Typhoon of Steel: John vs. Bill--RA 3.0

[John 3rd]

Hmmmmm...will think on that comment. Don't like the possibilities at all.

[seille]

Did not want to scare you, John. Just a few what if´s.
How about two days of sweeps before the first port attack ?

[guctony]

ORIGINAL: seille

Ok.

Lets say your SBD trap on day one works and he realizes (looking at a 150 plane CAP) that there might be something bigger coming in.
What setup he´ll use for his PH planes on day two ? Especially for the fighters ?
Couldn´t a very high amount of CAP screw your plan or do you think your day 2 sweep is enough ?
There are some factors that might cause problems including uncoordinated, unescorted strikes or maybe your sweeps not starting.

I can remember that i had a "funny" air result over China a while ago. My sweeps started in the morning phase. The weather (or whatever...) over the target airfield
did not allow the enemy fighters to start. In the afternoon my unescorted bombers arrived. The weather was better over the target and the enemy
CAP awaited my poor IJA bombers.

Can you make some night airfield attacks before your ambush. Forcing him diverting to night interception. Also when you go for max-sweep. It should be better to scapegoat some low experienced bomber attacking at 100 feet airfield bombing.

[John 3rd]

Couldn't really plan on having the AF open to launch the night attacks. Just got Kona BLASTED by Idaho and New Mexico.

Maybe two days of Sweeps is the right way to go?

I've got a turn to run and will then jump back on with an update of the last several turns.

[guctony]

ORIGINAL: John 3rd

Couldn't really plan on having the AF open to launch the night attacks. Just got Kona BLASTED by Idaho and New Mexico.

Maybe two days of Sweeps is the right way to go?

I've got a turn to run and will then jump back on with an update of the last several turns.

Why dont you park you battle line in kona with KB giving Air cover from behind. till you increase fort level etc.

[ny59giants]

Right now your focus has to be hitting his ships at Pearl. After you cause enough damage to severely reduce his ability to send out BB TF to close your AFs, everything else will be easier.

[John 3rd]

Operational Report
March 28-April 2, 1942

Thanks for the comments regarding the upcoming Operation. Michael is right that there are multiple objectives here: 1. Attrit the SBDs, 2. Damage his Fighter Arm, and 3. Damage his warships. I have got to find a way of stopping the bombardments more often. There has been real progress here but I need to put his Fleet out of action for a balanced time so I can achieve other goals. If anyone has more ideas and variants to the planning PLEASE jump in with them!

This is a pretty good couple of days for the Empire.

North Pacific
No excitement. I am running in small Fuel and Supply TF to provide for some operational flexibility in the future.

On the 2nd I load an SNLF and two JNAF BF to capture Amchitka. Need another operational AF.

Central Pacific
Hawaii
Allied Bombardments: Lahaina 3/27, 3/28, 4/2 and Kona 3-30

BATTLE! I am fuel critical at this point. The decision is made to keep the BBs and BC Kirishima close and then try one more time to bring on an engagement. The calculated risk works on March 29th. BBs Yamato and Ise, BC Kirishima, and 4 DD intercept American forces approaching Kona.

Round 1: The Japanese have to fend off 9 American PT Boats. No damage is done either way and the action is quite short.

Round 2: The American Bombardment TF arrives with CAs Portland and Pensacola, CLs Achilles and Honolulu, and 4 DDs. The Yamato Captain--threatened by death from the High Command--has drilled his crew endlessly since its first engagement a few days ago. That practice bears fruit when Yamato's 2nd salvo results in 3 18" and 5 6" hits on the Portland. Overall the Yamato hits 22 times, Ise chimes in with 8 hits, and Kirishima scores 4. The Portland is SUNK! Pensacola crippled but gets away. CL Achilles collides with DD Walke during the fight. They are sunk as well as DD Downes. The Japanese lose DD Hatsushima in return. NOT BAD!

More importantly the TF gets out of air range by daylight and they head for Christmas on fumes...

MINES! Three mine explosions have been heard and I got the report that SS Gudgeon hit a mine on the 30th. So far--so good...

