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

[PzB74]

Thx Pauk [:)]
As long as the weird things go against us in ground combat and for us in naval air battles I guess we should be content [:'(]

Hm, not sure there is a way to handle 4Es in 44-46! Need loads of heavily armed fighters and even then we take heavy casualties both in air and on the ground.
I'm trying to build up supplies but there seems to be a huge sink hole that draws it in; just unloaded a large amount with reinforcements that arrived at Rangoon, so Rangoon
has 20k+ again and only Schwebo is in the red now.

No worries about the chinks, Andy already got all his allowed Chinese units in Schwebo so we have nothing more to fear from them.
The 1st tank division has almost unloaded at Rangoon, together with another tank division, a tank bde, an inf division, Army HQ, AA units and arty it will be tasked with
checking any Allied advance into the basin from the north or flanks.

Yeah, I can do that Inq - but I don't have a small unit and it takes weeks to march accross those hexes and I'm afraid the situation will be very much changed by then as we're
falling back to Mandalay.


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Jan 05, 44

Surface Combat

Continued skirmishing around Ramree Island; today we killed 20 Vengeance bombers that came in unescorted to hit our destroyers.
Without being able to sweep his own base it's a bit€h to attack into CAP'ed hexes.

Night Time Surface Combat, near Ramree Island at 54,48, Range 2,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Okikaze
DD Hakaze
DD Akikaze
DD Shiokaze, Shell hits 1, on fire
E Yugao

Allied Ships
DD Bullard, Shell hits 1
DD Daly
DD Sigsbee

Task forces break off...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Ramree Island at 54,47, Range 3,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Okikaze
DD Hakaze
DD Akikaze
DD Shiokaze
E Yugao

Allied Ships
PT-180, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
PT-181, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT-182, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT-183
PT-184
PT-302
PT-303
PT-304, Shell hits 1, and is sunk

Reduced visibility due to Thunderstorms
Maximum visibility in Thunderstorms: 3,000 yards
Range closes to 11,000 yards...

Task forces break off...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

Tried LRCAPing PM but this time the sweepers came first; losses were even.

Morning Air attack on Port Moresby , at 98,130
Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 29 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-61-Ia Tony x 10

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk IV x 17

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-61-Ia Tony: 4 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk IV: 4 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Kittyhawk IV sweeping at 28000 feet *

CAP engaged:
70th Sentai with Ki-61-Ia Tony (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 10 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 30000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 2 minutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Ramree Island at 54,48
Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 99 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 39 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J2M2 Jack x 1
N1K1-J George x 5
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 7
Ki-84a Frank x 6

Allied aircraft
Vengeance I x 15

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Vengeance I: 11 destroyed
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground Combat

I consider the hex north of Ramree Island secured after we reinforced it:

Ground combat at 54,47 (near Ramree Island)
Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 17166 troops, 364 guns, 480 vehicles, Assault Value = 807
Defending force 12276 troops, 176 guns, 654 vehicles, Assault Value = 534

Japanese ground losses:
46 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 3 (1 destroyed, 2 disabled)

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

Assaulting units:
Guides Cavalry Regiment
8th KGV Light Cav Regiment
Gardner's Horse Regiment
75th IAC Regiment
641st Towed Tank Destroyer Battalion
268th Motorised Brigade
5th Indian Division
1st Indian Light AA Regiment
77th Coast AA Regiment
23rd Indian Engineer Battalion

Defending units:
34th Ind.Mixed Brigade
Guards Tank Division
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Ramree Island (54,48)

Allied Bombardment attack
Attacking force 2215 troops, 34 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 110

Defending force 2407 troops, 27 guns, 6 vehicles, Assault Value = 80

Assaulting units:
77th Chindit Brigade
50th Indian Para Brigade
26th USN SeaBees /1
51st (East African) Const Bn /1

Defending units:
3rd Raiding Regiment
2nd Amphibious Brigade
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Aces - Air losses & Naval pools

Yes, we now got both PT boats and midgets in the pools! Took a long time, but seems like it's working now [:)]
Our top ace scored his 15th kill today!

Also; this is the Guards tank division; it's in excellent shape after all the heavy defensive fighting in the jungle.
Now it has been reinforced with a Bde and a crack division has moved into its flank. A third division will soon march on Ramree Island.
- Left flank is secure!

[crsutton]

So, even with a road open to Singapore and Thailand, enough supplies will not flow north to Burma if you have a heavy commitment of troops there? It is an issue for us Allied players when the Monsoons are running. Nice to see it works both ways.

[Rob Brennan UK]

Might it be more prudent to fall back to the forests NE of Rangoon rather than the open terrain around Mandalay. Given the devastation of allied ground attack a/c, staying in open terrain will not be pleasant for your men . All you lose is the industry at Magwe after all while shortening the supply lines. One last ditch attempt to hold a bit of Burma while some engineer units fortify the hexes over the River for the next fall-back (which will happen)

[PzB74]

I have had supply issues all over, mostly because of my attempts to increase production in the Home Islands.
Factories doesn't expand if they have less than 20k supplie - to get this much supply into bases I had to use the draw supply function.
- This again starved Tokyo of supplies and made it more difficult to ship out surplus supplies.

