Newbie Allies vs. Experinced WitP

[Crackaces]

*****************************************04/15/1942******************************************************************
Sub Warfare:


Well I-29 did not make it .. she sunk off the coast of Eureka. I suspect this will cause a change in the IJN submarine tatics and I should see less parking of submarines off of SF & LA. I also suspect that this turn I will start nailing submarines parking off of PH.

So far:

SS I-29 IJ Navy 4/15/42 208,66 near Eureka DC Rack/ Mk 7 DC 11 2200
SS I-26 IJ Navy 4/10/42 175,102 near Niihau Mk 6 Mine 11 2200
SS RO-68 IJ Navy 3/26/42 105,132 near Woodlark Island 500 lb GP Bomb 6 988
SS I-6 IJ Navy 3/16/42 106,58 near Hiroshima/Kure DCT Mk IV/Mk VII DC 8 1900
SS I-22 IJ Navy 3/12/42 176,107 near Niihau 500 lb GP Bomb 11 2184
SS I-20 IJ Navy 1/2/42 97,158 near Maryborough Mk XVII Mine 11 2184

The mine attacks were attempts for IJN submarines to mine critical locations but instead I had the last say ..

Burma Air:

We continue our ground attack bombing mission and was greeted by Oscars this time:

Morning Air attack on 1st Raiding Regiment, at 58,47 (Meiktila)

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 8 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 8



Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 19


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 5 damaged

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

Morning Air attack on 2nd Raiding Regiment, at 58,47 (Meiktila)

Weather in hex: Clear sky

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

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 15



Allied aircraft
Blenheim I x 11
Blenheim IV x 32
Hudson IIIa x 12
Hurricane IIb Trop x 40


Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 3 destroyed

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
258 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 15 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 15 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled


In one week of air attacks we have inflicted 25% causualites on these two raiding units. Some might think this is "gamey" or the losses disproportionate. I might agree if these troops were dug in but they are moving in the open headed to Mandalay with little air cover. In RF the AVG 3rd squadron held back an armored column by straffing the moutain passes. Here we are turning loose about 50+ effective bombers hitting roads an dbridge choke points.

He is doing the same to my BF's running for their lives:

Morning Air attack on 44th Indian Brigade, at 57,48 , near Magwe

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 8 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48-Ib Lily x 16



Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-Ib Lily: 3 damaged


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


Aircraft Attacking:
16 x Ki-48-Ib Lily bombing from 3000 feet *
Ground Attack: 2 x 100 kg GP Bomb

Also attacking 104th RAF Base Force ...
Also attacking 44th Indian Brigade ...

Afternoon Air attack on 44th Indian Brigade, at 57,48 , near Magwe

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48-Ib Lily x 6



No Japanese losses


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


CenPac:

One intelligence report has me very concerned:

AM Vireo shadowed by H6K4 Mavis at 137,134 near Tabiteuea

That means he is has reliable patrol aircraft within range of Tarawa, and that arc extends past Tabiteuea . Once forces start to mashall in the Tabiteuea area they will more than likely be detected. That means using Baker Island for the replenishment point and using Tabiteuea strictly as an air base asset. That also means marshalling the task forces for a Tarawa invasion south of Tabiteuea and taking 1 full day under surveillance before hitting the beaches.

We have to think about this at Crackaces HQ .....


SocPac:

The IJ sweeps continue at Port Moesby:

Morning Air attack on Port Moresby , at 98,130

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 27 NM, estimated altitude 26,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 29



Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 2


No Japanese losses

No Allied losses




I forgot to standdown the damaged aircraft and when they were fixed .. they try to fly .. luckly they turned and ran away ....[:'(]

[Crackaces]

BURMA:

The picture below shows the devleoping situation. Intel tells us that the 1st Imperial Guards and 2 Art units are headed into theater. The immediate threat is a reported 17K troops headed toward Mandalay from Prome. I suspect it will take about 4 -6 days to move into position. Once these forces are in the open we will begin to attack vigorously with our LB's. With luck we can trim off 10% or so of operational troops and stem the tide to just Mandalay until his reinforcements come.

