ORIGINAL: Mike Solli
Throw a spanner?! [:D]
Dixie to American translation: "Throw a monkey wrench into the works."
[:D] [;)]
No Way to Fight a War (Dixie vs GBL)
Moderators: wdolson, MOD_War-in-the-Pacific-Admirals-Edition
RE: No Way to Fight a War (Dixie vs GBL)
Dixie to American translation: "Throw a monkey wrench into the works."
[:D] [;)]
Intel Monkey: https://sites.google.com/view/staffmonkeys/home
RE: No Way to Fight a War (Dixie vs GBL)
I've never moved the NZ units from Fiji, didn't know they were unrestricted.
If you don't think you can hold Suva, it definitely makes sense to move them to Noumea.
If you don't think you can hold Suva, it definitely makes sense to move them to Noumea.
Nec recisa recedit
RE: No Way to Fight a War (Dixie vs GBL)
ORIGINAL: mc3744
The war is on holiday? [:D]
12 hour days sort of cripple my ability to (1) prosecute the war and (2) find time to write about it. Not to mention (3) not do something stupid [:D]
With reference to Fiji, I don't think I could hold it against a determined Japanese attack. GBL knows what forces start there and what is potentially available, and he'll have a decent idea of the commitment required to seize the islands. Seeing as the islands are outside Japanese recce range he can't get an exact picture of the garrison, so if he turns up then I'd expect it to be in numbers.
If he does invade Fiji, then three NZ Bns are not going to hold him off for long.
If he doesn't invade Fiji, then three NZ Bns could be a surprise when he invades somewhere else. New Caledonia is probably easier to hold than Fiji, closer to Australia and NZ and (just) within LBA range from Australia. It provides a better launch point for a counter offensive up through the Solomons than Fiji as Allied fighter cover can reach Luganville et al from the island.
P.S. Any sign of your proposed AAR?
[center]
Bigger boys stole my sig
Bigger boys stole my sig
RE: No Way to Fight a War (Dixie vs GBL)
Your evaluation on Fiji makes sense. Until you are able to reinforce it, those units are wasted there. It's a good point.
I'm writing the AAR but I'm not posting it until I know what's happening. I don't want to warn him.
It's been 15 days since my "reckoning", but nothing is happening. He is not attacking anywhere!?!!? [&:]
I've never seen a game so strange. I'll keep writing it and I'll start posting once he makes his move. Hopefully soon, we are at January 27th. If he waits any longer he will have one hell of an uphill game!
I'm writing the AAR but I'm not posting it until I know what's happening. I don't want to warn him.
It's been 15 days since my "reckoning", but nothing is happening. He is not attacking anywhere!?!!? [&:]
I've never seen a game so strange. I'll keep writing it and I'll start posting once he makes his move. Hopefully soon, we are at January 27th. If he waits any longer he will have one hell of an uphill game!
Nec recisa recedit
RE: No Way to Fight a War (Dixie vs GBL)
11/12th Jan 1942
PACIFIC
Still not a great deal to report in the wider Pacific. Allied forces are converging on Tahiti, the latest arrivals are a small contingent of New Zealand soldiers brought in from Rarotonga. The first elements of the USMC regiment garrison should arrive in a couple of days, but unloading will require some juggling of the ships in the convoy to make best use of the limited port facilities available. A USN PBY group has also been brought in to provide long range naval search capability, just in case.
USS Maryland, West Virginia and Nevada are all safely off map now, arrival in Panama is 14 days away and then it's the long trek to the East Coast shipyards. Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Tennessee will reach the off-map area tomorrow. The destroyers from these two fleets will return to the West Coast and help clear the way for more convoys.
SOUTH PACIFIC
Another Japanese sub has been located, this time I-24 has put a torpedo into a US freighter leaving the ship crippled but afloat (for now). Coupled with the presence of I-18 at Pago Pago and an unidentified sub at Suva it would appear that GBL has sent subs to lurk at potential major forward operating bases. There's a lack of available DDs right now with several US and Dutch ships undergoing repair in Australia, although the Dutch ships are too short ranged to be any real use in the vast expanse of water.
The first of the Australian Bdes is finally ready to start loading on board their transport, they will depart from Sale on a couple of fast (15kts & 18kts) transports. This should ensure that they will have reached Noumea, unloaded and cleared out before the second brigade arrives from Melbourne on their slower (13kts) transports. An armoured Rgt will have to be worked into the equation at some point as well. The New Zealand troops from Fiji will be loaded as amphibious troops to avoid overloading the small port at Noumea.
A pair of USN submarines (from the newly formed flotilla t Brisbane) has been ordered to patrol between Noumea and Luganville.
EAST INDIES
The Dutch MTB squadron has achieved some success, despite botching their first outing. On the 11th the squadron set out to Palembang hoping to ambush some Japanese ships but ran into a Japanese MTB. Instead of doing the sensible thing and ganging up on the enemy my lot turned tail and ran. Despite this GBL sent a lightly escorted (1 PB and 16 AK) convoy through the area where they passed through the MTB's hiding place. In a swift night battle the Dutch boats managed to sink a freighter and damage several more. As a result I expect GBL to send a SCTF sweep through the local bases so my lot are withdrawing to Singers for a few days. If nothing else this has taught GBL to use a decent number of escorts, we'll see if future warnings are ignored like the events of the 11th...
The Dutch sub O-20 also put a torpedo into a Japanese ship, followed by sinking sounds although no confirmation of the victory (yet). Unfortunately the sub was then hit by two depth charges so she requires repairs back at Soerbaja. O-20 confirmed that Japanese troops were on the ship she sank, although there is no conclusive evidence whether the convoy was heading towards or away from Palembang.
CHINA
A couple of indifferent days for the AVG, the Americans were bested on the 11th in combat with an IJAAF Tojo but returned the next day and shot one down. This has brought the total of Tojo kills up to three, a good proportion of GBLs available strength of this type. Not a great victory by any means but it does mean that there is less to fear in Chinese skies with the AVG able to match the Oscars, Nates and even Zeroes.
The CAF is a dubious proposition. Most of my pilots barely know how to fly their own aircraft, let alone take them into combat. Frustrating is one word that fits the situation, especially given the lack of replacement aircraft. With more aircraft and decent pilots we could flood the Chinese theatre with aircraft.
INDIA
More Hurricanes have arrived in Aden, three squadrons today with another one due tomorrow and another a week later. Nowhere near enough for my liking but I'll take what I can get right now. Happily these three squadrons are almost combat ready in terms of experience. The remaining RAF squadrons in India are still training at bases in Northern India. Ideally the squadrons will be held back until their defensive skills are above 60, but 50 will do for a bare minimum, which leaves the 488 Sqn,67 Sqn, 5 Sqn and 232(P) Sqn falling short for now. The bomber situation is a little better with most squadrons having 50+ exp in their primary role (either ground attack or torpedo attack).
The first elements of the Australian divisions is in Aden, 16th Bde will be heading for the Madras area. I could really do with both Australian divisions arriving right now. As it is, the 6th Division will be based around the Madras/Cochin region with the 7th being based nearer the India/Burma border region. There are no definite positions planned currently.
OVERALL SITUATION
Things have slowed down over the past few days as GBL no doubt prepares for the second wave of assaults on the Allied positions. This also includes the situation in China where the waves of Japanese assaults have halted for now at least.
The Allied ground forces have been powerless to resist the Japanese assault thus far, a fact that is particularly true in China. Until the Allies have established secure bases and positioned good quality LCUs in the front line this is likely to continue.