Have now turned all supply draws off and shipped more supply to Singapore and Burma theatres.

I agree Rob, but giving the basin with all its large size airfields to Andy means that:
a) Enemy air strength will swamp our defenses around Rangoon and prevent us from running convoys to Burma
b) Further increase Allied ground bombing capabilities in Burma, reducing the effect of our "jungle line" to the south.

So our first step is to fall back to Mandalay while building another fall back line in the jungle; I will not let go of the basin
unless I have to...when this difficult decision has to be made remains to be seen. If we can hold on until mid May the monsoon will again
cap Andys advances and give us more time. 4 months is a long time though....

What does the rest of you think?

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Jan 06, 44

Mine action

Started clearing the hundreds of mines laid by enemy 4Es at Rangoon.
Already lost one AM and today another one was lost as well as 2 PBs!
- No other ships have hit mines though.

TF 66 encounters mine field at Rangoon (54,53)

Japanese Ships
AM Wa 101
PB Nigitsu Maru, Mine hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
PB Hitora Maru
PB Higashiyama Maru
PB Kaisho Maru

71 mines cleared
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 66 encounters mine field at Rangoon (54,53)

Japanese Ships
PB Kaisho Maru
PB Nigitsu Maru, Mine hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
PB Hitora Maru

17 mines cleared
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 66 encounters mine field at Rangoon (54,53)

Japanese Ships
AM Wa 101, Mine hits 1, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 66 encounters mine field at Rangoon (54,53)

Japanese Ships
PB Kaisho Maru, Mine hits 1, heavy damage
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 66 encounters mine field at Rangoon (54,53)

Japanese Ships
PB Higashiyama Maru
PB Hitora Maru

16 mines cleared
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 66 encounters mine field at Rangoon (54,53)

Japanese Ships
PB Hitora Maru
PB Higashiyama Maru

8 mines cleared
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 66 encounters mine field at Rangoon (54,53)

Japanese Ships
PB Higashiyama Maru

3 mines cleared
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 66 encounters mine field at Rangoon (54,53)

Japanese Ships
PB Higashiyama Maru

1 mine cleared
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ASW Attacks

MTBs with depth charges is a new invention of the latest patch....
Our subs are not successfull against British convoys escorted by destroyers.


ASW attack near Chittagong at 55,42

Japanese Ships
SS RO-103, hits 3

Allied Ships
LCT-144
LCT-139
LCT-134
MTB 293
MTB 286

SS RO-103 is sighted by escort
MTB 293 fails to find sub and abandons search
MTB 286 fails to find sub, continues to search...
MTB 286 fails to find sub, continues to search...
MTB 286 attacking submerged sub ....
MTB 286 fails to find sub, continues to search...
MTB 286 fails to find sub, continues to search...
MTB 286 attacking submerged sub ....
MTB 286 is out of ASW ammo
MTB 286 is out of ASW ammo
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Karachi at 39,8

Japanese Ships
SS I-32, hits 35, and is sunk

Allied Ships
DD Penn
xAK Samoa
xAK Samhain
xAK Kainalu
DD Quilliam
DE Narbada

SS I-32 launches 6 torpedoes at DD Penn
I-32 bottoming out ....
DD Quilliam attacking submerged sub ....
DD Quilliam fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Quilliam fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Quilliam attacking submerged sub ....
SS I-32 forced to surface!
DD Penn firing on surfaced sub ....
DE Narbada firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Penn firing on surfaced sub ....
DE Narbada firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Quilliam firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Penn firing on surfaced sub ....
DE Narbada firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Penn firing on surfaced sub ....
DE Narbada firing on surfaced sub ....
DD Penn firing on surfaced sub ....
Sub slips beneath the waves
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Tavoy at 52,58

Japanese Ships
xAK Malta Maru, Torpedo hits 2, heavy damage
SC Ch 23
xAK Kurogane Maru
xAK Uyo Maru
xAK Tatuha Maru
xAK Kuroshio Maru
xAK Asama Maru #2
xAK Victoria Maru
xAK Yomei Maru
xAK Melbourne Maru
PB Toshi Maru #3
PB Nanpo Maru

Allied Ships
SS Hackleback, hits 4, heavy damage

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

SS Hackleback launches 6 torpedoes at xAK Malta Maru
PB Toshi Maru #3 fails to find sub and abandons search
PB Nanpo Maru attacking submerged sub ....
PB Nanpo Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Nanpo Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Nanpo Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Nanpo Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Nanpo Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

A small selection of A2A combat; removing the hundreds of ground strikes from both sides.

