Days of Infamy--RA Scen 70

[John 3rd]

Combat Report
March 12-21, 1942
Central Pacific

There hasn't been much to write about here but some action does occur during this ten day period.

As I had mentioned earlier the Forts at Midway and Johnston are at 4 and climbing so I've decided to pull roughly half my engineering units for use elsewhere. Two convoys travel from the Marshalls to Johnston to pick-up troops and drop off supplies. They have no naval cover so I am worried about surface attack from Pearl Harbor. Fortunately nothing happens so I lift an Independent Engineering Regiment and a Base Force from here for better use in the South Pacific.

An I-Boat spotted some shipping at Christmas Island and so I dispatch my Marshalls naval contingent of 3 CL and 8 DD to investigate. They find a pair of juicy targets in the form of the large Tankers Mobilstation and Pat Dohany. They quickly sink both with gunfire and long lances. NICE!

Midway and Jaluit are really serving as nice gas stations for my I-Boats. I've got boats moving through these locations constantly and it really does shorten their time out of operational use.

[John 3rd]

Combat Report
March 12-21, 1942
South Pacific

The other half of my carrier continent rendezvous at Rabaul on March 10th. CarDiv2, CarDiv5, and little Zuiho disband for a few days of rest as I contemplate their next move. The initial thought was to send them north or into the IO to fight the Royal Navy, however, I decide on a short raid to Townsville first! The TF departs on the 13th and takes a wide sweep so they are not spotted. As old James Ewell Brown Stuart did in 1862, I want to sweep around behind the target and then do something. All ships are on EMCON and I only fly CAP. Daily Events:

March 17th
The Fleet is ready for a Port Strike at Townsville from four hexes to the SE. The carriers turn into the wind and they launch 18 Zero and 95 Kate. Ohhhhhhhh...the shipping that is found there: CL Adelaide, 9 AP, 4 AK, 1 AO, an AM, and an APG are all seriously hit with some sinking. There is 12 P-40 on CAP and they are pushed out of the way.

The BONUS is finding an American STF comprising BB Pennsylvania, CAs Australia & Pensacola, CLs Honolulu--Concord--Perth, and 8 DD. Something very big was going to happen I think. As the Kates deal with the harbor, a second strike is launched of 21 Zero, 81 Val, and 9 Kate. A later afternoon strike of 26 Zero, 72 Val, and 5 Kate hit the same targets.

Results: BB Pennsylvania takes 33 (YIKES!) 250Kg Bombs and a Torp, Australia, Pensacola, Perth, Concord, and Honolulu are crippled with DD Dale sunk outright.

Shift my Kates to 3 Daitai on Port Strike and 1 Daitai/1 Chutai on Naval Attack.

March 18th
Move the TF 3 hexes north and promptly run into a STF of Perth, Concord, and 4 DD. CRAP! For the 4th or 5th time this war my CVs find themselves using their 5" Guns against SURFACE targets. Kitten time. Shokaku, Zuikaku, and Shoho each take a shell hit for little damage (THANK YOU!) and the escorts quickly smother the enemy crippling Perth, DD MacDonough and Worden.

Enough of that crap! Turn into the wind...

Port Strike: 7 Zero and 71 Kate hit nothing in Port. It is empty and everyone is running for their lives!

Naval Strikes:
a. 17 Zero and 36 Val (lose 3) sink an AM, AGP, and add 6 more bombs to Pennsylvania agony
b. 10 Val (lose 1) hit Perth with a bomb and sink DD MacDonough
c. 4 Kate from little Shoho sink CA Australia with 2 Torps
d. 23 Kate (lose 1) sink the Perth with 3 Torps
e. 9 Zero, 44 Val, 29 Kate in the afternoon hit Pensacola, Honolulu, an AO, and sink 4 AP and an AK
f. 14 Vals sink DD Worden
g. 8 Zero 24 Val sink DD Kennison

Results: SUNK--CA Australia, CL Perth, 3 DD, 4 AP, 1 AM, and 1 AGP

Shift and switch my Kates again so I have plenty of Torps for my last day of attacks as the Carriers move NE 2 hexes and prepare to head home.

March 19th
HOLY COW! The Aussies are really pissed off at the Japanese (I REALLY don't know why...[:D]) and they throw everything AND the kitchen sink at my sweet, misunderstood carriers. I fervently hope that Japanese CAP is up the task:

Raid 1: 71 Zero vs. 21 P-40 and 7 Hudson---lose nothing and shoot down at least 10 P-40 and 4 Hudson

Raid 2: 66 Zero vs. 7 P-40 and 12 Bombers---shot down 4 P-40 and all bombers. The last one is shot down by AA diving on CV Hiryu.

Raid 3: 59 Zero vs. 18 P-40 and 12 A-24---(This raid scares me due to those SBD knock-offs) at least 6 P-40 and ALL nine of the A-24 are shot down. Should note that 4 got through and missed CA Haguro but were then crushed by CAP after their attacks.

Raid 4: 52 Zero vs. 9 P-40 and 9 A-24---wiped out again, however two do get through and drop on CVL Shoho (she gets one with AA) and MISS!

Wow. SCARY!

Japanese Raid:
1. 12 Zero, 42 Val, and 42 Kate sink CA Pensacola, CL Honolulu, an AO, and DD Voyager. No Pennsylvania to be found. LOOKS like she might have sunk...

2. 9 Zero and 14 Val sink an AP

3. 8 Zero and 24 Val sink another AP

4. 25 Kate sink 2 AK

Results: CA Pensacola, CL Honolulu, DD Voyager, 1 AO, 2 AP, and 2 AK sunk.

Air-to-Air: Japanese lose 3 Zero and shot down 26 P-40E, 14 Kittyhawks, 4 Hudson, and 21 A-24. Damn...

(Stanislav and Yubari---I thought of you when I looked at these numbers!)

The Japanese lose a total over three days of action of 3 Zero, 8 Val, and 5 Kate. Old JEB did well and they return to Rabaul having done one heck of a good job...