In the air it's the same story, with the notable exception of the AVG. Two AVG squadrons have scored a combined total of 48 kills which accounts for almost 30% of the Allied kills in the first month of combat. I get the feeling that they have irked GBL somewhat, given the arrival of a Zero group in the Chinese skies and the fact that he now needs to escort his bombing raids. Only a lack of supply and support has prevented the AVG 3rd squadron from being sent into China at this point, instead they are guarding Calcutta.
Allied positions in the Pacific and India are rapidly (sort of) being reinforced, but the sheer distance to be defended makes it a difficult proposition, with several locations reluctantly being left unguarded. There will hopefully be enough of a defence to halt Japanese aggression towards the key locations.
The rescue of British, Indian and Australian troops from Singapore should bolster the Indian front enough to hold off Japanese aggression there. In the Pacific the Line Islands, Tahiti and New Caledonia will be fortified and built into forward bases for the US counter attack. The Line Islands should be safe from capture with their regimental garrisons sat behind decent fort levels whilst the Noumea defence will rely on numbers of troops hiding in the jungle.
That's the theory at least...
PACIFIC
Still not a great deal to report in the wider Pacific. Allied forces are converging on Tahiti, the latest arrivals are a small contingent of New Zealand soldiers brought in from Rarotonga. The first elements of the USMC regiment garrison should arrive in a couple of days, but unloading will require some juggling of the ships in the convoy to make best use of the limited port facilities available. A USN PBY group has also been brought in to provide long range naval search capability, just in case.
USS Maryland, West Virginia and Nevada are all safely off map now, arrival in Panama is 14 days away and then it's the long trek to the East Coast shipyards. Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Tennessee will reach the off-map area tomorrow. The destroyers from these two fleets will return to the West Coast and help clear the way for more convoys.
SOUTH PACIFIC
Another Japanese sub has been located, this time I-24 has put a torpedo into a US freighter leaving the ship crippled but afloat (for now). Coupled with the presence of I-18 at Pago Pago and an unidentified sub at Suva it would appear that GBL has sent subs to lurk at potential major forward operating bases. There's a lack of available DDs right now with several US and Dutch ships undergoing repair in Australia, although the Dutch ships are too short ranged to be any real use in the vast expanse of water.
The first of the Australian Bdes is finally ready to start loading on board their transport, they will depart from Sale on a couple of fast (15kts & 18kts) transports. This should ensure that they will have reached Noumea, unloaded and cleared out before the second brigade arrives from Melbourne on their slower (13kts) transports. An armoured Rgt will have to be worked into the equation at some point as well. The New Zealand troops from Fiji will be loaded as amphibious troops to avoid overloading the small port at Noumea.
A pair of USN submarines (from the newly formed flotilla t Brisbane) has been ordered to patrol between Noumea and Luganville.
EAST INDIES
The Dutch MTB squadron has achieved some success, despite botching their first outing. On the 11th the squadron set out to Palembang hoping to ambush some Japanese ships but ran into a Japanese MTB. Instead of doing the sensible thing and ganging up on the enemy my lot turned tail and ran. Despite this GBL sent a lightly escorted (1 PB and 16 AK) convoy through the area where they passed through the MTB's hiding place. In a swift night battle the Dutch boats managed to sink a freighter and damage several more. As a result I expect GBL to send a SCTF sweep through the local bases so my lot are withdrawing to Singers for a few days. If nothing else this has taught GBL to use a decent number of escorts, we'll see if future warnings are ignored like the events of the 11th...
The Dutch sub O-20 also put a torpedo into a Japanese ship, followed by sinking sounds although no confirmation of the victory (yet). Unfortunately the sub was then hit by two depth charges so she requires repairs back at Soerbaja. O-20 confirmed that Japanese troops were on the ship she sank, although there is no conclusive evidence whether the convoy was heading towards or away from Palembang.
CHINA
A couple of indifferent days for the AVG, the Americans were bested on the 11th in combat with an IJAAF Tojo but returned the next day and shot one down. This has brought the total of Tojo kills up to three, a good proportion of GBLs available strength of this type. Not a great victory by any means but it does mean that there is less to fear in Chinese skies with the AVG able to match the Oscars, Nates and even Zeroes.
The CAF is a dubious proposition. Most of my pilots barely know how to fly their own aircraft, let alone take them into combat. Frustrating is one word that fits the situation, especially given the lack of replacement aircraft. With more aircraft and decent pilots we could flood the Chinese theatre with aircraft.
INDIA
More Hurricanes have arrived in Aden, three squadrons today with another one due tomorrow and another a week later. Nowhere near enough for my liking but I'll take what I can get right now. Happily these three squadrons are almost combat ready in terms of experience. The remaining RAF squadrons in India are still training at bases in Northern India. Ideally the squadrons will be held back until their defensive skills are above 60, but 50 will do for a bare minimum, which leaves the 488 Sqn,67 Sqn, 5 Sqn and 232(P) Sqn falling short for now. The bomber situation is a little better with most squadrons having 50+ exp in their primary role (either ground attack or torpedo attack).
The first elements of the Australian divisions is in Aden, 16th Bde will be heading for the Madras area. I could really do with both Australian divisions arriving right now. As it is, the 6th Division will be based around the Madras/Cochin region with the 7th being based nearer the India/Burma border region. There are no definite positions planned currently.
OVERALL SITUATION
Things have slowed down over the past few days as GBL no doubt prepares for the second wave of assaults on the Allied positions. This also includes the situation in China where the waves of Japanese assaults have halted for now at least.
The Allied ground forces have been powerless to resist the Japanese assault thus far, a fact that is particularly true in China. Until the Allies have established secure bases and positioned good quality LCUs in the front line this is likely to continue.
In the air it's the same story, with the notable exception of the AVG. Two AVG squadrons have scored a combined total of 48 kills which accounts for almost 30% of the Allied kills in the first month of combat. I get the feeling that they have irked GBL somewhat, given the arrival of a Zero group in the Chinese skies and the fact that he now needs to escort his bombing raids. Only a lack of supply and support has prevented the AVG 3rd squadron from being sent into China at this point, instead they are guarding Calcutta.
Allied positions in the Pacific and India are rapidly (sort of) being reinforced, but the sheer distance to be defended makes it a difficult proposition, with several locations reluctantly being left unguarded. There will hopefully be enough of a defence to halt Japanese aggression towards the key locations.
The rescue of British, Indian and Australian troops from Singapore should bolster the Indian front enough to hold off Japanese aggression there. In the Pacific the Line Islands, Tahiti and New Caledonia will be fortified and built into forward bases for the US counter attack. The Line Islands should be safe from capture with their regimental garrisons sat behind decent fort levels whilst the Noumea defence will rely on numbers of troops hiding in the jungle.
That's the theory at least...
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[center]
Bigger boys stole my sig
Bigger boys stole my sig
RE: No Way to Fight a War (Dixie vs GBL)
13th January 1942
Still fairly quiet out and about with a few exceptions, a situation that suits me fine.
PACIFIC (South and Central)
Submarines provided the only action in the greater Pacific. USS Triton has reported sinking a Japanese patrol boat near Truk, a rare success for the US torpedoes. It's a shame she didn't attack one of the freighters in the convoy, but every point helps at this stage. Triton spent the rest of the day dodging Japanese counter-attacks before managing to launch an attack on the cruiser Kashii, sadly without damaging the ship.
The Japanese counter came in the form of I-24 at Noumea where Mobile City was sunk. Luckily the freighter managed to draw the submarine's attention away from the PT boat supply tender in the same TF. Now all I need is some supply and GBL will need to worry about another facet of the Allied defences.