CVs
I pull back all CVs to Midway and Christmas. The CVs replennish their sorties, Torps, and aircraft. I disband all the TF for 2 days of R&R. Set all the Daitai to Train and rebuild their morale some. On the 2nd, Bill realizes that the CVs are away and TF leave PH. I order all CVs out to catch these slow TF (Kates will use bombs) and then we'll attack PH. Midway has Hiryu, Soryu, Ryujo, Junyo, and 3 CVL. Form them into two TF with slower Ryujo and Junyo in one and the other five in their own. All four of the heavy CVs (CarDiv1 and CarDiv5) leave together from Christmas moving NE. Will fly out the Vals tomorrow and bring in the Zeros and Kates. As said earlier fuel is critical so I do not bring any of the BB or BC.

I've got 100,000 fuel approaching Christmas and Midway and that should allow further operations for a while.

South Pacific
Run a couple of Construction Bn into Luganville to help base construction. I've got 3 small TF running around capturing the bases and dot hexes throughout the Solomons, New Britain, and New Guinea.

Australia
Wnydham has the AF at 3 and climbing. I've got about 90 Bombers and 36 Zero flying out of here supported by 54 Bombers in Lautem. The bombers have been hitting Daly Waters and Katherine's AF as well as LCUs in the area.

Paras land at Darwin on the 1st but do not have enough PUSH to take the base from the CD unit. I have an Infantry unit about to land at Darwin and they will take it. To HECK with the CD!

The 48th ID is now loading at Manila to augment this assault to drive the Aussie Forces back past Tennant Creek.

Cocos Island
Returning the Bombardment favor--but NEVER as well as the Allies in Hawaii--I have two BBTF hitting this base every few days.

Recon spots shipping in the area on the 27th so I vector CAs Kumano--Suzuya into the hexes and bring my 2 CS and CVE into range. The results are pretty good. Two AK and 3 AKL are sunk. The following day sees a large TK sunk. I'll take 6 ships in two days.

Burma
Myitkyina is the focus of action now. Two Para SNLF and 2 TK Reg at present attacking the base with an Inf Div and 4 Art units approaching fast.

China
Force are at the Kungchang and approaching Tienshui. Only 1 unit holds Kungchang (3 units are in the hex south) and it will be attacked by 2 Inf DIv, 2 Art Units, and a HQ. IF the other units don't get there in time then this base should fall ASAP. I will then advance north and capture that oil center.

Am working to drive back Chinese units toward Changsha as well as gather some strength around Nanning in the south.

SS Action
I-174, I-25 damaged by ASW near PH

3-30 Ro-65 sinks AK Exhibitor by shells and TT at Noumea
3-31 I-21 finishes SS Gudgeon near PH
4-2 I-1 sinks AK Exchange by shells and TTs at Noumea

Engineering
Fusan AF-4
Manila AF-4
Wyndham AF-3
Lunga AF-3
Soerabaja AF-6
Pagan AF-3
Kaifeng AF-5
Rabaul Pt-7
Paramushiro Jima Pt-4
Manila Pt-4

Bases Captured
3-28 Waingapoe
3-29 Emirau, Toboali, Togian, Boeton
3-30 Terempa
3-31 Kirakira, Ruteng, Sepandjang, Talasea
4-01 Stewart Isle, Treasury Isle
4-02 Lashio, Billiton, Gorontalo, Sidate

Shipping Totals
Allied Losses: 5 AK, 3 AKL, 1 TK, CA Portland, CL Achilles, DDs Walke and Downes, SS Gudgeon
Japanese Losses: DD Hatsushima

[John 3rd]

Operational Report
April 3-12, 1942

The war is beginning to settle down some. Burma is definitely winding down. China is active but semi-calm. Australia is VERY active. Hawaiian Operation continue to go fairly well.

North Pacific
Amchitka is taken on the 8th with an SNLF, two Base Force, and two Construction Bn forming the initial garrision.

Bill is bringing in regular convoys to Umnak so I bring together 3 older DDs to form a small STF based at Attu. Ships are spotted at Umnak on the 11th and the little boys are sent in. Might see action on the 13th.

I've also vectored in 4 I-Boats for Operations up in this region.

Adak was hit by 7 B-18 and 11 A-24 on the 6th. They were met by 27 Zero who shredded them.

