I looked it up, FO Hirata, our top ace, got KIA'ed in this one. That was our first lost dogfight of the war.
Good updates John!
The First Team: Take Two!
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Canoerebel
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RE: First Air Check
While everyone is urging you guys to continue the offensive in SoPac and CenPac, that quiet voice whispering in your ears to slow down and catch a breath is mine. The Allies have been pushed around a bunch, have to be itching to make you pay for India and New Zealand, have had plenty of time to organize something, and have had plenty of time to garrison bases they really want to keep. You do not greatly outnumber the Allies in this theater, unless I'm missing something, and I think some victory syndrome may be creeping in. Caution!
"Rats set fire to Mr. Cooper’s store in Fort Valley. No damage done." Columbus (Ga) Enquirer-Sun, October 2, 1880.
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ny59giants
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RE: First Air Check
Supply in China - the best way to get supply to a base is by using a Command HQ. An Army HQ will not pull in the necessary supplies in many situations. In one of two PBEMs, I have the Southern Area HQ shipped over to Kota Bharu to get close enough to use its command radius help with Singapore combat. I now have 50k there and over 90k in Malaya. However, Saigon is starting to suck wind. [:D]
4e bombers in Australia - another reason to take Canton Island is they can make it from Canton to Cairns (barely, but they can do it, I think). I might have my mods mixed up (could be RHS).
4e bombers in Australia - another reason to take Canton Island is they can make it from Canton to Cairns (barely, but they can do it, I think). I might have my mods mixed up (could be RHS).
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The Cauldron Battle Begins...
This may sound nuts coming from me but I do agree with Dan's conservative voice of caution. As aggressive as I most certainly am, it is my intention to slow a bit as troops are shuffled and I begin the drawdown of New Zealand.
On the May 4th turn I Shock Attacked Auckland and got a 2-1 (it was nearly 3-1) reducing Forts to 1. The soldiers are joyful and, thus show little disruption, excited to know the end the campaign is tomorrow. It is known that the KB set sail from Noumea to enter the pleasant confines of Auckland Harbor and make use of the Repair Facilities. Another convoy forms up in Wellington bringing 30 AP-AK to Auckland for moving troops to the South Island for the culmination of the campaign that began as Operation Shoestring. Cannot believe that all of New Zealand will be Japanese when it was planned to be a simple diversionary landing...
On the same day at Soerabaja, Vice Admiral Yamaguchi Tamon proudly stares at his Carrier Task Force as it forms up and exits the harbor. After a little over two restful weeks, these 24 warships begin an operation that is dear to the aggressive Admiral's heart. He orders course be made for Exmouth Bay so the TF can refuel from two large Tankers present there. Once at Exmouth he will form-up for battle and drive down the western side of Australia, cross the southern edge and make for Auckland to combine with Admiral Nagumo's four heavy carriers. A Task Force of 4 AO has already left Noumea to handle refueling the Fleet as it makes for Auckland. The task Force is fast and powerful:
CarDiv2 Hiryu/Soryu
CVLs Ryujo/Shoho/Zuiho
CAs Chokai/Myoko, Haguro/Nachi
CL Yura
DD 14 Special Type
The Hangars carry 228 planes with elite air crews. The best Daitai has an experience of 89 and worst is at 74.
The only sadness that fills the Admiral at this moment is knowing his Fleet will be broken up when it reaches Auckland. The Heavy CVs are going to be paired up with a single CVL and three TF created under the cammand of a Rr- or Vc-Admiral. At that point he will fall under the more cautious Nagumo's command BUT they will be HUNTING Americans at that point...
On the May 4th turn I Shock Attacked Auckland and got a 2-1 (it was nearly 3-1) reducing Forts to 1. The soldiers are joyful and, thus show little disruption, excited to know the end the campaign is tomorrow. It is known that the KB set sail from Noumea to enter the pleasant confines of Auckland Harbor and make use of the Repair Facilities. Another convoy forms up in Wellington bringing 30 AP-AK to Auckland for moving troops to the South Island for the culmination of the campaign that began as Operation Shoestring. Cannot believe that all of New Zealand will be Japanese when it was planned to be a simple diversionary landing...