EAST INDIES
Submarines were again the main element of the Allied efforts, but results are somewhat lacking. USS Pike has engaged a Japanese convoy near Obi, launching an ineffective attack. Given the location of the Japanese TF I suspect that this is the invasion of Ambon.
Near Palembang it would appear that GBL has not learned the lesson that the Dutch MTB flotilla was providing yesterday. The same lightly escorted convoy again moved past Muntok with a solitary PB escort. Unfortunately the MTBs were returning to Singapore so they failed to reinforce the lesson. The Dutch sub K-IX was on patrol but was driven off by Japanese ASW attacks. [:@]
The B-17 raids from Java are continuing to damage good numbers of Japanese fighters over Palmebang although the bombing effects are pretty minimal. The squadrons are starting to show the effects of heavy commitment however and will need an extensive rest in the next few days.
EVERYWHERE ELSE
Japanese bombers attacked Singapore, Rangoon and Manila without opposition. The AVG carried out a sweep against Wuchang where they came out (just) ahead of the IJAAF units based there.
Still fairly quiet out and about with a few exceptions, a situation that suits me fine.
PACIFIC (South and Central)
Submarines provided the only action in the greater Pacific. USS Triton has reported sinking a Japanese patrol boat near Truk, a rare success for the US torpedoes. It's a shame she didn't attack one of the freighters in the convoy, but every point helps at this stage. Triton spent the rest of the day dodging Japanese counter-attacks before managing to launch an attack on the cruiser Kashii, sadly without damaging the ship.
The Japanese counter came in the form of I-24 at Noumea where Mobile City was sunk. Luckily the freighter managed to draw the submarine's attention away from the PT boat supply tender in the same TF. Now all I need is some supply and GBL will need to worry about another facet of the Allied defences.
EAST INDIES
Submarines were again the main element of the Allied efforts, but results are somewhat lacking. USS Pike has engaged a Japanese convoy near Obi, launching an ineffective attack. Given the location of the Japanese TF I suspect that this is the invasion of Ambon.
Near Palembang it would appear that GBL has not learned the lesson that the Dutch MTB flotilla was providing yesterday. The same lightly escorted convoy again moved past Muntok with a solitary PB escort. Unfortunately the MTBs were returning to Singapore so they failed to reinforce the lesson. The Dutch sub K-IX was on patrol but was driven off by Japanese ASW attacks. [:@]
The B-17 raids from Java are continuing to damage good numbers of Japanese fighters over Palmebang although the bombing effects are pretty minimal. The squadrons are starting to show the effects of heavy commitment however and will need an extensive rest in the next few days.
EVERYWHERE ELSE
Japanese bombers attacked Singapore, Rangoon and Manila without opposition. The AVG carried out a sweep against Wuchang where they came out (just) ahead of the IJAAF units based there.
[center]
Bigger boys stole my sig
Bigger boys stole my sig
RE: No Way to Fight a War (Dixie vs GBL)
14th Jan
EAST INDIES
Japanese battleships bombarded Kendari and have put the airfield out of action, not that there's much based there. This is probably a good thing given that there are several Japanese transport ships in attendance as well. The bombardment has managed to put the base force out of action but has left the (small) infantry unit untouched. The options for a counter attack are limited, three Dutch subs are departing from Soerbaja in an effort to cause some damage.
The air attacks on Palembang are being halted for now whilst the bomber squadrons catch a quick rest. Nuisance raids on the airfield by Dutch bombers will continue, but the main effort has been diverted to ground attack for a few days. The primary target is elements of the Japanese 38th Division north of Oosthaven, for some bizarre reason I'm expecting very little success in this endeavour.
More troops from the IJ 38th pushed the remaining survivors of Palembang back into Benkoelen where they are linking up with part of the Australian 22nd Bde. The 22nd is spread across several bases in Sumatra, Java, Singapore and India as various methods of rescue were used and then fell by the wayside. Approximately half of the brigade has been rescued but Japanese air patrols have made any further attempt to pull troops from Singapore too dangerous. The troops in Java will attempt to get away on Allied shipping, the Dutch fighters may just be enough to dissuade any interference from Betty and Nell. If that plan comes off then there should be just short of half a brigade in India.
There was another Japanese convoy passing through Muntok, although this time with a pair of destroyers providing some escort. It's still not much of an escort for the convoys that have been through, hopefully the MTBs will be able to put in a repeat performance in a couple of nights.
PACIFIC
Oops. The Jap sub at Noumea has found another victim, I though I'd redirected all the unescorted ships away from the base but I missed one. Puerto Rican is sat in the harbour badly damaged, although not in immediate danger of sinking. For the next few days/weeks Allied ships from Fiji will instead unload at La Foa, although the Australian units will need the harbour facilities at Noumea.
There is only one unescorted TF in the South Pacific now, so any further Japanese sub successes will hopefully be limited. I've even managed to scrape together a four DD ASW group which is moving to Fiji in an effort to get rid of I-22.
The Tahiti forces are nearing the islands, with the first part of the Marine regiment a day away from landing the convoy has been split, there are several large (but slow) tankers which are heading onward to Auckland. A couple of smaller tankers are staying with the troopships in order to build a small fuel reserve at Tahiti.
The first support troops are already en route, a 'proper' base force is at sea with more already planned to join them. For the time being the USMC support forces will also be based in this little corner of the Pacific. The mid-long term goal is to link the Auckland-Tahiti-Line Islands-Hawaii route with proper bases and garrison troops, but for now all I can do is secure parts of the route.
II US fighter Command is boarding the Queen Elizabeth for a high speed dash down to Oz. Once the submarine belt is dodged the liner should be good to go [8D] Air units are slowly departing for the South Pacific, now that the Line Islands are safely garrisoned the demand on Allied shipping is not as urgent, although there is some juggling between supplies, LCUs and air units to consider. The fast freighters are being used as air transports along with the two US AKV vessels. I could really use more AKVs, well more of everything really...
Now that fuel is available in New Zealand several USN destroyers are moving from Australia across to Kiwi-land. From here they will escort troopships engaged in moving the Fiji based forces. GBL's subs have had an easy time so far, as the escort deployment has lagged behind the merchant ships.
MALAYA
Japanese troops are just to the north of Singapore. Not long until they cross the causeway I'd suspect and then GBL will find out how much of the garrison was whisked away. Or he may not actually notice. We'll find out I suppose.
CHINA
Despite fairly heavy air ops there was not a lot of actual combat. An AVG sweep shot down an Oscar over Hankow whilst Japanese bombers continue to attack Chinese troops in Chushein. Even with the daily sweeps by high-flying Zeroes from Amoy I'm considering putting the AVG back into combat over Chushein as the actual bomber raids have been lightly guarded. Or a fighter sweep against Amoy.
INDIA
Mostly a continuation of ongoing troop redeployments.
Two Australian brigades are on map, although still in Aden whilst they board some ships. The 6th Division has been given the coastline between Cochin and Mangalore to defend, along with an assortment of artillery, coastal defence units and Indian infantry.
Two Indian divisions will take Madras, at least until one of them reaches full strength. Again, there is an assorted group of artillery and support forces in the base as well.
The British 18th Division along with some Indian armour are guarding the Bengal coast, these positions will be reinforced with additional Indian troops as they become available.
Towards the India/Burma border there are several forces mixed together. The main defence is planned forward of Calcutta. The intention is to use the jungle terrain to even out the experience gap between the Japanese and Indian troops. I'm not sure, but I'm thinking of detaching smaller forces outside the bases to guard against GBL outflanking my positions, but battalion or brigade sized chunks?
