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

[jrcar]

Commander Cody, yep! The good news is the two SCTF are now on station protecting the Amphibs.

Here is the rest of the turn.

15-16 Dec 1942

Subs
the S-38 puts three torps into the already damaged CL Kuma, which sinks. Four other attacks by us aren't as succesful.

SEASIA
The reinforced 77 Chindit Bde again attacks and fails, looks like they were still in strat mode on the first day. They are now 120AV in combat mode, but supply is low, but we should take the base next turn... Disruption is very high though... The Ist Glocestershire Bn is about to march in to meet up with the para landing.

Ground combat at Prachuap Khiri Khan (54,64)

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 1244 troops, 28 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 86

Defending force 4223 troops, 32 guns, 76 vehicles, Assault Value = 30

Allied adjusted assault: 24

Japanese adjusted defense: 41

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

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

Japanese ground losses:
27 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled


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

Assaulting units:
77th Chindit Bde /2

Defending units:
15th JAAF AF Bn
18th JAAF Base Force
92nd JAAF AF Bn

We also go into the hex nth of Bankok... more forces arrive next turn and we should take it in a turn or two.

Ground combat at Ayuthia (56,61)

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 5875 troops, 25 guns, 436 vehicles, Assault Value = 277

Defending force 5895 troops, 42 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 251

Allied adjusted assault: 137

Japanese adjusted defense: 198

Allied assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 2)

Combat modifiers
Defender: forts(+), leaders(+), preparation(-), experience(-)
Attacker: shock(+), fatigue(-)

Japanese ground losses:
425 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 23 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 41 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled


Allied ground losses:
111 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 60 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Vehicles lost 57 (2 destroyed, 55 disabled)


Assaulting units:
42nd Cavalry Regiment
3rd Carbiniers Regiment
3rd Cavalry Regiment
2nd Royal Tank Regiment
2nd Recce Regiment

SWPAC
The landing doesn't happen as expected as discussed above. Our airsupport in support of the invasion does ok.

Morning Air attack on Babeldaob , at 90,97

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 29 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights


Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 42


Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 3 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 3 damaged

Morning Air attack on Ambon , at 76,109

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 21,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 4



Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIc x 11


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe: 2 destroyed

Afternoon Air attack on 146th Infantry Regiment, at 82,107 (Sorong)

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 11 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes


Allied aircraft
P-38F Lightning x 6
P-40E Warhawk x 4
F4F-4 Wildcat x 42
SBD-3 Dauntless x 68


Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 7 damaged

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

Afternoon Air attack on 78th Infantry Regiment, at 82,107 (Sorong)

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 48 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 19 minutes


Allied aircraft
P-38F Lightning x 6
P-40K Warhawk x 7
F4F-4 Wildcat x 32
SBD-3 Dauntless x 17


Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 damaged

Afternoon Air attack on 146th Infantry Regiment, at 82,107 (Sorong)

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 47 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 18 minutes


Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 4
P-40K Warhawk x 7
F4F-4 Wildcat x 20
SBD-3 Dauntless x 15


Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 2 damaged

Morning Air attack on Ambon , at 76,109

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 33 NM, estimated altitude 23,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes


Allied aircraft
Beaufighter Ic x 16
Beaufighter VIc x 8


No Allied losses


Morning Air attack on Babeldaob , at 90,97

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 35 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights


Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 31


Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 1 damaged



Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 6
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 1

Next turn we are hitting Morotai with the B24 as a Japanese TF is detected there, and lots of ground attacks on Sorong in support of the landings.

CENTPAC
The invasion force for Ponope is now in position. I'm rushing around trying to get support troops and fuel into position. Within a week we will have lots of forces on Ponope and the bombardment of Truk can begin.

Tony has pulled most of the invasion forces out and they are re-establishing at Tabituea. We are starting to prep for the next strike with forces in Pearl Harbour, Adak and the West coast begining to load to move into position.

I'm converting more transports to the XAP configuration. Having no problem with moving supply, but we are having lots of troops arrive in the next few months, and am struggling to move the garrison forces that have been left far in the rear, forward fast enough as it is.

