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

[jrcar]

While waiting for a turn to come in...

What does Adak mean?

Allies.
Great port and airfield to support operation against the home islands.
Stops the Japanese from raiding in the northern Pacific region.
Loss will set back a division and support forces, but these should recover, and most are NORPAC anyway... so littl eimpact elsehwre.

Japanese.
Base is a threat to the Kuriles.
Base offers a secure location to harass allied shipping in the north.
Failure of the assualt means the loss of a lot of troops, but these can be recovered.


On the balance Adak is far more important to the Japanese that to the Allies. With it we can harass the Home Islands, but if the Japanese hold it it doesn't really do anything to us.

So we qare happy to fight here, winning will be nice, but tying down KB and strong surface forces for another month will be a useful strategic goal.

Until we get more aircraft our CV's aren't in a position to do much at all

Meanwhile the pace in the SWPAC is about to get higher. I now have a B-17 group in Australia ready to begin to bomb Hollianda in about 3-4 days

Then they can start on Ambon while the ampib forces gather.

Cheers

Rob

[jrcar]

10 mins after posting the above the turn comes in!

I'm sitting in a Hospital waiting room doing pre admission, I have to have a bowl operation next Monday

06-07 Jun 1942

Burma
No change

DEI
Japanese forces are advancing up Sumatra.

Last turn SIGINT indicated that an AMC would be landing troops at Cocos Island... Tony pulls off a great ambush!

Night Time Surface Combat, near Cocos Islands at 33,101, Range 1,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
AMC Nosiro Maru, Shell hits 24, heavy fires, heavy damage

Allied Ships
CL Enterprise
CL Emerald

Japanese ground losses:
222 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 16 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 3 (0 destroyed, 3 disabled)

Night Time Surface Combat, near Cocos Islands at 33,101, Range 9,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
AMC Nosiro Maru, Shell hits 6, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CL Enterprise
CL Emerald

Japanese ground losses:
746 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 38 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 65 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)

That should make it interesting for them Our secret sub-base will continue a bit longer.

Off Batavia a sub puts a torp into a Japanese xAP causing heavy damage.

SWPAC
No change. I will be moving a B-17 group in to Merauke next turn. Merauke is a level 5 airfield and has about 20,000 in supply and abpout 180 airsupport

First target will be Hollianda, need to supress the airfield now or our future plans will be badly effected..

Pacific

No change

NORPAC
Our bombardments are causing moderate casulties to the Japanese at Adak, they have ceased bombarding. I've moved a number of units into reserve to recover casulties. Plenty of supply, 53,000 still, and the airfield is now operational again.

The Yamato BB tf comes in, but the PT's scare them off and they retire without firing!

Things are looking up here... until KB returns with another Div or two....



Overall things are going good. Aircraft are still limiting our ability to do things. We have a small margin for offensive actions... but not much.

Adak is looking ok too, will they come in again, or have they given up.... Tony thinks they will come again, I'ms atrting to think maybe now, but we are planning for them to come

Cheers

Rob

[jrcar]

ADAK Status 08 Jun (4 days after last report)

I have put some units n reserve, and they have rapdidly recovered. Plus with no enemy bombardments or ground, sea or air our troops have have a good rest...

The airfield is fully open, with 25 points of damage to service damage.

Supply is 53610, units fully supplied


Green is better, red is worse
Unit/AV (if any), exp, morale, disruption, fatigue,
138th(Sep) Infantry Regiment, 88, 58,99,06,22
1st Marine Raider Battalion, 34, 59, 99, 00, 02
2nd USMC Parachute Battalion, 30, 70, 99, 00, 04
58th (Sep) Infantry Regiment, 102, 55, 77, 00, 06
57th Coastal Artillery Regiment, 00, 57, 99, 00, 03, 24 CD guns
87th Mountain Regiment, 105, 58, 99, 06, 22
30th Coast AA Regiment, 00, 51, 99, 00, 03
501st Coast AA Regiment, 00, 56, 96, 00, 03
183rd Field Artillery Regiment, 00, 58, 99, 01, 09, 24x155 FA guns
137th USA Base Force, 14, 58, 94, 00, 03
813th Engineer Aviation Battalion, 00 53, 99, 00, 03
42nd Const Rgt /1, 00, 55, 99, 00, 03
802nd EAB, 00, 53, 99, 00, 03
B Det USN Port Svc, 00, 49, 99, 00, 02
Eleventh USAAF, 00, 70, 99, 00, 04
106th USN Base Force, 09, 49, 99, 00, 04, 2 155 CD Guns
255th USN Base Force /4, 00, 49, 78, 00, 04, 1 155 CD gun
210th Cst AA Rgt /3, 00, 54, 98, 00, 04