On the same day at Soerabaja, Vice Admiral Yamaguchi Tamon proudly stares at his Carrier Task Force as it forms up and exits the harbor. After a little over two restful weeks, these 24 warships begin an operation that is dear to the aggressive Admiral's heart. He orders course be made for Exmouth Bay so the TF can refuel from two large Tankers present there. Once at Exmouth he will form-up for battle and drive down the western side of Australia, cross the southern edge and make for Auckland to combine with Admiral Nagumo's four heavy carriers. A Task Force of 4 AO has already left Noumea to handle refueling the Fleet as it makes for Auckland. The task Force is fast and powerful:
CarDiv2 Hiryu/Soryu
CVLs Ryujo/Shoho/Zuiho
CAs Chokai/Myoko, Haguro/Nachi
CL Yura
DD 14 Special Type
The Hangars carry 228 planes with elite air crews. The best Daitai has an experience of 89 and worst is at 74.
The only sadness that fills the Admiral at this moment is knowing his Fleet will be broken up when it reaches Auckland. The Heavy CVs are going to be paired up with a single CVL and three TF created under the cammand of a Rr- or Vc-Admiral. At that point he will fall under the more cautious Nagumo's command BUT they will be HUNTING Americans at that point...
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RE: The Cauldron Battle Begins...
John, I noticed on the last turn that China in general is really short on supplies. I think we have to start moving them from the Home Islands. Last I checked, there is some spare at Tokyo.
In my other game, I have found I have to occasionally run a load to Shanghai every once is awhile, that is usually enough to keep the troops supplied.
I vote for slow-down. We don't have the troops to attack Canton Is. right now, and won't until New Zealand is wrapped up. Let's see how long that takes before engaging in any planning, but a D-Day at Canton is at least out to 7/1/42. I expect a move by the USN before that date, probably on Wake or the Marshalls.
Taking most of India and New Zealand wouldn't be a bad first 6 months IMO.
In my other game, I have found I have to occasionally run a load to Shanghai every once is awhile, that is usually enough to keep the troops supplied.
I vote for slow-down. We don't have the troops to attack Canton Is. right now, and won't until New Zealand is wrapped up. Let's see how long that takes before engaging in any planning, but a D-Day at Canton is at least out to 7/1/42. I expect a move by the USN before that date, probably on Wake or the Marshalls.
Taking most of India and New Zealand wouldn't be a bad first 6 months IMO.
Mid-June 1942
I figure there is a natural pause about to occur.
When Auckland falls tomorrow I think it will take a week to reposition troops to the South Island and then at least two weeks before both towns are taken. This puts us to the end of May earliest. THEN we will need to figure the garrisons and set those up while moving troops north and northeast to serve as reaction forces.
Yamaguchi's Raid will take at least 2 weeks to make the move from Soerabaja to Auckland. Nagumo's ships will be repairing during that time. So the revamped and reorganized KB won't be ready for action until June too.
There are troops available. I have 3 Infantry Brigades in China that were bought out last month. I've just taken my time getting them to Shanghai. They'll be ready in Shanghai in about a week's time. All three are already prepping for Canton. They'll load-up and depart for Kwajalein. The Transports won't arrive there until roughly June 1st also.
Taking these three variables (without the Allies choosing to do SOMETHING) in account the next major Japanese Operation in the Pacific cannot happen until about June 15th. This would figure the time to move from Auckland and Kwajalein to get to Canton. If there is no Allied action then this might force a fight on our terms at a place of our choosing.
Does that make sense?
When Auckland falls tomorrow I think it will take a week to reposition troops to the South Island and then at least two weeks before both towns are taken. This puts us to the end of May earliest. THEN we will need to figure the garrisons and set those up while moving troops north and northeast to serve as reaction forces.
Yamaguchi's Raid will take at least 2 weeks to make the move from Soerabaja to Auckland. Nagumo's ships will be repairing during that time. So the revamped and reorganized KB won't be ready for action until June too.
There are troops available. I have 3 Infantry Brigades in China that were bought out last month. I've just taken my time getting them to Shanghai. They'll be ready in Shanghai in about a week's time. All three are already prepping for Canton. They'll load-up and depart for Kwajalein. The Transports won't arrive there until roughly June 1st also.