TOTAL ALLIED SUNK: BB Pennsylvania (Probably), CA Australia and Pensacola, CL Perth and Honolulu, 5 DD, 6 AP, 2 AK, 1 AO, 1 AM, and 1 AGP


BANZAI!

[Q-Ball]

Nice job again, but hasn't your opponent learned by now not to dock ships where they can be sunk by CV Port Raids? TOWNSVILLE is definitely not safe for the Allies at this stage! There shouldn't be a capital ship docked anywhere north of Sydney, and even then, Melbourne is safer.

I read your title, and thought that hopefully he is thinking the 1862 Stuart ride, and not the 1863 Gettysburg Campaign fiasco, or the 1864 ride that didn't end so well at Yellow Tavern.....

[John 3rd]

It was referring to 1862 and NOT 1863!

The behavior puzzles me as well. I have truly shown an interest in going after the Ports and know congregation points. That these continue to score well is great but rather strange...

Should note that Day 2 and Day 3 of the naval strikes connected with ships that were damaged at sea or fleeing the scene of the crime.

We're looking at a data base change in RA due to the freshly discovered problems with the Modern Japanese and American reloads so I think we'll also add the Zero speed fix that Stanislav implemented in the current version of the Mod. Additionally I think we're going to do more work on OOB and 'fix' a few things that have popped up as the Mod is played.

[John 3rd]

Sorry I haven't been more involved with this but I've been stuck running the Hotel for the last seven days with three to go. These are 10-12 hour days and they've been kicking my a**! Have most of next week off so I should be able to get the changes done we've been talking about. Sorry for any inconvenience guys.

We just finished the April 8, 1942 and things are CRAZY. It appears that Lew is throwing the dice on the table in the Indian Ocean. At least 4-5 CVs (3 US and 1-2 Brit) are moving into the Bay of Bengal. An I-Boat quite NICELY put a Torp into Lexington! I've got CarDiv2/CarDiv5/Ryujo/Shoho moving to Port Blair. It may be a BIG fight so we'll have to see...

The situation in the Aleutians has me on the attack with the remaining CVs and getting ready to land at Cold Bay.

Will update as soon as I can...

[John 3rd]

Work has been ohhhhhhh so rough the last two weeks, however, ambushes can still occur and very GOOD things may happen! April 13, 1942 dawns to cloudy weather throughout the Bay of Bengal. The weather serves to mask the Japanese approach and the results are pretty outstanding...





Details tomorrow!

Yes I know that isn't fair but I need time to actually write. Enjoy the tidbit posted above with much MORE to come.

BANZAI!

[John 3rd]

Imagine Queen in the background as "another one bites the dust!"

[John 3rd]

A day of punches traded but another CV added to the list!

My schedule starts to mellow as of today so I will get on the AAR update. Sorry for the teasers but I wanted the readers to know things are happening and there will be a return to regular updates.

[FatR]

We'll be waiting for the full update[:)].

[John 3rd]

After two weeks of insanity, I finally have a few hours to catch-up the AAR. Will take the boys to school and then get typing. This will take a quite a bit to detail the events that have occurred. Being nearly a month behind with two major Operations and Battles to describe (the Aleutians and Indian Ocean) I hardly have any idea where to start...

Should note that it is mostly GOOD news for the Empire...MOSTLY...

[John 3rd]

Combat Report
Battle of the Bay of Bengal
April 1942


Lew is a highly aggressive Allied player. This has been stated many times within the AAR, however, I think it must be reinterated here to fully understand the events of April 1942 in Eastern India and the Bay of Bengal. I have come to understand, respect, and begin to exploit this fundamental trait.

Let me try to explain the Allied Plan as I understand it:

1. The Japanese had taken the Allies by surprise and landed at Chittaging and Diamond Harbor with a large Army comprising 6+ Inf Divisions. Though powerful, this assault did not have the strength to take Calcutta quickly and the attack bogged down. The Japanese then swung out Tank and Infantry to capture nearly all of eastern India up to but not including Ledo.

2. Due this free-ranging movement Chittagong was not held but a lot of Infantry.

3. With three American CVs arriving in the IO two months ago the Allied Naval position was far stronger then at the historical time. Add these CVs to the two heavy and one light British CVs and there is the real probability of achieving air superiority at sea.

4. Enough British and Aussie Infantry reinforcements have arrived to provide the core of a counter-punch.

5. Japanese CVs have been recently at work raiding in the Gulf of Alaska and eastern Australia.

PLAN: Move the entire British and American Fleet into the Bay of Bengal, bombard Japanese coastal AF with 4 BB and 1 BC, achieve aerial superiority, and land a reinforced Infantry Division at Chittagong to cut the Japanese off from supply and reinforcement.

As I wrote Lew a few days ago his plan was breathtaking, bold-as-Hell, and totally reckless. Translation: I LOVED it! Excellent thinking and it has partially succeeded where the Japanese are in deep Kimchi on the ground but achieved an excellent naval victory at some cost.


The British had stepped up their bombardments of Diamond Harbor and were becoming a real pain in the neck. This led to what caught Lew totally by surprise. I elected to move CARDIV2, CARDIV5, and Zuiho to Singapore for a little R&R and then stage a raid into the IO to catch those old R-Class BB. These CVs then linked up with CVL Ryujo who was finally repaired from the Torp hits she had taken early in the war.

Here is the chronology dating from April 1st leading into the Battle:

1st
Heavy Air Action over Diamond Harbor (DH) and Chittagong (Chitta) with results being 48 to 9 in Japan's favor

2nd
Chitta Heavily Attacked with results being 25 to 4 Japan

3rd
Chitta Attacks: 49-6 Japan

4th
TF spotted approaching both DH and Chitta
Chitta Action: 19-3 Japan

5th
Chitta and DH bombarded (2 BB at DH and 2 CA/1CL at Chitta)

CAs Exeter and Cornwall SUNK by a combined Val, Kate, Betty attack staging from Chittagong. CL Hobart damaged by 3 Bombs.