Managed to get 3 more CD guns into operation

Total AV is 382 and we are 24% towards level 4 forts. have around 400 engineers so should repair the airfield and build forts... unless KB comes back.

Have moved 30 fighters back and 30 bombers who will strike the enemy!

Cheers

Rob

[jrcar]

08-09 Jun 42

Subs
A few attacks but no bands, 2 days without hitting a ship is a record for us!

Burma
No real change. We have SIGINT reports that the 25th Army is on its way here.

Some Oscars take to the air, but don't do much.

DEI
They continue to advance against light opposition in Sumatra, they are now 3 hex from Medan.

a reasonable amount of shipping at Kendari is being detected, and they continue to go around cleaning up dot bases.

Off Batavia a TF with 2 CA is detected by sub, maybe the next attampt at Cocos will have more fire power!

SWPAC
The air campaign against Hollianda begins with poor results, we loose 3 B-17, they loose 3 Zero, and we get a couple of hits on the airbase. Next turn I will sweep with Buefighters as well.

More forces are on the way, and the planned invasion of Aru is about 2 weeks away I think...

A NZ baseforce begins unloading at Luganville, it is now a lvl 1 airbase and 30% to level 2,

Pacific
Lots of forces moving around. I loose the CNPAC small baseforces on several islandsin 20 days, so have begun to consolodate and move in new BF to the areas. Key is Canton Is.

NORPAC
KB is located at the end of the turn sth of Dutch Harbour. Probably clearing the sea lanes in preparation for escorting in the next lot of invaders to Adak

Morning Air attack on 51st JNAF AF Unit , at 162,52 (Adak Island)

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-26 Marauder x 23
P-400 Airacobra x 16


Allied aircraft losses
B-26 Marauder: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
210 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 16 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Guns lost 2 (0 destroyed, 2 disabled)
Vehicles lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Ground combat at Adak Island (162,52)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 11962 troops, 164 guns, 242 vehicles, Assault Value = 415

Defending force 25756 troops, 219 guns, 80 vehicles, Assault Value = 619

Japanese ground losses:
389 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 10 disabled
Non Combat: 3 destroyed, 14 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Morning Air attack on 21st Special Base Force, at 162,52 (Adak Island)

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-26 Marauder x 24
P-40E Warhawk x 14


Allied aircraft losses
B-26 Marauder: 1 damaged

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



Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes


Allied aircraft
P-400 Airacobra x 16


Allied aircraft losses
P-400 Airacobra: 2 damaged

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

Ground combat at Adak Island (162,52)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 12026 troops, 164 guns, 243 vehicles, Assault Value = 419

Defending force 25607 troops, 218 guns, 80 vehicles, Assault Value = 616

Japanese ground losses:
452 casualties reported
Squads: 12 destroyed, 10 disabled
Non Combat: 5 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 2 (2 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

I move in more Marauders (3 units total) and move back in more fighters. I expect KB to try to close the base again, will fight and bomb as long as I can. I have PBY stationed back at Adak as well, and have started flying in the 7th Marines from Dutch Harbour... every little bit will help.

[jrcar]

The Wasp and esorts arrive as well

But one Brit CV is on its way home.

The CV's are concentrated at San Franciso waiting aircraft still.... soon they will be ready to move out with a large complement of escorts... LOTS of AA.

[jrcar]

10-11 Jun 1942

Subs
Again several attacks and hits but no bangs. We hit a TK in Kendari... but no bang

Burma
No change. Rangoon goes to port level 5. If it flies and drops bombs then it is! Hitting the airfields at Manday, Shwebo, Magwe and the troops at Katha.

The advance (well a probe at least has begun!

Sth of Myitkyina Tony has crossed the river with 12th Burma Rifles headed for Bhamo (the japanese have built to a level 1 airfield. Depending on what he finds a larger force may follow

West of Myitkyina the Aus 7th Cav is advancing...

