BACK IN BUSINESS - PzB goes East again(st) Andy Mac

[PzB74]

Hm, I'll look into the details and get back with more details [:)]

I think fuels is at 5million while oil is ca 3million.
- Challenge is that most of the fleet is constantly on the move; maybe I should reduce activity a tad.
Also got a lot of resources; been pondering whether it's worth collecting it all. In Oz and other outposts there's millions of resources to be collected.

Can consider halting some ships, but feel uncertain about how effective Andy's subs will become in 43-44.

[PzB74]

Ok let's see:

Total supplies at 5.1 mil
Total oil reserveres at 3.4 mil
Total resources at...13 mil!

This means I'm overstocked with resources. I'll cancel the most exposed and fuel consuming ones.


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Aug 31, 42

Sub Attacks

Cargo ship carrying fuel...a good sign!

Sub attack near Trincomalee at 32,48

Japanese Ships
SS I-27

Allied Ships
xAK Maridal, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Steaua Romania
xAK Shirala
ML No. 311

SS I-27 launches 6 torpedoes at xAK Maridal
ML No. 311 fails to find sub, continues to search...
ML No. 311 attacking submerged sub ....
ML No. 311 cannot establish contact with SS I-27
ML No. 311 fails to find sub, continues to search...
ML No. 311 attacking submerged sub ....
ML No. 311 loses contact with SS I-27
SS I-27 eludes ASW attack from ML No. 311
ML No. 311 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Pearl Harbor at 180,108

Japanese Ships
SS I-173, hits 4

Allied Ships
AM Bellechasse
AM Caraquet
AM Canso

SS I-173 launches 4 torpedoes at AM Bellechasse
AM Caraquet fails to find sub, continues to search...
AM Canso fails to find sub, continues to search...
AM Caraquet fails to find sub and abandons search
AM Canso fails to find sub, continues to search...
AM Canso fails to find sub, continues to search...
AM Canso fails to find sub, continues to search...
AM Canso attacking submerged sub ....
AM Canso fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[CapAndGown]

Knowing you total resources doesn't tell you much. Where are those resources? I assume you mean in the home islands? To make those resources stretch further, consider shutting down some LI factories. You probably don't need all of the supply you are producing.

I think you should expand HI at Singapore and Java. Java can be self-sufficient in fuel and resources are close by. Singapore is self-sufficient in resources and is usually a hub for fuel and oil from Borneo and Sumatra. At some point you will be in a position to stop production of some HI in the Home Islands while Java and Singapore take up some of the slack.

[PzB74]

The majority of the resources are in the HI's but there are ca 3-3.5 mill abroar.
I find it very difficult to know just how much supplies is enough, especially when I constantly ship supply out.
- Also found that refined fuel has flowed to Camhranh Bay (350000) and Port Arthur (600000).

Agree with Singapore and Java, working hard to upgrade industries there.
Will send a couple of supply convoys to help speed up the process.

---

A few quiet turns; nothing much to report really.
- We're into September and both sides are building / consolidating.
The Armored division _finally_ updated its obsolete Type 97 to Type 1 tanks and it can now fill up its complement of 124.

I'm using a few light carriers to expand the size of some Vals - Kates and search plane types.
Much better with 9-14 or 20 sized units than 1-6 and 9 [:)]

Over the next 3 weeks 7 Garrison units will arrive. Pondering were to place them. One Central Pac, 3 to Solomons and 3 to SRA probably.
By the end of the month most navy vessels should have completed their upgrades and repairs, it's a good thing the Shokakus now got radar.

[PzB74]

Junyo is refitting in Tokyo; put her on critical priority so she should be ready together with the KB.
A new CVL and a CVE will join the fleet within a couple of weeks as well.

Think there was some mishap aboard the Kongo. Had a turret wrecked and some sys and flood damage that required heavy yard resources.
Probably an explosion that I didn't notice, fortunately it went well and in the HI's.