Taking these three variables (without the Allies choosing to do SOMETHING) in account the next major Japanese Operation in the Pacific cannot happen until about June 15th. This would figure the time to move from Auckland and Kwajalein to get to Canton. If there is no Allied action then this might force a fight on our terms at a place of our choosing.
Does that make sense?
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
RE: Mid-June 1942
Guys if I may, jus seeing how unfortified your possessions in the pacific are it is a bit scary... If i was the Allies I would have an invasion ready for Wake or the Aleutions for a while already and as soon as the KB is accounted for far away, let's roll.. Beware that your australian tour + Auckland stop doesn't give the signal expected..
Adieu Ô Dieu odieux... signé Adam
RE: Mid-June 1942
You make a very fine point. With Auckland's fall this turn (May 5th) I can now begin to redeploy aircraft as well as troops!
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
Cinco Di Mayo 1942
To celebrate my Birthday the New Zealanders admit the error of their ways!
BANZAI!!!
BANZAI!!!
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RE: Cinco Di Mayo 1942
I think it's time to move all IJN aircraft out of New Zealand. I can hear the USN coming. There are two Sally Sentais in NZ, that should be plenty to disrupt the remaining NZ troops in the South. They have no fighter aircraft in New Zealand, and no ability to get more.
RE: Cinco Di Mayo 1942
I moved a Betty and Zero Daitai this turn out of the area and sent them north.
Will do that for 2 more Zero Daitai and 2 Betty Daitai out within a week as well. I plan to leave a force of 1 Zero Daitai, 1 Oscar Sentai, 1 Betty Daitai, and 2 IJA Bomber Sentai there with some minor recon Chutai. Should work fairly well to hit anything that approaches and bomb the South Island until it surrenders.
Am sending 14th Army HQ, 9th Ind Brigade, South Seas Force, Tone Art Reg, and 2 Engineering Regiments to finish off the New Zealanders.
Once I get some more AP to Auckland I will lift off the 56th Inf Div and 3rd Cavalry Brigade. I think I will move 56th to Kwajalein for counterattack purposes and leave 3rd Cavalry at Suva for the time being. Any suggestions along this line of thought?
Will do that for 2 more Zero Daitai and 2 Betty Daitai out within a week as well. I plan to leave a force of 1 Zero Daitai, 1 Oscar Sentai, 1 Betty Daitai, and 2 IJA Bomber Sentai there with some minor recon Chutai. Should work fairly well to hit anything that approaches and bomb the South Island until it surrenders.
Am sending 14th Army HQ, 9th Ind Brigade, South Seas Force, Tone Art Reg, and 2 Engineering Regiments to finish off the New Zealanders.
Once I get some more AP to Auckland I will lift off the 56th Inf Div and 3rd Cavalry Brigade. I think I will move 56th to Kwajalein for counterattack purposes and leave 3rd Cavalry at Suva for the time being. Any suggestions along this line of thought?
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
RE: Cinco Di Mayo 1942
That plan for the 56th sounds good, hopefully you won't need them on South Island. They probably have 400 AV behind level-7 to 9 forts by now at Christchurch. I recommend landing the Nav Gd unit at Dunedin at the same time, to prevent a retreat from Christchurch.
RE: Cinco Di Mayo 1942
I could do that. That unit will get chewed up but it really doesn't matter. Will probably be garrisoned there anyway. Can use some 'expendable' AK to do the lift and drop...
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
RE: Cinco Di Mayo 1942
Combat Report
May 6, 1942
Fairly uneventful day overall, but a quick recap of events in India and Burma, which are moving pretty rapidly for ground warfare.
Burma
This is turning out to be the real beneficiary of the India Invasion. We took Lashio a few days back, and have an infantry Division blocking the trail 1 hex east of Lashio, completely shutting the door to China. 9 units are spotted on the trail between Lashio and Myitkinya. Another 10 units are at Mandalay, but despite having 2 tank units in that hex (the pursued a retreating unit), have not attacked. I think they are short on supplies.