And recon elements are advancing from Akyab.

This is all mostly to keep the Japanese on their toes. We don't have the force for serious action, but we don't want them to become complacent!

[jrcar]

10-11 Jun 1942

DEI
Japanes advance contines, but little action. Lots of aircraft picking up our subs, quite unhealthy area to be in in general!

Here are some current maps.

Sumatra
Main defences at Medan and Sabang. Have not been reinforced by us.

[jrcar]

The rest of the DEI is quiet, as we don't have anything to fight with! Even the subs have gone elsewhere, mainly due to the aircraft operating in the area and identified targets elsewhere.

[jrcar]

In the East DEI we have seen a lot of ships, and our subs have attacked several times sinking a TK at Kendari and loosing a sub. This turn we sight and attack a group of xAK NW of Dili. As no casulties reported probably carrying supplies to Koepang (the path looks wrong for Dili).

We hit Dili and Lautum each turn... but have left Koepang alone.

[jrcar]

10-11 Jun 1942
SWPAC
In the northern part of the SWPAC Area of operations the Beufighters sweep and the B-17 bomb Hollianda. It is import for us to supress this base as it threatens th flank of the proposed Phase 2 of the Ambon operation, being the attack into Aru. The Aru operation is 2 weeks away...

Morning Air attack on Hollandia , at 93,116

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 27 NM, estimated altitude 27,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 17



Allied aircraft
Beaufighter Ic x 13


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufighter Ic: 3 destroyed

Morning Air attack on Hollandia , at 93,116

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 40 NM, estimated altitude 26,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 13



Allied aircraft
Beaufighter Ic x 2


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

Morning Air attack on Hollandia , at 93,116

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11



Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 14


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 3 damaged

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



Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 7

Afternoon Air attack on Hollandia , at 93,116

Weather in hex: Clear sky

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11



Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Overall not that great a turn. May have to take the Mitchalls off attacking Buna and Lae to help out.

[jrcar]

10-11 Jun 1942
NORPAC
Lots of action. Our bombardments on ground and air do good, and KB comes in to play

I think I can afford my air to hang around one more turn (2 days) but I will then have to pull out again...

At the end of the turn KB is off the radar, with only one attack taking place...


Morning Air attack on 19th Division, at 162,52 (Adak Island)

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes


Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk I x 1
B-26 Marauder x 21
P-400 Airacobra x 11


Allied aircraft losses
B-26 Marauder: 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
153 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 8 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 4 (0 destroyed, 4 disabled)

Morning Air attack on Ichiki Det. , at 162,52 (Adak Island)

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-26 Marauder x 3
B-26B Marauder x 12
P-400 Airacobra x 6
P-40E Warhawk x 9


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
25 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Morning Air attack on Adak Island , at 162,52

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 41
B5N1 Kate x 10
B5N2 Kate x 42
D3A1 Val x 37



Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk I x 1
P-400 Airacobra x 6


Japanese aircraft losses
B5N1 Kate: 3 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 7 damaged
D3A1 Val: 2 destroyed, 15 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-400 Airacobra: 1 destroyed


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


Airbase hits 19
Airbase supply hits 9
Runway hits 71

Ground combat at Adak Island (162,52)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 8561 troops, 128 guns, 200 vehicles, Assault Value = 422

Defending force 25325 troops, 216 guns, 79 vehicles, Assault Value = 594

Japanese ground losses:
77 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Morning Air attack on 21st Special Base Force, at 162,52 (Adak Island)

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes


Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk I x 5
B-26 Marauder x 21
P-400 Airacobra x 11
P-40E Warhawk x 9


Allied aircraft losses
B-26 Marauder: 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
183 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 2 (0 destroyed, 2 disabled)

Morning Air attack on 19th Division, at 162,52 (Adak Island)

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 49 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes


Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk I x 3
B-26 Marauder x 3
B-26B Marauder x 12
P-400 Airacobra x 1
P-40E Warhawk x 10


Allied aircraft losses
B-26B Marauder: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
106 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Vehicles lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Ground combat at Adak Island (162,52)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 8585 troops, 128 guns, 201 vehicles, Assault Value = 421

Defending force 25251 troops, 216 guns, 79 vehicles, Assault Value = 594

Japanese ground losses:
373 casualties reported
Squads: 16 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 6 destroyed, 9 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

[jrcar]

On Page 9 we detail the forthcoming operations in the SWPAC/DEI area.

