Aussies vs Amis - World Defence(no Joe or Nik)

[jrcar]

China Nth
We are being pushed back everywhere Our counter at Nanyang almost succeeded... but the Japanese Arty caused havoc

[jrcar]

In the sth we are slowly being forced back, but they are mostly focussed on the nth so not as much action.

Our forces are recovering and rebuilding.

[jrcar]

1-2 April 1942

Burma
Lashio falls.

More forces arrive at Akyab.

Java
At Bandoeng the Japanese return to bombardmanets, casulties are light, and we are doing almost as much damge to them as they are to us.

At Malang their bombardments cause light damage, but the airstrikes are taking their toll. The base is almost imoperable and we will try to more some air out, maybe to Makassar.

DEI
We continue to hit Dili from Darwin.

Philippines
Clark is now badly damaged. I'm slowly pulling forces back to Manila. Aim to defend the city below Manila and to the top right, but will give up clark this time. Supply are still an issue, another ship should arrive soon. Despite my earlier claims the second ship that arrived ended up sinking from a single 15kg bomb without transferring many supplies.

Total supply is around 10-12k. But at least we are still producing more as we have the resources. This is one key advantage to keeping Manila and the resource hexes. We may last until the real world date of early May...

SWPAC
More forces arrive at Port Morseby via air and sea. We are now determined to try and hold it, in particular as KB is operating off Fiji so we can get more supply in (around 30k at the moment). The forts are almost at level 4, then we we build the airfield one more level and base in more fighters.

SOPAC
KB Appears off Suva and destroys a convoy that had just finished unloading two Marine Defence Bns (one for Nadi, one for Suva).

Afternoon Air attack on Suva , at 132,160

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 37
B5N2 Kate x 72
D3A1 Val x 83



Allied aircraft
F2A-3 Buffalo x 9


Morning Air attack on TF, near Suva at 132,160

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
B5N2 Kate x 40
D3A1 Val x 40



Allied aircraft
F2A-3 Buffalo x 5


Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 1 destroyed, 9 damaged
D3A1 Val: 6 damaged


Allied Ships
APD Manley, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
APD McKean
APD Stringham, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
APD Colhoun, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAP Etolin, Bomb hits 5, Torpedo hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
APD Gregory, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
AK Fomalhaut, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
APD Little, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 5 damaged
D3A1 Val: 1 destroyed, 23 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F2A-3 Buffalo: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
APD Manley, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
APD McKean, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
APD Colhoun, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
AK Fomalhaut, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk


The loss of the APD's in particular hurts, but at least the troops are ashore. More fighters for Fiji are on the way. They lost a number of aircraft in the attacks.

PACIFIC
The CV's and SCTF arrive in PH and disband to get their refits.

NORPAC
A BB SCTF slips from Dutch harbour now we know where both KB's are and will try to intercept the landing forces in the Kuriles... 3 BB 2 CA and DD's should do it...

China
Fairly quiet for the moment, as the Japanese forces move into position.

[jrcar]

3-4 Apr

Our subs have been attacking the last month or so with no result, it occurs again, including missing a TK at the Shortlands! Bugger!

Burma
Oscars Sweep Akyab at 23-26k ft. We will look at bring up some Hurricanes, and maybe strike the base at Magwe which is where they probably are operating from, with B-17.

Shwebo falls for no fight to part of the 33rd Div.

Java
Bombardments and bombing, not much we can do except cause delay.

East DEI
No real action, we continue to plough the fields of Dili with Marauders.

Philippines
They have bought in Netties to stop the shipping getting into the Philippines... this tactic works and they sink two ships during the turn

They switch the air campaign to Manila, but cause little damage.

SWPAC
We plough mud at Lae and Buna. The rest of the 8th Marines and an Engineering bn (the tractors) should have arrived during the turn. The tractors in particular should really get PM moving. The Marines should bring the AV to over 400. 400 AV behind level 4 forts SHOULD stop anything but a 4 Div invasion....