Japanese CVs reach Singapore

7th
DH bombarded heavily by 4 BB and 1 BC causing many plane losses

Large TF spotted moving into the Bay of Bengal with carrier support. The TF are attacked for no result and their is strong air action cuasing losses to both sides.

Air Action: 29 Allied planes (25 CV-Based Fighters) for for 50 Japanese planes

8th
Japanese CVs depart Singapore for Port Blair

Allied TF move closer to the DH--Chitta area and take up station roughly 3-4 hexes from both.

DH and Chitta heavy air action: 38 Allied (8 CV Fighters) for 13 Japanese

Ineffective attacks against American STF (Chester and St. Louis)

9th
Massive bombardment of Chitta reveals Allied intentions for a landing here. Four different TF bombard the base and make the AF a wreck. I'm forced to pull my aircraft out and move them to Rangoon or Dacca.

Order 3 TK Reg to move by strategic mode to Chitta. Only Infantry present are the Para units provided the Sz-3 Forts with only 100 AS to resist a landing.

PLAN BEGINS TO FORM: I had been keeping track of American/British Fighter losses over the CVs and I realize that if I can whittle them down further, then I have a shot of truly hurting the Allied Fleet. Keep just enough bombers in the area to attack and allow my fighters to chew up his! The only problem here is that Lew must STAY in the area until my CVs can cut in behind him and attack.

Air Losses: 11 Allied CV Fighters for 17 Japanese losses

10th
Chitta landings commence with 3 Brigade of Infantry, a large Brit BF and an Engineering Reg. Base is bombarded by same 4 TF.

Japanese CVs reach Port Blair, top off fuel, and set course to cut in behind the Allied TF.

Air Losses: 10 Allied CV Fighter for 8 Japanese losses

11th
Japanese TF is not spotted!

Chitta bombarded by 3 TF and DH bombarded by 2 STF.

Heavy air action over Allied CVs, Chitta, and DH: 16 Allied CV Fighters for 11 Japanese

Chittagong attack by troops getting a 2-1 dropping Forts to 1. My troops won't move by rail into the hex. CRAP! OK. Going to lose Chittagong but lets see what else is happening.

This is the chronology that sets up the Battle of the Bay of Bengal. I purposely allow the Japanese aerial response to be only strong enough to down Allied Fighters until the Japanese CVs can get into range. By my count the Allies had lost over 60 Fighters from their CVs. At this stage I think I am engaging 3 US CVs, a Brit CV, and Hermes.

Ohhhhhhhh....I am wrong....it is actually the following CVs:
US Carriers: Lexington, Saratoga, Enterprise, and Hornet
Brit CVs: Indomitable, Formidable, and Hermes


April 12, 1942
The Battle of Bengal--DAY ONE

Complete surprise is achieved! The Japanese get in behind the Allied Fleet and attack. BANZAI!

Air Action:
Wave One: 14 Oscar & 6 Sally vs 26 Fighters (lose 3 Oscar and 1 Sally for 4 Fighters)

Wave Two: 18 Zero and 9 Betty vs 33 Fighters (lose 4 Zero and 2 Betty for 6 Fighters)--Five Betty drop on Lexington but miss.

Wave Three: 57 Zero, 39 Val, 48 Kate vs. 24 Fighters (lose 3 Zero, 2 Val, 3 Kate for 18 Allied Fighters)

Hornet 2 Bombs and 2 Torps
Lexington 2 Torps
Indomitable 2 Bombs and 1 Torp
Formidable 4 Torps--Sinking Condition
Hermes 5 Bombs and 1 Torp
CL Nashville 3 Bombs

Allied Counter: 17 Fighters, 69 DB (SBD, SBC-4, Vind), 29 TB versus 86 Zero
(I begin to lose track of losses at this point but the American--Brit attack is mauled) Though horrifically beat-up survivors do reach the drop point. DEEP BREATH--prepare to sacrifice a cat...

Soryu 2 1,000 lb Bombs--HD
Hiryu 1 1,000 lb Bomb
Ryujo 1 1,000 lb Bomb
Shokaku 1 1,000 lb Bomb
Zuikaku 2 1,000 lb Bomb

Soryu is sorely hurt and that SUCKS!

Wave Four: 34 Zero, 24 Val, and 65 Kate vs 12 Fighters

Hornet 3 Torps---SUNK!
Formidable 14 Bombs and 2 Torps---SUNK!
Hermes 2 Torps and 4 Bombs---PRESUMED SUNK!

Allied Wave 2: 4 F, 33 SBD, 23 TBD vs. 73 Zero
As can be imagined this attack is CRUSHED, however, there are leakers. Roughly a dozen SBD dive and 2 TBD get through.

Soryu 1 1,000lb Bomb and SUNK....CRAP!

BAD WEATHER closes off the rest of the day's action.

End action Day One with 2 US/Brit CV and 1 CVL Sunk with 2 more CVs damaged. The Japanese lose Soryu but luckily her entire air group flies to Diamond Harbor. Zuikaku is not bad off after the two hits (19 Sys--3 Flot--5 Fires) but I elect to fly her group to Dacca and pull her out to Port Blair.

I have Shokaku, Hiryu, Ryujo, and Shoho at full strength. Elect to stay for a second day of fighting.

Air Losses: 107 Allied (75 A-t-A, 29 Ops, 3 Flak) for 20 Japanese (2 A-t-A, 7 Flak, and 11 Ops)

April 13, 1942--Day Two
Bad weather causes all sorts of havoc!

The battle breaks into all sorts of little battles at sea and near DH/Chittagong. Major events:

15 Zero and 33 Val brush aside 5 F4F and SINK Lexington with 11 Bombs!

Small strikes of Kates and Vals damage BB Ramilles, BB Resolution, 3 Brit DD, 4 AP and 3 AK.

Spot Several TF hanging near Diamond Harbor and/or hugging the Indian Coast. Move the CVs in closer to get at these TF. There appears to be more CVs present with these TF.