To refresh your memories it is a 3 phase operation:

Phase 1 Preperation
Develop Horn Island to a level 4 airbase in order to provide air cover to Merauke if required.
Base SWPAC HQ at Horn Island.
Continue to develop port and defences after airfield.

Develop the forts at Merauke in order to stop any Japanese attempt at taking it from sea or air.
Maintain LOC to Darwin and Horn Island.
Once Horn Island is level 4 develop Merauke to level 4 afld.

Phase 2 Aru Island
Seize, defend and prepare an airbase at Aru.
Maintain LOC to Darwin and Horn Island.
Defeat expected Japanese counter attack force.
Suppress Ambon.

Phase 3 Ambon
Seize, defend and restore Ambon.
Defeat Japanese counter attacks.


Phase 1 was complete on schedule by 1 Jun. Merauke is now a level 5 almost level 6 airfield, with Horn Island a bit behind plan at level 3.5 afld. The LOC has been maintained with supplies and troops flowing freely from the support areas of Darwin and Townsville.

With the cancellation of the Kuriles operation forces were immediately dispatched to Australia. These forces are now off the coast of Australia and comprise:

Landing Taskforce
2nd USMC Raider Bn in APD, AMC supported by 2 CL.

Follow-on forces - at sea
9th USMC Regt (preping for AMBON)
2nf USMC Eng Regt (Ambon)
1st USN naval Const Battalion (Aru)
D Det Port Services (Aru)
632nd Tank Destroyer Bn

Other Available forces
Townsville
7 RAN BF
7 RAAF BF
71 Wing
2 USA Field Regiment
2 Aussie medium Regt
6th RAA cst arty regiment (16 6" guns)

Darwin
3 Dutch BF, Balikpapan is prepping for Aru and is quite strong
Dutch Garrison Bn (Ambon)


Horn Island
8th Marines (being relived in PM by 32nd Div, moving to Horn then onto Aru)

Merauke
Brit 108th BF.

Plus other bits and peices.

Have 2 units of A24 Dive bombers and about 70+ fighters once the airfield is up.


I'm now starting the detailed planning for this operation.

The intent is to bring most things to Townsville (soon to be levl 5 port) and launch from there.

Will invade the SE facing hex which is a 1(1) port and a 0(5) afld. This makes him travel around the island to get to me with bombardment groups, and is quicker for me to get in.

First wave will be the raider battaion, engineers and the D svc Det to help unload and provide som airsupport for search aircraft.
Second wave will includ BF with CD guns, CD guns, more engineers and a regiment of infantry.

Third wave will be another regiment of Inf.

By that stage I expect a strong response

LRCAP will be provided from Merauke, and a moderatly strong SCTF (BB Warspite, 3-4 CA, CL, DD) will come up in support.


This will primarily be a US operation. Dutch forces will be involved to "fill in" the base while the US forcse prep (or continue to prep) for Ambon.

I expect this to be very bloody!



Key enemy bases that can interfere are Ambon (most likley, and not much I can do about) Hollianda (in the process of supressing) Dili and Lautum (being supressed), Koepang ( not much I can do) and finally the main base in the area, Kendari.

I may launch a supporting attack on Timor at Dili or Lautum from Darwin, but need transports to do that.

I plan to (have begun) to interdict Ambon and Kendari using subs.

Finally will sacrifice B-17 and Beufighter to supress Hollianda (this is vital, if it becomes a level 3-4 airfield then my support bases of Merauke and Horn island can be easily interdicted).


D-Day is expected in 2 weeks, will detail it in orders once all the pieces are in place.

Cheers

Rob

[jrcar]

Southern SWPAC zone.

Current operations
Via air transport I have moved a second company into Wau. It has now moved into the Markham valley and occupied Nadzab (which had never turned Japanese). It is currently holding there. The Japanese are weak in Lae, and don't look to be going anywhere.

I have now begun to fly into Wau the 49th Bn, about 1/3rd is there so far. My intent is that it will also move to Nadzab, then move on Lae in about two-three weeks.