We have pulled together every spare rifle in Burma, and we are attacking accross the Irriwaddy in two days. If those units are out of supplies, they should collapse and retreat to Myitkinya. If that happens, they should be POWs before too long.
India
We have trapped maybe 3 to 4 base forces in NE India, but everyone else is retreating toward Cownpore. We are pursuing at Cownpore, and closing in on Bombay, where 29 (!) units are spotted. I think they intend to make a stand there. Our best advance is moving on Bhopal; we are nearly there, and have been kicking those units around for awhile. If Bhopal falls, I can't see how they can hold Cownpore/Lucknow, and there are already signs they are withdrawing there.
I think the Allied strategy is to withdraw to Bombay and Karachi. They have a huge concentration of air at Bombay, enough that I have lost control of the air over India (I also lack any decent airbases, India is a big territory).
Ceylon is isolated, we have been bombing it lately, and will probably invade at some point; for now, there is no way for their supplies to go up there, and they can't get fighters there either, so it can't hurt us.
Elsewhere
Quiet elsewhere as John is preparing for a move on South Island, which should go well. Everywhere else, we are digging in and prepping for the inevitable counterattack.
Australia Expedition by Car Div 2
I told John I would comment on this on the AAR. Though my esteemed partner has proven me wrong a couple times by aggressive moves that paid off, I think this one is a bad idea. John intends to sail Car Div 2 around the South of Australia to New Zealand. I think this is a terrible idea on several levels:
1). Although I think the threats down there are minor, a single bomb hit can ruin the whole expedition. Not only are there no ports, but if we have to slow up the TF because of damage, they might not have the fuel to make it. VERY bad.
2). We will probably nail a couple transports, but that's about it. The Allies will spot it south of Perth, and dock/clear out any ships in danger. We could port raid, but ships in port are easy to hit/hard to sink. John thinks the RN is down there in force, but I don't think so; I think maybe Force Z and some old CLs, but that's it. The CV's and BBs are at Aden. We know for sure Hermes is there. I just don't think we'll gain much. Without surprise, I can't see us sinking valuable ships.
3). This action will reveal the location of half our CV fleet, and confirm that they are NOT in the Central Pacific for a good month to month in a half. That will be a window the USN can take advantage of; I think that will trigger a move on Wake or Marshals, most likely Wake, and we're not ready out there. Our best defense in the Central Pacific right now is that they don't know the location of our Carriers; they have not been sighted in over a month.
John's show though, I suppose if he sinks the RN he'll prove me wrong.
May 6, 1942
Fairly uneventful day overall, but a quick recap of events in India and Burma, which are moving pretty rapidly for ground warfare.
Burma
This is turning out to be the real beneficiary of the India Invasion. We took Lashio a few days back, and have an infantry Division blocking the trail 1 hex east of Lashio, completely shutting the door to China. 9 units are spotted on the trail between Lashio and Myitkinya. Another 10 units are at Mandalay, but despite having 2 tank units in that hex (the pursued a retreating unit), have not attacked. I think they are short on supplies.
We have pulled together every spare rifle in Burma, and we are attacking accross the Irriwaddy in two days. If those units are out of supplies, they should collapse and retreat to Myitkinya. If that happens, they should be POWs before too long.
India
We have trapped maybe 3 to 4 base forces in NE India, but everyone else is retreating toward Cownpore. We are pursuing at Cownpore, and closing in on Bombay, where 29 (!) units are spotted. I think they intend to make a stand there. Our best advance is moving on Bhopal; we are nearly there, and have been kicking those units around for awhile. If Bhopal falls, I can't see how they can hold Cownpore/Lucknow, and there are already signs they are withdrawing there.
I think the Allied strategy is to withdraw to Bombay and Karachi. They have a huge concentration of air at Bombay, enough that I have lost control of the air over India (I also lack any decent airbases, India is a big territory).
Ceylon is isolated, we have been bombing it lately, and will probably invade at some point; for now, there is no way for their supplies to go up there, and they can't get fighters there either, so it can't hurt us.
Elsewhere
Quiet elsewhere as John is preparing for a move on South Island, which should go well. Everywhere else, we are digging in and prepping for the inevitable counterattack.