This turn we continue the Ground Attack on the 1st Raider Rgt, which should be down to 75% strength plus whatever disruption. My bombardment attack above shows only 3 guns for counterbattery fire.

It is not at all in my thought to hold Mandalay. But if we can make it more expensive -- it gives us time to develop defenses at Ledo. He is about 3 weeks behind the historical curve and much more significantly significant US forces are 1 -2 months ahead of the curve due to variant reinforcements. In two weeks we will have 5 CV's in CENPAC theater.


Pacific Ocean Areas:

Though we will have 5 CV's, the Hornet still needs to trade in the Helldivers for Dauntless DB's for example. Notwithstanding that problem ... we are still replacing airplanes from the Baker Island victory.

Multiple units are shipping from SF and SD including the 147th RGT, and 7th & 9th Marines to PH. Once the upgrades are done and the CVTF's can be supported -- we will start our deployments into the SoPAC theater. Any defense of the New Caladonia chain will require CD's to discourge bombardment and airpower along with the ground troops. This all has to be staged with mobile aircover.

Very Soon Tabataeua will be a level 5 airfield. Once this happends Long Range B-17s and B-24's will be able to fly to SF- PH-Tabataeua - Ndeni-OZ to stage at any of the level 5 airbases. This mobility allows us to quickly stage our bombers at the big airfields while using the atolls for fighter support. At any one of these areas we can quickly stage our bombers and begin to attack ports, airfields, and ground units as the battlespace dictates.

The immeidate goal is to move more beans, bullets, and butts into New Caladonia and its back to the concept of mobile aircover to safely do this.

[Crackaces]

******************************************18 APR 1942*************************************************************

Intelligence has been very good to us today.

I have calculated about 10 AV left for the 1st Rading Rgt. I have 200 AV at Mandalay; although morale is very low (10's), and disruption and fatigue are very high. However ...I say we do a deliberate attack and roll the dice on these Bastarrrrds ....!!! [8D]

I have also determined there is about 50 AV on Tarawa. The 7th Naval Construction Bn has 0 AV and will contribute zero to the shock attack. The 53rd Naval Guard Unit is about 50 AV. Given a fort level of 5 when we drop ashore 300 AV after the second phase 6-1 adjusted to 1-1 we should take this Island the second day when all 600 AV [assume 100AV casualties.] unload. The first attack being = 1-1 adjusted or better is critical or the landing on the Atoll stops.

We continue to move forward in putting all the assets in place to take Tarawa. We need the CVTF's to provide air cover and they are waiting on support ships to come out of the Pen. The AKE's & AO's will move to Baker Island for the reloading & replenishment. The AP's and AK's for 2 Divisions are at PH. Now it is only a matter of pulling the trigger.

More later!

[Crackaces]

*****************************************APR 18, 1942 ***********************************************************************

BURMA
Ground combat at Mandalay (59,46)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 3361 troops, 18 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 225

Defending force 406 troops, 3 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 5

Allied adjusted assault: 64

Japanese adjusted defense: 1

Allied assault odds: 64 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: leaders(+), disruption(-), preparation(-), fatigue(-)
supply(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
227 casualties reported
Squads: 10 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 6 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 3 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 1


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

Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

We have spanked a shatted raiding rgt and this gives us a chance to go into rest mode for a couple of days. But .. 800 AV is coming down the road... I suspect they are heading for Mandalay .. and my tinsy weensy 225 AV.

I will have to defend the night this was a great raid and his stuff is starting to get night trained:


Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

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

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 17



Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 7 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIb Trop: 8 damaged
Hurricane IIb Trop: 1 destroyed on ground
Blenheim IV: 8 damaged
Blenheim IV: 3 destroyed on ground
Hurricane PR.II: 2 damaged

[DOCUP]

Nice job all around here CA.  Bomb his 800 AV just like you did the raiding rgts.  He will prob LRCAP them.
 