Central Pacific
I had to pull all my CVs back to refuel and rearm them at Midway and Christmas Isle. They were effectively out of position for a week of time. Bill used this fact to maximum advantage and ran several convoys in and out of PH. He took great pride in this and I keep telling him I am not there to capture the base. Just want to attrit his Fleet and hurt his Merchant Marine. This is quite effectively done as my CVs scoot back into the blockade beginning on the 4th and 5th. Many sorties are flown sinking numerous ships. If my count is correct here are the day-to-day losses:

4th--2 AK and 2 AKL
5th--7 AK, 2 AKL, and 2 AG
6th--2 AK, 5 AKL, 4 AG, 1 PC, 2 YP I-21 hits CA Astoria (secondary explosion) outside of PH.
8th--1 AK and 1 AKL

TOTAL: 10 AK, 10 AKL, 6 AG, 1 PC, and 2 YP

The 6th is a good SS Day with hitting Astoria and a bad SS day when CVL NIsshin is smacked by SS Grouper (WORKING Torp). On first look this is terrible with Sys 17 and Flot 46, however, the crew has done great work. The CVL is just a day out from Midway and damage is now Sys 16 and Flot 42. Things look pretty good for the moment.

Operation Eastern Wind Two
Form-up all the CVs into one hex on the 10th. Refuel the Fleet and detach the 4 DD to draw in the SBDs. On the 12th they move to a range of 7 hexes with no response. Tomorrow I move the DDs to 5 hexes and the CVs (CAP 30% and LRCAP 40%) to 8 hexes distant from Pearl. We'll see if the SBDs fly...

STUPID Move: I had a TF of 4 AA units and a Base Force sitting SE of Hilo. After a bombardment I ordered the TF in to unload. Later in the Orders I changed my mind and then FORGOT to do it. The APD, PC, and 6 AK arrived and got SMACKED hard. About 50% of things were unloaded so that is good but I lost the entire TF. On the bright side I had 44 Zero flying and they dropped nearly 30 American Fighters and 14 SBD. Careless move on my though.

Capture French Frigate Shoals to serve as a distraction.

FUEL! Damn. I need MORE of it. Have got a good system running right now but don't have enough TK to go between the DEI and Home/DEI and Hawaii. I knew this would be rough but it is getting more and more interesting...

PLANNED EVAC: The whole point of this operation was to inflict serious losses on the Americans and then know WHEN to get out. I am tentatively beginning to see June 1st as the Evac Day. Want to trade more blows with him and keep some form of garrision to MAKE him take Hilo/Kona back but I want to get the support LCU, planes, and most of the Infantry out. Have well over 125 AK/AP at Christmas waiting for this decision.

SURFACE BUSHWHACK: Finally get my BBs and BCs fueled at Christmas and they move north in two TF (3 BC and 6 DD with 2 BB, 1 BC, 1 CL, and 4 DD) to attempt another smackdown of Allied cruisers hitting Kona/Hilo. Have to say that Forts are now 3 and moving to 4 at these bases and so the Bombardments are not nearly so bad.

South Pacific
Have additional troops moving into Luganville and Lunga. Have gotten tired of watching TF move around Noumea so I send a set of freshly repaired ships from Japan. Two modern CA, 2 Kako's, a CL, and 7 DD arrive at Lunga--refuel--and split to sweep through Noumea and Efate. This turns out quite well when 2 CA and 3 DD sink 3 PG and 3 AKL at Noumea.

Also move an Air Flotilla to Lunga. A Daitai of Zeros and Chutai of Nells are now operating out of here. They will be reinforced.

Australia
CHAOS! Secure Darwin April 3rd and move towards Fenton. I've got nearly 200 bombers pounding about 24 different units in the area from Tennant Creek north. Been a lot of punches and counter-punches. There are big units here including two Aussie ID and a TK Brig. The 48th ID arrives ar Darwin and moves south. The other ID and 6 TK Reg are moving and trying to hurt his units wherever they can be hit. Pretty Fluid here...

Cocos
Regular Bombardment by my BBs.

I have CL Kitakami (a Training Cruiser in this Mod) hit by two Torps from PBY on the 6th. The initial damage is horrific at 30 Sys--74 Flot--5 Eng but the ships MAKES IT to Batavia with the numbers being 24--70--03. Saving the CVL and CL is quite something considering Japanese Damage Control.

CVE Unyo joins CVE Taiyo at Batavia. They each carry 15 Zero and either 9 Val or 9 Kate. With the company of CS NIsshin they depart Batavia and shall go convoy hunting.

Burma
Begin attacking Myitkyina and should capture it on the 14th. All Burma bases are now mine and just have to push out the units within the area. Have a 3rd Inf Div coming and will then gradually reinforce the Theatre to a strength of 5 ID.