Chittagong Attacked and and holds--barely--Fort down to ZERO

April 14, 1942--Day Three
The British and American TF begin to run for their lives. This has unintended consequences that hurt the Japanese cause:

Two British DD SOMEHOW get within 1,000 Yards of the the Japanese Carriers. I cringe and begin sobbing when I KNOW what will happen. The Brits launch their Torps at Hiryu and Shokaku. Sho nimbly dodges but Hiryu takes a torpedo and 4 shell hits. CRAPPPPPPP! DD Norman is sunk and the other is left for crippled but they sorely hurt the Hiryu.

Sure enough. There are CVs operating up in the area as I suspected. Here we go for another round of strikes:

American Wave One: 51 Zero vs 4 F4F and 34 SBD. The Zeros shoot down all but 12 SBD who then methodically put 2 bombs into Shoho and 1 bomb into damaged Hiryu. The survivors are then pounced on by my angry Zeros and ALL are shot down.

Amer/Brit Wave Two: 44 Zero vs 9 Fighters and 20 TB. ALL shot down!

American Wave Three: 33 Zero vs 16 SBC-4. ALL shot down!

Japanese Attack: 21 Zero, 23 Val, and 49 Kate vs. 7 F4F. Japanese plow through the fighters for 2 Zero, 2 Val, and 3 Kate. Results:

Saratoga 1 Torp and 1 Bomb
Enterprise 3 Torps and is SUNK!!!
DD Vampire SUNK
DD Henley Damaged

SAVING Saratoga is bad weather for the afternoon.

A STF of mine is sent towards Chittagong to get at the APs/AKs and instead runs into a STF that is out-of-ammo from bombardments. My CA Furutaka, a CL, and 7 DD attack 2 CA, 1 CL, and 4 DD. CA Chicago is SUNK, CL Capetown is SUNK as well as two DD.

Raids from Dacca hit BC Repulse (3B), BB Resolution (1B), and BB Ramilles (3B).

That damned lucky Torp damns Hiryu. I split her off and she heads for Port Blair (43 Sys--44 Flot--13 Eng--18 Fires). CVL Shoho is remarkably undamaged from two bomb hits (13 Sys--12 Flot--8 Eng--0 Fires)

Air Results: 118 Allied planes for 29 Japanese

Very wary but WANTING Saratoga I move further west towards Ceylon and Madras.

April 15, 1942--Day Four
Bad weather again and somewhat slim pickings.

Planes from Dacca hit CL St Louis with Six Bombs and DD Griffin witrh 2 B.

Japanese CVs sink DDs Benham, Decoy, and Tjerk Hiddes.

CA Furutaka is hit (after sustaining moderate damage fighting the American CAs the previous day) by 3 bombs and sinks.

I-29 is plastered near Ceylon and sunk by 4 Brit DDs.

Hiryu limps towards Port Blair and damage increases to 52 Sys--44 Flot--19 Eng--22 Fires. Bring 4 DD over to provide ASW protection.

April 16, 1942--Day Five
Planes from Dacca sink two AK at Chittagong.

Carrier Action:
Wave 1: 5 Zero 13 Val hit 3 Brit DDs with 1 Bomb each

Wave 2: 18 Zero and 26 Kate vs 44 Fighters at Madras hit BC Repulse with 4 Bombs (extreme range) at a cost of 4 Zero and 6 Kate

Wave 3: 5 Zero and 19 Val SINK CA Portland with an incredible 11 hits!

Wave 4: 12 Zero and 16 Kate hit BC Repulse with 8 more Bombs, CL Caledon with 2 B, and CL Ceres with 1 Bomb. They fight through 34 fighters and I lose 4 Zero and 3 Kate.

Chittagong finally falls to the Allies just as I have two TK Reg a day away!

Recon spots ships at Akyab and 15-20 ships outside of Chittagong. I order a STF of 5 DD to Akyab and all my planes at Dacca to Port Attack Chitta.

CVs are ordered back to Port Blair.

A lousy 80 miles from safety at Port Blair, CV Hiryu sinks. DAMN!

The British are spotting bringing troops towards Dacca from the west. This is troubling, however, an Indian Brigade is forced to surrender at Jessore, India as it gets trapped between two of my Infantry Divisions.

April 17, 1942--Day FIVE!

The best news of the day occurs when I-160 raises its periscope to see the damaged CV Saratoga slide across its view. The Captain launches 4 Torps and TWO slam into the US Carrier! It isn't enough to sink her but it does hurt and she must go into Columbo!

My little STF of 5 DD rush into Akyab and find BIG, juicy targets! The huge Empress of Australia and Empress of Scotland are sunk as well as 2 more big AP and an AK.



Planes from Dacca hit and further damage 13 AK/AP in Chittagong Harbor. Four are seen to sink with an equal number in sinking condition.

Bettys and Vals flying from Rangoon SINK DDs Fanning and Cushing.

April 18, 1942--Day SIX
Planes from Dacca hit Chittagong and sink 4 more AK/AP.

My CVs are about 5 hexes NW of Port Blair and find DD Express all by herself. She is sunk by a strike of 9 Zero and 20 Val.


End of battle.


WOW!

Sinkings that are CONFIRMED (no target left to attack)

Carriers
US: Lexington, Enterprise, and Hornet
Brit: Formidable and CVL Hermes

US CV Saratoga seriously damaged by 2 Bombs and 3 Torps, Brit CV Indomitable by 2 Bombs and 1 Torp.

Cruisers
CAs: Chicago and Portland
CL: Capetown

CLs Nashville and St. Louis seriously damaged.

DDs: 9 sunk with an equal number damaged

AK/AP
At least 6 AP and 12-16 AK sunk.


Japanese Losses
CVs Hiryu and Soryu
CA Furutaka
SS: I-29


I sink 3 US CV, 1 Brit CV, and a Brit CVL in exchange for my smallest two heavy CVs.

Losing Hiryu was a FREAK accident. With radar equipped ships somehow two Birt DDs get within 1,000 Yards of the Japanese CVs before detection. Lordy that chafes my hide. If Hiryu had made it to Port Blair I would call this a massive victory, however, her loss makes it slightly more even. DRAT!

What do people think? Comments please...