The air war in Burma gives me another challenge! Only George, Franks and Jacks are capable of handling enemy Tbolts, Mustangs and Spits.
The only way to keep these units operational in Burma is to feed all aircraft produced into the frontline. We still have thousands of outdated Tojos and
Zeros around the Empire that cannot be upgraded. Production can only be increased by increasing HA-45 engine production and this is painfully slow as I don't
have that many factories to expand (also ref. mentioned supply challenges).

Morning Air attack on Ramree Island , at 54,48
Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 24 NM, estimated altitude 33,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 42
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 30
Ki-84a Frank x 7

Allied aircraft
P-40K Warhawk x 3
P-40N1 Warhawk x 1
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 2

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
P-40K Warhawk: 1 destroyed
P-40N1 Warhawk: 1 destroyed
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 1 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
22 x N1K1-J George sweeping at 30000 feet *
16 x Ki-44-IIb Tojo sweeping at 15000 feet
13 x N1K1-J George sweeping at 30000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 34th Ind.Mixed Brigade, at 54,47 , near Ramree Island
Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 49 NM, estimated altitude 35,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J2M2 Jack x 3
N1K1-J George x 10
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 18
Ki-84a Frank x 10

Allied aircraft
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 3 destroyed
Ki-84a Frank: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 3 destroyed
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 34th Ind.Mixed Brigade, at 54,47 , near Ramree Island
Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 22 NM, estimated altitude 30,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J2M2 Jack x 1
N1K1-J George x 7
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 8
Ki-84a Frank x 5

Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIb Tojo: 1 destroyed
Ki-84a Frank: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4U-1 Corsair: 2 destroyed
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

Tried driving a small enemy LCU back from our right flank of Ramree Island.
(Only para unit shock attacked, not division). We were heavily repulsed despited
having an unmodified av of 500 vs 131.

Ground combat at 55,48 (near Ramree Island)
Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 13259 troops, 151 guns, 16 vehicles, Assault Value = 498
Defending force 3026 troops, 6 guns, 44 vehicles, Assault Value = 131

Japanese adjusted assault: 364
Allied adjusted defense: 409

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
835 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 73 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 42 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 8 disabled

Allied ground losses:
180 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 17 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 12 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Assaulting units:
9th Division
Yokosuka 1st SNLF
2nd Amphibious Bde /1
36th Field AA Battalion
2nd Medium Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
45th Indian Brigade
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 54,47 (near Ramree Island)

Allied Bombardment attack
Attacking force 4133 troops, 64 guns, 159 vehicles, Assault Value = 816

Defending force 12283 troops, 175 guns, 653 vehicles, Assault Value = 542

Assaulting units:
268th Motorised Brigade
8th KGV Light Cav Regiment
Guides Cavalry Regiment
75th IAC Regiment
641st Towed Tank Destroyer Battalion
Gardner's Horse Regiment
5th Indian Division
1st Indian Light AA Regiment
77th Coast AA Regiment
23rd Indian Engineer Battalion

Defending units:
34th Ind.Mixed Brigade
Guards Tank Division
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Ramree Island (54,48)
Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 2152 troops, 34 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 108
Defending force 2412 troops, 27 guns, 6 vehicles, Assault Value = 80

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

Assaulting units:
77th Chindit Brigade
50th Indian Para Brigade
26th USN SeaBees /1
1883rd EAB /10
51st (East African) Const Bn /1

Defending units:
3rd Raiding Regiment
2nd Amphibious Brigade
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Cribtop]

I believe you're doing the right thing. Hold at Mandalay if possible while preparing the Toungoo/Prome line for eventual pullback. Just be sure you keep the option to retreat in good order open in case the Mandalay Line proves untenable (which it very well might given the open terrain). In other words, in the back of your mind keep the possibility that Mandalay may just be a delaying action from the get go.

I would also give some longer term thoughts to the distinct possibility that Andy has had enough fleet losses that he now plans to "take the hazard out of play" as they say in golf and just drive all the way to Malaya and IndoChina. In other words, think about whether Andy decides he will never re-focus his schwerpunkt out of the CBI theater. Not saying he will do this at all, but he loves the ground game and seems to be building a bit of momentum here. This may even be a desireable option for you as it's hard to see him obtaining the bases to bomb Japan into cinders if he never gets back to the Pacific. In fact, it can be argued that he is already out of time for a SWPAC approach and will someday be forced to cut the corner by going via CENTPAC. As painful as it is, every month you keep him fighting mostly in Burma is a month closer to '46.

[janh]

Yip, your strategy seems to be quite sound, and there is little true option.  The ground battles will be tough and you probably will suffer quite terribly against the latest allied materiel, but if you can delay him 4 months, you will reach a period to rebuild.  Clearly the war has reached a new phase now -- with delaying actions and attrition battles.

I assume that this battle will be decided in the air, rather than on the ground, though.  If the allied LBA gains air superiority, it will tear your ground forces to shreds.  Stop that, and the going will be much slower for Andy.  

[PzB74]

Thx for the input guys, much appreciated [:)]

4 months is a long time but we'll do our best!
I count on an enemy drive into Central Pacific in 2 quarter of 44. We got some 1300 AV in Line Islands and I'm
tempted to leave them there, will cost Allies huge sacrifices to reclaim Christmas Island and it's a great outpost stocked
with supplies and fuel for our scouts and subs.