Australia Expedition by Car Div 2
I told John I would comment on this on the AAR. Though my esteemed partner has proven me wrong a couple times by aggressive moves that paid off, I think this one is a bad idea. John intends to sail Car Div 2 around the South of Australia to New Zealand. I think this is a terrible idea on several levels:
1). Although I think the threats down there are minor, a single bomb hit can ruin the whole expedition. Not only are there no ports, but if we have to slow up the TF because of damage, they might not have the fuel to make it. VERY bad.
2). We will probably nail a couple transports, but that's about it. The Allies will spot it south of Perth, and dock/clear out any ships in danger. We could port raid, but ships in port are easy to hit/hard to sink. John thinks the RN is down there in force, but I don't think so; I think maybe Force Z and some old CLs, but that's it. The CV's and BBs are at Aden. We know for sure Hermes is there. I just don't think we'll gain much. Without surprise, I can't see us sinking valuable ships.
3). This action will reveal the location of half our CV fleet, and confirm that they are NOT in the Central Pacific for a good month to month in a half. That will be a window the USN can take advantage of; I think that will trigger a move on Wake or Marshals, most likely Wake, and we're not ready out there. Our best defense in the Central Pacific right now is that they don't know the location of our Carriers; they have not been sighted in over a month.
John's show though, I suppose if he sinks the RN he'll prove me wrong.
RE: Cinco Di Mayo 1942
agreed, to be blunt I think it is a completely unnecessary risk where one lucky hit could bring catastrophe... he should peacefully sail the CVs to Truk or elsewhere where you have a plan for them, rather than go for a trek..
Adieu Ô Dieu odieux... signé Adam
The Tour
I do think that they are down there and we might be able to hit them.
I have true concerns regarding 'lucky hit' issue. If feelings are that strong, I can easily countermand the operation. We haven't reached Exmouth yet so that is no big deal. Thinking on it I could get my raiding desires fulfilled in the far eastern Pacific if wanted. Will run the current turn and think about this as I watch it...
I have true concerns regarding 'lucky hit' issue. If feelings are that strong, I can easily countermand the operation. We haven't reached Exmouth yet so that is no big deal. Thinking on it I could get my raiding desires fulfilled in the far eastern Pacific if wanted. Will run the current turn and think about this as I watch it...
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USSAmerica
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RE: The Tour
How many turns/day are you guys getting in for this game? It seems like a fast pace.
Mike
"Good times will set you free" - Jimmy Buffett
"They need more rum punch" - Me
Artwork by The Amazing Dixie
"Good times will set you free" - Jimmy Buffett
"They need more rum punch" - Me
Artwork by The Amazing Dixie
RE: The Tour
My recommendation would be to not start such an operation now but I am a more conservative player. Betty/Nell blocking forces based in New Zealand and Exmouth should make sure that the ships will have to stay where they are anyway. Once the CenPac area is better fortified you would still be able to come up with a plan to sink them if you do not get better intel in the meantime.
RE: The Tour
We are getting a morning and evening turn done each day. Twice per day is a darned fine clip for a 2x2.
Showing that I CAN listen to the voices of reason when I REALLY REALLY want to do something else. This is the email I sent Brad a while ago:
Brad,
I took a ton of notes and want to float them with you:
1. Canceled the Aussie Tour. Fleet is moving to Kendari and then to Truk and on to Kwajalein.
2. Is there any way you can nail Bombay or Lucknow? They aren't flying ANY CAP over Lucknow. You could try a bombardment by the BBs at Bombay. Those two AF are crammed full of planes...
3. Speaking of BBs Ise is almost finished repairing in Japan.
4. What about setting up a forward Fleet base (think Malta in WWII) at Mangalore? You've got a force of 2 BB, 4 CA, 10 CL, and 35 DD between Singapore and all your Fleet elements. This does not include the TF of CVs. A fast Raiding Force could be fun to operate out of there. Since they are being butts regarding Addu. Leave small unit there and shift the Engineering Reg and Con Bat to Mangalore...