 

[Crackaces]

ORIGINAL: DOCUP

Nice job all around here CA.  Bomb his 800 AV just like you did the raiding rgts.  He will prob LRCAP them.

He has devoted some LRCAP but not enough, and he does not have enough fighters in theater to keep it up i.e. rest fighters from the fatigue penality.

I am actually happy he comitted the Betty Bombers at night and showed their hand. I am now very very concerned that his Betty's will find the CVTF in that area or the forces at Akyab. Nothing like 26 Betty's finding 8 Transports. Plus the RADAR and AA are still abord the ships and are offloading exteremly slow. Anyway, for sure my little Brit carrier is no match for LBA torp attacks.

I just saw 2 DD's in Ragoon. I am thinking he has sneaked in the 1st Imperial Guards Division at night. I am not sure. If he has not .. I am 3 turns away from a level 4 airfield at Akyab and I can put some pressure from the air on the port. If the 1st Imperial Guards have made it in .. it will change the dyanmics in the theater. I do not think I can hold Akyab for long as this will be a main thrust through the jungle.

[Crackaces]

First, we put up some resistance this time. Also, a look back at yesterdays post and it was reported that out of 17 Bettys 10 are left .. now 6 show up ..and we have tea ...

Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 6



Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb Trop x 8
Mohawk IV x 2


Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 4 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed by flak

No Allied losses


So it will be interesting to know exactly how many aircraft are really dmaaged and how many were lost due to ops damage.

Recon said 600 troops maybe 10 AV so I sent in an armored bn to shock them in the open ...actaully my RECON was very very very wrong ..

Ground combat at Meiktila (58,47)

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 161 troops, 0 guns, 57 vehicles, Assault Value = 36

Defending force 11001 troops, 163 guns, 103 vehicles, Assault Value = 327

Allied adjusted assault: 17

Japanese adjusted defense: 88

Allied assault odds: 1 to 5 (fort level 1)

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

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


Allied ground losses:
Vehicles lost 15 (1 destroyed, 14 disabled) [:(]

Very bad move because on teh defnese this unit could have infected much more harm .. However, he has 300 AV right next to me, 800 AV coming up the road, and 800 AV either on the way or at Ragoon already. This front is a place of great investment.

There is one other very discomforting trend .. Mavis Patrols on RECON from Wake Island rather than just doing regular Naval Search. Every turn he is probing Midway but no SAG/CVTF activity yet. I have 3 more turns before I can create 2CVTF's w/ /5CV's ... and set up some ability to react. It might be just in reaction to my recon moves or a serious threat.

More Later ..

[DOCUP]

Hmm, atleast you found out now instead of him encirling you. 

[Crackaces]

Its been a couple of days because of real life but ..

************************************************APR 20th, 1942 **************************************************************
Chittagong: The IJNAF show up at night again and we oppose with some 60 exp RAF boys:

Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 39 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 17



Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIb Trop x 8
Mohawk IV x 2


Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 4 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 4 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 2 destroyed on ground



So we trade 4 Betty's for 2 Blenhiem IV's ..... his pilots are being well cared for in POW camps in India ...: )

The IJA is advancing rapidly throughout Java and DEI in general .. no big deal ..

We decide to experiment with shock attacks ...

Ground combat at Wenchow (89,58)

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 37152 troops, 202 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1595

Defending force 11930 troops, 102 guns, 42 vehicles, Assault Value = 432

Allied adjusted assault: 1866

Japanese adjusted defense: 727

Allied assault odds: 2 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
3403 casualties reported
Squads: 115 destroyed, 53 disabled
Non Combat: 112 destroyed, 27 disabled
Engineers: 8 destroyed, 18 disabled
Guns lost 34 (14 destroyed, 20 disabled)
Vehicles lost 14 (7 destroyed, 7 disabled)
Units retreated 1


Allied ground losses:
1318 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 153 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 23 disabled


We have won the battle of Wenchow .. and the IJA is in full retreat. I suppose this will attract some attention ...