There are planned defences inland, mostly manned by British battalions. The low replacement rates for the Brit infantry means that they will have to take a supporting role for the time being. There is also some planning in sticking these units behind the main defences, first in guards against any sneaky para drops [:-] They are also more experienced (in general) and smaller than their Indian counterparts, so they will need their experience and 100% prep to stand any chance of preventing a Japanese breakout (if the worst happens and they reach that far).
The worst problem is that although the front line likes decent, there isn't a lot available right now to stack up behind it. As long as the survivors of Burma can make it back to India that will provide some help, the defences have to hold until mid-April when the Brit 70th Division arrives to provide some decent muscle to back up the two Australian divisions. It's easy to be negative as the Allies isn't it....
Southern India, the planned defences as of 15th Jan 1942.
EAST INDIES
Japanese battleships bombarded Kendari and have put the airfield out of action, not that there's much based there. This is probably a good thing given that there are several Japanese transport ships in attendance as well. The bombardment has managed to put the base force out of action but has left the (small) infantry unit untouched. The options for a counter attack are limited, three Dutch subs are departing from Soerbaja in an effort to cause some damage.
The air attacks on Palembang are being halted for now whilst the bomber squadrons catch a quick rest. Nuisance raids on the airfield by Dutch bombers will continue, but the main effort has been diverted to ground attack for a few days. The primary target is elements of the Japanese 38th Division north of Oosthaven, for some bizarre reason I'm expecting very little success in this endeavour.
More troops from the IJ 38th pushed the remaining survivors of Palembang back into Benkoelen where they are linking up with part of the Australian 22nd Bde. The 22nd is spread across several bases in Sumatra, Java, Singapore and India as various methods of rescue were used and then fell by the wayside. Approximately half of the brigade has been rescued but Japanese air patrols have made any further attempt to pull troops from Singapore too dangerous. The troops in Java will attempt to get away on Allied shipping, the Dutch fighters may just be enough to dissuade any interference from Betty and Nell. If that plan comes off then there should be just short of half a brigade in India.
There was another Japanese convoy passing through Muntok, although this time with a pair of destroyers providing some escort. It's still not much of an escort for the convoys that have been through, hopefully the MTBs will be able to put in a repeat performance in a couple of nights.
PACIFIC
Oops. The Jap sub at Noumea has found another victim, I though I'd redirected all the unescorted ships away from the base but I missed one. Puerto Rican is sat in the harbour badly damaged, although not in immediate danger of sinking. For the next few days/weeks Allied ships from Fiji will instead unload at La Foa, although the Australian units will need the harbour facilities at Noumea.
There is only one unescorted TF in the South Pacific now, so any further Japanese sub successes will hopefully be limited. I've even managed to scrape together a four DD ASW group which is moving to Fiji in an effort to get rid of I-22.
The Tahiti forces are nearing the islands, with the first part of the Marine regiment a day away from landing the convoy has been split, there are several large (but slow) tankers which are heading onward to Auckland. A couple of smaller tankers are staying with the troopships in order to build a small fuel reserve at Tahiti.
The first support troops are already en route, a 'proper' base force is at sea with more already planned to join them. For the time being the USMC support forces will also be based in this little corner of the Pacific. The mid-long term goal is to link the Auckland-Tahiti-Line Islands-Hawaii route with proper bases and garrison troops, but for now all I can do is secure parts of the route.
II US fighter Command is boarding the Queen Elizabeth for a high speed dash down to Oz. Once the submarine belt is dodged the liner should be good to go [8D] Air units are slowly departing for the South Pacific, now that the Line Islands are safely garrisoned the demand on Allied shipping is not as urgent, although there is some juggling between supplies, LCUs and air units to consider. The fast freighters are being used as air transports along with the two US AKV vessels. I could really use more AKVs, well more of everything really...
Now that fuel is available in New Zealand several USN destroyers are moving from Australia across to Kiwi-land. From here they will escort troopships engaged in moving the Fiji based forces. GBL's subs have had an easy time so far, as the escort deployment has lagged behind the merchant ships.
MALAYA
Japanese troops are just to the north of Singapore. Not long until they cross the causeway I'd suspect and then GBL will find out how much of the garrison was whisked away. Or he may not actually notice. We'll find out I suppose.
CHINA
Despite fairly heavy air ops there was not a lot of actual combat. An AVG sweep shot down an Oscar over Hankow whilst Japanese bombers continue to attack Chinese troops in Chushein. Even with the daily sweeps by high-flying Zeroes from Amoy I'm considering putting the AVG back into combat over Chushein as the actual bomber raids have been lightly guarded. Or a fighter sweep against Amoy.
INDIA
Mostly a continuation of ongoing troop redeployments.
Two Australian brigades are on map, although still in Aden whilst they board some ships. The 6th Division has been given the coastline between Cochin and Mangalore to defend, along with an assortment of artillery, coastal defence units and Indian infantry.
Two Indian divisions will take Madras, at least until one of them reaches full strength. Again, there is an assorted group of artillery and support forces in the base as well.
The British 18th Division along with some Indian armour are guarding the Bengal coast, these positions will be reinforced with additional Indian troops as they become available.
Towards the India/Burma border there are several forces mixed together. The main defence is planned forward of Calcutta. The intention is to use the jungle terrain to even out the experience gap between the Japanese and Indian troops. I'm not sure, but I'm thinking of detaching smaller forces outside the bases to guard against GBL outflanking my positions, but battalion or brigade sized chunks?
There are planned defences inland, mostly manned by British battalions. The low replacement rates for the Brit infantry means that they will have to take a supporting role for the time being. There is also some planning in sticking these units behind the main defences, first in guards against any sneaky para drops [:-] They are also more experienced (in general) and smaller than their Indian counterparts, so they will need their experience and 100% prep to stand any chance of preventing a Japanese breakout (if the worst happens and they reach that far).
The worst problem is that although the front line likes decent, there isn't a lot available right now to stack up behind it. As long as the survivors of Burma can make it back to India that will provide some help, the defences have to hold until mid-April when the Brit 70th Division arrives to provide some decent muscle to back up the two Australian divisions. It's easy to be negative as the Allies isn't it....
Southern India, the planned defences as of 15th Jan 1942.
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- Untitled.jpg (253.67 KiB) Viewed 475 times
[center]
Bigger boys stole my sig
Bigger boys stole my sig
RE: No Way to Fight a War (Dixie vs GBL)
ORIGINAL: Dixie
The first elements of the Australian divisions is in Aden, 16th Bde will be heading for the Madras area. I could really do with both Australian divisions arriving right now. As it is, the 6th Division will be based around the Madras/Cochin region with the 7th being based nearer the India/Burma border region. There are no definite positions planned currently.
What about Colombo? It's the best shipyard and naval base in the theater. Are you not afraid of an attack there?
If I played the Japs (which I don't [;)]) I'd find Colombo a tempting target. Locking the Indian Ocean and depriving you of the best naval repair facilities.
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RE: No Way to Fight a War (Dixie vs GBL)
ORIGINAL: Dixie
The worst problem is that although the front line likes decent, there isn't a lot available right now to stack up behind it. As long as the survivors of Burma can make it back to India that will provide some help, the defences have to hold until mid-April when the Brit 70th Division arrives to provide some decent muscle to back up the two Australian divisions. It's easy to be negative as the Allies isn't it....
You should be getting the 7th Armored Bde soon. That's a powerful unit, with experience at 70, high mobility and a very good punch.
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RE: No Way to Fight a War (Dixie vs GBL)
What to defend it with though? By the time there are enough spare LCUs the danger is pretty much gone. My view on the subject:
The Royal Navy isn't going to achieve much before 1944-45, and the Indian Ocean is not that much use to me. I don't need to ship anything out of Calcutta or Chittagong and transferring units is quicker by rail than by sea. It's all well and good locking me out of the IO, but if I'm not using it then it's no great loss. Because the RN isn't going to be fighting in the Indian Ocean I won't be needing the repair yards at Colombo and if GBL does take them he can't use them unless he also controls a large chunk of southern India, enough to keep the B-17/B-24s out of bombing range.