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Sep 04, 42

Ground Combat

Ground combat at Hengyang (80,53)
Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 30821 troops, 261 guns, 84 vehicles, Assault Value = 1111
Defending force 15462 troops, 81 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 669

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 2

Japanese adjusted assault: 928
Allied adjusted defense: 294

Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1 (fort level 2)
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: forts(+), op mode(-), preparation(-), experience(-)
Attacker: shock(+)

Japanese ground losses:
2213 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 135 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 113 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 15 disabled
Vehicles lost 4 (0 destroyed, 4 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
666 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 110 disabled
Non Combat: 5 destroyed, 50 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Guns lost 2 (0 destroyed, 2 disabled)

Assaulting units:
35th Division
17th/C Division
22nd Division
13th/B Division

Defending units:
9th Prov Chinese Corps
79th Chinese Corps
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 83,52

Allied Shock attack
Attacking force 46498 troops, 233 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 3133

Defending force 210 troops, 2 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 11
Allied adjusted assault: 1655

Japanese adjusted defense: 1
Allied assault odds: 1655 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+)
Attacker: shock(+)

Japanese ground losses:
266 casualties reported
Squads: 13 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 9 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 2 (2 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
32 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
94th Chinese Corps
37th Chinese Corps
20th Chinese Corps
74th Chinese Corps
10th Chinese Corps
26th Chinese Corps
8th Chinese Corps
99th Chinese Corps

Defending units:
23rd RGC Temp./A Division
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Action in China

[PzB74]

Andy rush in a reinforcement corps to the threatened sector in China.
Even some obsolete aircraft attack our troops (a seldom event).

We still geta 2-1 odds and remove the last fort.
Tomorrow we receive another reinforcement over the river that will also shock attack.
- This will most likely be the last chance to complete the coupe de main.

The prompt reactions clearly show that Andy isn't all to thrilled about that prospect!-)

I'm pondering about how long I should stay in Oz. We hold 3 areas;
1. North and North West Coast from Carnarvon to Derby.
2. The North and Central sector from Darwin to Alice Springs
3. The Eastern Coast from Townsville and up north to Cairns.

Our defenses are mostly divided between area 2-3, area 1 requires an Allied amphibious landing and support from
naval forces so this is the quiet sector after Andy's tanks turned around.

The defensive sectors in 2 and 3 operate independently of each other.
While I wish to delay Andy for as long as possible I don't want to loose major LCU's.
Pretty sure he's summoning a greater army, but when and were will he strike and will I be able to prepare a backdoor
from which we can quickly embark and evacuate our troops if the position becomes untenable?
- I think this is achieveable but it includes a certain risk.

If I evacuate early I can reinforce the SRA, Burma and Solomon fronts. Not sure Andy will be able to threaten these sectors
before he wins naval superiority but we will face the pesky air attacks against Timor and Port Moresby and the surrounding areas.
- It's also possible to perform amph landings with LBA support in the areas, but this would be risky before mid 43 me thinks.

What do you think is the smart choice her?


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Sep 05, 42

Air Combat

Morning Air attack on 9th Prov Chinese Corps, at 80,53 (Hengyang)
Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 19
Ki-48-IIa Lily x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 4 damaged

Allied ground losses:
102 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
19 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
11 x Ki-48-IIa Lily bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 100 kg GP Bomb

Also attacking 79th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 9th Prov Chinese Corps ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 79th Chinese Corps, at 80,53 (Hengyang)
Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 24 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-Ic Sally x 18

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
54 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Aircraft Attacking:
18 x Ki-21-Ic Sally bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 9th Prov Chinese Corps, at 80,53 (Hengyang)

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 21 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48-Ib Lily x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-Ib Lily: 2 damaged

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

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x Ki-48-Ib Lily bombing from 10000 feet *
Ground Attack: 2 x 100 kg GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 35th Division, at 80,53 (Hengyang)
Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 31 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Allied aircraft
SB-III x 4

No Allied losses

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

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x SB-III bombing from 11000 feet *
Ground Attack: 3 x 100 kg GP Bomb
2 x SB-III bombing from 11000 feet *
Ground Attack: 3 x 100 kg GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

Ground combat at Hengyang (80,53)
Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 29095 troops, 261 guns, 84 vehicles, Assault Value = 977
Defending force 19353 troops, 124 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 780