I am quite concerned at teh RAF inability to fly on demand. The Boys from Chittagong let a day pass without bombing our freinds in Prome.

I started moving Fighters into postion. 2 Squadrons I have moved via AKV's to Baker Island and then will transfer them. One squadron I transfered to Palmaya and lost an airplane ..[:(]. I have decided to fill the squadron even though they are due for withdrawl in 2 months. That will give me over 100 Aircraft over the skies of Tabeteua and Ndeni.

My bombing missions over Ocean Island was cancelled too .. I want to know how much stuff is there and its out of range of my recon.

His patrols are hitting Midway and Tabatuea each day. In fact he is tracking TF's 5 he can track TF's 5 hexes south of Tabetuea. That worries me ...

The TF at Akyab has not unloaded the Radar yet. Nothing came off the xAK's last turn .. I am not sure of the rates for this particaulr kind of equipment ..

More later ..

[DOCUP]

I know about planes not taking off. I hate it but crap happens. I have an wounded jap CL within range of 13 A24s and they didn't fly. Somethings to watchout for: morale and they might need a fighter unit on escort (even if it is out of the fighters range they will fly).

[Crackaces]

*************************************APR 21st - APR 22nd ***************************************************************

Well not to give the impression of a two turn game. Real Life intervined and I have to catch up the Allied Fan Base.

First, this has not been good for teh Allies as far as submarine warfare:

Submarine attack near Belep Islands at 110,154

Japanese Ships
SS I-154

Allied Ships
TK Gulfking, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage


SS I-154 launches 2 torpedoes


Trying to supply Horn Island ..



Submarine attack near Portland Roads at 93,131
Japanese Ships
SS RO-33

Allied Ships
xAKL Surigao, Shell hits 5, Torpedo hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage



xAKL Surigao is sighted by SS RO-33
SS RO-33 attacking on the surface


Airpower is Mixed:

On the 21st we take it in the chin ..

Morning Air attack on 74th Infantry Regiment, at 58,47 (Meiktila)

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 13
Ki-27b Nate x 6
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 20



Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 41
Hudson IIIa x 12
Hurricane I Trop x 16
Hurricane IIb Trop x 32


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 1 damaged
Hudson IIIa: 1 damaged
Hurricane I Trop: 2 destroyed
Hurricane IIb Trop: 1 destroyed

Japanese ground losses:
67 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


But on the 22nd we take on a target one hex closer and within normal range:

Morning Air attack on 33rd Division, at 57,47 (Magwe)

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 14
Ki-27b Nate x 3
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 3



Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 41
Hudson IIIa x 12
Hurricane I Trop x 10
Hurricane IIb Trop x 24


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed
Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 1 destroyed
Hudson IIIa: 1 damaged
Hurricane IIb Trop: 1 destroyed

Japanese ground losses:
130 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 19 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 13 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


The good news is that we wacked some Zero's with obsolete Hurricanes .. the pilots are not so euthustastic but its one day at a time to slow the scurge ..

One lesson .. those offload numbers in the manual can be modified .. a lot .. the amphib forces have been at Akyab for 10 days not and still have not off loaded the 40mm Bofors nor the Radar .. Lesson .. big heavy stuff has to go on AK's at least and have lots of Naval support ..

Ok strategy:

Tarawa has 50 AV.
I have recon'ed via bombing that Malkin also has 50 AV and the same exact composition --A Naval Guard Unit and a Constrcution Bn.
Both of these Atolls are in the objective plan. I cannot let the IJ develop these into Fighter/Patrol bases.