China
Kungchang is missed being taken by the Sian-Based Japanese troops by one lousy day! Bill swings in 7 Chinese Corps the day I attack the base. ARGG! Settle in for seige operations again.

He has broken up his Corps left and right into their 3 component units. Is this smart or dumb? Never seen it before...

The troops just outside of Changsha keep hitting the Chinese there and manage 1-1 but cannot yet climb over to get the magical 2-1 number. Patience...

SS Action
3rd--I-158 sinks TK Ferncastle and Damages TK Peik off Addu Isle in the IO
6th--I-21 hits CA Astoria with 1 TT outside of PH
10th--I-162 sinks TK Iris and Damages TK Piona off of Bombay

Engineering
3rd--Pt Arthur AF-6, Saipan Pt-6, Wyndham AF-4
5th--Fanning AF-1
6th--Adak Pt-3, Hilo AF-4, Rangoon Pt-5, Lautem AF-4, Bihoro AF-6
7th--Sendai Pt-6
8th--Ominato AF-5, Broome Pt-2
10th--Mutankiang AF-7
11th--Nagasaki AF-4

Bases Taken:
3rd--Choiseul Bay, Rambutya, Groot Natoena
4th--Cape Glouester
5th--Bandjermasin, Sigoe, Tambelan, Kangean
6th--Buna, 1,000 Ships Bay
7th--Umboi, Sandakan, Fenton
8th--Amchitka, Sangi, French Frigate Shoal, Makin, Danggala, Vella Lavella, Russell Isle
9th--Soebi
10th--Long Isle, Sampit
11th--Kiska, Rekata Bay
12th--Bathhurst, Gasmata, Ontong Java Isle

Ship Losses during this Report:
Allies: 12 AK, 12 AKL, 2 TK, 6 AG, 4 PC, 2 YP
Japan: 6 AK, 1 APD, 1 PC

[John 3rd]

Operations Report
April 13-15, 1942

Well Operation Eastern Wind Two is complete and I'm not really sure if I can say if it was horrific or OK. This entry will focus on Eastern Wind and plans as well as the rest of the board. Will cover other theatres first and then detail the last two days around Hawaii.

North Pacific
Amchatka Landings are wrapping up as the last of my supplies and troops disembark here.

Umnak My little strike force of 3 DD sink a large AMc without any loss.

South Pacific
Have four little TF racing around grabbing up the islands and dots throughout the region.

A STF (2 CA and 3DD) sink an AKL at Noumea on the 15th.

Australia
Fluid is hardly a word for it right now. I'll try to Post a screenshot. Bill is trying to withdraw down to Tennant Creek and I am doing my level best to damage his units as they head down the trail/road. Nearly 200 Bombers are hitting his troops and doing good work. I am trying to swing in behind him and get to Daly Waters before the bulk of his troops do. Right now 5 TK Reg and an Inf Div are approaching the target.

Am now loading another Inf Div at Manila to bring down here. This will make 3 of them operating in NW Aussieland.

Cocos
My augmented CVE TF (2 CVE and 1 CS) is now patrolling SW of Cocos.

A STF of 1 CL and 3 DD sink an AK around here on the 13th.

Burma
Myitkyna (Sp?) falls on the 13th. All Burma is now mine. I'm driving troops out of the hexes near Katha and Myit and will then rearrange everyone. Paoshan will be on the next target list once I've got things straitened out.

China
Back into siege warfare in the north. Bill is moving lots of units and I am driving on the northern economic targets.

Fighting continues in the hex east of Changsha as I try to drive his units back into the city proper. Not much luck but am attriting his units.

Am concentrating forces around Nanning for a limited southern push.

Engineering
Port Arthur AF-7
Palmyra Pt-3
Naga Pt-3

Captured Bases:
13th--Serasan and Ketapang
15th--Reef Island and Duff Island


OPERATION EASTERN WIND TWO
On the 13th I gather all my CVs together with the 2nd Special Attack Force of 4 DD just 7 hexes from PH. Nothing happens. I decide to send the DDs to Lahaina and then Kona to see if that generates a response while the KB Sweeps PH.

14th--Lahaina
The DDs run into a Bombardment TF of 2 CA, 2 CL, 5 DD. Though heavily outweighed, this TF does well in sinking DD Monaghan, smacking CA Australia with a Torp, and crippling two more DDs. These plucky ships only suffer one hit between them. Nice work!