Part of this is moving forces from NORPAC out... although I'm temepted to open up this theatre again in 3-4 months when the weather improves...

Generally having no problem with fuel now in Oz, but getting it out to the right locations in time is a problem. Some dumps are now well behind the forward arean and these need to be moved forward when the shipping is available. Even the lowly 1000 and 1700 xAKL are now being used, in particualar in the SOPAC area.

LCM and LCVP are now available as well.

Cheers
Rob

[jrcar]

17-18 Dec 1942
Subs
No hits.

SEASIA
Pretty quiet. Tony rests outside Bankok to recover disruption and allow more forces to move up. The plan is to take Bankok with the Infantry while the Armour goes off rounding up prisoners...

Likewise the Chindits rest, the ground forces have now met up with them, so should have enough force to take next turn.

SWPAC

Summary. No sign of enemy CV aircraft. The troops make it ashore at Sorong with light losses, a DD tf tries to interfere but is easily beaten off. After two days the 8th Div is ashore with the 6th RAA CD unit and all the supply. I have also begun moving over a tank unit from Boela via barge.

The air support is massive and effective, having an AirHQ in range is generating excellent multi base co-ordinated strikes.

Betty's from Babeldoab make two unescorted strikes against the heavily CAP'ed invasion TF, results are perdictable. The second strike turned around and flew home... may need to hit Babeldoab again!

B-24 strike on Morotai cause little damage as the DL is low.

Analysis I don't think they thought this was a serious attack... they probably didn't think we would have the forces or move so quickly... hence the DD's and the unescorted Betties... They know now!

Pre-Invasion action off Sorong
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

29 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
CA Quincy
CL Leander
DD Maury
AKA Castor
DD Fanning


Allied ground losses:
7 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled

Amphibious Assault at Sorong

TF 54 troops unloading over beach at Sorong, 82,107


Allied ground losses:
133 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 20 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 24 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 11 (0 destroyed, 11 disabled)
Vehicles lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Night Time Surface Combat, near Sorong at 82,107, Range 8,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Natsugumo
DD Arare, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Akikaze, Shell hits 1
DD Kuri

Allied Ships
CA Salt Lake City, Shell hits 1
CL Achilles, Shell hits 1
CL Perth
CL Adelaide
DD Laffey
DD Sims
DD O'Brien
DD Cushing
DD Dale

Invasion Support action off Sorong
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

13 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
CA Quincy
CL Leander
DD Fanning
AKA Castor


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

Morning Air attack on Ambon , at 76,109

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 25 NM, estimated altitude 21,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 3



Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIc x 9


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe: 1 destroyed

Morning Air attack on TF, near Alor at 70,114

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 27 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes


Allied aircraft
Beaufighter Ic x 15
Beaufort VIII x 10


Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort VIII: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
DD Wakaba
DD Michishio
DD Shinonome

Morning Air attack on Morotai , at 80,101

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 47 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 41


Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 2 damaged

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



Port hits 8
Port supply hits 4

Morning Air attack on 78th Infantry Regiment, at 82,107 (Sorong)

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 24 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes


Allied aircraft
A-24 Banshee x 26
B-26 Marauder x 7
P-38F Lightning x 7
P-40E Warhawk x 4
P-40K Warhawk x 12
F4F-3A Wildcat x 8
F4F-4 Wildcat x 52


No Allied losses

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

Morning Air attack on 146th Infantry Regiment, at 82,107 (Sorong)

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 47 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-17F Fortress x 21
P-39D Airacobra x 2
P-40K Warhawk x 12
F4F-4 Wildcat x 28


No Allied losses

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

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Alor at 70,114

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes


Allied aircraft
Beaufort VIII x 9


Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort VIII: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Wakaba
DD Hatsushima

Afternoon Air attack on 146th Infantry Regiment, at 82,107 (Sorong)

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 43 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes


Allied aircraft
P-40K Warhawk x 5
F4F-4 Wildcat x 41
SBD-3 Dauntless x 51


Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 2 damaged

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

Pre-Invasion action off Sorong
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

24 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
LCM 532C
LCM 532D
LCM 532E