The US has 100 fighters in 4 squadrons moving toward Tabatuea via Palmarya and Baker Island. A BF/Constrcution unit will land on Nonuti and being a level 2 fighter base there. With these two bases we should be able to support CV operations and eventually Amphib operations this Summer.

More later ..

[Crackaces]

The Invasion of the Solomons was Admiral King's idea. Seemed like a good thing to do to protect Nomeua. But with an intact KB & Surface Fleet it is a place a much hardship. I cannot even send supplies to Port Moesby or Horn Island with any realiability. Russel Island or Lugan would fare no better in my mind.

So the Gilbert's offer a place to do battle that is far from the Nippon Home Islands, close to my supply resources, and most of all I can put patrol craft and submarines over the entire area. A much better set of circumstances in my opinion.

Strategically the resources are still positioning. I want to establish a Bomber/Fighter base at Tabatuea which should be level 4 airfield this turn and a fighter base at Nonuti. That will take one more month. I beleive Nonuti is key because of the 2 hex CAP coverage and ability to absorb a Nelly attack for my CVTF's/

In the meantime my subamarine torps might be worthless, but my mines can have an effect. I am dropping off mines at Tarawa and then going on patrol 400 -480 miles West. In 10 turns 5 submaines have deposited thier load. Just one AK hitting a mine would disurpt the IJ planning cycle. I do not want the IJN to be able to reinforce Tarawa.

The picture below illistrates how we are building an umbrella over the Southern Giberts. A nice little hiding cove for 2 CVTF's ..

[Crackaces]

Ok a couple of screw up's this turn.

1. One needs at least level 2 airfields to use Drop Tanks .. So the P-40's have an extra transfer to Canton and then Tabetueua. That means leaving 4 - 5 aircraft in damaged mode reparing to bring up the rear ... ok extra accounting but still within timeframes ..

2. A little look through this thread and the AMC at Akyab has not done a damn thing in a week ..I will give one day of no unloading whatsoever and I will cancell off load in India and walk in with the radars .. I have circled in red all the stuff that has not changed.

This turn some forces loaded for Dutch Harbor .. A Bgd should so the trick of shutting off that route ..Alaska offers lots of resources. Really not needed by the Allies but very very useful to the IJ ...

More devleoping as we go along ..

[Crackaces]

************************************************** 23 APR 1942 ***********************************************************

Quiet before the storm ..

First, I think this is the 1st Imperial Guards I got wind of 2 weeks ago. The escorts got the jump and we did not get off a shot.

ASW attack near Rangoon at 53,55

Japanese Ships
SC CHa-29

Allied Ships
SS Trusty



SS Trusty is sighted by escort

The night comes 54% moonlight ...here are our Betty Bombers to come calling ..

Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 72 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 25 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 19



Allied aircraft
Mohawk IV x 4


Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 3 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed by flak

No Allied losses



Airbase hits 1

So they trade a Betty for one airbase hit. I like those odds....

As daylight comes our bombers find a Tank Rgmt at Mandalay:

Morning Air attack on 1st Tank Regiment, at 59,46 (Mandalay)

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes


Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 40
Hudson IIIa x 12
Hurricane I Trop x 15
Hurricane IIb Trop x 54


Allied aircraft losses
Hudson IIIa: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Vehicles lost 47 (8 destroyed, 39 disabled)


A bombardment mission tells us that Mandalay will fall with an attack soon:


Ground combat at Mandalay (59,46)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 3456 troops, 19 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 193

Defending force 10383 troops, 158 guns, 97 vehicles, Assault Value = 325


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


Assaulting units:
9th Burma Rifles Battalion
Mandalay BMP Battalion
BFF Brigade
13th Burma Rifles Battalion
10th Burma Rifles Battalion
Burma Corps
1st Burma Auxiliary AA Regiment

Defending units:
1st Tank Regiment
55th Division
74th Infantry Regiment


300 AV vs. about 200 AV I have some forts in place .. but friends are coming fast ...

I tried to recon the reserves but got ..