14th--PH Sweep
A total of 139 Zero move into PH air space and a spirited battle occurs. They take on roughly 137 American planes (P-40, P-39/P-400, and F4F). The dogfighting takes quite a while and the Japanese do well.

14th--Kona
The most pleasant aspect of the day is over Kona where the Americans make repeated strikes at the Special Attack Force. A total of six waves of strike aircraft (3 in the morning and 3 in the afternoon) attempt to sink my ships while 45-50 Zero defend it. The results are EXCELLENT since most of the American Fighters are over PH. DOWN drop SBDs and Devastators! I do lose two of the DDs due to hits from a pair 1,000lb bomb each.

TOTALS: The Japanese lose 32 Zeros for the day but only 14 pilots. In exchange the Americans lose 26 F4F, 9 F2, 22 P-39/P-400, 21 P-40, 45 SBD, and 15 TBD. Roughly 130 American planes are shot down or destroyed. NOT BAD!

Planning: Move the KB and Sweep the morning with Port Attack in the Afternoon.

15th--Morning Sweep
After the Losses from the day before I am stunned to find 210 Fighters over Pearl as my morning Sweep comes in. My immediate thought is to dread the afternoon. I had lovered my CAP over the CVs to 30% and so 175 Zero come in. The fight is surprisingly short and not too bloody. REALLY DREAD what is to come.

15th--Port Attack
The Strike comes in two waves 99 Zero with 139 Kate and then 35 Zero and 48 Kates. Nearly 220 US Fighters are in the air. IT SUCKS! Bad. Very Bad. Of the 187 Kates launched 121 get through to hit PH. This is the GOOD news. Numerous ships are hit with 800Kg bombs striking six BBs. The Maryland, Warspite, Idaho, Arizona, New Mexico, and Pennsylvania are all hit between 2-5 times. Arizona and Pennsylvania--still there from Dec 7th--are Heavily Damaged and Idaho is listed as on Fire (secondary explosion)). At least it is something. After the strikes occur and the horrific AA is done the American fighters get post-strike attacks: NASTY!

Joining the bloodbath are two waves of Bombers--with NO fighter escort--from Kona who get slaughtered.

TOTALS: Japanese losses APPEAR catastrophic with 68 Zero, 142 Kates, 20 Nells/Bettys, and 21 Sally. American totals are 85 planes with 9 F4F, 34 P-39/P-400, and 42 P-40s shot down. I've detailed the damage within the Harbor but add 2 CA, 1 CL, and 11 smaller ships to the damaged list.

Once the turn is complete I positively dread looking at the CVs but am then shocked at what I find. There are horrible plane losses but not terrible pilots losses. It was so startling that I actually wrote it down to Post here. These are kate units with planes left and pilots available:

Akagi (27)
12 Planes--29 Pilots

Kaga (27)
5 Planes--24 Pilots

Hiryu (21)
5 Planes--22 Pilots

Soryu (21)
8 Planes--21 Pilots

Shokaku (54)
9 Planes--28 Pilots, 5 Planes--20 Pilots

Zuikaku (54)
2 Planes--24 Pilots, 6 Planes--25 Pilots

Junyo (12)
12 Planes--17 Pilots

Ryujo (18)
18 Planes--25 Pilots

Zuiho (12)
11 Planes--15 Pilots

Shoho (12)
9 Planes--16 Pilots

I am at a loss with seeing these number but WILL NOT complain! Pretty crazy. Comments on this? Has anyone ever seen anything like this result?

It is going to take a while to rebuild all my Kate Daitai with aircraft. I am currently producing 80 Kates a month with NONE in the stockpile. Add 20 to my numbers...

Kido Butai Planning
I need to pick my Vals back up from Christmas and Johnston. Will also send off my two extra Zero Daitai from CarDiv1 to Kona

I need to bring CVs elsewhere so it is time to do that. I think I will pull a CarDiv 5 (Sho-Zui) and my CVLs (Zuiho and Shoho) back to Christmas and then send them south for some raiding. Need to see what they might bag down there...

The remaining CVs will stay in blockade position to hide my shifting of carriers as well as try to bag more shipping.