Wau is a lvl 1 airfield and 2.5 forts. I need to move in more combat power so it isn't taken by paras before I do much else.

Lae and Buna are supressed by aircraft operating from PM. I think they have now given up on them.

The US 32nd Infantry div is landing at PM, total AV will then be 500-600 behind level 5 forts. With KB a long way away there is now no threat to PM.

What to do with Milne Bay...

At the moment The Japanese can still interfere with my flank from Hollianda, and potentially strike Townsville.

I could move forces to Milne Bay and build a base there... it would protect my flank a lot, but to be secure it calls for forces that I really don't have.

I don't like to leave the flank unprotected...

I'm short PBY's, but I could station an AVD there and run a small PBY recon out, otherwise I'm reling on LR Hudson from the OZ coast...

Lots of inadequete solutions...

Future ops
This part of SWPAC has become a back water. We have blunted then halted their advance on the nth PNG coast. They are slowly building Shortlands, but have virtually nothing at Tulagi.

We have little interest in the area (apart from flank security).

At this stage my intent is to probe forward and occypy vacant ground (largely complete) then try to eradicate Buna and Lae (won't take a lot) using the minimum of force.

The main game at the moment is on the DEI SWPAC boundary. But that operation is dependant on secure lines of communication(and supply) back Townsville.

To that end I NEED some flank warning. Having KB visit won't be the end of the world anyway, but a couple of days notice would provide enough warning to protect most things.

As you can see we have a lot of subs in the area as well, but you should never rely on one form of surveillence alone...

Cheers

Rob

[Alfred]

ORIGINAL: jrcar

On Page 9 we detail the forthcoming operations in the SWPAC/DEI area.

To refresh your memories it is a 3 phase operation:

Phase 1 Preperation
Develop Horn Island to a level 4 airbase in order to provide air cover to Merauke if required.
Base SWPAC HQ at Horn Island.
Continue to develop port and defences after airfield.

Develop the forts at Merauke in order to stop any Japanese attempt at taking it from sea or air.
Maintain LOC to Darwin and Horn Island.
Once Horn Island is level 4 develop Merauke to level 4 afld.

Phase 2 Aru Island
Seize, defend and prepare an airbase at Aru.
Maintain LOC to Darwin and Horn Island.
Defeat expected Japanese counter attack force.
Suppress Ambon.

Phase 3 Ambon
Seize, defend and restore Ambon.
Defeat Japanese counter attacks.


Phase 1 was complete on schedule by 1 Jun. Merauke is now a level 5 almost level 6 airfield, with Horn Island a bit behind plan at level 3.5 afld. The LOC has been maintained with supplies and troops flowing freely from the support areas of Darwin and Townsville.

With the cancellation of the Kuriles operation forces were immediately dispatched to Australia. These forces are now off the coast of Australia and comprise:

Landing Taskforce
2nd USMC Raider Bn in APD, AMC supported by 2 CL.

Follow-on forces - at sea
9th USMC Regt (preping for AMBON)
2nf USMC Eng Regt (Ambon)
1st USN naval Const Battalion (Aru)
D Det Port Services (Aru)
632nd Tank Destroyer Bn

Other Available forces
Townsville
7 RAN BF
7 RAAF BF
71 Wing
2 USA Field Regiment
2 Aussie medium Regt
6th RAA cst arty regiment (16 6" guns)

Darwin
3 Dutch BF, Balikpapan is prepping for Aru and is quite strong
Dutch Garrison Bn (Ambon)


Horn Island
8th Marines (being relived in PM by 32nd Div, moving to Horn then onto Aru)

Merauke
Brit 108th BF.

Plus other bits and peices.

Have 2 units of A24 Dive bombers and about 70+ fighters once the airfield is up.


I'm now starting the detailed planning for this operation.

The intent is to bring most things to Townsville (soon to be levl 5 port) and launch from there.

Will invade the SE facing hex which is a 1(1) port and a 0(5) afld. This makes him travel around the island to get to me with bombardment groups, and is quicker for me to get in.

First wave will be the raider battaion, engineers and the D svc Det to help unload and provide som airsupport for search aircraft.
Second wave will includ BF with CD guns, CD guns, more engineers and a regiment of infantry.