Morning Air attack on TF, near Sorong at 82,107

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 42 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 24



Allied aircraft
P-38F Lightning x 4
P-39D Airacobra x 1
P-40E Warhawk x 2
P-40K Warhawk x 4
F4F-4 Wildcat x 22


Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 2 destroyed, 7 damaged


Allied Ships
BB Warspite
DMS Lamberton
BB New Mexico
CL Leander
CA Quincy

Morning Air attack on Morotai , at 80,101

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 42


Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 1 damaged



Port hits 11
Port supply hits 2

Morning Air attack on 146th Infantry Regiment, at 82,107 (Sorong)

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 40 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-17F Fortress x 24
P-38F Lightning x 4
P-39D Airacobra x 1
F4F-4 Wildcat x 10


No Allied losses

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

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Sorong at 82,107

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 42 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 18



Allied aircraft
P-38F Lightning x 4
P-39D Airacobra x 1
P-40E Warhawk x 2
P-40K Warhawk x 4
F4F-4 Wildcat x 22


Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed

Afternoon Air attack on 146th Infantry Regiment, at 82,107 (Sorong)

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 32 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes


Allied aircraft
P-40K Warhawk x 2
F4F-4 Wildcat x 35
SBD-3 Dauntless x 34


Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 3 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
78 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Afternoon Air attack on 6th Naval Construction Battalion, at 82,107 (Sorong)

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 33 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes


Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 1
P-40K Warhawk x 4
F4F-4 Wildcat x 24
SBD-3 Dauntless x 65


Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed, 11 damaged

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

[jrcar]

SOPAC/CENTPACn
Summary, we go ashore at Ponope against the small garrison. We have been harass bombing it for weeks, but the garrison puts up a decent fight, we may loose a transport or two to the CD guns. But with two Regiments ashore the enemy doesn't stand a chance.

Engineers are 1-2 turns away to rapidly build to an airbase to neutralise TRUK.

A BB TF goes into TRUK but causes little damage and gets hit in return. Bombing from the air is a much better alternative at the moment!

Night Naval bombardment of Truk at 112,108 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

284 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
BB North Carolina, Shell hits 12
CA Chicago, Shell hits 1
CA Northampton
CA Indianapolis

Japanese ground losses:
59 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled



Runway hits 5
Port hits 2

Pre-Invasion action off Ponape - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

152 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
BB Mississippi, Shell hits 62, on fire
AP Harris
DD Farragut
AP J. Franklin Bell
AKA Libra

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

Amphibious Assault at Ponape

TF 51 troops unloading over beach at Ponape, 119,113


Allied ground losses:
411 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 70 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 20 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 29 (0 destroyed, 29 disabled)
Vehicles lost 12 (1 destroyed, 11 disabled)


Motorized Support lost overboard during unload of 23rd Marine Rgt

Invasion Support action off Ponape
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

14 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
AP Harris, Shell hits 4
DD Farragut
BB Mississippi, on fire
AP J. Franklin Bell, Shell hits 2
DMS Chandler
AKA Libra

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


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


14cm 3YT CD Gun Battery engaging AP Harris at 13,000 yards
BB Mississippi firing to suppress enemy battery at 13,000 yards
12.7cm 3YT DP Gun Battery engaging AP Harris at 13,000 yards
BB Mississippi firing to suppress enemy battery at 13,000 yards
12.7cm 3YT DP Gun Battery engaging AP J. Franklin Bell at 13,000 yards
DMS Chandler firing to suppress enemy battery at 13,000 yards


Invasion Support action off Ponape
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

9 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
AP Harris, Shell hits 1
AP J. Franklin Bell, Shell hits 2
AKA Libra


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


14cm 3YT CD Gun Battery engaging AP Harris at 20,000 yards
14cm 3YT CD Gun Battery engaging AP J. Franklin Bell at 20,000 yards


Ground combat at Ponape (119,113)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 546 troops, 29 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 9

Defending force 8139 troops, 136 guns, 71 vehicles, Assault Value = 193



Assaulting units:
Ponape Naval Fortress

Defending units:
23rd Marine Rgt /2
147th(Sep) Infantry Rgt /3

Invasion Support action off Ponape
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