SOPAC
KB retires north. I recently have had about 6 S boats arrive in the area, and they are now deploying into every hex into and out of Tulagi, and into Shortlands.

China
The Japanese bombard waiting to mass forces to move forward again

Analysis
Overall a quiet turn. Our ships everywhere are going into the April upgrade cycle, which should last 5-16 days depending on ship.

I'm now focussing on moving all available land units forward to Pearl.

At the same time we are starting to get enough aircraft to really start sorting out our units and get them upgraded to what we want. In particular I want to move one bomb group from Hawaii forward to Fiji. But first need fighters (50 are on their way now).

In the NORPAC I've freed up some Canadian Kittyhawks to help defend Adak/Dutch Harbour, and am starting to move forward the two engined strike aircraft.

In India our air units are rested and starting to move to their operating bases.

Cheers

Rob

[jrcar]

5-6 Apr 1942

Subs
Off the Shortlands the SS Porpoise gets a bang on an xAK and a PB. South of Japan a night surface engagement sees us hit two xAKL, but we loose a sub to return fire

Burma
Last turn was the start of the air war (Oscar sweep on Akyab, this turn was our reply

Morning Air attack on Magwe , at 57,47

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights


Allied aircraft
B-17D Fortress x 7
B-17E Fortress x 4


Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 1 destroyed on ground


Japanese ground losses:
10 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 8


No Allied losses



Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 17


Japanese aircraft
no flights


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 6


Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 1 destroyed on ground

We will repeat next turn, with the addition of 60 Blenheim IV's and some Hurricane escorts.

Java
Bombardment at Bandoeng to little effect, and we defeat an assault at Malang. The forts drop to 2 but the attack is still 1:4 and the Japanese loose more casualties.

The air is just about gone from Java now. We are pulling back and recovering remaining Dutch forces to help defend our hideaways in the DEI...

Rest DEI
Quiet

Philippines
the Hordes are advancing! The advance guard has been pulled back. Pulling back units from Clark to Manila, and focusing the defences. Supply is low. I expect to hold until the end of the month. It looks like this time they will attack in one spot only, I will try to keep forces forward to threaten the flanks. Our guys are fully prepped for Manila, in generally very good shape and ready for a fight...

SWPAC
The engineer dozers have arrived at PM. The forts are 6% from level 4. Will build up the airfield next. About 50AV of marines are coming ashore at the moment, to give over 400AV. need to move in more fighters. Still hitting Lae and Buna.

The subs do well at Shortlands. Lots of subs around Tulagi. Large convoy in Shortands at the moment.

Luganville is heading to level 3 forts and has 65AV. Will try to hold but not commit much more.

Pacfic
Lots of ships refitting, moving more forces from the West coast to Pearl, upgrading the 200+ fighters and have almost fully refitted the two bomb groups to B-17/LB30.

Aircraft moving to Suva.

NORPAC
Our BB lead TF ran over a PB piquet ship 6 hexes from the intended target. the PB went under. The TF will retire now that they are alerted.

The Kuriles are now all Japanese again after our brief foray.

Two regiments are a days steaming from Dutch Harbour. DH now has 50 fighters, Adak about 40 (including Canadian Kittyhawk) a B17 sqn and Marauders.


China
We are about to loose Wenchow in the sth. Elsewhere are taking heavy casualties to arty...

Our bombers sortie against a convoy at Haiphong protected by Tojo. We don't do much good. We will sweep with the AVG next turn against the Tojo...


Analysis
A great start to the Campaign in Burma. They lost 5-8 Oscars.

Elsewhere it is going OK. Mini KB still off Java. KB was seen last turn retiring to Truk. Expect action in the SWPAC to really heat up in a week or so... if not then they have probably lost the opportunity...

China still a mess, slow at the moment, but expect the Japanese to leap forward soon.