The process of falling back from the Solomons has started, I envision a line in the sand between PM - Rabaul - Truk in this region with
the Marshalls as a fortified zone. Marianas is being reinforced as we talk, same with SRA (wich is already very strong).

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Jan 07, 44

Removed the horrific 1000 air attacks and fights from report...see screen with air losses instead.
In genereal we're cutting down a swath of enemy ac each turn but can only maintain local air superiority around
Rangoon - Ramree area of Burma front.

No matter how painfull it is, I've started upgrading Zero and Tojo units in the SRA to George, Jacks and Franks out of our
meagre reserve pools in order to force a buildup of the Air Force outside of Burma theatre.

Ground Combat

Despite a horrible 1-8 odds we suffer more losses than Allied attackers [8|]

Ground combat at 54,47 (near Ramree Island)
Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 17300 troops, 364 guns, 481 vehicles, Assault Value = 817
Defending force 12349 troops, 175 guns, 653 vehicles, Assault Value = 549

Allied adjusted assault: 91
Japanese adjusted defense: 815

Allied assault odds: 1 to 8

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

Japanese ground losses:
693 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 37 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 21 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Vehicles lost 13 (1 destroyed, 12 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
219 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 19 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 29 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Vehicles lost 27 (2 destroyed, 25 disabled)

Assaulting units:
641st Towed Tank Destroyer Battalion
Gardner's Horse Regiment
Guides Cavalry Regiment
75th IAC Regiment
8th KGV Light Cav Regiment
268th Motorised Brigade
5th Indian Division
77th Coast AA Regiment
1st Indian Light AA Regiment
23rd Indian Engineer Battalion

Defending units:
34th Ind.Mixed Brigade
Guards Tank Division
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air losses and Burma

This is my fallback line in Burma - the reserve Army (2 tank div, 1 inf div, 1 tank bde - some 1100-1200 AV) takes up position in Toungoo;
- Here it will be in position to check any rapid Allied assault or breakthrough in / out of the basin.

We now got 2 inf div, 1 tank div, 1 inf bde fighting in the left flank around Ramree Island and ca 3000 AV in the basin plus another 1000 AV on the top
right flank plus cut off / retreating units.

It's not so horrible to loose LCUs, they can be rebuilt and as is correctly stated; if Andy has to spend 2-3 weeks getting rid of a division behind his lines it may
just be worth the sacrifice.

Medan is now a size 9 airfield and Victoria Point is size 8, together with Bangkok these bases form the strongpoints of a Malaya - IndoChina defense.

[beppi]

Regarding you Forces in the Line Islands. With the new ability to rebuild any LCU if destroyed i would say leave them there. As soon as they are destroyed you can still rebuild them. It would just be a problem if Andy bypasses them, but even then you could try some rescue through Subs.

[ny59giants]

Production can only be increased by increasing HA-45 engine production and this is painfully slow as I don't
have that many factories to expand

Thankfully, I just increased the Ha-45 from 200 to 600 over a series of days in Nov 42. I have just three factories and may have to convert a Ha-35 over (I have 1000 building right now, may be too many).

Any success using Nicks or other FB set for Naval Attack at 100' off of Burma??

[crsutton]

Do you still produce any Tojos at all. Seem like they are useful due to their 1 service rating? How many front line fighters can Japan produce at this late stage of the war? Do you feel the pinch with other devices such as tanks and artillery. I am curious if the devs hit the mark with this as far as Japan goes.

Much to my surprise-even as I get to 1944 in my campaign, I don't see a lot of surpluses in the Allied pools. I though I would be swimming in stuff but that is not the case. I suppose the build up to Normandy prevented that in the Pacific.

[inqistor]

I see quite lots of enemy transports. Probably delivering supplies. If you have trouble with supplies, Allies must have greater, because their bases are further. You should use some anti-ship planes (some VAL unit?), and sunk all this junk.
Also, they are already on clear terrain, have you released Hirohito Wrath (hundreds of bombers) already? I think, with enough numbers, they should burn enough LCU supplies, to make them ineffective, so stalling whole offensive. You get surprisingly good exchange ratio (like, more than 2:1), so all seems good for now.

ORIGINAL: crsutton
Do you feel the pinch with other devices such as tanks and artillery. I am curious if the devs hit the mark with this as far as Japan goes.

Tanks are generally problem, from the beginning, but I doubt there is possibility to be short of Armament Points.

Much to my surprise-even as I get to 1944 in my campaign, I don't see a lot of surpluses in the Allied pools. I though I would be swimming in stuff but that is not the case. I suppose the build up to Normandy prevented that in the Pacific.

Yeah, it seems real push comes in 10/11 1944. Maybe there were no reason to send equipment to ETO then, as supply lines were jammed anyway?