9 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
AKA Libra, Shell hits 2
BB Mississippi



12.7cm 3YT DP Gun battery firing at AKA Libra

Afternoon Air attack on Ponape Naval Fortress, at 119,113 (Ponape)

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 12 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes


Allied aircraft
LB-30 Liberator x 6


Allied aircraft losses
LB-30 Liberator: 1 damaged

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

Invasion Support action off Ponape
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

6 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
AKA Libra, Shell hits 2, on fire
BB Mississippi



12.7cm 3YT DP Gun battery firing at AKA Libra

Ground combat at Ponape (119,113)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 546 troops, 29 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 9

Defending force 8221 troops, 136 guns, 71 vehicles, Assault Value = 203



Assaulting units:
Ponape Naval Fortress

Defending units:
147th(Sep) Infantry Regiment
23rd Marine Regiment



China
A29 Raid Samah but are met by an Oscar CAP, we loose some A29 for no result... bugger

But part of our plan to harass and annoy where we can.

[jrcar]

Well we have the turn now.

The ships at Popope have suffered less damage than I feared, but three need time in the yards at Aarbaul and one will have to go back to Oz.

The supply is almost fully unloaded at both Sorong and Ponope, so the ships at Sorong will retire on Hollianda (to pick up more troops if needed). Ponope will fall, not that confident about Sorong...

The units at Ponope have about 15% disablements, but the Sorong forces are fine.

Elsewhere the SOPAC is being shut down. The last troops at Luganville have now loaded leaving behind a decent cashe of fuel and supplies. Tulagi should be fully evacuated over the next two turns. Ndeni will remain the only manned base in the area with a fuel depot.

Preparations for the next stage are well under way, the airbourne units and 8th Marines report good progress on their detailed planning for Morotai. Other units are stating to plan deeper... we need to get serious about the Phillipines shortly as well!


The Japanese look to be pulling all their shiping out of Kendari and are falling back on Makassar as their new main base. That is a good choice by them... bugger It looks like there was some damaged CA? class vessels at Kendari, maybe we missed an opportunity to get them... but that really wasn't in our plans and we have a significant superiority of warships anyway, so not concerned.

Our aim is to shut down the oil/resource supply to the home islands... our subs on the sth side of Mindanao haven't found anything in ages. They were mainly there for intel purposes but they can soon move to seriously look for the main shipping routes.

Cheers

Rob

Some of these forces have gone to Nauru, the rest are on the way to Ponope, along with a stack of other engineers. They will land a day or two after the island is caputured.

[jrcar]

Our overall strategic aim, of cutting the supply lines to/from Japan, remains.

Operationally we are now in a position to really start doing this soon.

In SEASIA Bankok will be taken, then the forces will turn EAST to clear the rest of Thailand and take the Vietnam coast. At the same time a Chinese Army will move WEST with the aim of the two forces meeting around Hanoi.

This will close out the South China Sea, but they will be able to move along the north Borneo coast (almost certainly they are doing that now). While theyt continue to hold Singapore the movement of shipping into this area is limited to submarines. We will be able to develop sub bases in Thailand/Vietnam though We may also be able to run a SCTF through the Phillipines... then base it out of Saigon. Cl's and DD's should be good in that role.

Once Sorong is taken B24 class bombers will be able to close the south Borneo route and can probably create air dominance enough for us to land...

The CENTPAC will continue to push against their defence, and we will seek to go north around them.

Finally the NORPAC area could also open up... we have a lot of fully prepped units still that when we have the PP's could launch a 2-3 div assault...

Our challenge is to continue to push hard intelligently, and not make a mistake that looses us a div or two!


The only problem with this strategy is that the DEI is largely self sustaining with Singapore and Java. A lot of the industry there is trashed but could be rebuilt... The fleet can operate indefineatly, although I suspect supply will be a problem for them...

If they have thought of this they should have pulled A LOT of supply into Singapore before we cut the rail line... then they may have a chance of making that sort of strategy work.