Japanese adjusted assault: 478
Allied adjusted defense: 181

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

Combat modifiers
Defender: forts(+), op mode(-), leaders(+), disruption(-)
preparation(-), experience(-)
Attacker: shock(+), disruption(-)

Japanese ground losses:
1390 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 79 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 36 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 10 disabled
Vehicles lost 4 (0 destroyed, 4 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
2024 casualties reported
Squads: 16 destroyed, 100 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 100 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled

Assaulting units:
22nd Division
17th/C Division
35th Division
13th/B Division

Defending units:
9th Prov Chinese Corps
65th Chinese Corps
79th Chinese Corps
----------------------------------------------------------------------

[Mynok]

3 is the easiest for him to retake and holds the greatest risk of you losing LCUs. I'd plan to withdraw as soon as major forces show up. I would also venture this will be where he attacks first as it is easiest for him to supply and gather major forces.

1 is the least valuable real estate and while hard to reclaim, is also had to withdraw from. I'd leave small holding units and evacuate all but scouting aircraft.

2 is the most valuable to you as it hinders major advance into the SRA. I'd hold strongly as there are no good advance routes from area 3 and you have a fine evacuation port in Darwin. You should be able to keep this a long time without problems as long as you can supply it.

So....

Delaying action in 3

Weak hold in 1

Strong hold in 2 as long as supply is flowing.

[janh]

"What do you think is the smart choice here?"

I'd say withdrawing early will give Andy a very cheap, but very valuable victory.  You can reinforce Solomons, DEI, SRA, but essentially you will be spreading out your forces and dilute them.  There are just too many bases to defend there in depth, but as so many AARs including Canorebels showed, it is essentially impossible to win for the Japanese, and even fighting a delaying action there seems to be rather unsuccessful.  The Allied can just bypass any stronghold.

If you decide to fight in AUS, you will at least not violate the principle of concentration of force.  Sector 1 gives you advantages of your intact KB, and he'd have to engage the IJN on your terms.  Definitely an economy of force measure is in place here, using the least ground forces and giving him a little invite to try.  However, I think he has burned himself badly already in the last armored advance, and the naval losses he suffered here.  If he offers a fight, you'll definitely enjoy it most here.

Sector 2 can be turned into a moderately held delaying action, where IJA LBA can play a crucial role in hindering his advance to or past Alice Springs.  Maybe having strong armor ready at Darwin can be good in case he moves his armor from the WC in this sector and employs it in the desert -- a suitable terrain.  If he doesn't, you can load the armor and shift it quickly to sector 3 in case of need.   Darwin indeed seems to be the evacuation port of choice and should be the last place to fall, and not without a fight (as long as the IJN is up to it).

Sector 3 seems to be what would gain him the most to take in the short term.  I would expect a very strong, combined arms push here as soon as the can redeploy his forces from the WC advance and some from the southern sectors, maybe even add some new ones fresh from the US (which, if he does, would help you secure the Solomons etc).  I would base the majority of my ground forces here, and add all possible LBA I could spare from any other area under your control here.  He'd probably attempt an envelopment slightly inland to avoid getting bogged down taking the coastal cities with his mechanized forces, and to bag as much of your land forces there as possible, forcing your IJN out for evacuation on his terms.  So that's where I would be ready to counter him, and fight his envelopment in depth to cut him off.   In this sector you can also gain most by concentrating as much of your forces as possible.  And you can hope to catch his navy off-guard  in a amphib move up the coast, or in a incautious CV air support move.  I definitely would hope to have a big fight here where I could really concentrate and hope to gain initiative once again.

What needed to be considered is if he does indeed score a breakthrough, either in sector 2 (to Darwin), or somewhere in sector 3, what would the evacuation routes be from sector 3?  Could ground forces backtrack along the coast to Darwin, fighting a delaying action?  Can your LBA hold off his armor again? 