PS I am already planning on hitting Ceylon with a CV Strike to try to further damage the two CVs present there.

[John 3rd]

Combat Report
The Aleutians
March 22-April 23, 1942

A month of time has passed in the Aleutians as well. Events continue moving along at a very good pace with positive news in this area as well.

We left off with the Japanese preparing to land at the American base at Cold Bay using two Infantry Divisions (the 19th--late of the South Pacific--and the 70th--fresh from China. The Carriers deployed up in this region were CARDIV1, Junyo, Zuiho, and Nisshin. They had just sank BB Colorado on March 21st and we approaching Anchorage for an attack.

Events:
March 22nd
A Japanese BB STF sinks DD Gridley at Cold Bay

Dora Harbor is captured by a Fast TF and is to be rapidly built-up.

Everyday from here on out one can note B-17 attacks hitting various bases. The primary focus of the big bombers is Dutch Harbor. Since this base means little to me I use it as a decoy to KEEP the bombers hitting here while I build-up Adak, Attu, and Umnak as my primary bases.

March 23rd
I-10 sinks a PG at Nagai Island

March 24th
A powerful STF (2 BC, CL, 6 DD) hits Cold Bay but runs afoul of PT-Boats. The damned pests put two TTs into BC Kongo. Damage isn't bad but she needs Home Island repairs. For this, 3 PT are sunk.

March 25th
An increased level of American aerial activity occurs as squadrons of Buffalo, F4F, P-39, and SBDs begin to operate out of Cold Bay. The Naval Aircraft are identified as CV Yorktown's planes. This is a good move by Lew as he risks only planes and not the CV. Wonder where she is though...

These planes hit another Bombardment TF placing 1 Bomb on Kongo as she withdraws and smacking the new Yamato with 1 1,000lb Bomb as well. This is too bad since I didn't bring a lot of teak to replace the scorched deck of my new BB. NO DAMAGE just hurt that very nice wood. Rather inconsiderate if you ask me.

March 26th
Cold Bay is swept by 21 Zero and smacked by Betty from Umnak as well as Kates from my CVs present to the SE. Strikes of 12 Zero 50 Betty, 16 Zero 69 Kate, and 25 Zero 18 Kate thoroughly crater the AF and destroy about a dozen planes on the ground.

The reinforced American airpower lashes back at the Japanese CVs. Strikes of 9 F4F 10 SBD and 19 F4F 17 SBD meet a CAP of roughly 50 Zero. Many American planes are shot down but the 2nd Strike has 8 SBD tip over on the Kaga. I curse utter a string of words as a 1,000lb bomb smacks into her deck. Damage is not bad but it stinks (Sys 21--Flot 0--Fire 3)! She'll head back to Adak for repairs.

Engineering:
Attu Pt-2
Umnak AF-5

March 27th
At Cold Bay another STF sweeps into the area and dispatches 8 PT Boats.

The Bombardment and Japanese Air Attacks continue to decimate the AF and its planes as another dozen or so planes are detroyed on the ground.

Kodiak--This base showed some shipping so a strike of 10 Zero and 60 Kate smack it. The attack sinks DD Hatfield, damages the Port, and craters the AF.

Nagai Island (east of Cold Bay) is grabbed by a Fast TF. If Lew did not expect it, this proves I am coming for Cold Bay. Nagai will hold an SNLF, Con Bn, and small BF. It becomes a seaplane base for my Mavis and Emily.

March 29th
Invasion TF prepares to get underway so I decide to move back into the Gulf of Alaska with my CVs. Kaga is out so that means I only have Akagi, Junyo, Nisshin, and Shoho. This is rather thing so I try to be VERY careful.

They make their presence known immediately by sinking a lone DD (Crosby) with a small strike of 18 Zero and 12 Val.

Engineering
Paramushiro Jima Pt-4

March 31st
The Americans launch a massed attack upon Dutch Harbor with 18 F 20 SBD 19 B-17. They are met by 31 Zero and 16 Oscar from Umnak. Little damage is done for a good number of Allied planes getting shot down.

My build-up at Dora isn't going unnoticed. A strike of 12 Hudson hits the AF that is rapidly being built.

April 1st
Sweep and Strike Cold Bay doing a bunch of damage.

Dora goes to AF-1! Move fighters in immediately.

April 2nd
Sweep and Bomb Cold Bay with good results

Dora has 16 Oscars fight 21 Hudsons with decent results

April 3rd
The Fighters catch Lew's attention so he swings in 28 B-17 to aid his beat-up Hudsons. The Oscars don;t do much but they at least try...

This move concerns me because his B-17 could do far more damage here then DH. I move a decoy TF to DH to draw his attention.

April 4th
Cold Bay is hit by Yamato and Haruna. They do some damage to the AF and sink the last PTs in the area.

April 5th-7th
Rest most of my planes in preparation for the Invasion of Cold Bay.

To stay aware of the rest of the war, this is the date that marks to beginning of the Battle of the Bay of Bengal.

April 8th
In a masterful move, Lew sends a strike of 19 PBY to hit shipping disbanded at Adak. I don't have any fighters here and it works beautifully. Two 500lb bombs hit both Kongo and Haruna while the prize is Kaga. Her earlier damage was nearly repaired. NOT NOW! She takes 4 500lb bombs. Out she goes. Time for the yards in Japan. CRAP. Her damage isn't bad but its bad enough (Sys-25, Flot-0, Eng-3, Fires-6).

I put out the fires and send her home. Should note I leave her planes in the Aleutians to take part in what is to come.

Tip of the hat to Lew!

Recon spots American BBs at Anchorage. NOT GOOD!

April 10th
Dora goes to AF-2. This marks the signal to begin send the Invasion Force. I can LR CAP the TF at Cold Bay with no issues so everything begins to roll.

April 11th
Planes from Dora (I have 9 Kate and 9 Val) smack a small TF trying to get to Cold Bay. DD King and 2 AK are sunk by bombs.

April 12th
Heavy Air Strikes at Cold Bay as the Invasion Force approaches.