With the fleet mostly drawing fuel from the DEI, and some places in the home area that produces oil/fuel they can probably carefully stagger on, but they will have to manage their production very well...

I look forward to seeing their side of the story!

Cheers

Rob

[jrcar]

Orders SWPAC

Situation
Enemy forces continue to hold key locations in regimental strength. Their defence mainly rests on the axis Makassar, Kendari, Ambon, Babeldoab.

To the rear of this line strong forces have been detected at Balikpapan (via SIGINT) and Davao.

Enemy CV's have recently been operating in the area but have withdrawn west. It is estimated that the "Mini KB" continues to operate in the area, probably at Makassar, while KB has retired on Singapore to rearm/refit and to support Japanese force in Malaya/Sumatra.

It is estimated that there is a strong probability that KB will continue on from there to move through the South China sea, and may base out of Manila to act in a central position.

It is expected that strong enemy SCTF will remain in the area and pose a threat.

The enemy air force is currently concentrated at Kendari and Babeldoab. No other forces have been detected.

Timor appears to be in the process of evacuation.

The enemy's centre of gravity is KB.

Key strengths are their infantry units of the defensive, and the ability to mass aircraft for strikes.


Mission
Close the southern Borneo resource route in order to deny raw materials to the Japanese homeland.

Outline Plan
Three phase operation.

Phase One
Phase one is under way with the occupation of Boela successfully completed and it is now a secure level 3 airfield operating 100 aircraft.

Sorong is currently being invaded by the 8th Australian Div. There is around a 60% chance of success. Further forces (Australian 3rd Army Tk Bde) are on the way, while elements of the Boela force can also be committed.

Phase one is expected to be complete within 10 days.

Once complete Sorong is to be built as a major airbase to support the basing of a B-24 group.

Phase Two
On order Morotai and Ternate will be seized. Optional inclusions are Ambon and Dili/Lautum.

Securing Ambon/Dili/Lautum will protect the flank of our thrust line and close the shipping lanes. It has the potential to draw us away from the main effort though.

Forces assigned are:

Morotai:
8th Marines
503rd Para Regt
3rd USMC Para Bn
1st US Amphib Corps
5th Marine Def Bn

Ternate:
Australian 1st Motor Bde

Ambon:
25th Inf Division
9th Marines

Dili/Lautum:
18th British Division

Ternate needs more forces assigned, possibly the 8th Australian once Sorong is taken...


Phase Three

Manado and Talaud Is will be taken. Four Marine Regiments (two each) are assigned.

The aim post phase three is to land on Borneo, possibly Tarakan, through to Zamboanga.


Doing this will create a matrix of mutually supporting bases. Enemy threats will be broken up through mass strikes of B-24's while tactical aircraft will support the invasions themselves.


Supporting Actions
During this time our CV fleet will continue to remain concentrated to the East of PNG to support SWPAC and CENTPAC operations.

Our sub fleet in the area will now move to support in the following way. Primary focus is intelligence of enemy movements.

A piquet line from Bali, through Makassar to Balikpapan will be established.

Submarines will push deeper off Manila, including mining of the approaches to Manila.

A sub piquet will continue from Davao East through Babeldoab and the Marianas.

[jrcar]

Once the Transports at Sorong are clear I think I will push the CV's forward off Sorong maybe as far as Morotai to "persuade" them not to reinforce along this corridor... depends on KB really

We pulled the teeth on the Betties out of Babeldoab, and as long as we stay at long range I feel it is worth the risk.

Cheers
Rob

[Alfred]

ORIGINAL: jrcar

... At the same time a Chinese Army will move WEST with the aim of the two forces meeting around Hanoi...

Is the Chinese move planned to commence after 1 January 1943 to avoid triggering the 4 Viet Minh reinforcement divisions?

Alfred

[Cribtop]

This plan seems sound. Cutting a dangerous swath between more heavily defended bases (Babel, Ambon, Kendari) while decisively closing one of two remaining routes out of the DEI.

This campaign will be so dangerous to the enemy that IMHO they will commit KB and LBA fully to defense of Ternate/Morotai. Be ready for a big fight.

