do you have in Nz?? Got to get that detection level (DL) up to get good hits on the AFs.
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[/center]The Leader Board
People like to see the Leader Board for hot fighter pilots periodically. Here is the first posting of it:
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ny59giants
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RE: D-1
All us "old" WitP players will need to get use to doing Recon every day from my readings of AE. If not, you will not know what is out there. [;)]
As an AFB, I would love to have about 10 Chutai (3 planes each) of Dinah to play with.
As an AFB, I would love to have about 10 Chutai (3 planes each) of Dinah to play with.
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[/center]RE: D-1
Combat Report
March 18th
Today was D-Day at Vizingapatam, at least for the lead elements; 3 divisions, plus tanks and artillery. We had sighted 4 units there a while ago, and that made me a little nervous. But more on that...
Vizingapatam
One of the reasons we picked Viz is because it's at least 5 hexes away from any serious airbase; this means any air attacks are going to be unescorted, and not include torpedo planes.
We had a CAP of 40 Zeros over the beachhead, provided by the nearby carriers (Car Div 2 and Baby KB), against several attacks by B-17Es and IL-4s. For the day we brought down 7 bombers, and they inflicted 1 bomb hit on a transport (which is now empty). Another transport hit a Dutch mine.
Bad weather grounded the bombers at Magwe, but they are set to bombard Calcutta, where those B-17s took off from.
We now have precise intel on what's there: Rawalpindi District Brigade, 2 artillery units, and a base force. Not much in other words. We will unload more tommorow, and attack the next day. Once that happens, we can move to Phase 2: Conquest of India!
Pago Pago
A BC force bombarded the base, to take a chunk out of the CD guns. 56th Division should come ashore in 2 days. We suspect there is a Marine Def Bn, and a base force, so it should go fairly smoothly.
New Zealand
John's "raid" at Gisbourne, with basically just South Seas and a couple SNLF, appears to be seriously freaking them out. SS Det is closing on Wellington, driving a Cav Bde back in the process. I have no idea if North Island is takeable, John and I would love feedback. Once Pago Pago falls, would 56th Div seal the deal?
March 18th
Today was D-Day at Vizingapatam, at least for the lead elements; 3 divisions, plus tanks and artillery. We had sighted 4 units there a while ago, and that made me a little nervous. But more on that...
Vizingapatam
One of the reasons we picked Viz is because it's at least 5 hexes away from any serious airbase; this means any air attacks are going to be unescorted, and not include torpedo planes.
We had a CAP of 40 Zeros over the beachhead, provided by the nearby carriers (Car Div 2 and Baby KB), against several attacks by B-17Es and IL-4s. For the day we brought down 7 bombers, and they inflicted 1 bomb hit on a transport (which is now empty). Another transport hit a Dutch mine.
Bad weather grounded the bombers at Magwe, but they are set to bombard Calcutta, where those B-17s took off from.
We now have precise intel on what's there: Rawalpindi District Brigade, 2 artillery units, and a base force. Not much in other words. We will unload more tommorow, and attack the next day. Once that happens, we can move to Phase 2: Conquest of India!
Pago Pago
A BC force bombarded the base, to take a chunk out of the CD guns. 56th Division should come ashore in 2 days. We suspect there is a Marine Def Bn, and a base force, so it should go fairly smoothly.
New Zealand
John's "raid" at Gisbourne, with basically just South Seas and a couple SNLF, appears to be seriously freaking them out. SS Det is closing on Wellington, driving a Cav Bde back in the process. I have no idea if North Island is takeable, John and I would love feedback. Once Pago Pago falls, would 56th Div seal the deal?
RE: D-1
All I have to say is BANZAI! BANZAI!! BANZAI!!!
To strengthen the LR CAP over Viza, Adm Yamaguchi closes the town by 60 miles, rotates his LR CAP CVs and shifts the ground attack assignments to the smaller CVs so they can get some needed experience.
On the eastern side of Australia, Adm Nagumo slowly closes Australia looking for enemy shipping...
To strengthen the LR CAP over Viza, Adm Yamaguchi closes the town by 60 miles, rotates his LR CAP CVs and shifts the ground attack assignments to the smaller CVs so they can get some needed experience.
On the eastern side of Australia, Adm Nagumo slowly closes Australia looking for enemy shipping...
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
D+1
Combat Report
March 19, 1942
This day brings a bit more of give-and-take but looks to be another solid day for the Empire.
India
Viza
The landing truly gets rolling the defenders are faced with aerial and naval bombardment attacks. Three Japanese TF hit the area off the beaches inflicting decent casualties. Mines are bit more of the problem as 3 AP and 1 AK get hit by single mines during landing operations. The capture of the base will be tomorrow.
Bay of Bengal
A group of 6 PTs hit a small convoy of 2 MSW and 2 AK and manages to put 1 Torp into an AK.
Only one major air raid occurs in the afternoon and the Allies do draw important blood. Eight Zero try to stave off an attack by 17 Brit Bombers and 10 B-17 flying out of Madras. They get through the weak CAP and (on the last bombing pass) manage to plant a 500lb bomb on little Hosho. Luckily the CVE isn't too badly hurt and should easily get to Port Blair.
Diamond Harbor
A large Japanese strike of 93 Zero and 144 Betty fight their way through 18 Hurricanes. The strike does terribly little to the AF and the Japanese lose 6 Zero and a Betty for 14 Hurricanes. Not a very good exchange.