In a purely spoiling attack, I launch a CV Strike at Anchorage from MAX range. Cannot risk my CVs by drawing closer. I regret not moving in two more hexes so my Kate carry Torpedo. The Strike finds big, juicy targets in the Harbor! 30 Zero 62 Kate hit BBs Tennessee (5 Bombs), Nevada (5 Bombs), and Arizona (3 Bombs). Several AP/AK are also hit.

Lordy--I want to attack again with Torps but choose to move back and cover the Invasion Force. These BBs take enough damage to put them out of contention for the invasion at least...

April 14th
The Invasion of Cold Bay begins. I Bombard the base with Yamato and a BC and throw all my aircraft into the attack. The Allies respond with planes from Kodiak and Anchorage. In a depressing development, 9 PBY launch a Torpedo attack and manage to put a Torp into Yamato causing some damage. All these PBY are shot down but before they score.

A sizeable attack develops against my CVs as well. My CAP of 65 Zeros has to fight a combined assault of 50 Fighters and 29 SBD. It is a wild-and-crazy dogfight. With great nervousness I watch 18 SBD break through the CAP to dive on Zuiho, Nisshin, and Akagi. The cats and children hide as I look for quick sacrifices but it is OK when ALL of the bombs MISS! BANZAI!!!

Too close for my taste...

With the Battle in the Bay of Bengal wrapping up I decide to pull my CVs for possible deployment in the IO and so they head for the Home Islands.

April 15th-19th
Continue unloading with minimal CD interference. Disruption isn't too bad.

Strikes launched at Cold Bay while the Americans swing at shipping and Dora.

An Air Transport TF arrives from the Home Islands and deposits a Zero Daitai and two Oscar 1-C Sentais. A total of 100 fresh fighters will join the fray within days.

Engineering
Attu AF-2

April 20th
Two BC bombard Cold Bay, several strikes hit the base and troops, and my soldiers launch their first attack. Against two RCT, a TK unit, and several BF we score a 2-1 and drop Forts to 1. GREAT! Will rest a few days and then strike again.

Engineering
Adak Pt-5

April 22nd
Attack again after air strikes but get a 1-2 result. Grr...




OK. I have three SNLF and two artillery units held in reserve. Start loading them so I can add another 180 to the assault force.

We'll hold off assaulting Cold Bay again until these troops are landed and everyone's disruption is better. Predict having Cold Bay by May 1, 1942 barring any unforeseen developments...

This is the news from the Great White North.

[John 3rd]

Combat Report
Theatrewide Update
April 23-May 4, 1942

I apologize for only being able to do updates one or twice a week. With the holidays and work life has been fairly crazy. Things appear stable for the next couple of weeks so I hope to get back into regular and timely updates where readers can jump in and contribute thoughts and ideas to on-going events.

Let us go around the Pacific and Indian Oceans for a Campaign update:

The Aleutians
As detailed in the previous Post the Japanese landing at Cold Bay had gone well and Forts were being dropped. Reinforcements of 4 more SNLF units begin on the 24th and face sporadic aerial attacks (mainly PBYs) that are ineffective. Though stressed about a possible Naval Attack, nothing materializes. I think the spoiling attack I made on Anchorage by my CVs (hitting 3 Pearl Harbor BBs) really helped prevent that.

A Shock Attack on April 26th brings Cold Bay into Japanese control. The American forces retreat into the tundra to the NE of the base. I immediately begin moving Base Forces and a large group of AKs into the base to lift the well travelled 19th ID and bring it back south.

To make life a bit harder on the retreated American units, I form a Fast TF and grab Port Heiden on the 29th. This operation does have cost as CL Yura and a DD take several bomb hits by SBDs flying from Kodiak. Both ships reach Cold Bay, disband, and appear to be OK.

There must be 15-18 US SS operating around the Japanese bases and so I decide to go after them! The Japanese place 3 Daitai of Betty on 20% search and 50% ASW, add to that the damaged Kaga's Vals and the hits begin in earnest. These 100+ planes fly at between 2-4,000 Ft and do well getting hits on SS. As long as Lew keeps them there then I will attack them.

Little does Lew know it but the Aleutian Campaign is now, basically, over from my point-of-view. I pull out all the Japanese major naval units and they are upgrading and/or repairing in the Home Isles by late-April/early-May. As mentioned the 19th ID moves south for new Operations.

Want Lew to think I am continuing my activity here because I am certain he'll be back. To this end I decide to commit the 9th Air Fleet. The 9th Air HQ will go in at Dora Harbor and an Air Flotilla will deploy to Umnak, Dora, and Cold Bay. I'll have lots of support and PLENTY of Torps for any ships that approach. The aerial contingent will stay at 3 Daitai of Bombers, 2 Daitai of Zeros, and 2 Sentai of Oscars for the foreseeable future.

Within a few days I will begin to move units around to settle my garrisons out and make sure I am ready for a possible counter-offensive.

Central Pacific
Everything here has been pretty quiet. I have pulled the Construction and Engineering units out of Midway and Johnston. Both have Forts at 5 and are now slowly increasing them. Their dedicated garrison strength is roughly 180 points (3 SNLF/Nvl Guard) so it will take a serious landing to grab these bases.

My furthest SE Pacific base is Tabitseuea. This fine base is now at Port and AF-3. I have an Air Flotilla, Daitai of Betty, Chutai of Emily, and Daitai of Zero present. A STF of 2 CA, 3 CL, and 8 DD operate from its harbor. They just sank 2 AKL unloading at Canton.

PLANNING: With the victories in the North and Indian Ocean, I have decided to make this are an active theatre again. The 19th ID and South Seas Force will be used for two operations. Canton will be targeted with the month and then a major Operation will move on Christmas Isle. The goal will be to keep Lew Off-track, return attention to this arena, attrit his merchant fleet, and extend his supply lines.

South Pacific
No real developments. Lunga is now a major base with AF-7 and Pt-4. Am shuffling units a bit at the moment but no real plans.