And what also needs consideration is defense of the Solomons and island in the CENTPAC.   I assume he cannot pull off two major moves in the PAC and AUS areas at the same time, he only has forces for one such operation at this point.   Unless he moved strong ground forces from india over to PAC -- so as long as you have a good eye on his dispositions in India, you can probably blindguess that.   Of course your fleed-in-being will be a serious reason for Andy to be considered before risking some amphib ops in the PAC or Solomons that will gain him but little more than ground while valuable towns in AUS are under Japanese control.  Maybe placing a quick reaction force, a mobile force of 1-2 good divisions, transports to react to any invasion on a weeks notice would be good -- that would also give you time to get the IJN concentrated at that spot. 

[castor troy]

I seriously doubt that the usual campaign ends up like Canoerebel´s does (which is one you can mention, another one would be the Aussie vs Amis campaign) because these really went bad for the Japanese.

In my campaign the KB went one on one with my carrier fleet in 1/43 (basically the whole USN reinforced by British BBs) and the KB one a clear victory. Carrier aircraft numbers equal with the Allied having probably 150 fighters more and the Allied ships absolutely superior in numbers and flak of course. Result was a couple of Allied BBs sunk, a CV sunk immedietely with two more heavily damaged. Oh, also halve a dozen CVEs sunk together with a CA and a DD. The enemy lost something like two second class CV with light to moderate damage on two CVs and another CVL. Both sides lost 300 ac in one day and the Allied had to withdraw after taking a kick in their arse. This basically robbed all my offensive capabilities. It´s the same as in WITP, as long as you keep your assets together, KB will stay superior to all the Allied can field until mid 43 when the Allied have completely filled out their VFs with Hellcats.

Of course if you lose your carriers piece meal as the Japanese, at some point the Allied will easily overwhelm you. Again, the only advice I can give is the same as in WITP: never split off any carrier from KB but reinforce KB with every carrier that leaves the yards.

[FatR]

After putting so much effort into conquering Australia, I'd try to hold as long as possible, if Allies actually commit, instead of using just a holding force. Except in Darwin area. By itself it is useless, so no reason to really defend it when you hold both Torres Strait and the western coast.

[crsutton]

Hold the north coast and hold only as deep as Katherine. I would clear out elsewhere. Too many apples to tend. As the Allies, an overland attack via Tennant Creek and Daily Waters takes a long time and there are serious supply issues. Only real option is a flanking attack via Port Headland and this takes time and forces the Allies to divert ships and carriers from the main theater to cover it.

[PzB74]

After heavy air attacks and after shooting down all 5 attacking Chinese bombers our troops occupied Hengyang!
BANZAI! [:)]

Excellent reasoning and input everyone! [:)]
- I have pondered the different cons and pro's myself; really difficult to decide what's best.

Sector 1 only holds 530 AV and is lightly defended as discussed.
Sector 2 Holds 1800 AV. I can't place to many troops in Darwin if I wish to support Alice Springs as the railroad only goes to Kathrine and then it's a long months walk to get to Alice.
Sector 3 holds 3000 AV and is the strongest sector. If I get bypassed and outmanouvered it's possible to withdraw to the northern ports and evacuate.

Strong air bases and army bomber units have moved to Sector 2 and 3. The plan is definetly to severly harass any Allied advance in the open terrain.
Most of our troops are set to strategic move and can quickly move from one schwerepunkt to another.

I will move more naval forces and transports towards Rabaul in order to provide both close combat support and and evacuation capabilities.
Until Andy attacks in strength and succeeds in outmanouvering or routing our troops we will stay. A new evaluation will be made at the end of 42.

In Burma I've scrounged 3650 AV with another 500 in reserve at Singapore and Bangkok.
Plan is to raise battle strength to 4000 AV over the next couple of months.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Sep 06, 42

Air Combat

Morning Air attack on 79th Chinese Corps, at 80,53 (Hengyang)
Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 27 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-Ic Sally x 5
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 23
Ki-48-Ib Lily x 5
Ki-48-IIa Lily x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 7 damaged

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

Aircraft Attacking:
23 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
12 x Ki-48-IIa Lily bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 100 kg GP Bomb
5 x Ki-21-Ic Sally bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
5 x Ki-48-Ib Lily bombing from 10000 feet *
Ground Attack: 2 x 100 kg GP Bomb