WITHDRAWAL: I now will shift to active planning for the withdrawal from Hawaii. MY biggest concern is how to pull out the troops at Lahaina. I've got an Air Flotilla, Base Force, a Combat Command of the Sendai Division, and the Imperial Guards Brigade. Think I can bring in some air transport to begin a lift but really don't want to sacrifice all those experienced soldiers. Will have to think about that...

Total Losses for the 3 days:
Japanese: 2 DDs
Allies: DD Monaghan, SS O19 off Cocos, 1 AK, 1 AKL, 1 AMc, 1 PT

[jonreb31]

Ouch. You got lucky with the pilots but those Kate losses may hurt.
I was similarly lucky with four of my elite Tojo pilots who were mistakenly set to a 100ft strafe attack. Flak shot down 4 planes from the squadron before they could even start firing yet the pilots miraculously parachuted 100 miles back to home base, ready for more.

[Durbik]

4 planes you say? my intel said 1 :D

(or this is entirely different game of yours!)

[John 3rd]

ORIGINAL: JonReb

Ouch. You got lucky with the pilots but those Kate losses may hurt.
I was similarly lucky with four of my elite Tojo pilots who were mistakenly set to a 100ft strafe attack. Flak shot down 4 planes from the squadron before they could even start firing yet the pilots miraculously parachuted 100 miles back to home base, ready for more.

Saw the bottom of your Post and now have to listen to Johnny Horton!

I did get somewhat lucky with losses, however, Kates will take nearly two months to replace. I did notice that I've got about 75 of the B1 older version so I'll shift to that for a bit until I can refit everybody else.

[John 3rd]

Operational Report
April 16-17, 1942

In the aftermath of the Pearl Harbor Strike, we begin a period of transition within the Empire.

North Pacific
No appreciable action. He is flying night sorties of B-18s against my bases.

Just got an Air Flotilla in Tokyo and it is now moving to the Aleutians. Would like Torps on my Strike Planes up here...

Central Pacific
I have been keeping a STF running into Kona to prevent any bombardments. These 3 BC catch an attempt to mine the base on the 16th. The battlecruisers easily sink DDs Sims and Hammann.

My BB are now in position to work the bases too. Order Yamato/Ise/Kirishima to swing up to Kona and the 3 BC to cover Hilo. Bill is due to attempt a bombardment at these bases so we'll try yo get some sinkings.

My air complement in Hilo and Kona is changing. I order out 3 Daitai of Betty/Nell and fly in the two extra Daitai of Zeros that were on CarDiv1. There are now nearly 200 Zero on the two bases. I've got several AKL bringing fuel in as well as my CM due to thicken the Minefields. My hope is to CAP Trap his aircraft make them fight over MY bases. This will reduce my losses and increase his. As to bombers remaining I have 27 Betty and 12 Vals set to Naval Attack--Range 3 to try and take out any cripples from a surface engagement.

The mines are working at the bases because I have heard several mine explosions over the last couple of turns. Am dropping off 225 mines at Kona in two days and that will serve to cause some trouble.

If he is trying to mine my harbor, then I need some CD. The Wake CD unit has arrived and I have 2/3 of it going to Luganville. Decide to grab to the remainder and bring it to Kona. Won't be much but it should take out any MLs.

DD Mutsuki hits an American mine--this is how I discovered the minefield--and then gets nailed by 3 1000lb bombs from SBDs on the 16th. The attack pays a pretty good price as 9 Fighters and 7 SBD are shot down by my CAP.

CVs
Am shuffling the CVs. I've decided to detach CarDiv1 and 2 CVL for South Pacific duty. They head for Christmas on the 16th. I'll reform the TF there and pick-up Kates as well as Vals. The remaining CVs are steaming at cruise speed maintaining the 'appearance' of the blockade.


South Pacific
Am prepping the Infantry Brigade at Rabaul for Luganville. When it passes 50% I ill load and use it.

Australia
More Chaos. He has 3 Aussie Inf Div, 2 Tk Brig, 3 Inf Brig, and numerous support units trying to get to Tennant Creek. My LBA is having a field day! I add another 54 Bombers to the fray as two Daitai of Bettys move to Darwin.

Burma
Not much to say: reshuffling units...

Philippines
Mindanao I launch an attack at the troops in Malaybatay and get soundly beaten (1-6)! FINE. Order 65th Brigade at Manila to head there. Got to start taking all the remaining Philippines bases...