If GBL wants to deprive me of the use of the facilities would he not achieve the same result by capturing Southern India, thus also gaining industries etc whilst pushing the heavy bombers further away from important targets? With Betty/Nell based in Southern India sending ships to or basing them in
Ceylon would be costly and dangerous for the Allies. If GBL takes Ceylon, then without Southern India it's of no actual use to him, no Japanese player will voluntarily immobilise any of their ships within 4EB range of an Allied airfield for any length of time. Plus, holding it as Japan requires supplies to be shipped in across a long sea route with plenty of space for submarine interdiction.
I do expect an invasion somewhere in that corner of the map, Diego Garcia is a prime candidate as is Addu. Ceylon is a useful base, if I have something to base there. Seeing as my CVs and most of the better RN ships are withdrawn for much of the war I'd be holding it just for the sake of saying it's mine. In that situation I'd prefer to retain my LCUs for some serious fighting in India rather than losing them or having them cooped up in a self-administrating PoW camp.
The Royal Navy isn't going to achieve much before 1944-45, and the Indian Ocean is not that much use to me. I don't need to ship anything out of Calcutta or Chittagong and transferring units is quicker by rail than by sea. It's all well and good locking me out of the IO, but if I'm not using it then it's no great loss. Because the RN isn't going to be fighting in the Indian Ocean I won't be needing the repair yards at Colombo and if GBL does take them he can't use them unless he also controls a large chunk of southern India, enough to keep the B-17/B-24s out of bombing range.
If GBL wants to deprive me of the use of the facilities would he not achieve the same result by capturing Southern India, thus also gaining industries etc whilst pushing the heavy bombers further away from important targets? With Betty/Nell based in Southern India sending ships to or basing them in
Ceylon would be costly and dangerous for the Allies. If GBL takes Ceylon, then without Southern India it's of no actual use to him, no Japanese player will voluntarily immobilise any of their ships within 4EB range of an Allied airfield for any length of time. Plus, holding it as Japan requires supplies to be shipped in across a long sea route with plenty of space for submarine interdiction.
I do expect an invasion somewhere in that corner of the map, Diego Garcia is a prime candidate as is Addu. Ceylon is a useful base, if I have something to base there. Seeing as my CVs and most of the better RN ships are withdrawn for much of the war I'd be holding it just for the sake of saying it's mine. In that situation I'd prefer to retain my LCUs for some serious fighting in India rather than losing them or having them cooped up in a self-administrating PoW camp.
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RE: No Way to Fight a War (Dixie vs GBL)
I respectfully disagree[:D]
If you hold Ceylon you also interdict any real possibility of attacking Western India and even Madras is within range. And attacking central Eastern India without control of Ceylon is much more dangerous if you are Japan.
Why would you say that the RN is out of play till 44/45? Depending on his moves you could be fighting back in Burma in '43 already. And naval coastal protection with LBA is pretty useful.
Also the amount of BBs withdrawn is negligible over the total BBs you get (there's a thread where I counted all withdrawals, it's more psychological - and boring [;)] - than anything you actually feel), especially later on. You can always send a few slow US BBs to the IO to act as a defensive force for costal airfields. They don't need to be British. Although I understand your preference for the RN [;)].
A SCTF in a costal base is like a CV TF but with stronger combat capabilities. Why would you want to forsake that chance to defend your coastal bases from the air and from the sea.
Before any amphibious TF can land the SCTF has to be dispatched and if it's made up of BBs covered by LBA fighters it's not an easy task. Yes, you can be roughed up, but you fight on land and he is in the middle of the ocean, you can dock he cannot, you can reload, he cannot.
Hence I find that a good naval power in the IO can be very effective in stopping and amphibious invasion, but it's going to need some repairs eventually [:D][;)]
Bottom line, I'd try to hold on to Ceylon, it makes the West Indian Coast very hard to attack.
Just my tow cents [:)]
If you hold Ceylon you also interdict any real possibility of attacking Western India and even Madras is within range. And attacking central Eastern India without control of Ceylon is much more dangerous if you are Japan.
Why would you say that the RN is out of play till 44/45? Depending on his moves you could be fighting back in Burma in '43 already. And naval coastal protection with LBA is pretty useful.
Also the amount of BBs withdrawn is negligible over the total BBs you get (there's a thread where I counted all withdrawals, it's more psychological - and boring [;)] - than anything you actually feel), especially later on. You can always send a few slow US BBs to the IO to act as a defensive force for costal airfields. They don't need to be British. Although I understand your preference for the RN [;)].
A SCTF in a costal base is like a CV TF but with stronger combat capabilities. Why would you want to forsake that chance to defend your coastal bases from the air and from the sea.
Before any amphibious TF can land the SCTF has to be dispatched and if it's made up of BBs covered by LBA fighters it's not an easy task. Yes, you can be roughed up, but you fight on land and he is in the middle of the ocean, you can dock he cannot, you can reload, he cannot.
Hence I find that a good naval power in the IO can be very effective in stopping and amphibious invasion, but it's going to need some repairs eventually [:D][;)]
Bottom line, I'd try to hold on to Ceylon, it makes the West Indian Coast very hard to attack.
Just my tow cents [:)]
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RE: No Way to Fight a War (Dixie vs GBL)
I can see the point you're making and I agree with it. But, there's a lot of real estate to be held with not a great deal of LCUs in the early days.
In order to put up a realistic defence of Ceylon, the requirements would be at least a division on top of the troops already there and ideally two (which I don't have). The lack of AT capability means they have to go in by sea, which means unrestricted units. This narrows down the field to one British (18th), one Indian (11th) and two Australian (6th and 7th) divisions. The Brits are already assigned to a position which leaves either the Australians or Indians to garrison Ceylon.
I need something on the west coast of India to guard against a surprise attack, GBL is aware of the vulnerable state of the Commonwealth in the first few months. This ties up an Australian division in India. I could send the 7th to Ceylon instead of the Burmese border or move the 11th from Madras to Ceylon. Or both. Can the inexperienced 19th Indian Div face up to a Japanese attack on Madras?
So, we're left with:
1 Australian Division (6th or 7th) (divided)
1 Australian Brigade (22nd) (badly depleted)
1 Indian Division (11th) (rebuilding)
In order to put up a realistic defence of Ceylon, the requirements would be at least a division on top of the troops already there and ideally two (which I don't have). The lack of AT capability means they have to go in by sea, which means unrestricted units. This narrows down the field to one British (18th), one Indian (11th) and two Australian (6th and 7th) divisions. The Brits are already assigned to a position which leaves either the Australians or Indians to garrison Ceylon.
I need something on the west coast of India to guard against a surprise attack, GBL is aware of the vulnerable state of the Commonwealth in the first few months. This ties up an Australian division in India. I could send the 7th to Ceylon instead of the Burmese border or move the 11th from Madras to Ceylon. Or both. Can the inexperienced 19th Indian Div face up to a Japanese attack on Madras?
So, we're left with:
1 Australian Division (6th or 7th) (divided)
1 Australian Brigade (22nd) (badly depleted)
1 Indian Division (11th) (rebuilding)
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RE: No Way to Fight a War (Dixie vs GBL)
If a Japanese player really wants Ceylon, it's his. Only later can you make it too costly.