Also attacking 65th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 79th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 65th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 79th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 65th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 79th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 65th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 79th Chinese Corps ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 65th Chinese Corps, at 80,53 (Hengyang)
Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 40 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-Ic Sally x 20
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 30
Ki-48-Ib Lily x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-Ib Lily: 1 damaged

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

Aircraft Attacking:
20 x Ki-21-Ic Sally bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
13 x Ki-48-Ib Lily bombing from 10000 feet *
Ground Attack: 2 x 100 kg GP Bomb

Also attacking 79th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 65th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 79th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 65th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 79th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 65th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 79th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 65th Chinese Corps ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 35th Division, at 80,53 (Hengyang)
Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 27 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 10

Allied aircraft
SB-III x 5
No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
SB-III: 4 destroyed

CAP engaged:
54th Sentai with Ki-43-Ic Oscar (10 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
10 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Raid is overhead
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

Ground combat at Hengyang (80,53)
Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 28040 troops, 261 guns, 84 vehicles, Assault Value = 1369
Defending force 17782 troops, 124 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 638

Japanese adjusted assault: 458
Allied adjusted defense: 120

Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1 (fort level 1)
Japanese forces CAPTURE Hengyang !!!

Combat modifiers
Defender: op mode(-), disruption(-), preparation(-), experience(-)
Attacker: shock(+), disruption(-)

Japanese ground losses:
416 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 27 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 25 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Vehicles lost 2 (0 destroyed, 2 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
7550 casualties reported
Squads: 370 destroyed, 41 disabled
Non Combat: 109 destroyed, 52 disabled
Engineers: 41 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 12 (12 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 3

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
17th/C Division
22nd Division
35th Division
37th Division
13th/B Division

Defending units:
9th Prov Chinese Corps
65th Chinese Corps
79th Chinese Corps
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

China Theatre

[witpqs]

"Should we stay or should we go?"

Making him kick you out uses up lots of supplies. Even just maneuvering to do so!

[PzB74]

That's a very good point, had all but forgotten that the Chinks doesn't have an endless amount of supplies! [:)]
- What would be the guestimate of the Chinese supply situation at this point?
a) Moderate
b) Stretched
c) Critical

[witpqs]

I couldn't hazard one...

[FatR]

I think that you should stay, unless you're pretty sure that the enemy can immediately muster around 3000 AV for a counterattack. And even then, I'm for giving it a shot. A Chinese counterattack in open terrain will be very vulnerable to aviation. Each sentai of Sallies on ground attack should be able to inflict about 1k of casualties before Chinese even move into your hex.

As about the supply situation, I don't know, it depends on Chinese losses before. Normally China cannot supply its army, but if said army is drastically reduced, they can manage.

[aprezto]

Advice?

Search your feelings. Give in to the dark side. Surrender is your only option...

Chinese supply situation = awful - truly awful. It is extremely hard to capitalise on a Chinese victory unless it involves surrounding the Japanese forces, cutting off their supply and destroying them. Taking bases is almost pointless.

[CapAndGown]

ORIGINAL: witpqs

I couldn't hazard one...

More likely refuse to on a public forum. [;)]

[PzB74]

This is the calm before the storm, Captain Al; and until the storm is ready to unleash, we might as well spend our time and energy
making sure our illustrious Jedi Master will be willing to assists us when we want him! [;)]

Lots of action in China! 2 enemy units move into Hengyang and the base to the north now got 58 units!!
I have no doubt that Andy will launch an extremely heavy counterattack.

Surprisingly Andy force marches an Army into Ichang; it crosses a river and shock attacks
violently. We have a fair garrison with 5 forts. While knocking down a fort level enemy losses are
very heavy (7 times the Jap losses) and I doubt they can keep it up. A reinforcement brigade is ordered to move.

So much for the very low supply levels!
- Looks like we need to dish out another reminder of what it means to defy the Empire!

In Oz I notice a buildup of forces in Charleville; 30 units now and an even stronger force near Bundaberg.
Pretty sure Andy wants to avoid attacking along the coast; he knows what kind of attention he will get there.
- A move from Charleville will proceed over open terrain and it's here we have to hit him hard.