[jrcar]

7-8 Apr 1942

Subs
Our subs again get a stack of action:

Submarine attack near Shortlands at 110,131

Japanese Ships
TK Gen'yo Maru

Allied Ships
SS S-46

Submarine attack near Dadjangas at 79,93

Japanese Ships
xAK Yosida Maru #3, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Nautilus

Submarine attack near Dadjangas at 79,93

Japanese Ships
xAK Tempei Maru

Allied Ships
SS Nautilus

Sub attack near Shortlands at 109,131

Japanese Ships
PB Ikunta Maru
TK Moji Maru
xAK Hokuroku Maru
PB Hakkaisan Maru
PB Choko Maru #2

Allied Ships
SS Porpoise

Submarine attack near Davao at 79,91

Japanese Ships
xAK Yosida Maru #3, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Seawolf



SS Seawolf is sighted by xAK Yosida Maru #3
SS Seawolf fails to launch torpedoes due to mechanical problems

Submarine attack near Dadjangas at 79,94

Japanese Ships
AMC Saigon Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Perch

Sub attack near Haiphong at 68,57

Japanese Ships
xAKL Banshu Maru #18

Allied Ships
SS KXIII



SS KXIII attacking on the surface

Sub attack near Dadjangas at 79,94

Japanese Ships
AMC Saigon Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Perch

Submarine attack near Davao at 79,91

Japanese Ships
xAK Yoshida Maru #3

Allied Ships
SS Seawolf



SS Seawolf is sighted by xAK Yoshida Maru #3
SS Seawolf fails to launch torpedoes due to mechanical problems

Submarine attack near Dadjangas at 79,94

Japanese Ships
DD Maikaze

Allied Ships
SS Perch



SS Perch is sighted by DD Maikaze
SS Perch launches 2 torpedoes at DD Maikaze

Submarine attack near Davao at 79,91

Japanese Ships
CL Katori

Allied Ships
SS Seawolf



SS Seawolf is sighted by CL Katori
SS Seawolf fails to launch torpedoes due to mechanical problems

Sub attack near Shortlands at 109,131

Japanese Ships
xAK Hokuroku Maru
TK Moji Maru
PB Ikunta Maru
PB Hakkaisan Maru
PB Choko Maru #2

Allied Ships
SS Porpoise

The Seawolf needs to return to fixa problem...

[jrcar]

7-8 Apr

Burma
Our air attacks over Burma don't achieve what we were hoping for, but we will continue for another turn or two. The Blenheims didn't sortie at all

Morning Air attack on Magwe , at 57,47

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 15 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 36



Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb Trop x 22
B-17D Fortress x 3
B-17E Fortress x 16


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIb Trop: 1 destroyed
B-17D Fortress: 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
17 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled



Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 14

Afternoon Air attack on Magwe , at 57,47

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 37



Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb Trop x 22
B-17E Fortress x 16


Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIb Trop: 7 destroyed
B-17E Fortress: 4 damaged



Runway hits 3

Elsewhere unescorted Sally's attack Ramree island (an unbuilt dot base sth of Akyab) and loose several sally to Hurricanes that strayed from CAP over Akyab.

Java
They again bombard at Bandoeng causing light to moderate damage.

At Malang another deliberate attack fails to drop the forts and at 1:3 odds they suffer higher casulties as well.


Rest DEI
A Japanese FT TF drops troops at Selaroe, a dot base nth of Darwin where we have a small forward detachment. Every plane in Darwin will ground attack, and I'll try to fly in more combat forces in an attempt to hold it.

Philippines
The Japanese horde retakes Lingayen.
Assaulting units:
1st Formosa Inf. Regiment
9th Infantry Regiment
47th Infantry Regiment
2nd Formosa Inf. Regiment
20th Infantry Regiment

With 600AV I'll try and leave about 400AV at Clark to delay for a week or so...