Intel Monkey: https://sites.google.com/view/staffmonkeys/home
RE: No Way to Fight a War (Dixie vs GBL)
The 11th rebuilding sounds good [;)]
I mean with the 11th you probably go up to 500 to 700 assault points.
Which - very approximately - means that he needs at least 3 full divisions to kick you out. And until he does you hold the airfield and port and are much closer to a supply point.
It would be a pretty long battle and while it lats you get stronger and he does not.
I don't see Japan wiping away a fortified position with one division and a few brigades in a few days, it's going to take a while and it could be worth your while.
And if he does not attack you keep a valuable position to keep him away from India or make his come very difficult.
Unless you know he comes with all he's got to Ceylon, one division could actually make the difference ... IMHO that is [:)]
I mean with the 11th you probably go up to 500 to 700 assault points.
Which - very approximately - means that he needs at least 3 full divisions to kick you out. And until he does you hold the airfield and port and are much closer to a supply point.
It would be a pretty long battle and while it lats you get stronger and he does not.
I don't see Japan wiping away a fortified position with one division and a few brigades in a few days, it's going to take a while and it could be worth your while.
And if he does not attack you keep a valuable position to keep him away from India or make his come very difficult.
Unless you know he comes with all he's got to Ceylon, one division could actually make the difference ... IMHO that is [:)]
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RE: No Way to Fight a War (Dixie vs GBL)
ORIGINAL: witpqs
If a Japanese player really wants Ceylon, it's his. Only later can you make it too costly.
Yes, if he REALLY WANTS it. But that means he is not taking something else.
But I agree, you cannot hold it IF Japan is committed.
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RE: No Way to Fight a War (Dixie vs GBL)
17th Jan 1942
It's been a while, the result of a busy few weeks but we're back!
EAST INDIES
The past four days have not been kind to the Allies, the Japanese have continued to roll over any Allied defence in most areas. The few bright spots have been quickly extinguished by overwhelming Japanese air power. Dutch bombers have managed to land several bombs on Japanese ships around Kendari, but the arrival of Zeroes has resulted in high casualties [:(]
Today's action continued in that vein, Dutch bombers took heavy casualties whilst attacking Japanese ships near Kendari and in attacking the 38th Division in southern Sumatra. In total 16 Martin-139 bombers were lost, almost all of them to Japanese fighters. USAAF B-17s fared slightly better in their attack on Palembang, although the raid got split up none of the big bombers were lost. However one part of the force decided to run away, an action that is firmly in line with Allied doctrine [:D]
USS Sculpin was damaged near Palembang, she was attacked by several destroyers which were escorting a Japanese cruiser. (Possibly a reaction to Dutch MTB flotilla attacks). In the Makassar Strait the USS Perch managed to hit BB Ise with a torpedo, but the result was a disappointing dud [:@] The battleships was spotted in the company of what would appear to be an invasion force, it looks like Balikpapen is about to fall....
MALAYA
Heavy Japanese air raids on Singapore, 6 Japanese bombers were shot down by AA fire and minimal damage was caused to the facilities. With IJA forces massing less than 40 miles to the north it looks like time is running out for the British base. Especially as the defences have been reduced by over a division's worth of troops.
BURMA AND INDIA
The small force of USAAF B-17D bombers has so far been the most effective weapon in the Allied armoury on the sub-continent. Four bombers were sent aloft today to bomb Japanese positions at Pegu, unfortunately one of the aircraft was lost.
Japanese troops have reached Rangoon, with further troops spotted to the north of the city in an attempt to cut off the British retreat. However, I'd seen this coming and a few of the better units have already quit the city (enough to form the core of another division if needed) with more troops slowly leaking away across the river to Bassein.
PACIFIC
Seems to be all quiet around here since the Japanese landings on Luganville and Savaii. New Zealand and US forces are relocating from Fiji to Noumea and the USMC is ashore in French held Tahiti. The lack of engineer units is a bit of a problem and is made worse by the lack of shipping available right now. The undeveloped nature of the bases also means that unloading is either slow (strategic lift) or hazardous (amphibious landings). A lack of naval registered transports further complicates the issue, but if it's problematic for me I can take heart from the fact that it's going to be worse for GBL and his almost total lack of navy transports. I'm expecting further Japanese advances in the SOPAC area, namely invasions of Fiji and New Caledonia.
And finally, somewhere on the map something Japanese has hit a mine! I got the mine strike sounds follwed by the sounds of something sinking (a submarine I think)...
It's been a while, the result of a busy few weeks but we're back!
EAST INDIES
The past four days have not been kind to the Allies, the Japanese have continued to roll over any Allied defence in most areas. The few bright spots have been quickly extinguished by overwhelming Japanese air power. Dutch bombers have managed to land several bombs on Japanese ships around Kendari, but the arrival of Zeroes has resulted in high casualties [:(]
Today's action continued in that vein, Dutch bombers took heavy casualties whilst attacking Japanese ships near Kendari and in attacking the 38th Division in southern Sumatra. In total 16 Martin-139 bombers were lost, almost all of them to Japanese fighters. USAAF B-17s fared slightly better in their attack on Palembang, although the raid got split up none of the big bombers were lost. However one part of the force decided to run away, an action that is firmly in line with Allied doctrine [:D]
USS Sculpin was damaged near Palembang, she was attacked by several destroyers which were escorting a Japanese cruiser. (Possibly a reaction to Dutch MTB flotilla attacks). In the Makassar Strait the USS Perch managed to hit BB Ise with a torpedo, but the result was a disappointing dud [:@] The battleships was spotted in the company of what would appear to be an invasion force, it looks like Balikpapen is about to fall....
MALAYA
Heavy Japanese air raids on Singapore, 6 Japanese bombers were shot down by AA fire and minimal damage was caused to the facilities. With IJA forces massing less than 40 miles to the north it looks like time is running out for the British base. Especially as the defences have been reduced by over a division's worth of troops.
BURMA AND INDIA
The small force of USAAF B-17D bombers has so far been the most effective weapon in the Allied armoury on the sub-continent. Four bombers were sent aloft today to bomb Japanese positions at Pegu, unfortunately one of the aircraft was lost.
Japanese troops have reached Rangoon, with further troops spotted to the north of the city in an attempt to cut off the British retreat. However, I'd seen this coming and a few of the better units have already quit the city (enough to form the core of another division if needed) with more troops slowly leaking away across the river to Bassein.
PACIFIC
Seems to be all quiet around here since the Japanese landings on Luganville and Savaii. New Zealand and US forces are relocating from Fiji to Noumea and the USMC is ashore in French held Tahiti. The lack of engineer units is a bit of a problem and is made worse by the lack of shipping available right now. The undeveloped nature of the bases also means that unloading is either slow (strategic lift) or hazardous (amphibious landings). A lack of naval registered transports further complicates the issue, but if it's problematic for me I can take heart from the fact that it's going to be worse for GBL and his almost total lack of navy transports. I'm expecting further Japanese advances in the SOPAC area, namely invasions of Fiji and New Caledonia.
And finally, somewhere on the map something Japanese has hit a mine! I got the mine strike sounds follwed by the sounds of something sinking (a submarine I think)...
[center]
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RE: No Way to Fight a War (Dixie vs GBL)
20th Jan 1942
Some interesting developments have come up over the past few days, including an all too rare victory for the Allies...
SOUTH PACIFIC
The build up of forces on Noumea has taken a hit after troop convoys were ordered to scatter after reports of Japanese aircraft spotting a NZ convoy. The build up must continue however, so convoys are holding at a safe distance and will unload one at a time. There is a suspicion that the aircraft was based at Luganville rather than carrier-borne, as PBY patrols have failed to spot any evidence of IJN activity.