[jrcar]

Thanks, the only problem is that it is very very predictable. As Cribtop notes that means they will probably concentre to stop it (they tried that once, and it did halt us, but they then knocked their advantage by attacking Aru, and lost a lot of aircraft for no gain).

That is why we are going to also push hard now around the northern flank at Marcus island... if they don't comit KB there then within a few months we will have Iwo Jima. If they do comit there (and as long as we don't loose badly) we will be in the Philipines.

Our challange is to be bold and push hard without loosing our CV's or a div at sea. We also need to syncrhonise operations (ala Sorong, Bankok and Ponope) to create tactical dilemas for them, which no matter what they do they loose.

On the other hand they have failed time and agin to synchronise their effects, the latest being at Kaimana, where an effective bombardment and airstrike just wasn't followed up. They have a history of doing that, Aru, Port Moresby for example.

The lack of commitment of their air power (and piece meal comitment on the few times they have) indicates a plan... I suspect they are trying to bring in their second and third generation fighters ahead of schedule and to build a mass before commitment.


Cheers

Rob

[jrcar]

Strategic Map

This map shows our current plans.

Solid blue lines are our main thrust axis that are currently being executed.

Dotted blue are our planed alternative actions.

Solid red is what we've determined to be their main line of resistance. We are currently "breaking into" this line between Kendari and Babeldoab.

Dotted red is where we think (based on SIGINT) they are currently preparing to halt us...

The yellow circles are where we intend to be in a month or two which will effectively divide the empire in half.

The blue circles are out support/launch bases. Perth, Darwin, Aru, Hollianda, Rabaul, Roi Namur (actuall Tabutiea is the circle I should have put), Pearl harbour, Adak Is.

Cheers

Rob

[Cribtop]

Remember my Captain of the Missouri on ready 5 post? This is what I meant. Either they use KB to try to stop the PI thrust or to stop you from taking Iwo. They can't do both. That means they are in trouble.

[jrcar]

19-20 Dec 1942

Mixed news, in particular in the SWPAC

Subs
A few sightings, no attacks.

SEASIA
On the second day Ayuthia nth of Bangkok falls and the 2nd RTA Thai Division is routed.

At Prachuap Khiri Khan (Malaya Penisular) on day one we get 1:1, but on day 2 1:2. The Japanese now have a weak regiment in location as well so we need to comit more force...

Bankok is the next target.

We are still pumping lots of supplies in through rangoon, we are loosing a lot going over the trails to Thailand. We need to look at how long we can keep it up, and if we need to move some force out once Bankok is taken.



SWPAC
As half expected the attack at Sorong fails. They have level 4 forts with a defensive AV of 479. We need to recover disruption and commit more forces here. The air attacks are having an effect on them though. SWPAC HQ is also moving forward to be in range so that should help next time. Landing another Brigade is 4-6 days away. Once we start getting 1:1 it will fall quickly. I have a Div at Boela that I can also comit to this, and the two regiments that just took Ponope. Shipping is the issue.

A lot of enemy TF are noted in the area, with forces being landed at Madang, probably the forces that cleared Zamboanga.

Ground combat at Sorong (82,107)

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 12979 troops, 136 guns, 106 vehicles, Assault Value = 450

Defending force 6783 troops, 16 guns, 5 vehicles, Assault Value = 115

Allied adjusted assault: 120

Japanese adjusted defense: 479

Allied assault odds: 1 to 3 (fort level 4)

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), forts(+), preparation(-), fatigue(-)
experience(-)
Attacker: shock(+), disruption(-)

Japanese ground losses:
325 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 15 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 21 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled


Allied ground losses:
673 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 35 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 56 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled
Vehicles lost 8 (2 destroyed, 6 disabled)


Assaulting units:
6th RAA Coastal Artillery Regiment
8th Australian Division
640th TD Bn /3

Defending units:
78th Infantry Regiment
146th Infantry Rgt /1
6th Naval Construction Battalion
44th Road Const Co
5th JAAF AF Bn

SOPAC
Ponope falls and the garrison is wiped out. Enginners should be unloadding about now or start of next turn. I could now use these two regiments for Sorong...