Philippines
On April 24th, Bataan finally falls! As readers might remember in the deep recesses of their memory I had attacked the Philippines on the cheap just committing 2 1/2 ID to the task. To bolster the assault I has moved about a dozen Naval Guard/SNLF units here to give them experience and finish the job. This they do and I have a seasoned, capable force starting to deploy out for new missions.

Got to reduce the central Philippines now and several of the SNLF are detailed for that job.

DEI
The Java Campaign suffered from a want of troops as I moved into India. It is also winding down with Soerabaja falling April 22nd. One of the IDs used there is immediately lifted out and sent to India to help save the Imperial Army fighting for its life over there.

Malang just fell on the 4th and there is only one base still in Javan hands. As soon as it falls these troops (roughly 2 ID) will invade Darwin.

Australia
I had grabbed all bases from Wyndham going west quite a while ago and deployed three Regiments/Brigades (from Mindanao) to Wyndham. They have moved overland, covered by a Sentai of Oscars and Sallys, and reached Katherine on the 3rd. A bombardment on the 4th shows the base is easily takeable. An assault will be launched within a few days.

Darwin is being bombed by a Daitai of Nells escorted by a Chutai of Zeros. There has been little-to-no attempt by Lew to do ANYTHING down here and I greatly appreciate it. Have been WAAAAY too overstretched to react to any other challenges.

Burma
The Monsoon is coming. We play by very clear rules. Starting June 1st Offensive activity basically stops. This means I have a month to finish the campaign. I've grabbed Rangoon and all the bases moving due north to Meiktila. Magwe, Mandalay, and all points from there are still in Allied hands. I have two Inf Brigades about to unload in Rangoon to provide the final attack strength. Plenty of bombers are working over LCUs and AFs in the arena.

India
After the smashing Japanese naval victory mid-month it has been highly exciting trying to save the Japanese Expeditionary Force in eastern India. All my fighting strength was concentrated at Diamond Harbor, Calcutta, and Jessore when he landed at Chittagong.

Since that time I have been moving troops about as fast as possible trying to cobble together enough of a defense to keep things intact until ground reinforcements arrive. In some ways it has been real fun improvising a fight that has reasonably succeeded.

The 2nd ID was pulled out of Jessore and moved east. I had to split it up to help at multiple points but I've re-taken Dacca, got him bottled up in Ledo to the east, and THINK I can hold at Calcutta--Jessore. After moving my warships and CVs back to Port Blair my BBs takeover the load and begin regular bombardments of Chittagong and anything moving on the shore. Additionally, supply was becoming a critical factor so I managed to run 20,000 into Diamond Harbor starting May 1st.

All those lost Naval pilots from the 5 sunk Allied CVs REALLY cause a ruckus! I have nearly 90 elite fighters flying out of Diamond Harbor and they CRUSH the enemy! Planes, of course, get through and do damage (2 BBs, 1 CA, 1 CL, and 3 DD hit by bombs or torps) but their losses are terrible.

PLANNING: The 36th ID from Java and a Mixed Brigade (plus support units) just merged SE of Port Blair. A total of nearly 45,000 troops are now headed towards Chittagong. The base will be retaken and then I will destroy the units in eastern India. Lew's counterattack was brilliant but he is sticking around too long with too many troops. I want them.

China
Offensive Operations are nearly complete. I have driven the troops from Sian all the way up the river moving NW and am now heading north to get at the Chinese oil, resources, and limited HI in that area. Once this is done I will reshuffle the troops and DIG-IN.

Have just bought out a Chinese Brigade and am in the process of purchasing a Chinese ID as well. Deployment to India follows.


This is the overall state of the Empire in May 1942. IF no turns arrive soon, I will move on to details of losses, the economy, and SS action.

[John 3rd]

Here is the current overview of the game:

[John 3rd]

With the furious actions that had occurred in the Bay of Bengal and Aleutians I had lost track of warship overall losses. Just went through and totaled everything (confirmed and unconfirmed) as of May 4, 1942. This Japanese player was astounded by the results!

Total Japanese Losses:
CVs Hiryu and Soryu
CAs Maya and Furutaka
CLs Jintsu, Kinu, Tama, and Kashima (Training CL)
DDs 10 (only 4 Modern)

The Allied Navies:
United States
CVs Hornet, Enterprise, and Lexington
BBs 3
CAS 9
CLs 4
DDs 36

Great Britain
CVs Formidable and Hermes
CAs Cornwall and Exeter
CLs 5
DDs 7

Australia
CA Australia
CL 1

New Zealand
CL 2

Dutch
CL 3
DD 2

Total Allied Losses:
CV 4
CVL 1
BB 3
CA 12
CL 16
DD 50

[X(][X(] Knew things were going well but had no idea they were going THAT well.

Have to think that a portion of my lower losses has come from getting damaged ships quickly to a close Port. Have got a bunch of damaged ships now in Port Blair, Cold Bay, Singapore, and the Home Islands.

Surface engagements have come off with me getting damaged ships and Lew losing his lost of the time. The CV actions and Port Strikes have really added to the Allied totals. Heck---right now I am planning on hitting Columbo where over 70 ships are currently reported...

[John 3rd]

Tracker can provide a better view of sinkings at times. Here is the full list. The one line I draw attention to is look how many APs he has lost to this point in the Campaign:

[FatR]

Well, it seems that trying to operate in Bay of Bengal during the first half of 1942 just doesn't pay off for Allies...

On a whole, attrition of major fleet units benefits Japanese early in 1942. Doubly so if the rate of attrition is rather favorable for them. Now? put your newly acquired long-term surface superiority to good use!

Your superiority in air combat is pretty thorough. Looks like your opponents is too eager to attack. Which at this stage of the war rarely ends well for Allies as well.

[John 3rd]

Spot-On Stanislav!

Lew has been incredibly aggressive. Though surprising I have tried to adapt to his style and take advantage of it. Two areas:

1. The decision to fight in the Aleutians was his to make. When he did I saw opportunity and--rather then react in haste--gathered my forces for a solid blow that has netted solid results. Now I see the Theatre as secondary and have pulled my Fleet unit outs for better use elsewhere.