Japanese air hits Clark and Manila, I'm moving the remaining fighters around resting them then CAPing in an attempt to disrupt the strikes.


SWPAC
Normal airstrikes, and lots of sub action at the Shortlands. Waiting for KB to return...

NORPAC
No action

China
The AVG sweep fails to get any Tojo's

The forces besiging Nanyang are forced out and we loose lots of troops.

Elsewhere at Wenchow and Hankow bombardments cause moderate casulties.


Analysis
Despite having a horde of subs outside Davao they continue to use it as a forward staging base, loosing an AMC and almost loosing a CL (and they don't have many left!). We are happy with that and will vector in more subs

Likewise more subs on the way to Shortlands, and lost around Tulagi already

Burma was a poor result, we lost a number of aircraft for no benefit... but we will try agsin with a Huricane sweep and the B-17 again.

[jrcar]

9-10 Apr 1942

Subs
Only a couple of unsuccessful attacks. Disappointing after last turn!

Burma
Weather closed in no action.

Java
Bandoeng and Malang attacked from the air suffering light casualties.

A bombardment attack at Bandoeng also causes light casualties.

At Malang a deliberate attack is easily repulsed at 1:4 odds causing twice as any casualties to the Japanese as to the Dutch.

DEI
Battle for Selaroe!
Airpower is comited on both sides.

Afternoon Air attack on Gull Battalion, at 78,118 (Selaroe)

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 32 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7
B5N1 Kate x 28
B5N2 Kate x 5



Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 1 damaged


Allied ground losses:
68 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 2 disabled

Afternoon Air attack on Kure 2nd SNLF , at 78,118 (Selaroe)

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 46 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 20 minutes


Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 15
F4F-3 Wildcat x 15
SB2U-3 Vindicator x 15


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
55 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Afternoon Air attack on Kure 2nd SNLF , at 78,118 (Selaroe)

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 10 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes


Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 5
B-26 Marauder x 21


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
190 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 20 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 7 (0 destroyed, 7 disabled)

Then the attack is beaten off...

Ground combat at Selaroe (78,118)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 624 troops, 19 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 29

Defending force 265 troops, 2 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 16

Japanese adjusted assault: 2

Allied adjusted defense: 3

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 0)

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), experience(-)
Attacker: shock(+), leaders(-), disruption(-)

Japanese ground losses:
28 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


Allied ground losses:
48 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


Assaulting units:
Kure 2nd SNLF /8

Defending units:
55th British Bde /1
Prajoda Garrison Bn /2
Makassar Garrison Bn /2
2/4 MG Bn /1
Sparrow Bn /1
Makassar Base Force /1

Day two the weather closed in stoping all flights.

I would really like to try and hold this dot base as it is within fighter cover of Darwin (just).

Philippines
The Japanese are on the move from north and south and we are moving back into prepared positions, reluctantly giving up the resource centres in the south.

Japanese aircraft bomb in a slightly random manor we get at least one Sally but loose a P-40 (only about 5 left).

My battle plan sees about 400 AV and level 3 forts at Clark. This should stop them for a while and force a full deployment, in particular if they aren't prepping for the base.

Next to it will see about 600-700 AV and level 3 forts. If they don't come into the base I will attempt to counter attack into their flanks.

Manila has about 400-500 AV ready to move forward in any direction.

Sth of Manila about 400 AV behind level 4 forts...

I think this time we may have an opportunity in the south (we see 5 units advancing) I plan to break his assault and then again counter attack south to recapture the resources.

Anything we achieve here is a bonus from now on!



SWPAC
Normal air attacks, although the weather gives a respite on Day two.

PACIFIC
No action. At the West Coast I have begun converting ships to xAP and moving recently arrived units from LA (I use LA as a hub) to Pearl. Also a regiment has arrived for NORPAc and is moving to Seattle.

NORPAC
A Marine Regiment and an infantry Regiment are unloading at Dutch Harbour. With the regiment moving to Seattle this gives about 2 div of combat troops in NORPAC over three bases.