Transports flying to Magwe intercepted

Actaully these are 12 recon Hurricanes ..and the message is in the Combat Reports "Unknown" directory ...

The good news?

70th British Division arrives at Karachi

We fairly good news .. well not bad news ... we have some units coming in the next 3 weeks to reinforce India. The 70th Division brings us some motorized inf and engineers to the Indian front.Only 49AV but over time we can build a defense on the Eastern Border and stop the momentium. Eventually Beans, Bullets, and Butts will catch up to the IJ ..

On other news ..

Japanese Recon sighted over Chittagong

....
Japanese Torpedo Bomber sighted over Chittagong
....
Japanese Recon sighted over Chittagong

........
Japanese Fighter sighted over Chittagong

This much activity either measn he has a submarine working off the coast, lots of patrol craft based in Ragoon .. or some form of KB ...My PA
s do not report naval actvity ...

More later ..

[zuluhour]

hey crackace, I would be curious if the 221 is prepared (op wise) for the landing and know how it fares either way on landing. I have my first amphib units departing port. It seems the Japs in my game have lost quite a few overboard and in the surf.

[Crackaces]

This landing was at a unoccupied friendly base prepared 25%. The only problem was unloading the "big stuff." 40mm Bofors and Radar. In two weeks none of these two items were unlaoded. Two problems. One too many ships so I could not dock (I spread out the load thinking get it off faster), and port size.

But .. you are right under prepared amphib operations at a enemy base has consequinces. Occupied enemy base has even more consequinces. There seems to be a random number up to 10% that is modified by preperation.

[Crackaces]

**************************************************************** 24 APR 1942 *******************************************************************************


First, I have posted that I have observed carrier capable aircraft attrition while training ...
Below is an experince .. 50% training and a crash and a damage .. it does happen ....

F4F-4 Wildcat from VMF-111 is damaged on landing

F4F-4 Wildcat from VMF-111 crashes on landing



My random refitting behavior for submarines is most annoying ..Three submarines two refit the other goes out on patrol .. go figure ..

SS Cachalot assigned to offensive patrol 135, 113 - 132, 112 off Wotje

SS S-34 taken out of commission to begin refit at Pearl Harbor

SS S-47 taken out of commission to begin refit at Pearl Harbor

The IJNAF is particularly concerned with my movements around Tabatuea ..

TF 158 detects H6K4 Mavis at 137,134 near Tabiteuea

The IJ is concentrating patrols over this area. Boy is he going to be surprised when we pop up with CVTF's and Amphib forces ..

Ok The airwar over Burma:

Night Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 103 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 36 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 24



Allied aircraft
Hurricane I Trop x 10
Hurricane IIb Trop x 8
Mohawk IV x 4


Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 2 destroyed, 6 damaged

No Allied losses


I think we can conclusively say either Nippon is very busy producing Betty's or these numbers are wrong. One thing that lets us know how effective our defense might be is the numebrs the next day. In this case a full squadron has attacked. The pattern has been about 1/2 of the damaged aircraft show up the next turn minus A2A kills. We should see about 20 Betty's this turn .. unless he decommits to this mission.

This time we pick on the Infantry:

Morning Air attack on 74th Infantry Regiment, at 59,46 (Mandalay)

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes


Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 40
Hudson IIIa x 12
Hurricane IIb Trop x 42


Allied aircraft losses
Hudson IIIa: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
245 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 12 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 22 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled


Not enough to impact this battle. About 2% of the forces in place and it does not alter the end result except to increase disruption and fatgue ..