Third wave will be another regiment of Inf.

By that stage I expect a strong response

LRCAP will be provided from Merauke, and a moderatly strong SCTF (BB Warspite, 3-4 CA, CL, DD) will come up in support.


This will primarily be a US operation. Dutch forces will be involved to "fill in" the base while the US forcse prep (or continue to prep) for Ambon.

I expect this to be very bloody!



Key enemy bases that can interfere are Ambon (most likley, and not much I can do about) Hollianda (in the process of supressing) Dili and Lautum (being supressed), Koepang ( not much I can do) and finally the main base in the area, Kendari.

I may launch a supporting attack on Timor at Dili or Lautum from Darwin, but need transports to do that.

I plan to (have begun) to interdict Ambon and Kendari using subs.

Finally will sacrifice B-17 and Beufighter to supress Hollianda (this is vital, if it becomes a level 3-4 airfield then my support bases of Merauke and Horn island can be easily interdicted).


D-Day is expected in 2 weeks, will detail it in orders once all the pieces are in place.

Cheers

Rob

This is a good plan (even when first formulated[;)]), but it has 2 weaknesses which are largely beyond your control. Firstly, it is being conducted on a shoestring and secondly even if successful it will not turn the Ceram Sea into an Allied lake even after Ambon is captured. This is because the enemy will still retain far too many powerful airbases in the area for you to fully suppress. In fact, if anything the odds would favour the enemy in suppressing your spear point.

Now don't misunderstand me, I'm not suggesting the plan shouldn't be implemented - just that there are certain risks which you haven't quantified in your analysis, for example the redeployment of the KB to strike at your SLOCs into Ambon in the Arafura Sea.

Thinking out aloud[8|], I wonder whether there might be an opportunity for a little Allied tactical maskirovka. It seems to me that an Allied capture of Aru, in strategic terms, points too easily to Allied interest in Ambon as Aru is not a particuarly good axis for moving onto Japanese held Timor. Aru, together with Merauke, could form the basis for an Allied thrust via the Moluccas/Dutch New Guinea (=Hollandia) to Mindanao/the Carolines, but at this stage of the war, your opponents would be very poor strategists if they fell for this axis.

Hence Ambon is the logical third stage Allied target - and Ambon will be surrounded by strong enemy bases. However, in tactical terms there is one slight Allied variation which might distract the enemy into dispersing their forces. On the same Allied axis to Ambon lie the oil producing locations of Boela and Babo. A tactical maskirovka in their direction may yield some valuable benefits. You might be able to capture them by coup de main, or perhaps employ your A-24 divebombers out of Aru against the oil facilities/tanker convoys etc.

Alfred

[jrcar]

Thanks Alfred.

Yes it is on a shoe string... (1 div in the first ecehlon, a div in reserve) now we know they have commited the 25th Army to Burma, and 2-4 Divs to the Kuriles we have a reasonable force ratio. Part of the policy of attacking were they ain't (noting they ARE at Kendari, and they probably have a regiment equivelant at Ambon)... but Aru is undefended, and Timor is lightly defended.

I'm not that worried by KB. Unless it catches a troop convoy then it has a short term impact. If this impact (for example attacking a major base) is followed up (with an invasion force) then that is bad But otherwise it is annoying, but not decisive (examples so far have included Port Moresby, which early on they closed down, but without a follow up it quickly rebounded) and the first attack on Adak (they went away, and now the base is fully operational again).

IF they do commit KB long term to this area to maintain a presence, that that is fine to. The offensive will be called off, and while KB is here we will move on the Central Pacific


Moving into Aru Island is like staking out a piece of no mans grounds, then trying to make it yours. Both sides can project their power over this area, both sides support areas are reasonably secure and can't be touched, so it ends up being a war of attrition. I'm very confident we can win a war of attrition in this area!

Also based on what we have seen so far is Joe and Nik are avoiding building too many "1st generation" aircraft, carefully husbanding the ones they are building (and their experianced pilots) and I expect them to launch into the second generation instead. I would like to attrite them while we can, as the second gerenation are toougher to tackle. We have a window here until August, with a second window opening up early 1943.

If the defence thickens up too much in front of us then we can shift the axis of attack. I will be happy to have Aru as a level 5 afld, as from there B-24 can hit the whole east DEI... but Ambon would be nicer!