2. The counterattack in the Bay of Bengal was brilliant but too early. Hanging around with his CVs in one place provided the opportunity to a massed response that cost him 5 CV/CVLs and may cost a significant amount of LCUs if I have any luck.

In both areas Japanese fighters have held the day with excellent crews and have--for the most part--fought over their own bases which truly cuts down on pilot losses. This has really helped the cause. have also tried to rotate the Daitai and Sentai so they are rarely overly tired or with low morale. Seldom have my fighters not been able to protect the bombers and so my losses there too have been fairly light. He must truly be scraping the bottom of the air frame barrel after the massive Air Battles of April.

What is next?

I have 3 CVs in the IO. Three more just passed Puerto Princessa on their way to join-up to form a steel fist that will smash into Ceylon. Recon continues to pick-up 70+ ships including BBs, CVs, and other warships. I want to hit that place with 300 aircraft!

Once the IO Attack is done then the Fleet will move to the Central Pacific to go raiding and tackle his merchant marine. Would like to really go convoy hunting and get some troops moving at sea. Its the cheapest way to get rid of them BEFORE fighting them on the ground.

[John 3rd]

Here is where the undersea portion of the Imperial Fleet is at May 26, 1942:


Submarine Tally Sheet


Ro-Class
Ro-60
AK Henry Grove 02-21-42 Christmas Isle
TK Mobil Fuel 03-11-42 Christmas Isle

Ro-63
AK Empire Hamble 03-07-42 Exmouth
AK Coast Farmer 03-14-42 Newcastle


Ro-65
AP 12-10-41 NE Aust

Ro-66
DD La Triomphant 02-03-42 Suva

Ro-68
AP Mataroa 02-02-42 Horn Island

Ocean Going-Boats
I-2
DD Schley 02-24-42 Suva
AK Florence 03-11-42 Suva

I-3
AP Ormiston (Partial) 12-09-41 106,169
AP 12-10-41 103,172
CL Boise 12-26-41 Balikpapan

I-4
AK Waipo 01-30-42 West Coast
AK Admiral Lewis 01-30-42 West Coast

I-6
AO Neches 01-10-42 West Coast
CM Oglala 02-19-42 Newcastle, Aust

I-7
APD Waters 12-09-41 West of San Diego

I-8
AK Meigs 12-17-41 Suva
AP Bloemfontein 12-18-42 Suva
AK Californian 01-17-42 Suva
AK Kansan 01-17-42 Suva
Part. AK 01-17-42 Suva

I-10
PG 03-23-42 Nagai Isle

I-15
CA Northampton 02-15-42 Cold Bay

I-16
AK Maldiva 01-31-42 Mandalore
AP Van Cloon 01-31-42 Mandalore
AK 02-19-42 Columbo
AK Steel Inventor 03-01-42 Mandalore

I-18
AK Bellerophon 02-01-42 India
TK Athelmere 03-09-42 Bombay

I-20
CL Enterprise 01-21-42 Ceylon
AK Chilka 02-26-42 Columbo
AKL Agnes 02-26-42 Columbo
AK Indira 02-26-42 Columbo
AKL Chaksang 02-27-42 Columbo
AK Edward Luchenbach 03-01-42 Columbo
AK Santa Elisa 03-01-42 Columbo
BB New Mexico (SUNK—3 Torp) 05-19-42 Madras

I-21
AP Mangana 04-23-42 Melbourne

I-23
AK Williams 05-10-42 Palmyra
AK Jacob Luchenback 05-16-42 Palmyra

I-26
TK Connecticut 03-04-42 Kodiak
DD Dent 05-24-42 Anchorage



Minelayers
I-121
AVP Poolster 12-08-41 NE Palembang

I-122
TK Iris 12-08-41 Off Bataan

I-123
AKL 12-09-41

I-124
AKL Bisangas 12-08-41 Off Jolo
AKL Anakin 12-08-41 Off Jolo


Regular SS
I-153
AS Holland 12-10-41 NE Soer
AO Tan 1 12-11-41 SE Balik
BB Warspite (SUNK—4 TT) 05-17-42 Columbo

I-155
CL Dragon 12-07-41 Muntok
CV Lexington (1 Torp) 04-07-42 Bay of Bengal

I-156
AP Hong Siang 12-12-41 Ceylon
AK Floridian 02-27-42 Ceylon
DD Van Ghent 03-11-42 Ceylon

I-157
AK Trieste 02-28-42 Koggala

I-158
AK Damaged 12-12-41 Kendari
AK Clan Alpine 01-02-42 IO
AKL 02-17-42 IO
AKL Ardent 02-26-42 Columbo
AKL Selma City 03-01-42 Madras
AKL Wosang 03-01-42 Madras

I-160
CV Saratoga (2 Torps) 04-17-42 Columbo
AK Hupeh 05-15-42 Trivandrum

I-162
AP Australia Star 12-16-42 DEI

I-164
AKL Santa Ana 03-02-42 Melbourne
CA New Orleans (1 Torp) 05-10-42 Madras

I-165
TK 12-10-41 East of Palem
DD Pakenham 05-13-42 Trivandrum
AK Jaaganga 05-17-42 Ceylon

I-168
DD Monaghan 01-19-42 Suva
TK M. Storey 03-01-42 Kodiak

I-169
AK Coastal Farmer 12-16-41 Pago Pago

I-170
AK Havildar 05-19-42 Cochin

I-172
SS Argonaut 12-11-41 West of PH
AK Panaman 05-04-42 Victoria


Lost Boats
I-162 sunk by Mines at Rangoon 12-08-41
I-1 sunk by Mines at Sydney 12-10-41

Totals
BB—Warspite, New Mexico
CA—Northampton, New Orleans
CL—Boise, Enterprise, Dragon
DD—La Triomphant, Monaghan, Schley, Dent, Van Ghent, Pakenham,
SS—Argonaut
APD—1
AP—8
AK—27
AKL—10
TK—6
AO—2
AS—1
AVP—1
PG—1
CM—1

[FatR]

That's some mightily impressive sub results. Any helpful general tips on sub deployment?