Ground combat at Mandalay (59,46)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 10197 troops, 158 guns, 97 vehicles, Assault Value = 321

Defending force 5487 troops, 38 guns, 45 vehicles, Assault Value = 191

Japanese adjusted assault: 77

Allied adjusted defense: 47

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 3)

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 2

Combat modifiers
Defender: forts(+), fatigue(-), morale(-), experience(-)
Attacker: disruption(-), fatigue(-)

Japanese ground losses:
531 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 40 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 13 disabled
Vehicles lost 17 (1 destroyed, 16 disabled)


Allied ground losses:
353 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 31 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 5 (2 destroyed, 3 disabled)

One bad thing .. I forgot about moving the Trusty ...[:(]

ASW attack near Rangoon at 53,55

Japanese Ships
DD Matsukaze

Allied Ships
SS Trusty, hits 5


This will mean some time in the "pen" .. no critical hits so she should make it to Calcutta for temp repairs ...


OK Strategy ....

We will continue to postion forces and build up an air umbrella over Tabateua .. for both the cases where the KB will soon be calling or the IJNAF starts positioning Nell's closer to project power into the battlespace.

Operationally this turn we continue to move forces from WC into postions. This turn Tacoma to Cold Harbor for example, and more forces from SF to PH including 50 more P-40's. to be further deployed into theater.

More later ..

[Alfred]

ORIGINAL: Crackaces

This landing was at a unoccupied friendly base prepared 25%. The only problem was unloading the "big stuff." 40mm Bofors and Radar. In two weeks none of these two items were unlaoded. Two problems. One too many ships so I could not dock (I spread out the load thinking get it off faster), and port size.

No, never was going to happen. Docking was completely impossible irrespective of how you rearranged the ships. You need a pier for docking. A port size 0 has no pier.

The Operations Report will tell you when a TF cannot unload its remaining cargo. Continuing to wait around will not change anything. Either you get additional Naval Support landed, or you build a pier to land the stuff which won't unload.

Alfred

[Crackaces]

ORIGINAL: Alfred

ORIGINAL: Crackaces

This landing was at a unoccupied friendly base prepared 25%. The only problem was unloading the "big stuff." 40mm Bofors and Radar. In two weeks none of these two items were unlaoded. Two problems. One too many ships so I could not dock (I spread out the load thinking get it off faster), and port size.

No, never was going to happen. Docking was completely impossible irrespective of how you rearranged the ships. You need a pier for docking. A port size 0 has no pier.

The Operations Report will tell you when a TF cannot unload its remaining cargo. Continuing to wait around will not change anything. Either you get additional Naval Support landed, or you build a pier to land the stuff which won't unload.

Alfred

Thanks Alfred ... . not the news I wanted [:'(] But .. it helps understand the behavior I am seeing ..

[Crackaces]

********************************************************* 25 APR 1942 *******************************************************

A dark day for the Allies .. We tried to attack a TK off Ragoon and our LCAP did not show up at all [:@]


Morning Air attack on TF, near Ramree Island at 51,49

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
G4M1 Betty x 21



Allied aircraft
Martlet II x 9


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 21 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Martlet II: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
CV Formidable, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage [Ammo storage explosion on CV Formidable]
BB Revenge, Torpedo hits 2, on fire


So the Formidable and the Revenge will sink in the Indian Ocean [:(]

They follow up with a port attack and our CAP does nothing

Morning Air attack on Chittagong , at 55,41

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 34 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 15



Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 10 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
AMc Patna, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage


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


Our attacks on Manadlay bear little fruit .. 200 causualties all just disruption ..

Morning Air attack on 55th Division, at 59,46 (Mandalay)

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes


Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 13


Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 1 damaged

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

Morning Air attack on 74th Infantry Regiment, at 59,46 (Mandalay)

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes


Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 27
Hudson IIIa x 12
Hurricane IIb Trop x 42


Allied aircraft losses
Hudson IIIa: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
117 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled



The attack on the TK on Ragoon failed to do anything ..

One piece of good news ...That hit is critical "side penetration"

Sub attack near Lihue at 178,107

Japanese Ships
SS I-30, hits 1

Allied Ships
DD Fox
APD Lawrence
DD Edsall

This submarine will limp home ....
More later ..