5. I need more supply in the Pacific. There is at least 1 supply convoy heading to Noumea, New Zealand, and Somoa right now. Kwajalein just had one unload. Realistically we need another carrying at least 20,000 for each of those destinations. Is that possible?
Nice Betty attack at Canton. I moved another Daitai to Tarawa for a bit more action...
John
Showing that I CAN listen to the voices of reason when I REALLY REALLY want to do something else. This is the email I sent Brad a while ago:
Brad,
I took a ton of notes and want to float them with you:
1. Canceled the Aussie Tour. Fleet is moving to Kendari and then to Truk and on to Kwajalein.
2. Is there any way you can nail Bombay or Lucknow? They aren't flying ANY CAP over Lucknow. You could try a bombardment by the BBs at Bombay. Those two AF are crammed full of planes...
3. Speaking of BBs Ise is almost finished repairing in Japan.
4. What about setting up a forward Fleet base (think Malta in WWII) at Mangalore? You've got a force of 2 BB, 4 CA, 10 CL, and 35 DD between Singapore and all your Fleet elements. This does not include the TF of CVs. A fast Raiding Force could be fun to operate out of there. Since they are being butts regarding Addu. Leave small unit there and shift the Engineering Reg and Con Bat to Mangalore...
5. I need more supply in the Pacific. There is at least 1 supply convoy heading to Noumea, New Zealand, and Somoa right now. Kwajalein just had one unload. Realistically we need another carrying at least 20,000 for each of those destinations. Is that possible?
Nice Betty attack at Canton. I moved another Daitai to Tarawa for a bit more action...
John
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
The Tour
We continue discussing ideas:
1. Canceled the Aussie Tour. Fleet is moving to Kendari and then to Truk and on to Kwajalein.
I think this is wise. I would try not to get too close to Darwin, only because you don't want to be spotted. Keep them guessing.
This is why I am going to Kendari first. I would like to keep them in the fray but we shall rely on Surprise for the next operation using NINE CVs.
2. Is there any way you can nail Bombay or Lucknow? They aren't flying ANY CAP over Lucknow. You could try a bombardment by the BBs at Bombay. Those two AF are crammed full of planes...
Great minds think alike, I am resting all the bombers that have been pounding Colombo; after a turn or two, we'll give it a shot. Probably Lucknow from Calcutta, Bombay is very far. Could use BB's on Bombay, but we would have to get them within 4 hexes, which is Beufort range, and we know they have Beauforts; not sure I want to expose them to torpedo attack.
Lucknow can be NAILED by your bombers with just some Zeros for Escorts since they aren't using any CAP whatsoever.
Bombay does pose some risk to the BBs but if you count the strike planes coming out of that AF I doubt if there is anything else. They have nearly 140 Fighters flying CAP or Strikes plus the 4EB and 2EB. Doubt if they think a Bombardment is much of a chance yet. As to CAP you could use the Support Force and place 2 of the 4 CVs Zeros onto LR CAP while keeping your CVs are a reasonably safe distance.
3. Speaking of BBs Ise is almost finished repairing in Japan.
Where do we want her? Not really useful by itself. Nagato needs to go back in the yard a bit, back up to 12 sys.
Seems to me that you can use the older BBs more readily then me. I need speed in the Pacific at the moment. The Yamato would be nice in the Pacific and you take the other 6 BB. I'm letting the BC repair at Auckland for a bit. Moved 3 AR there too to help speed things up for two weeks of time.
4. What about setting up a forward Fleet base (think Malta in WWII) at Mangalore? You've got a force of 2 BB, 4 CA, 10 CL, and 35 DD between Singapore and all your Fleet elements. This does not include the TF of CVs. A fast Raiding Force could be fun to operate out of there. Since they are being butts regarding Addu. Leave small unit there and shift the Engineering Reg and Con Bat to Mangalore...
This is a good idea, to interdict the units at Bombay. A CL/DD force could set up out of Beaufort range, and we can LRCAP with Zeros; 6 hexes is also beyond range of any Allied fighter, so even if they attacked the ships, they would be unescorted
We are in agreement there. A cxouple of CA, 3-4 CL, and 12 DD could be set into 2 STF for Raiding perposes. Doesn't appear to be much--if anything--in the IO
5. I need more supply in the Pacific. There is at least 1 supply convoy heading to Noumea, New Zealand, and Somoa right now. Kwajalein just had one unload. Realistically we need another carrying at least 20,000 for each of those destinations. Is that possible?