In the end you have to take risks, and suffer casulties. This is an area we can sustain, that plays to our stength (land based aircraft) and avoids weakness (shipping and CV's).

I like your ideas about alternatives, and those will certainly be considered. Having just Aru will be enough until early 1943, no rush!

And an alternative IF we do get Lae and Buna cheeply is to switch axis to north PNG coast... and the third back up is from Luganville into Tulagi.

We have lots of options. Part of operational planning is following multiple courses of actions concurrently, then switching when required. Tactics tends to choose one COA, operations have several (with one as a focus).

Comments really are appreciated!

Is the AAR OK? Anything else anyone would like to know?

Cheers

Rob

[jrcar]

12-13 Jun 1942

Sub Action
3 xAP and an xAK are detected and attacked at Koepang on Timor. One xAP is hit.

We attack a CA and DD TF at Cocos Island to no effect, and suffer no damage in return.

Lots of TK's and heavy escorts at Kendari are attacked to no effect.

The Japanese sink a YP at Dutch harbour,

Burma
The usual plus,

Tony takes Bahamo between Myitynia and Lasahio against no opposition... what to do next...

DEI
No change on Sumatra.

On Borneo Netties are sent to attack remenant units in th jungles to moderate effect.

A number of ships are tetecked at Koepang as noted above.

We attack shiping by air at Koepang and Alor ( a dot base NE of Dili) for no effect and loose a number of aircraft to a lihght Oscar CAP (From Kendari or Koepang, probably the former). Looks like they may be building a base at Alor...

As noted aabove a love of TKs are detected at Kendari. Moving in fuel for future operations? Good move by them

At Cocos torpedoe bombers are noted over the island, and lots of recce by CA class scout aircraft... mini KB may be in the area. We have a CL TF not far away ready to intercept if the opportunity presents...

SWPAC
We continue to attack Hollianda with B-17. The effect is minimal but the number of Zero taking to the skies has diminished.

We hit Lae and Buna as usual. We are moving troops into Finshafen by air, Lae will then be surrounded.

Luganville airfield hits level 2.

NORPAC
No sightings of enemy ships, although on day two a sub is detected by a Val just off Adak, so they may be on the way back.

30-40 of our bombers strike the enemy for light to moderate effect.

Out bombardments also do light damage (maybe they were on reserve, and have now gone back to combat... ).


China
Is startting to hot up again in the south. We ambush Netties shooting 4-8 down. But they bomb the defenders. We are at high altitude and intercept some other raids, but our height works against us and we fail to do much damage overall, but don't appear to loose anything either.

In a deliberate attack the Japanese fail to gain headway in a hex SE of Pucheng. Losses are about equal.

Cheers

Rob

[Alfred]

jrcar,

Just a couple of follow ups from your post #315.

You mentioned that you believe your opponents are concentrating on second generation planes.
(1)  Is realistic R and D in effect in this game?
(2)  Which are the second generation Japanese planes you are most concerned about?

You also mentioned that if you get Lae/Buna cheaply you may shift axis to the New Guinea north coast.  As an intel officer, you are obviously keeping your plans very close to your chest because such a switch discloses nothing to your readers.[;)]  Would such a switch entail;
(3)  a move along the north New Guinea coast to Hollandia - in other words reinforcing the Aru/Ambon axis,
(4)  presage a new allied interest into New Britain/New Ireland in order to cut off the enemy in the Solomons or to link up with a pincer move through CenPac.
Both of these moves are quite divergent axis.

As you note, another axis is Luganville to Tulagi, but that strikes me as being a direct assault without the potential benefits achievable by the indirect/maneouvre operations you have in mind.

A final comment is that I think you can attribute your opponents' interest in the Aleutians/Alaska as a reaction to your Kuriles/Hokkaido carrier operations.  Well done for luring them out of position.  Although there is one strategic reason which can justify Japanese interest in Alaska.  I'll just keep mum about that[8D].  (As he hastens to add that I have not read a single post on your opponents' AAR).

Alfred

[jrcar]

I'm off to hospital now, hope to be online in a few days. I hope Tony will keep the AAR going... we shall see!

Cheers

Rob

[jrcar]

Well I'm still in hospital, but am now well enough to continue reporting. We have done 3 turns (6 days).