Tahiti has completed it's first level of fortifications, although more engineers are needed in order to facilitate a worthwhile rate of construction. There is also 170 AV based here now, mostly USMC forces, but little AV support as yet. Even at best estimates it will take a fortnight for additional troops to reach the area, but the Allied presence should be enough to hold off any Japanese aggression for now.
NEW GUINEA AND THE SOLOMONS (inc. Eastern Australia)
Plenty of sighting reports from Allied coastwatchers, but very little I can do about them given the scarcity of forces in the region. Japanese troops have landed at Buna, small scale RAAF attacks have achieved very little but have at least managed to avoid being shot down by IJN Zeroes.
Not much is happening in Australia, a slow build up of forts and airfields is taking place whilst there is even a small reserve of fuel should the USN carrier group require it. Other than that, hurry up and wait whilst the USAAF and RAAF engage in training missions in order to bring some level of usefulness.
EAST INDIES
Japanese assaults have claimed Balikpapen, Boela and Babo. Battleships have been spotted at Balikpapen although they have escaped the attention of the Dutch/US submarine patrols.
At Kendari, the RAAF have attempted to land bombs on CVE Taiyo in a series of night-time raids. So far the attempts have failed (not a surprise) but surely the possibility of a lucky hit should force GBL to move her soon? Or maybe the subs will get lucky...
The Dutch air units on Java have exhausted themselves in an attempt to halt the IJA 38th Division, ultimately a futile gesture by the Dutch. The 38th managed to easily overwhelm the Dutch defenders at Oosthaven and Benkoelen and all of Southern Sumatra is now in Japanese hands.
PHILIPPINES
Lots of bombs are dropped on the final US enclave at Bataan. Hopefully the combination of jungle and forts will provide some sort of barrier to the Japanese. But I'm not holding my breath.
INDIA AND BURMA
More build up here as well. The Japanese forces in Rangoon have not yet attacked, perhaps GBL is unaware of the paucity of defending troops, or he is attempting to fully encircle the city? If only he'd brought some shufti-kites he'd know how easily he could take the city....
In India things are looking, if not rosy then slightly pink tinted. With the first elements of two experienced Australian divisions landing on the sub-continent the Allied defence has been nicely boosted. The arrival of several RAF squadrons from the Middle East has also provided a good backbone for the future defence of India. A handful of squadrons remain below 50 exp although the vast majority sitting in the mid 50s. A precious handful have 60+ exp, although three of the six squadrons are recce, patrol and transport squadrons. [:@]
More reinforcements are en route in the form of USAAF fighter squadrons, the problem being that most of the squadrons are operating the P-40E which I suspect will suffer in the altitude stakes. Until a supply of P-38s is obtained the IJAAF will hold the advantages here, but hopefully the superior durability of the American types will compensate for this disadvantage.
There are 15 Allied (Brit/Canadian/US) fighter squadrons en route to India via Aden and Capetown, so plenty to provide CAP over the front-line and second-line bases to prevent Japanese para drops. Alles gut? I hope so.
CHINA
Whilst GBL's troops continue to grind their way closer to Sian in Northern China thing are (I hope) approaching stalemate in the South. A rapid (for the Chinese) build up of forts is taking priority over everything else, although it probably won't be enough should GBL come knocking.
In a nice little morale boost though, the AVG was heavily engaged over Chuhsien. Several Japanese air raids were sent against the Chinese positions around the city, despite being heavily outnumbered the Americans exceeded expectation in style. Including ops losses for the types involved in combat the Japanese lost 28 aircraft over Chuhsein alone, 20 as a direct result of the AVG shooting them down. Included in this total are 10 Zero fighters (7 air to air) which are believed to have been launched from Kaga and Soryu [8D] They definitely came from a CVTF off of Shanghai and radio intercepts (the combat replay) include mentions of both carriers.
The cost to the Americans was 1 Hawk written off which is a fantastic result that I am pleased with, especially given the intervention of KB based Zeroes. Now it's time for the AVG to retreat somewhere safer again, I can't see GBL letting me continue this pattern of destruction for long...
Some interesting developments have come up over the past few days, including an all too rare victory for the Allies...
SOUTH PACIFIC
The build up of forces on Noumea has taken a hit after troop convoys were ordered to scatter after reports of Japanese aircraft spotting a NZ convoy. The build up must continue however, so convoys are holding at a safe distance and will unload one at a time. There is a suspicion that the aircraft was based at Luganville rather than carrier-borne, as PBY patrols have failed to spot any evidence of IJN activity.
Tahiti has completed it's first level of fortifications, although more engineers are needed in order to facilitate a worthwhile rate of construction. There is also 170 AV based here now, mostly USMC forces, but little AV support as yet. Even at best estimates it will take a fortnight for additional troops to reach the area, but the Allied presence should be enough to hold off any Japanese aggression for now.
NEW GUINEA AND THE SOLOMONS (inc. Eastern Australia)
Plenty of sighting reports from Allied coastwatchers, but very little I can do about them given the scarcity of forces in the region. Japanese troops have landed at Buna, small scale RAAF attacks have achieved very little but have at least managed to avoid being shot down by IJN Zeroes.
Not much is happening in Australia, a slow build up of forts and airfields is taking place whilst there is even a small reserve of fuel should the USN carrier group require it. Other than that, hurry up and wait whilst the USAAF and RAAF engage in training missions in order to bring some level of usefulness.
EAST INDIES
Japanese assaults have claimed Balikpapen, Boela and Babo. Battleships have been spotted at Balikpapen although they have escaped the attention of the Dutch/US submarine patrols.
At Kendari, the RAAF have attempted to land bombs on CVE Taiyo in a series of night-time raids. So far the attempts have failed (not a surprise) but surely the possibility of a lucky hit should force GBL to move her soon? Or maybe the subs will get lucky...
The Dutch air units on Java have exhausted themselves in an attempt to halt the IJA 38th Division, ultimately a futile gesture by the Dutch. The 38th managed to easily overwhelm the Dutch defenders at Oosthaven and Benkoelen and all of Southern Sumatra is now in Japanese hands.
PHILIPPINES
Lots of bombs are dropped on the final US enclave at Bataan. Hopefully the combination of jungle and forts will provide some sort of barrier to the Japanese. But I'm not holding my breath.
INDIA AND BURMA
More build up here as well. The Japanese forces in Rangoon have not yet attacked, perhaps GBL is unaware of the paucity of defending troops, or he is attempting to fully encircle the city? If only he'd brought some shufti-kites he'd know how easily he could take the city....
In India things are looking, if not rosy then slightly pink tinted. With the first elements of two experienced Australian divisions landing on the sub-continent the Allied defence has been nicely boosted. The arrival of several RAF squadrons from the Middle East has also provided a good backbone for the future defence of India. A handful of squadrons remain below 50 exp although the vast majority sitting in the mid 50s. A precious handful have 60+ exp, although three of the six squadrons are recce, patrol and transport squadrons. [:@]
More reinforcements are en route in the form of USAAF fighter squadrons, the problem being that most of the squadrons are operating the P-40E which I suspect will suffer in the altitude stakes. Until a supply of P-38s is obtained the IJAAF will hold the advantages here, but hopefully the superior durability of the American types will compensate for this disadvantage.
There are 15 Allied (Brit/Canadian/US) fighter squadrons en route to India via Aden and Capetown, so plenty to provide CAP over the front-line and second-line bases to prevent Japanese para drops. Alles gut? I hope so.
CHINA
Whilst GBL's troops continue to grind their way closer to Sian in Northern China thing are (I hope) approaching stalemate in the South. A rapid (for the Chinese) build up of forts is taking priority over everything else, although it probably won't be enough should GBL come knocking.