Royal Navy LEAVING??
Ro-34 is on the shipping lane at the edge of our map. It is attacked by 5 first-rate Brit DDs due west of Sabang, Sumatra. Does this mean that the Allies are totally ceding the IO to Japan? It might be a serious possiblity.
I write to Brad that I had better think about bring the reinforced CarDiv2 over the NZ quickly if that is the case. We shall have to see...
New Zealand
Wellington
The town is hit by 17 Zero and 38 Betty destroying one Hudson on the ground.
Hamilton
I have 3 units approaching this town to see if we can split the island in half.
SoPac
Pago Pago
In an idiot move, I forget to tell the 56th ID to 'not land.' I had intended to transfer a CL and CA to the Invasion Froce PRIOR to landing. This did not happen and the troops stormed ashore in the face of 700 CD shots! Will certainly lose a few MSW and a couple of AK/AP. Thought I had given the order to wait but screwed up. Regardless, the 56th get a 2-1 on the assault and driops Forts from 3 to 1. Will have the atoll tomorrow and get some new POWs.
China
If one can believe it, the Chinese are ATTACKING throughout Central and Southern China! Nanchang and Kuik(??) have 8 units each attacking them and Canton has 13 investing it. Cannot help but think this could be an opportunity for a big land victory. Have an idea germinating to draw the Chinese further east and then fall on them on both flanks. Will post that thought with a screenshot later.
Thoughts
1. CarDuv2 will remain near Viza until the AF can take care of itself and then retire for fueling. Am thinking about hitting Trincomalee on the way out yo finish off the 4-8 damaged ships that are still present. There are hardly any fighters protecting the base now.
2. We have 3 Inf Brigades in China ready to lift out for deployment. I'm thinking of taking one to NZ and leave two somewhere central to act as a response force to any early Allied counter attack.
3. The 3rd Inf Brig and 56th ID will TRY to finish off the North Island of New Zealand. I give it about a 50-50 chance of success. Regardless it shoudl force the Allies to start fighting down there instead of elsewhere. In theory at least...
4. India should be fun to watch. Brad has total control of Burma and India and I hope to watch some magic occur!
5. What are they doing in China???
March 19, 1942
This day brings a bit more of give-and-take but looks to be another solid day for the Empire.
India
Viza
The landing truly gets rolling the defenders are faced with aerial and naval bombardment attacks. Three Japanese TF hit the area off the beaches inflicting decent casualties. Mines are bit more of the problem as 3 AP and 1 AK get hit by single mines during landing operations. The capture of the base will be tomorrow.
Bay of Bengal
A group of 6 PTs hit a small convoy of 2 MSW and 2 AK and manages to put 1 Torp into an AK.
Only one major air raid occurs in the afternoon and the Allies do draw important blood. Eight Zero try to stave off an attack by 17 Brit Bombers and 10 B-17 flying out of Madras. They get through the weak CAP and (on the last bombing pass) manage to plant a 500lb bomb on little Hosho. Luckily the CVE isn't too badly hurt and should easily get to Port Blair.
Diamond Harbor
A large Japanese strike of 93 Zero and 144 Betty fight their way through 18 Hurricanes. The strike does terribly little to the AF and the Japanese lose 6 Zero and a Betty for 14 Hurricanes. Not a very good exchange.
Royal Navy LEAVING??
Ro-34 is on the shipping lane at the edge of our map. It is attacked by 5 first-rate Brit DDs due west of Sabang, Sumatra. Does this mean that the Allies are totally ceding the IO to Japan? It might be a serious possiblity.
I write to Brad that I had better think about bring the reinforced CarDiv2 over the NZ quickly if that is the case. We shall have to see...
New Zealand
Wellington
The town is hit by 17 Zero and 38 Betty destroying one Hudson on the ground.
Hamilton
I have 3 units approaching this town to see if we can split the island in half.
SoPac
Pago Pago
In an idiot move, I forget to tell the 56th ID to 'not land.' I had intended to transfer a CL and CA to the Invasion Froce PRIOR to landing. This did not happen and the troops stormed ashore in the face of 700 CD shots! Will certainly lose a few MSW and a couple of AK/AP. Thought I had given the order to wait but screwed up. Regardless, the 56th get a 2-1 on the assault and driops Forts from 3 to 1. Will have the atoll tomorrow and get some new POWs.
China
If one can believe it, the Chinese are ATTACKING throughout Central and Southern China! Nanchang and Kuik(??) have 8 units each attacking them and Canton has 13 investing it. Cannot help but think this could be an opportunity for a big land victory. Have an idea germinating to draw the Chinese further east and then fall on them on both flanks. Will post that thought with a screenshot later.
Thoughts
1. CarDuv2 will remain near Viza until the AF can take care of itself and then retire for fueling. Am thinking about hitting Trincomalee on the way out yo finish off the 4-8 damaged ships that are still present. There are hardly any fighters protecting the base now.
2. We have 3 Inf Brigades in China ready to lift out for deployment. I'm thinking of taking one to NZ and leave two somewhere central to act as a response force to any early Allied counter attack.
3. The 3rd Inf Brig and 56th ID will TRY to finish off the North Island of New Zealand. I give it about a 50-50 chance of success. Regardless it shoudl force the Allies to start fighting down there instead of elsewhere. In theory at least...
4. India should be fun to watch. Brad has total control of Burma and India and I hope to watch some magic occur!
5. What are they doing in China???
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.