It seems, that main bottlenecks Allies should target, until this time, is Japanese Ships, and Pilots, because only those Allies can outproduce, until 1945.

[pauk]

This is my fallback line in Burma - the reserve Army (2 tank div, 1 inf div, 1 tank bde - some 1100-1200 AV) takes up position in Toungoo;
- Here it will be in position to check any rapid Allied assault or breakthrough in / out of the basin.

We now got 2 inf div, 1 tank div, 1 inf bde fighting in the left flank around Ramree Island and ca 3000 AV in the basin plus another 1000 AV on the top
right flank plus cut off / retreating units.

Medan is now a size 9 airfield and Victoria Point is size 8, together with Bangkok these bases form the strongpoints of a Malaya - IndoChina defense.

Andy will land somewhere behind your main def. line - Malayan peninsula?! Or he will try to land at VP or even Medan if he think that your defence is insufficient.

He just cant help himself - he's Churchill kind of guy (Galipoli).

[Rainer79]

In addition to expanding the Ha-45 series you should also check your Ha-33 stockpile. Quite a few airframes change engine types during '44 which can take you by surprise if you don't plan for it.

[PzB74]

We can always hope Pauk, but not so sure he wants to do that and destroy his rebuilt carrier force once more [;)]
Medan is well protected by a host of surrounding major bases.

I'm using my Nicks to low level ground attacks, not so keen on vasting pilots without low naval attack on LCTs and PT boats.
Since most of the ships are miniscule LCTs and MTBs so not really worth a major effort.
- Our medium bombers force is small and fragile, the crack units have been held back for ASW missions and I refuse to waste such
high end pilots on LCTs...one day we meet a CAP of 50 Tbolts and that's it.

Thx for the advice, got 1750 HA-33 engines stockpiled but increased production a bit today.
No, not producing Tojos - got decent stocks left.

Not really feeling any shortages, my problems has been supply distribution and upgrades;
When the Tojo upgraded their engines upgraded as well and the 400+ factories didn't auto convert but started at 0/400...and this
killed us [:o] Will take another 4-6 months to peak production of high end fighters again and in the meanwhile I've turned of Peggy and Frances
production to prioritize Franks, George and Jack fighters.

Will be slow going for a week got family visiting and a busy agenda!


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Jan 08, 44

Sub Attacks

We still have subs around looking for temtping targets...preferably targets without destroyer escorts!

Sub attack near Pearl Harbor at 185,97

Japanese Ships
SS I-34, hits 5

Allied Ships
TK Mobilstation, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
SC-703

SS I-34 launches 6 torpedoes at TK Mobilstation
SC-703 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC-703 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC-703 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC-703 attacking submerged sub ....
SC-703 is out of ASW ammo
SC-703 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

Poor SBDs....

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Ramree Island at 54,48
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 117 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 43 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J2M2 Jack x 1
N1K1-J George x 6
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 6
Ki-84a Frank x 10

Allied aircraft
SBD-5 Dauntless x 19

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-5 Dauntless: 12 destroyed

Japanese Ships
DD Yayoi
DD Matsukaze
DD Umikaze
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

Looks like the enemy stack has expended its strength north of Ramree!

Ground combat at 54,47 (near Ramree Island)
Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 13092 troops, 300 guns, 322 vehicles, Assault Value = 798
Defending force 11786 troops, 175 guns, 651 vehicles, Assault Value = 512

Allied adjusted assault: 270
Japanese adjusted defense: 1837

Allied assault odds: 1 to 6

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(+)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
198 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 18 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 17 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

Allied ground losses:
448 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 39 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 48 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Vehicles lost 20 (1 destroyed, 19 disabled)

Assaulting units:
Guides Cavalry Regiment
641st Towed Tank Destroyer Battalion
268th Motorised Brigade
8th KGV Light Cav Regiment
75th IAC Regiment
Gardner's Horse Regiment
5th Indian Division
77th Coast AA Regiment
1st Indian Light AA Regiment
23rd Indian Engineer Battalion

Defending units:
34th Ind.Mixed Brigade
Guards Tank Division
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air & Sea

Enemy air losses are heavy - ours very small; at least today [:)]

[inqistor]

What with supply in major refinery centers? There should be plenty in Palembang, Java, and SE Borneo.

ORIGINAL: PzB
I'm using my Nicks to low level ground attacks, not so keen on vasting pilots without low naval attack on LCTs and PT boats.
Since most of the ships are miniscule LCTs and MTBs so not really worth a major effort.

I would say midgets, but there is probably strong air ASW there. So that leaves surface raiders. Maybe MTBs?
You should not allow Allies to get supply to front. It seems it will be your best way to stop the offensive.

[PzB74]

You think so [:'(]
I've sucked em dry, look at attached screen for bases with max supplies in Jap Empire!