One of the recently arrived regiments will go to Adak, one to a new island base west of Adak to begin building it up. Adak is being built as a forward fleet base and major airfield. With about 30 CD guns it should stop anything but a major operation...

China
A small but important victory! Tony roughly handles the 12th Tank Regiment which losses about 60 vehicles and retreats. If they haven't increased vehicle production their pools of armour will be very low.

Elsewhere at Wenchow we manage again to just hang on. Casualties are moderate on both sides.


Analysis
A quiet turn due to weather.

I spent a bit of time last turn reviewing forces and locations. I'm very happy with our supply and fuel stocks everywhere, and we currently have a lot of shipping idle (in particular in the Indian ocean area).

While we have lost two CV's (one to good play, one to bad luck) our combat fleet is largely intact and concentrated in Pearl and the West Coast.

NORPAC is pretty secure against everything but a major attack.

In the Pacific Fiji is also pretty secure, just waiting on combat aircraft to come in.

Noumea is not being defended, but the forward base at Luganville is almost to level 3 forts, and has 70 AV. Will probably reinforce in a few weeks depending on if it gets molested or not.

A key thing for us now is not to rush. We have achieved our intention of creating several areas for potential offensive action (Burma, Darwin, PM, Fiji, PH, NORPAC). Now we need to determine where we go and when.

No rush though 3 years of war to come yet

Cheers

Rob

[khyberbill]

The forces besiging Nanyang are forced out and we loose lots of troops.

Do you have any HR for China?

[jrcar]

Apart from "Tony takes the Blame" not really

While we have a number of HR (The main ones are not bombing Industry and not using ASW missions for aircraft and ships.) I personally wanted to limit them. We are all testers for the game, so I wanted to see what exploits we could uncover and insights we could make. Actually we modified the OOB a bit as part of the testing process.

Having been kicked around China in my game with Tony it is actually good to see that it isn't just me incompetence (as if!) that was the problem.

Other allied players should take some heart in this.

OTOH it only takes the Chinese to win a few battles in succession and things change the other way. We almost achieved that in this game, if we had of taken Nanyang...

The arty thing was noted in the testing (in my case when Joe led an Allied army with lots of Aussie guns annihilated two Japanese Divs that had just taken Katherine)and some work was done to improve it. It was improved but not fixed.

Cheers

Rob

ORIGINAL: khyberbill

The forces besiging Nanyang are forced out and we loose lots of troops.

Do you have any HR for China?

[Alfred]

ORIGINAL: jrcar

Apart from "Tony takes the Blame" not really

While we have a number of HR (The main ones are not bombing Industry and not using ASW missions for aircraft and ships.) I personally wanted to limit them. We are all testers for the game, so I wanted to see what exploits we could uncover and insights we could make. Actually we modified the OOB a bit as part of the testing process.

Having been kicked around China in my game with Tony it is actually good to see that it isn't just me incompetence (as if!) that was the problem.

Other allied players should take some heart in this.
OTOH it only takes the Chinese to win a few battles in succession and things change the other way. We almost achieved that in this game, if we had of taken Nanyang...

The arty thing was noted in the testing (in my case when Joe led an Allied army with lots of Aussie guns annihilated two Japanese Divs that had just taken Katherine)and some work was done to improve it. It was improved but not fixed.

Cheers

Rob

ORIGINAL: khyberbill

The forces besiging Nanyang are forced out and we loose lots of troops.

Do you have any HR for China?

Do you mean to say that NO ASW missions at all are being conducted? No 4 ship ASW TFs created, nor any patrol planes (eg Catalinas) put on dedicated ASW?

You are very correct regarding Allied players needing to take heart over China. Too many Allied players are complaining about China in 1942 whilst blithely taking advantage of "certain" Allied capabilities. Both Japanese and Allied players need to understand that for any particular tactic employed by their opponent, there is always a suitable riposte (either tactical or strategical).