The CV's now need to retire on Hollianda or Rabaul to rearm/replenish. Tactical air will now support Sorong.

I was hoing that Sorong hadn't gotten to level 4 forts, not much we can do at the moment about it.

Cheers

Rob

[jrcar]

Thanks Cribtop, yes that is the challenge for both of us.

I think a raid is in order by some surface forces...

ORIGINAL: Cribtop

Remember my Captain of the Missouri on ready 5 post? This is what I meant. Either they use KB to try to stop the PI thrust or to stop you from taking Iwo. They can't do both. That means they are in trouble.

[jrcar]

21-22 Dec 1942

Have I mentioned that I like it when a plan comes together? See the SWPAC part.

Subs
we get some excellent detections around the area.

ASW attack near Siargao at 82,89

Japanese Ships
DD Kagero
BB Yamato
BB Kirishima
BB Hiei
CA Mogami
CA Atago
CL Yura
DD Hatsukaze
DD Oyashio
DD Kuroshio
DD Asashio
DD Tanikaze
DD Amatsukaze
DD Shiranui

This is at the northern tip of Mindanao, not sure if they are coming or going... and if they are escorting something else...

Sub attack near Makassar at 65,107

Japanese Ships
CA Kako
BB Hyuga
CA Kinugasa
DD Isonami
DD Hayashio
DD Yugure
DD Yamakaze
DD Shigure

Allied Ships
SS Haddo

This force looks to be heading east towards us... the tigers certainly are on the prowl!

Sub attack near Manado at 75,99

Japanese Ships
TB Hato, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
DD Sawakaze

Allied Ships
SS Sawfish


Bugger

Sub attack near Biak at 86,109

Japanese Ships
SS I-24, hits 4

Allied Ships
CVE Altamaha, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires
CA Louisville
DD Wilson
DD Duncan
DD Shaw
DD Lamson
DD Drayton


SEASIA
After two days of heavy fighting Prachuap Khiri Khan on the Malay Peninsula is ours:

Ground combat at Prachuap Khiri Khan (54,64)

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 4337 troops, 40 guns, 7 vehicles, Assault Value = 162

Defending force 4249 troops, 49 guns, 77 vehicles, Assault Value = 34

Allied adjusted assault: 60

Japanese adjusted defense: 39

Allied assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 0)

Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 0

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

Japanese ground losses:
188 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 19 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
211 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 35 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 20 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled


Assaulting units:
1st Gloucestershire Battalion
77th Chindit Bde /2

Defending units:
112th Infantry Regiment
18th JAAF Base Force
31st Field AA Battalion
15th JAAF AF Bn

Ground combat at Prachuap Khiri Khan (54,64)

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 4097 troops, 40 guns, 7 vehicles, Assault Value = 139

Defending force 4299 troops, 48 guns, 77 vehicles, Assault Value = 34

Allied adjusted assault: 177

Japanese adjusted defense: 29

Allied assault odds: 6 to 1 (fort level 0)

Allied forces CAPTURE Prachuap Khiri Khan !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
1208 casualties reported
Squads: 23 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 86 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 10 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 16 (16 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 59 (59 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 4


Allied ground losses:
148 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 12 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 21 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
1st Gloucestershire Battalion
77th Chindit Brigade

Defending units:
112th Infantry Regiment
18th JAAF Base Force
31st Field AA Battalion
15th JAAF AF Bn

Tony again shows that he understands the combat model better than I do, I wouldn't have shock attacked. It looks like someone failed an experiance test and the result was all bad.

Elsewhere we continue to Bomb the trapped Japanese units... actually it looks like in a few more weeks the Imperial guards may get to march out... it will be a race to see if our armour can cut them off...

Port Blair is again being routinely smacked. We will eventually invade.

Rangoon has around 180k in supplies.


SWPAC
Our CV's move into range of Manado and do some slaughter over two days...