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Sep 07, 42

Air Combat

Was promised better weather (right) and decided to sweep Chittagong.
Results were good, 9 enemy fighters shot down for no friendly losses!

I notice 47 units in Chittagon, looks like a major force buildup.

Morning Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 39 NM, estimated altitude 26,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 29

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk IA x 3
P-39D Airacobra x 8

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk IA: 1 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra: 2 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
27 x Ki-44-IIa Tojo sweeping at 25000 feet *

CAP engaged:
No.453 Sqn RAF with Kittyhawk IA (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes
23rd FG/74th FS with P-39D Airacobra (2 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Raid is overhead
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41
Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 33 NM, estimated altitude 26,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 29

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 4

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 2 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
28 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 25000 feet

CAP engaged:
AVG/3rd Sqn with P-40E Warhawk (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 1 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I order strong air attacks in China. Some Army bomber formations nearing the end of their training
is given some practice.

Morning Air attack on 100th Chinese Corps, at 81,52 (Siangtan)
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49-Ia Helen x 18

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Ki-49-Ia Helen bombing from 15000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
9 x Ki-49-Ia Helen bombing from 15000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Also attacking 53rd Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 73rd Chinese Corps ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 53rd Chinese Corps, at 81,52 (Siangtan)
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 30 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 5 damaged

Allied ground losses:
64 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Aircraft Attacking:
18 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 58th Chinese Corps, at 81,52 (Siangtan)
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 23 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-Ic Sally x 25

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
54 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Aircraft Attacking:
25 x Ki-21-Ic Sally bombing from 16000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Also attacking 72nd Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 58th Chinese Corps ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 58th Chinese Corps, at 81,52 (Siangtan)
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 28 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-Ic Sally x 5
Ki-48-IIa Lily x 9

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
34 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 2 (0 destroyed, 2 disabled)

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Ki-48-IIa Lily bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 100 kg GP Bomb
5 x Ki-21-Ic Sally bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Also attacking 3rd Chinese Cavalry Corps ...
Also attacking 58th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 3rd Chinese Cavalry Corps ...
Also attacking 58th Chinese Corps ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 56th Chinese Corps, at 81,52 (Siangtan)
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-Ic Sally x 20

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
34 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 2 (0 destroyed, 2 disabled)

Aircraft Attacking:
20 x Ki-21-Ic Sally bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on 100th Chinese Corps, at 81,52 (Siangtan)
Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48-Ib Lily x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-Ib Lily: 1 damage

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

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Ki-48-Ib Lily bombing from 10000 feet *
Ground Attack: 2 x 100 kg GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

Yikes, that hurt the Chink war effort more than I could myself!
Diverted some bombers to keep em happy.

Ground combat at Ichang (83,48)
Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 63216 troops, 386 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2499
Defending force 18796 troops, 168 guns, 42 vehicles, Assault Value = 676

Allied adjusted assault: 2548
Japanese adjusted defense: 1741

Allied assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 5)
Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 4

Combat modifiers
Defender: forts(+)
Attacker: shock(+), disruption(-)

Japanese ground losses:
959 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 91 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 64 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Vehicles lost 8 (0 destroyed, 8 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
7723 casualties reported
Squads: 23 destroyed, 626 disabled
Non Combat: 34 destroyed, 489 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 31 disabled
Guns lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Assaulting units:
68th Chinese Corps
32nd Chinese Corps
18th Chinese/A Corps
67th Chinese Corps
18th Chinese/B Corps
87th Chinese Corps
45th Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Corps
75th Chinese Corps
18th Chinese/C Corps
26th Group Army

Defending units:
34th Division
57th Infantry Brigade
51st Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
----------------------------------------------------------------

China and Oz

[CapAndGown]

You talk about air interdiction of his armor units in open terrain. The problem I foresee with this is that your airbase situation in Australia is not very good. You don't get the plethora of interlocking bases that you get elsewhere. Hence, he will use his 4E bombers to shutdown your airfields, preventing you from effectively interdicting his armor.