REINFORCEMENTS: I am going to buyout the 9th Inf Div from Manchuria tomorrow. I've already got a Chinese Inf Div that I bought out for only 700 PP about a month ago sitting at Pt Arthur. These two Inf Div will be lifted off together and sent to Australia. With his force commitment in the NW, I am seriously thinking about landing at Townsville to freak him out a some and begin to shift the focus from Hawaii...

Engineering:
17th--Manila AF-5

Islands Occupied:
16th--Woodlark
17th--Goodenough Isle, Vanikoro, Utupua

Sunk Ships:
Americans: DD Sims and Hammann, 3 PT
Japan: DD Mutsuki

[Cribtop]

Re pilot losses, did you have a lot of subs near Pearl on the day of the attack?

[John 3rd]

Yes. There are over a dozen moving around the area.

[Cribtop]

Assuming they still rescue pilots a la WitP, that probably helped a lot.

[John 3rd]

I guess they are like Fluckey on the USS Barb! (Pulled that from memory--hope I got it right?!!)

[John 3rd]

Operational Report
April 18-22, 1942

The expanse of the Pacific is seeing action in nearly all quarters. The Japanese are reorganizing for the next phase of operations and FUEL is being moved as rapidly as possible so things may continue without pause.

North Pacific
A slow build-up is happening up here. The capture of Amchatka to reinforce the Air Fields in the north goes on without opposition. Need to do some serious recon and find out how Bill has units dispersed up here. Plan on committing a bunch of Infantry as soon as the reinforcements arrive from the cue. I refer to the normal 5th Fleet reinforcements that are in every scenario. Once they arrive I will finish isolating Umnak and start pounding it. My small NorPac Strike Force is now a mighty 4 DDs! [8D]

Central Pacific
Hawaiian Operation---We have gone a period of well over a week without a bombardment of Hilo or Kona. This is too bad since I have been keeping a STF moving into the hexes in hopes of catching something. I might do something a bit more risky and send the 3 BC TF to Lahaina and have them return to Kona where I have 150+ Zero now operating. Might be one heck of a surprise! Hilo is about to go to Lvl-5 AF and Forts are both at 3 climbing fairly quickly. Should note I have never had to run supply into these bases. When I initially landed I brought over 100,000 with the Invasion Force and haven't had to land any ever since. Rather nice.

I've begun flying out troops from Lahaina. A Transport Mavis Chutai is doing the work and will be soon helped by my Daitai (27 Planes) of Tina.

Am running about 1,000 fuel in to Kona to help my Midgets and Barges. Maybe this will provoke an air attack...

CVs
It appears I have successfully withdrawn CarDiv1 with CVL Zuiho/Shoho. I pulled them out and sent them south and then due west. On the 20th-22nd they have been used as stepping stones to move my Vals from Johnston and Christmas to Hilo and then on to Sho and Zui. I had pulled these DB off the heavy CVs so they could embark extra Kates for the Pearl Harbor Raid. Now they have their Vals again and I order Akagi and company to head for Rabaul. Need to replace planes! Once this is accomplished they will make their presence known in the South Pacific.

The remaining CVs (in 3 TF: Junyo/Ryujo, CarDiv2, CarDiv5) continue to operate east, northeast, and north of PH. I sweep slightly towards the West Coast and bag 2 AK and 2 YP on the 20th. Fuel is slowly dropping but I have two pairs of AOs moving towards the carriers from Midway and Christmas. Should be able to stay on station for about two more weeks.

Surface Action
My STF covering Kona hits a mine and detachs CL Yubari and a DD TOWARDS Lahaina on the 18th! What the Hell? OK. His SBD sortie and lose Yubari but not before he loses 14 F4F/F2A and 19 SBD. Hate a useless sinking but I did, at least, bloody his planes.

The next day I plant 200 more mines at Kona (450 now) and sweep the American minefield away.

Invasions
Capture Malden on the 18th and Jarvis on the 22nd. Don't really plan to do much here other then move a small BF and Naval Guard to Malden for Air Search Purposes.

South Pacific
Nearly done capturing dot bases in this area.

A substantial reinforcement convoy arrives at Lunga on the 20th carrying a large Base Force, Air Flotilla, and some smaller engineering units as well as 15,000 supply. Once unloaded they will be picked up and shuffled around to other bases. Want to make Luganville fully operational so some of them will move there. Now have 27 Zero and 36 Betty/Nell present with another 54 Betty/Nell earmarked for arrival.