Morning Air attack on TF, near Manado at 75,99

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 44 NM, estimated altitude 21,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 17 minutes


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 36
SBD-2 Dauntless x 17
SBD-3 Dauntless x 68


Allied aircraft losses
SBD-2 Dauntless: 3 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 6 damaged

Japanese Ships
TB Kari
TB Otori, Bomb hits 3, and is sunk
DD Murakumo
DD Inazuma, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Shirakumo, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires
TB Hato, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Teruzuki, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Sawakaze
DD Takanami, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Sagiri

Japanese ground losses:
342 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 10 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 8 destroyed, 18 disabled

Morning Air attack on TF, near Manado at 75,99

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 32 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 15
SBD-3 Dauntless x 46
TBF-1 Avenger x 15


Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 11 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Shirakumo, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
DD Teruzuki, Bomb hits 4, and is sunk
DD Takanami, Bomb hits 5, and is sunk
DD Inazuma, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk

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

Morning Air attack on TF, near Manado at 75,99

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 49 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 19 minutes


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 50
SBD-2 Dauntless x 17
SBD-3 Dauntless x 51


Allied aircraft losses
SBD-2 Dauntless: 3 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Sagiri
DD Murakumo, Bomb hits 1, on fire
TB Kari
DD Satsuki, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Afternoon Air attack on Manado , at 75,99

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 35
SBD-3 Dauntless x 33
TBF-1 Avenger x 30


Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 5 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Murakumo, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
TB Kari, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Satsuki, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Sagiri

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Manado at 75,99

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 43 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 16
SBD-3 Dauntless x 17
TBF-1 Avenger x 15


Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Murakumo, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk
DD Satsuki, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk

A very nice haul. Around 6 DD and a couple of TB. We also do light damage to the airfield at Manado, and it is showing ships in port.

We hit Morotai's airfield fairly hard. Only Ternate to go.

Apart from th ominous but expected signs of a growing enemy fleet presence this was an excellent turn, if our CV's can get away ok that is...

I'm tempted to go early with the paras onto Morotai...

CENTPAC
An empty Kwaljelon island is taken. Sigint says:
1/Wake Coastal Gun Battalion is located at Marcus Island(123,85)

China
Tony has been pushing with the Chinese airforce in the last few days, the occasional success but massed Oscars predominate and so the Chinese airforce needs to stand down.

Forces for the Vietnam invasion are on the move.... will be several weeks until things are ready.

[jrcar]

After a long hiatus we are back in the saddle.

23-24 Dec 1942

Subs
They hit and sink an AKA carrying troops to the Sorong Invasion. The AKA is lost.

SEASIA
Not much change, Bangkok is now almost surrounded.

SWPAC
We are bombing Sorong, Ambon and Morotai. The 24th Sep Inf Regt (less the troops lost in the AKA) and and the Australian 3rd Army Tank Bde should land next turn under the cover of several sctf, including BB's.

The CV's are retiring to Rabaul to rearm/replenish.

The paras are concentrating for a drop on Morotai soon.

CENTPAC
Troops continue to land at Ponope. There are now 70 fighters covering the island.

Elesewhere force are being moved around and supplies and fuel shipped in.

The enemy base at Saipan is reconed (by sub?) and shows 58 ships in the Harbour...

China
The Japanese rule the air, our ground units are begining to concentrate for an offensive, and we are probing in a few places to keep them guessing.

Cheers

Rob

[jrcar]

Here is SEASIA. as you can see Bangkok is almost cut off. We have 1400 AV in the city withe key units at 100 prep...

The Imperial guards are going to get away [:(]

[jrcar]

In the SWPAC while we fight for Sorong our forces are preping for the next two targets.

Kendari is still strongly held by the Japanese, but I think they are pulling back to Manado further west. We are reconing from Darwin

Babeldoab is being reconed but not much is being detected...

[jrcar]

Only Wotje remains in the Marshalls. Eniwetok will be taken for its anchorage.

Ponope will soon be hosting B-17 that will reduce TRUK to ruins... There are 8 SEEBEE units and a USMC engineer unit at Ponope...

[jrcar]

We are considering a CV raid on Saipan. There is lots of shipping in port, and probably not much air cover...

Cheers
Rob