Cheers

Rob

[jrcar]

14-17 Jun 1942 (2 turns)

Burma
We are now advancing on Lashaio and Swhebo.

DEI
We try hitting shipping at the back of Dili but a lack of long range escort prevents our aircraft from doing much (get one hit) and we are loosing against the Oscars. Have transferred all aircraft to Naval Serach, they will probbaly attack and hit as much without suffering the casulties.

We hit a TK with a sub.

Off Cocos :

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Cocos Islands at 36,99, Range 1,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Takao, Shell hits 7
CA Ashigara, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Shigure
DD Yamakaze
DD Akikaze
DD Wakatake

Allied Ships
CL Enterprise
CL Emerald, Shell hits 3

Both sides withdraw, a pity as we have a follow-on CL force.... Cocos falls to ground assault but is now isolated. We will rebase subs to Broome.

SWPAC
We have almost made it to Lae with an indepndant company. Am moving troops into Finschaven and Wau. The 32nd div is fully unloaded ( but some support is still in Townsville) and we will pull out the 8th Marines for use elsewhere.

We continue to raid Hollianda to minimal effect, loosing planes, but inflicting about the same on them. Hollianda makes level 2

More troops arrive at Luganville.

SOPAC

More forces arrive in Fiji, most are destined to Luganville.

NORPAC
A BB Tf arrives off Adak and begins clearing the PT boats.

Our subs sniff the enemy several times, and launch but fail to get a bang:

Sub attack near Adak Island at 163,56

Japanese Ships
CVL Shoho
CV Soryu
CVL Zuiho
BB Haruna
CA Kumano
CA Chikuma
CL Naka
DD Arare
DD Oboro
DD Yugiri
DD Asagiri
DD Ayanami

Allied Ships
SS Gar

Our planes then get some action:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Adak Island at 162,52

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

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

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3



Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk I x 6
B-26 Marauder x 26
B-26B Marauder x 13
P-39D Airacobra x 13
P-400 Airacobra x 3
P-40E Warhawk x 4


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-26 Marauder: 14 damaged
B-26B Marauder: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Hiei, Bomb hits 1
BB Kirishima, Bomb hits 3
CL Tenryu

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Adak Island at 162,52

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2



Allied aircraft
B-26 Marauder x 19
B-26B Marauder x 10
P-39D Airacobra x 13
P-400 Airacobra x 4
P-40E Warhawk x 2


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-26 Marauder: 12 damaged
B-26B Marauder: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Kirishima, Bomb hits 2
BB Hiei, Bomb hits 1


The hits are deck armour and turrets, but that shoud give them headaches!

Their planes don't launch due to bad weather, two licks for nothing is nice!

Over night the subs again get in on the action:

Sub attack near Adak Island at 161,53

Japanese Ships
DD Amagiri, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Yunagi
DD Asanagi
DD Shiranui

Allied Ships
SS Seadragon, hits 1



Weater socks us both in.

The daily bombardments are like this:

Ground combat at Adak Island (162,52)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 8750 troops, 128 guns, 206 vehicles, Assault Value = 459

Defending force 24925 troops, 215 guns, 78 vehicles, Assault Value = 605

Japanese ground losses:
303 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 12 destroyed, 9 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 3 (2 destroyed, 1 disabled)
Vehicles lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)



Assaulting units:
2nd USMC Parachute Battalion
87th Mountain Regiment
58th (Sep) Infantry Regiment
138th(Sep) Infantry Regiment
1st Marine Raider Battalion
57th Coastal Artillery Regiment
7th Marine Rgt /1
30th Coast AA Regiment
183rd Field Artillery Regiment
255th USN Base Force /4
802nd Engineer Aviation Battalion
106th USN Base Force
813th Engineer Aviation Battalion
Eleventh USAAF
501st Coast AA Regiment
42nd Const Rgt /1
137th USA Base Force
B Det USN Port Svc
210th Cst AA Rgt /3

Defending units:
19th Division
6th Indpt SNLF Coy
Ichiki Det.
7th/A Division
7th/B Division
17th Army
21st Special Base Force
51st JNAF AF Unit

There has been no reply from the defenders for weeks.

Supply is still good at over 40K and all the troops are fit and well.