Midgets have a range of max 12, it's 18 hexes for the roundtrip from Rangoon to Ramree Island and no way to refuel the subs.
But when have I ever let you down, take a look at this turn and see what efforts were made against Allied supply and logistics in Burma area [;)]

This was a really hefty turn, not sure were to begin.
- A Jap bombardment TF was sent against Akyab: 2 Kongos, 2 heavy, 2 light and 8 destroyers.
4 destroyers were ordered to sweep enemy waters before the heavies went in.

Of course Andy decided on a major effort this day as well and we had a heck of a brawl.
Our 4 destroyers sank some PTs and LCTs but as the bombardment TF went into Akyab it met 7 enemy destroyers which managed to hit Haruna with a torpedo.

The bombardment was still a success; supply hits and ac destroyed on the ground.
I thought the worst was done with but nope! The bombardment group run into a few MTBs and a huge LCT convoy and sinks a score of them.

After all this hefty action the bombardment TF runs into yet another enemy surface combat TF; 4 destroyers led by heavy cruiser Boston.
Our ships now barely have ammo left, are low on almost everything and poor Haruna sucks up another 2 torpedoes and she sinks...a destroyer is put on fire and has to be
scuttled while the Boston is left a burning wreck.

During the air phases numerous enemy air strikes on our ships are costly failures and we again claim lots of air kills with our top ace now having 17 kills.
The Combined Fleet High Command has now decreed that only second class CA / CL / DDs will be used in Burma theatre.

So even though we achieved a lot today the loss of the Haruna was unfortunate but such is war!


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Jan 09, 44

Night Surface Combat

Night Time Surface Combat, near Ramree Island at 53,47, Range 1,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Umikaze
DD Kisaragi
DD Yayoi
DD Matsukaze, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships
LCT-130
LCT-131
LCT-132
LCT-133
LCT-134
LCT-135
LCT-136, Shell hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
LCT-137
LCT-138
LCT-139, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
LCT-140, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
LCT-141
LCT-142, Shell hits 3
LCT-143, Shell hits 26, and is sunk
LCT-144, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
MTB 278
MTB 284
MTB 285
MTB 286, Shell hits 1
MTB 293

Allied Task Force Manages to Escape
Task forces break off...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Ramree Island at 53,47, Range 2,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Umikaze
DD Kisaragi
DD Yayoi
DD Matsukaze

Allied Ships
PT-183
PT-184, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
PT-302
PT-303, Shell hits 3, and is sunk

Task forces break off...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Ramree Island at 53,47, Range 5,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo, Shell hits 1
BB Haruna, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 1
CA Aoba
CA Kako
CL Kuma
CL Tatsuta, Shell hits 1
DD Okinami
DD Natsushio
DD Yukikaze
DD Hagikaze, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Kawakaze
DD Tadeshiwa
DD Tachekaze
DD Satsukaze

Allied Ships
DD Black
DD Conner, Shell hits 1
DD Izard
DD Kimberly, Shell hits 1
DD Sproston
DD Wickes, Shell hits 4, on fire
DD Queensborough, Shell hits 1, on fire

Task forces break off...
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bombardments

Night Naval bombardment of Akyab at 54,45

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
Vengeance I: 2 destroyed on ground
Mosquito FB.VI: 1 destroyed on ground
P-40K Warhawk: 1 destroyed on ground
F4U-1 Corsair: 1 destroyed on ground
Albacore I: 1 destroyed on ground
Swordfish II: 3 destroyed on ground
Vildebeest III: 1 destroyed on ground
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 1 destroyed on ground
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed on ground

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
CA Kako
CA Aoba
CL Tatsuta
CL Kuma

Allied ground losses:
94 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 10 destroyed, 12 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled
Vehicles lost 14 (6 destroyed, 8 disabled)

Airbase hits 25
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 127

F1M2 Pete acting as spotter for BB Kongo
BB Kongo firing at Akyab
CA Kako firing at Akyab
CA Aoba firing at Akyab
CL Tatsuta firing at Akyab
CL Kuma firing at Akyab
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Day Surface Combat

Day Time Surface Combat, near Akyab at 54,45, Range 6,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
BB Haruna
CA Aoba
CA Kako
CL Kuma
CL Tatsuta
DD Okinami
DD Natsushio
DD Yukikaze
DD Hagikaze
DD Kawakaze
DD Tadeshiwa
DD Tachekaze
DD Satsukaze

Allied Ships
PT-183
PT-302, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Akyab at 54,46, Range 9,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
BB Haruna
CA Aoba
CA Kako
CL Kuma
CL Tatsuta
DD Okinami
DD Natsushio
DD Yukikaze
DD Hagikaze
DD Kawakaze
DD Tadeshiwa
DD Tachekaze
DD Satsukaze

Allied Ships
LCT-130, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
LCT-131, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
LCT-132, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
LCT-133, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
LCT-134, Shell hits 4, and is sunk
LCT-135, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
LCT-137, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
LCT-138, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
LCT-141, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
LCT-142, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
MTB 278, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
MTB 284
MTB 285, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
MTB 286, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
MTB 293, Shell hits 1, and is sunk