Alfred

PS - there was never any doubt about your competence, only about your wisdom in abandoning the chardonnay vinyards of the Hunter![:D]

[khyberbill]

Both Japanese and Allied players need to understand that for any particular tactic employed by their opponent, there is always a suitable riposte (either tactical or strategical).

Alfred

And what has been your success as allies in China?

[jrcar]

ORIGINAL: khyberbill

Both Japanese and Allied players need to understand that for any particular tactic employed by their opponent, there is always a suitable riposte (either tactical or strategical).

Alfred

And what has been your success as allies in China?

We one the first battle of Loyang, forcing a retreat that cost them a lot of casulties, in particular armoured vehicles.

We then destroyed an armourd car company

Finally we have roughly handled some of the tank regiments.

IF we have have Taken Nanyang then that would have routed a div and really messed up some arty... we came close but not close enough. In particular supply killed us.

Cheers

Rob

[jrcar]

Correct, No ship or aircraft ASW. Aircraft are on search only. This is in part to test if ASW missions are too powerful (I didn't think they were based on the game I was doing with Tony... now I'm not sure).

There is no doubting arty bombardments are wrong, as was allied ship capability compared to Japanese at the start.

The problem with this code is that there are so many variables, and it is hard to do sensitivity analysis to determine what is the right one. Then you find it and so often it is all or nothing, you tweak a few points, not much happens. Tweak again.. not much, tweak again, and it flips 180 degrees

P.S. You mean you grow wine north of the Murray, why didn't someone tell me! (Actually I'm quite partial to Tyrrell's port).

ORIGINAL: Alfred

ORIGINAL: jrcar

Apart from "Tony takes the Blame" not really

While we have a number of HR (The main ones are not bombing Industry and not using ASW missions for aircraft and ships.) I personally wanted to limit them. We are all testers for the game, so I wanted to see what exploits we could uncover and insights we could make. Actually we modified the OOB a bit as part of the testing process.

Having been kicked around China in my game with Tony it is actually good to see that it isn't just me incompetence (as if!) that was the problem.

Other allied players should take some heart in this.
OTOH it only takes the Chinese to win a few battles in succession and things change the other way. We almost achieved that in this game, if we had of taken Nanyang...

The arty thing was noted in the testing (in my case when Joe led an Allied army with lots of Aussie guns annihilated two Japanese Divs that had just taken Katherine)and some work was done to improve it. It was improved but not fixed.

Cheers

Rob

ORIGINAL: khyberbill



Do you have any HR for China?

Do you mean to say that NO ASW missions at all are being conducted? No 4 ship ASW TFs created, nor any patrol planes (eg Catalinas) put on dedicated ASW?

You are very correct regarding Allied players needing to take heart over China. Too many Allied players are complaining about China in 1942 whilst blithely taking advantage of "certain" Allied capabilities. Both Japanese and Allied players need to understand that for any particular tactic employed by their opponent, there is always a suitable riposte (either tactical or strategical).

Alfred

PS - there was never any doubt about your competence, only about your wisdom in abandoning the chardonnay vinyards of the Hunter![:D]

[jrcar]

As our opponents have been slack (something mumbled about work or study or family... something unimportant) Tony and I had a chance to discuss things and think a bit today.

First an Intelligence Wrap Up:

Intelligence Estimate Apr 1942

Naval Forces
Mini KB is operating in the DEI at close to full strength. Currently sth of Koepang supporting an invasion of Selaroe. It is lilely to remain in this area.

KB was last seen 5 days ago heading towards Truk from Suva. We asses that there are 4 options for it now:

a. It will return to the SWPAC to support an attack/neutralise PM.
b. It will head to NORPAC to hit our convoys.
c. It will go raiding between Suva and Hawaii
d. It will move to support actions in the Indian Ocean.

a and b are about equally likely. D is now considered unlikely.