Port Moresby gains a Base Force and two small Engineer units to begin prepping its AF for use.

The 38th (former China Inf Div) and 9th (former Manchurian Inf Div) leave Port Arthur in APs heading for Rabaul on the 22nd. The troops are prepping for Cooktown and Cairns, Australia. Departing on slower AKs are 3 Artillery Units and a Base Force. More units will be picked up in a few days at Tokyo. There is a move coming in NE Australia and I think I will attempt to sow some panic with my opponent...

Australia
BIG NEWS in this region. As detailed earlier, the Aussie 2nd and 3rd Inf Div as well as the 3rd Brigade were at Katherine as I swept in from the west and passed it in the east. I counted nearly 43 units on the road/trail between Katherine and Tennant Creek. My goal was an envelopment and I THINK it has been accomplished!

Attack Katherine on the 18th with the 38th ID and get almost a 2-1. Missed it by only 7 assault points. Drive the Aussies out on the 19th but not before the large Infantry units pull out to the south so I don't bag a lot of destroyed squads.

The big news is on the 20th my 5 Tk Regiments arrive in front of the 5th Inf Div at Daly Waters. Attack on the 21st and just barely miss the 2-1 (again by just 11 points). Order ALL my bombers (200+) to hit the troops present there. CAPTURE the target on the 22nd and force 12 units to retreat. Look at the numbers of destroyed Squads: 38 Combat, 455 Support, 41 Engineer, 43 Guns, and 247 Vehicles! BANZAI! Immediately start flying in the 16th Army HQ so I can get the better bonus. More transports will bring in supply starting on the 24th. The big Infantry Division will arrive on the 24th and then I will split the armor to hexes west and east of Daly. Right now that trail between Katherine and Daly Waters is to become a ROAD OF DEATH! All my bombers will begin hammering the units between those points. Hammer and Anvil time! Daly is the Anvil and the 38th Inf Div coming down from Katherine (as well as another ID--due to arrive in two days at Darwin) is the Hammer. I want nothing short of a surrender right now. There is the real chance I can surround the two Aussie ID. That lose would be horrific for an Australian player. Even if I cannot destroy them they will be MAULED! No supply and a long way from home...

These developments are why I am now planning to land in the NE Aussie arena. Will Post a screenshot in a few minutes after this entry.

CVE Support
With these developments, I order my 2 CVE (Taiyo and Unyo) and CS Nisshin hunting NW of Perth. The TF departs Batavia on the 19th. While not much (21 FP, 30 Zero, 9 Val, and 9 Kate) they will cause issues and concern with my opponent.

Burma
Looking good. I need to finish off Warazup. Have attacked the last two turns in a row and nearly had a 2-1 each time. There is a theme of just barely NOT getting the 2-1 in this post!

China
Lots of sparring in the north and near Changsha. Have attacks scheduled for the 23rd and will report developments then.

Home Islands
Supply is quite good at the moment so I load 100,000 for Singapore (to then be spread around), 25,000 for Christmas, and 50,000 for Rabaul. With Fuel so short, I impress about 100 AK for fuel runs to Truk, Port Blair, Babeldoap, and Rabaul. It isn't efficient but I need the fuel!


SS Operations
18th---I-27 sinks TK Sunadmiral at Cold Bay in the Aleutians
20th---Three mine explosions noted on the 19th around Hawaii
22nd---I-8 heavily damaged near PH and, hopefully, headed to Midway and then home.

Bases Taken:
18th---Malden, Tagula, Rossel
19th---Katherine
20th---Santa Maria, Torres Island
21st---Lakatoro
22nd---Jarvis

Engineering
18th---Fusan AF-5, Tabiteuea AF-4
20th---Rangoon Pt-6, Fanning Pt-1
21st---Luganville AF-1
22nd---Adak Pt-4, Mandalay AF-3

Sinkings:
Allies: 1 TK, 2 AK, 2 YP
Japan: CL Yubari

[John 3rd]

Here is a screenshot of the action with details!

[John 3rd]

The board is pivoting as the Japanese and Chinese move troops further into the west. Here is the chaos of Northern China. My troops are ready to attack at the hex NW of Sian and the town of Kungchang. Additional soldiers are moving up towards the PRIZE--Lanchow. As a surprise I have a Brigade crossing due west along that road...