Task forces break off...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Akyab at 54,46, Range 4,000 Yards
Japanese aircraft
no flights

No Japanese losses

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo, Shell hits 3
BB Haruna, Shell hits 21, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
CA Aoba, Shell hits 3, on fire
CA Kako, Shell hits 1
CL Kuma, Shell hits 2, on fire
CL Tatsuta, Shell hits 1
DD Okinami, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Natsushio, Shell hits 4, heavy fires
DD Yukikaze
DD Hagikaze, Shell hits 2
DD Kawakaze, Shell hits 1
DD Tadeshiwa
DD Tachekaze, Shell hits 1
DD Satsukaze

Allied Ships
CA Boston, Shell hits 22, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Charrette, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Cotten, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Hale, Shell hits 1
DD Murray, Shell hits 2

Task forces break off...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Ramree Island at 54,48, Range 3,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Okikaze
DD Hakaze
DD Akikaze
E Yugao

Allied Ships
LCT-325, Shell hits 4, and is sunk
LCT-326, Shell hits 4, and is sunk
LCT-327, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
LCT-328, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
LCT-329, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
LCT-330, Shell hits 9, and is sunk
LCT-352, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
LCT-353, Shell hits 6, and is sunk
LCT-354, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
LCT-355, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
LCT-356, Shell hits 8, and is sunk
LCT-357, Shell hits 9, and is sunk
LCT-358, Shell hits 4, and is sunk
PT-317
PT-318, Shell hits 5, and is sunk
PT-319, Shell hits 8, and is sunk
PT-327, Shell hits 3, and is sunk

Task forces break off...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

Morning Air attack on TF, near Bassein at 51,50
Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 114 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 32 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 18
B-25G Mitchell x 6
P-38G Lightning x 21
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 12
F4U-1 Corsair x 40

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
CL Tatsuta

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 9000 feet
Naval Attack: 6 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
6 x B-25G Mitchell bombing from 9000 feet
Naval Attack: 6 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
5 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 9000 feet
Naval Attack: 6 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
5 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 9000 feet
Naval Attack: 6 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Ramree Island at 52,47
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 37 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J2M2 Jack x 3
N1K1-J George x 7
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 7
Ki-84a Frank x 5

Allied aircraft
A-36 Mustang x 13
B-25D1 Mitchell x 17
F4U-1A Corsair x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K1-J George: 1 destroyed
Ki-84a Frank: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
A-36 Mustang: 3 destroyed
B-25D1 Mitchell: 1 damaged
F4U-1A Corsair: 3 destroyed

Japanese Ships
DD Natsushio, heavy fires
DD Tachekaze
DD Satsukaze

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 9000 feet
Naval Attack: 6 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
6 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 9000 feet
Naval Attack: 6 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
5 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 9000 feet
Naval Attack: 6 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Natsushio
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Ramree Island at 54,48
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 117 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 32 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 1
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 4
Ki-84a Frank x 7

Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 6
B-25G Mitchell x 5
P-38J Lightning x 22
F4U-1 Corsair x 8

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 1 destroyed
P-38J Lightning: 4 destroyed
F4U-1 Corsair: 2 destroyed

Japanese Ships
DD Akikaze
DD Hakaze

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 9000 feet
Naval Attack: 6 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
5 x B-25G Mitchell bombing from 9000 feet
Naval Attack: 6 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Bassein at 51,50
Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 99 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 27 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 6

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CL Tatsuta
BB Kongo

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 9000 feet
Naval Attack: 6 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Ramree Island at 52,47
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 18 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J2M2 Jack x 1
N1K1-J George x 1
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 1
Ki-84a Frank x 2

Allied aircraft
B-25G Mitchell x 8
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 12
F4U-1 Corsair x 8

No Japanese losses
No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
DD Tachekaze


Aircraft Attacking:
8 x B-25G Mitchell bombing from 9000 feet
Naval Attack: 6 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
4 x P-47D2 Thunderbolt sweeping at 11000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Port Moresby , at 98,130
Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 73 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 20 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 3
B-25D1 Mitchell x 6

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 1 damaged

Port supply hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 9000 feet
Port Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 9000 feet
Port Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Ramree Island at 52,47
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 20 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-84a Frank x 1

Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 7
F4U-1 Corsair x 8
F4U-1A Corsair x 8

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 5 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Satsukaze
DD Hagikaze
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Ramree Island at 54,48
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 73 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 20 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 1
Ki-84a Frank x 2

Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 7

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Okikaze
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Ramree Island at 52,47
Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 36 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J2M2 Jack x 2
N1K1-J George x 9
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 6
Ki-84a Frank x 3

Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 31
F4U-1 Corsair x 52

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-84a Frank: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 2 damaged
F4U-1 Corsair: 4 destroyed

Japanese Ships
DD Tachekaze
DD Satsukaze
DD Hagikaze
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Ramree Island at 54,48
Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 115 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 32 minutes

Japanese aircraft
N1K1-J George x 1
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 4
Ki-84a Frank x 8

Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 6
F4U-1A Corsair x 9

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 4 damaged
F4U-1A Corsair: 3 destroyed

Japanese Ships
DD Okikaze
DD Hakaze
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Ramree Island at 52,47
Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 30 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J2M2 Jack x 2
N1K1-J George x 7
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 1
Ki-84a Frank x 1

Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 8
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 12

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
DD Satsukaze
DD Tachekaze
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

Isn't this a-typical: We finally get our 2nd division north and attack the enemy "brigade" which now has been reinforced by several divisions.
Another stand off...the front on the left flank is totally dead-locked!