SCTF. the rest of the Naval forces have been badly hurt, but are still capable of supporting one major and one minor action.

LAND
We asses that major land formations are currently fully committed. Once either Java or the Philippines falls it will free up a striking force, most likely to the SWPAC but possibly to either NORPAC or India. Every day of delay helps a lot

Otherwise land forces are probably close to full strength, except in armoured vehicles. Nothing of significance has been lost.

AIR
They have been very conservative with their air forces, in particular the bombers, although the latter are now being used more. Netties are being used in the DEI and SWPAC and some detected in the Kuriles.

They have the ability to generate significant airpower, but we are starting to reach parity on the defensive, in particular in Burma area.

Expected Enemy Course of Action
Burma
Is expected to get hotter as more forces arrive. They probably know we have basically retired to Myitkyina. They CAN ignore that and just dig in, or they can try a limited offensive into India. We anticipate they will dig in and may try to clear us out, but may choose to go on the defensive. Should know soon.

DEI
The DEI defence in Java has slowed them a lot. Buy choosing to split their force they don't really have enough to crack either place, even with the air bombardments, quickly... but without supply there isn't much we can do. We may last until the end of the month... Freeing their forces up for a last hurrah in May.

Philippines
2-3 divs are now committed here. But it will still he a long fight, even with our lack of supply. We expect to last 3-5 weeks. Meaning forces can't free up until May.


SWPAC
They have a large convoy unloading in the Shortlands. And some forces at Rabaul. Their forward forces at Buna and Lae are still doggedly persistent... we haven’t detected any reinforcements recently.

They almost certainly lack the strength to take PM, even with KB... but as Nik is probably in charge he may still try it.

Pacific
Nothing but raids are expected. They can take lots of islands, but has no real impact.

NORPAC
An offensive here is possible, but unlikely until the Philippines or Java falls. Raids are likely by KB.


In short we are currently predicting more of the same, rather than a radical rush forward somewhere. We are starting to enter the parity stage.

[jrcar]

Friendly Courses of Action

We have two fundamental approaches.

Sit until early 1943.... bah humbug...

Conduct offensive actions early... makes a more interesting AAR!

As you may have guessed I'm interested in the later, Tony (probably rightly!) the former... we have compromised...


Burma
A second B-17 group will be moved here. a and a war of attrition begun, the aim is to use the 1 US Div, 2-3 Aussie Divs plus the Brit and Indian forces to:

Defend Myitkyina.
Advance of Shwebo from Imphal (main thrust).
Advance from Akyab.

Aim is to have Shwebo by early 1943... But we will only just have parity in ground and air forces so it will be an interesting war.

DEI
Prepare for and conduct invasion of Timor to secure forward air bases. 1 B-17 group to be deployed here.

Method is to secure Merauke and Horn Island as air cover then move to Aru island, while suppressing Timor airfields. Then suppress Ambon and land at Timor. Key pre-requisite is that PM is secure.

Aim is Timor secure by start 1943.

This MAY proceed at a faster rate if the NORPAC operation goes ahead...


SWPAC
Defend PM. Limited actions (maybe Milne bay?) only.

Secure sea lane to Darwin/DEI.

SOPAC
Defend Fiji.

Secure Luganville if can be done easily.

CENTPAC
No action planned.

NORPAC
Prepare for invasion of the kuriles. Intent is to land a 2 Div plus CD units engineers etc at a base, with CV cover, dig in and let the Japanese come

This operation is risky and is dependant on the following.

No airbase greater than level 1 in the immediate vicinity.
No significant reinforcements identified.

Method. Forces will begin preparing at Pearl Harbour. Aim is to leave PH in 30-45 days (end May) for a June landing


We expect the enemy to counter attack strongly... if they do we will attempt to apply pressure in the DEI..