In a nice little morale boost though, the AVG was heavily engaged over Chuhsien. Several Japanese air raids were sent against the Chinese positions around the city, despite being heavily outnumbered the Americans exceeded expectation in style. Including ops losses for the types involved in combat the Japanese lost 28 aircraft over Chuhsein alone, 20 as a direct result of the AVG shooting them down. Included in this total are 10 Zero fighters (7 air to air) which are believed to have been launched from Kaga and Soryu [8D] They definitely came from a CVTF off of Shanghai and radio intercepts (the combat replay) include mentions of both carriers.
The cost to the Americans was 1 Hawk written off which is a fantastic result that I am pleased with, especially given the intervention of KB based Zeroes. Now it's time for the AVG to retreat somewhere safer again, I can't see GBL letting me continue this pattern of destruction for long...
[center]
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RE: No Way to Fight a War (Dixie vs GBL)
21st/22nd Jan 1942
BURMA/INDIA
The city of Rangoon fell to the Japanese on the 22nd, most of the British and Indian troops were already clear of the city before the Japanese assault smashed through the defensive positions held by Burmese troops. Until Singapore falls the Japanese will most likely be unable to take advantage of the port facilities however.
CHINA
The 21st was a quiet day in general, with just a few skirmishes in the northern regions of the country.
Japanese aircraft did manage to locate an AVG airfield near Wuchow and destroy a fighter on the ground. In anticipation of a larger offensive on the 22nd two squadrons of the AVG were ordered to patrol over the airfield. The plan was a success, a small sweep of Navy Type 0s preceded a large raid by IJAAF types. In a series of combats the Americans fought off the Navy fliers and devastated the Army raids, in total 28 Japanese aircraft were confirmed destroyed at a cost of one AVG fighter.
GBL's Sonia unit will have plenty of empty places at the mess tonight, with 23 Sonias shot down morale will also have taken a kicking [8D] The destruction of four Oscars is a nice bonus too, proving that with good pilots Allied fighters can more than hold their own, this gives hope for the Indian front in particular where Hurricanes and P-40s will need to bear the brunt of the work.
The final AVG squadron is moving from Calcutta across to China now, all three squadrons will rotate between defending Chunking and operating from front line bases. So far the Americans have lost 15 Hawks in return for almost 100 Japanese kills [8D] In fact the two AVG squadrons have now accounted for almost 45% of all the Allied air victories scored, so I have high hopes that the addition of the final squadron will boost the Allied scores further.
With Chinese forces unable to stand against Japanese offensives, it would appear that the Chinese front will merely be somewhere to eat as much of GBL's aircraft output as possible whilst staving off a total collapse of the Chinese war machine.
EAST INDIES
With Balikpapen in Japanese hands, another target has opened up for Java based B-17s. So far however efforts have achieved little and morale ranges from high to terrible in the three squadrons left in Java. The B-17s will remain for at least a few more days just in case they are able to damage something.
Allied subs are dropping in effectiveness again, which is a shame as a Jap carrier group is currently east of Java and relying on the airmen to damage it would appear to be folly. Ho-hum, I'll have to kill them next year instead...
There was a minor victory as the Dutch MTB squadron managed to sink a Japanese patrol boat near Singapore, although two MTBs were sunk in the battle.
SOUTH PACIFIC
Once again the ships unloading at Noumea are scattering after being spotted by Japanese aircraft. Reports are that a convoy was shadowed by a Jake floatplane. Given that Luganville is 10 hexes from Noumea it's possible that the aircraft was operating at maximum range, but discretion is the better part of valour for now. So just in case it's come from a ship I'm running away.
The past two days have seen 173AV disembarked; the majority of two NZ battalions, part of an Australian brigade and a US artillery battalion are ashore with the French defenders. That should be enough to hold out against the naval units GBL has been using for invasions in the area.
Things are taking bloody ages to unload at Tahiti, work is progressing on enlarging the harbour but until I can get a port servicing unit down there it's going to continue to take a loooooooong time to unload anything more than a 4 cwt truck...
I wish I had more B-17s. And Hurricanes and P-40s. Also some P-38s and Spitfires would be nice. And if it's not too much trouble some F6Fs and F4Us. Plus some experienced infantry units, fast battleships, big carriers and more patrol aircraft.
BURMA/INDIA
The city of Rangoon fell to the Japanese on the 22nd, most of the British and Indian troops were already clear of the city before the Japanese assault smashed through the defensive positions held by Burmese troops. Until Singapore falls the Japanese will most likely be unable to take advantage of the port facilities however.
CHINA
The 21st was a quiet day in general, with just a few skirmishes in the northern regions of the country.
Japanese aircraft did manage to locate an AVG airfield near Wuchow and destroy a fighter on the ground. In anticipation of a larger offensive on the 22nd two squadrons of the AVG were ordered to patrol over the airfield. The plan was a success, a small sweep of Navy Type 0s preceded a large raid by IJAAF types. In a series of combats the Americans fought off the Navy fliers and devastated the Army raids, in total 28 Japanese aircraft were confirmed destroyed at a cost of one AVG fighter.
GBL's Sonia unit will have plenty of empty places at the mess tonight, with 23 Sonias shot down morale will also have taken a kicking [8D] The destruction of four Oscars is a nice bonus too, proving that with good pilots Allied fighters can more than hold their own, this gives hope for the Indian front in particular where Hurricanes and P-40s will need to bear the brunt of the work.
The final AVG squadron is moving from Calcutta across to China now, all three squadrons will rotate between defending Chunking and operating from front line bases. So far the Americans have lost 15 Hawks in return for almost 100 Japanese kills [8D] In fact the two AVG squadrons have now accounted for almost 45% of all the Allied air victories scored, so I have high hopes that the addition of the final squadron will boost the Allied scores further.
With Chinese forces unable to stand against Japanese offensives, it would appear that the Chinese front will merely be somewhere to eat as much of GBL's aircraft output as possible whilst staving off a total collapse of the Chinese war machine.
EAST INDIES
With Balikpapen in Japanese hands, another target has opened up for Java based B-17s. So far however efforts have achieved little and morale ranges from high to terrible in the three squadrons left in Java. The B-17s will remain for at least a few more days just in case they are able to damage something.
Allied subs are dropping in effectiveness again, which is a shame as a Jap carrier group is currently east of Java and relying on the airmen to damage it would appear to be folly. Ho-hum, I'll have to kill them next year instead...
There was a minor victory as the Dutch MTB squadron managed to sink a Japanese patrol boat near Singapore, although two MTBs were sunk in the battle.
SOUTH PACIFIC
Once again the ships unloading at Noumea are scattering after being spotted by Japanese aircraft. Reports are that a convoy was shadowed by a Jake floatplane. Given that Luganville is 10 hexes from Noumea it's possible that the aircraft was operating at maximum range, but discretion is the better part of valour for now. So just in case it's come from a ship I'm running away.
The past two days have seen 173AV disembarked; the majority of two NZ battalions, part of an Australian brigade and a US artillery battalion are ashore with the French defenders. That should be enough to hold out against the naval units GBL has been using for invasions in the area.
Things are taking bloody ages to unload at Tahiti, work is progressing on enlarging the harbour but until I can get a port servicing unit down there it's going to continue to take a loooooooong time to unload anything more than a 4 cwt truck...
I wish I had more B-17s. And Hurricanes and P-40s. Also some P-38s and Spitfires would be nice. And if it's not too much trouble some F6Fs and F4Us. Plus some experienced infantry units, fast battleships, big carriers and more patrol aircraft.
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Bigger boys stole my sig
Bigger boys stole my sig