2 allied brigades attack and routs a small recon regiments far north in the jungle.

Ground combat at 55,48 (near Ramree Island)
Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 24955 troops, 271 guns, 48 vehicles, Assault Value = 908
Defending force 27822 troops, 513 guns, 371 vehicles, Assault Value = 1009

Japanese adjusted assault: 318
Allied adjusted defense: 1942

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 6

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

Japanese ground losses:
1853 casualties reported
Squads: 33 destroyed, 121 disabled
Non Combat: 9 destroyed, 108 disabled
Engineers: 3 destroyed, 13 disabled

Allied ground losses:
358 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 29 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 34 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled

Assaulting units:
9th Division
33rd Division
Yokosuka 1st SNLF
2nd Amphibious Bde /1
36th Field AA Battalion
28th Army
2nd Medium Mortar Battalion

Defending units:
7th Indian Division
45th Indian Brigade
26th Indian Division
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 58,44 (near Mandalay)
Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 3513 troops, 67 guns, 42 vehicles, Assault Value = 460
Defending force 937 troops, 4 guns, 42 vehicles, Assault Value = 33

Allied adjusted assault: 94
Japanese adjusted defense: 1

Allied assault odds: 94 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), fatigue(-), experience(-), supply(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
222 casualties reported
Squads: 8 destroyed, 12 disabled
Non Combat: 9 destroyed, 20 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 30 (11 destroyed, 19 disabled)
Units retreated 1

Allied ground losses:
Units pursuing 2

Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
72nd British Brigade
26th Indian Brigade
29th British Brigade

Defending units:
22nd Recon Regiment
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Burma on Fire

We have received the first Jap LST - a tad late but ok [;)]
Preparations for leaving Schwebo is under way and 2 shattered regiments and a tank division have already
moved to Mandalay. The Burma Area Army consists of 3 Corps and the 3rd Corps is just setting up at Toungoo, the first is in the basin while the second is on the left flank.

[traskott]

What a bad ratio for the Corsair !!! [X(]

[janh]

indeed, corsairs + lightings and mustangs compared to george and franks... poors allied fighters.  yet poor harunna, despite the odds.  this will be be a hot battle.  surely the ultimalte outcome is beyond doubt, but still the order of the day is "have Andy pay".  For every hex he advances...  And for sure there will be plenty of instances to cause the allied Lba and ground forces headaches...

[PzB74]

This was a turn when we intercepted naval attack strikes that were heavily escorted by Corsairs etc.
- All fighters su€k in the escort role, it's like they get tied up and become sitting ducks.

Of course Jahn, we just want to maximize Allied torment until the end of the game [;)]
Andy wasn't sure the loss of a new Baltimore CA really was worth the Haruna sinking. We lost a fast carrier escort, fragile but usefull.

Here's his last comment for tomorrows turn:
"Not sure a new Baltimore Class is a good trade for Haruna....ah well lets see how the carpet bombing attack goes next turn
- I am trying to take a page out of another theaters book lets see how it works."

Gawd knows what this means, the pesky 4Es will probably try to smash a major base again - another theatre; hm, Rabaul?

[PzB74]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Jan 10, 44

Lots of regular ground bombing but no carpet bombing as announced....
I used the opportunity to evacuate non essential vessels and air units from the most exposed bases.

Ground Combat

Andy continues to attack north of Ramree Island!

Ground combat at 54,47 (near Ramree Island)
Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 12709 troops, 300 guns, 321 vehicles, Assault Value = 785
Defending force 11684 troops, 175 guns, 655 vehicles, Assault Value = 506

Allied adjusted assault: 171
Japanese adjusted defense: 965

Allied assault odds: 1 to 5

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

Japanese ground losses:
359 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 41 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 17 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled

Allied ground losses:
484 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 37 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 36 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled

Assaulting units:
Gardner's Horse Regiment
641st Towed Tank Destroyer Battalion
75th IAC Regiment
Guides Cavalry Regiment
268th Motorised Brigade
8th KGV Light Cav Regiment
5th Indian Division
77th Coast AA Regiment
1st Indian Light AA Regiment
23rd Indian Engineer Battalion

Defending units:
34th Ind.Mixed Brigade
Guards Tank Division
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ML?

Why is this boat classified as a ML? It got torps, low speed and can be converted to "ML" with depth charges instead of torps.
No idea what to do with em....can't pool em or anything and range is 7 hexes.

..possible it's a "Motor Launch" - MTL.