So currently forces will now prepare for NORPAC and DEI. This requires more transports (coming from the IO) and a careful analysis of the forces required... looks like I will be busy

If the prerequisites for NORPAC or DEI are not achieved then we go back to the boring 1943 meat grinder approach

Cheers

Rob

[khyberbill]

We one the first battle of Loyang, forcing a retreat that cost them a lot of casulties, in particular armoured vehicles.

We then destroyed an armourd car company

Finally we have roughly handled some of the tank regiments.

IF we have have Taken Nanyang then that would have routed a div and really messed up some arty... we came close but not close enough. In particular supply killed us.

Cheers

Rob

Hi Rob:
I should have been more explicit, the response was directed to Alfred. I wished to know how he had countered the death star.

I was aware of your early moves in China as I have been following your AAR from the beginning to see if you had any answer to the death star. Eventually, all my little counter moves to disrupt supply etc were swatted away. I had supply problems of my own and it was difficult to counter the speed of the Japanese armor. They only time I faced them when they were without infantry support was after I had been attacked and forced to retreat. Then the armor units on reserve sliced and diced me up.

[jrcar]

Ah OK.

that was why we have been happy to molest the armour, they really cause a problem to the Chinese.

Cheers

Rob

ORIGINAL: khyberbill

We one the first battle of Loyang, forcing a retreat that cost them a lot of casulties, in particular armoured vehicles.

We then destroyed an armourd car company

Finally we have roughly handled some of the tank regiments.

IF we have have Taken Nanyang then that would have routed a div and really messed up some arty... we came close but not close enough. In particular supply killed us.

Cheers

Rob

Hi Rob:
I should have been more explicit, the response was directed to Alfred. I wished to know how he had countered the death star.

I was aware of your early moves in China as I have been following your AAR from the beginning to see if you had any answer to the death star. Eventually, all my little counter moves to disrupt supply etc were swatted away. I had supply problems of my own and it was difficult to counter the speed of the Japanese armor. They only time I faced them when they were without infantry support was after I had been attacked and forced to retreat. Then the armor units on reserve sliced and diced me up.

[jrcar]

Directive to ADM Kimmel

Mission: Seize and secure at least one base in the Kuriles in order to support future offensive action against the home Islands.

You have under direct command all the forces of the Pacific Ocean areas, and the NORPAC areas. You may request additional forces from the West Coast.

The endstate is that a secure base is developed in the northern Kuriles capable of further offensive action.

[jrcar]

Planning thoughts.

Option one is to take Parashimo Jima as the base.

Advantages:
Takes the only base currently manned.
A bit further from the main airbases on the other islands
Kills a key fort.

Disadvantages:
Having to take a fortified base!


Option Two is to take Onnekotan-Jima.

Advantages:
No fort to take!
Same base size regardless.

Disadvantages:
Closer to the Home Islands.
Parashimo-jima in the rear, Could be built up to a base as well...


My current thought is to land at the later, and followup a couple of dys later at the former. The aim will be to establish an airbase and a support point (with an AKE or two) while we fight the fort...

Random thoughts/Brainstorm =Your thoughts welcome
Need at least 2 AKE (in case one gets lost). Plus the nORPAC ones (2 there already)
Move AR up into the NORPAC (Attu?) to help repair battle damage.

I estimate I have 6-10 days before KB arrives. Need a level 1 airbase by then, with fighters already ashore.

I plan to have 3-4 divs available (2 from Hawaii, 2 from WestCoast/NORPAC).

can't afford to strip NORPAC too much...

Have plenty of battleships, infasion force should include 3-4 to supress the forts as well as a bombardment force.

Whole plan becomes untenable as soon as a level 2 airbase is complete (as a 3 won't be far off!).

Apart from the CV's our fleets are intact and concentrated in PH/Westcoast.

Intent is for landings late jun early july. So still have May to get through!

Need to recall I Amphib HQ from Suva...

Need to think if I use the 32nd Div (SWPAC) or send it to OZ to use in a DEI action...