Not sure, we have gained in the home islands since I turned off most factory repair other than Tojo, Tony, and Naka.
Thought I would let you know so this could take place as you see things develop.
Nice Betty attack at Canton. I moved another Daitai to Tarawa for a bit more action...
That was nice, easy kill. Probably see P-40s pretty soon at Canton as a result (if they can stage there from Pearl, not sure if they can)
Looks like there are now two BF present in the hex. I have moved more bombers in to make them hesitate. Hopefully they will wait long enough for the CVs to arrive for 'fun times.'
1. Canceled the Aussie Tour. Fleet is moving to Kendari and then to Truk and on to Kwajalein.
I think this is wise. I would try not to get too close to Darwin, only because you don't want to be spotted. Keep them guessing.
This is why I am going to Kendari first. I would like to keep them in the fray but we shall rely on Surprise for the next operation using NINE CVs.
2. Is there any way you can nail Bombay or Lucknow? They aren't flying ANY CAP over Lucknow. You could try a bombardment by the BBs at Bombay. Those two AF are crammed full of planes...
Great minds think alike, I am resting all the bombers that have been pounding Colombo; after a turn or two, we'll give it a shot. Probably Lucknow from Calcutta, Bombay is very far. Could use BB's on Bombay, but we would have to get them within 4 hexes, which is Beufort range, and we know they have Beauforts; not sure I want to expose them to torpedo attack.
Lucknow can be NAILED by your bombers with just some Zeros for Escorts since they aren't using any CAP whatsoever.
Bombay does pose some risk to the BBs but if you count the strike planes coming out of that AF I doubt if there is anything else. They have nearly 140 Fighters flying CAP or Strikes plus the 4EB and 2EB. Doubt if they think a Bombardment is much of a chance yet. As to CAP you could use the Support Force and place 2 of the 4 CVs Zeros onto LR CAP while keeping your CVs are a reasonably safe distance.
3. Speaking of BBs Ise is almost finished repairing in Japan.
Where do we want her? Not really useful by itself. Nagato needs to go back in the yard a bit, back up to 12 sys.
Seems to me that you can use the older BBs more readily then me. I need speed in the Pacific at the moment. The Yamato would be nice in the Pacific and you take the other 6 BB. I'm letting the BC repair at Auckland for a bit. Moved 3 AR there too to help speed things up for two weeks of time.
4. What about setting up a forward Fleet base (think Malta in WWII) at Mangalore? You've got a force of 2 BB, 4 CA, 10 CL, and 35 DD between Singapore and all your Fleet elements. This does not include the TF of CVs. A fast Raiding Force could be fun to operate out of there. Since they are being butts regarding Addu. Leave small unit there and shift the Engineering Reg and Con Bat to Mangalore...
This is a good idea, to interdict the units at Bombay. A CL/DD force could set up out of Beaufort range, and we can LRCAP with Zeros; 6 hexes is also beyond range of any Allied fighter, so even if they attacked the ships, they would be unescorted
We are in agreement there. A cxouple of CA, 3-4 CL, and 12 DD could be set into 2 STF for Raiding perposes. Doesn't appear to be much--if anything--in the IO
5. I need more supply in the Pacific. There is at least 1 supply convoy heading to Noumea, New Zealand, and Somoa right now. Kwajalein just had one unload. Realistically we need another carrying at least 20,000 for each of those destinations. Is that possible?
Not sure, we have gained in the home islands since I turned off most factory repair other than Tojo, Tony, and Naka.
Thought I would let you know so this could take place as you see things develop.
Nice Betty attack at Canton. I moved another Daitai to Tarawa for a bit more action...
That was nice, easy kill. Probably see P-40s pretty soon at Canton as a result (if they can stage there from Pearl, not sure if they can)
Looks like there are now two BF present in the hex. I have moved more bombers in to make them hesitate. Hopefully they will wait long enough for the CVs to arrive for 'fun times.'
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.