Newbie Allies vs. Experinced WitP

[Crackaces]

************************ 02 DEC 42 ***************************************

Not as many Betty's ..

Night Air attack on Akyab , at 54,45

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 2 damaged


My LRCAP of 3 hexes is not doing the trick for some reason [&:]

Morning Air attack on 26th Indian Brigade, at 57,46 , near Magwe

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48-IIa Lily x 23


Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIc Trop x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-IIa Lily: 1 damaged

No Allied losses

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

I send the B-25's again

Morning Air attack on 8th Tank Regiment, at 58,46 , near Magwe

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 31
P-40K Warhawk x 32


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
50 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 9 (3 destroyed, 6 disabled)

3 Vehicles of 100's is not going to get us across the Irranwandy .. its going to be very bloody ..

The Dutch DUD!

Submarine attack near Wakayama at 108,62

Japanese Ships
xAK Taibun Maru

Allied Ships
SS O24

xAK Taibun Maru is sighted by SS O24
SS O24 launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Taibun Maru



and the USS Seal DUDS ..

ASW attack near Cape Gloucester at 102,124

Japanese Ships
APD Numakaze
APD Oite
APD Karukaya

Allied Ships
SS Seal

SS Seal launches 4 torpedoes at APD Numakaze

Ok more later ..

[Crackaces]

********************************** 03 DEC 42 ********************************************

BURMA:

The airbattle in Burma heats up and the IJ are getting smarter about their operations ..

Morning Air attack on 23rd Indian Division, at 57,45 , near Shwebo

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

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

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 15

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIc Trop x 14


Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIc Trop: 1 destroyed

Followed up with ..

Morning Air attack on 18th Canadian Brigade, at 57,46 , near Magwe

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 46 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 10
Ki-48-IIa Lily x 26

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIc Trop x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 2 destroyed

No Allied losses

The combat replay is saying 4 oscars and one Torp ..
The boys at the O-club are saying ..

PO Addington V. of No.60 Sqn RAF is credited with kill number 3
PO Addington V. of No.60 Sqn RAF is credited with kill number 4

WCDR Milward, R.A. of No.67 Sqn RAF is credited with kill number 5
WCDR Milward, R.A. of No.67 Sqn RAF attains ace status!!

WO Pickard, F.J. of No.136 Sqn RAF is credited with kill number 6

WCDR Cuthbert, M.C.H. of No.136 Sqn RAF is credited with kill number 6
WCDR Cuthbert, M.C.H. of No.136 Sqn RAF is credited with kill number 7

[8D]

More bombing in China ..[>:]

More later .. we are near the anniversary of Pearl Harbor day in this affair ..

[Crackaces]

****************************************** 04 DEC 42 *********************************


The Betty's come again at night .. and heavy flak awaits them ..

Night Air attack on Akyab , at 54,45

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 19 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed by flak

Runway hits 2
...................
Night Air attack on Akyab , at 54,45

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 47 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 6

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

Scratch 2 Betty's for sure ...

The Dutch actually find, shoot, and hit something!

Sub attack near Truk at 116,109

Japanese Ships
PB Hakata Maru #2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
SC CHa-17
PC Nire

Allied Ships
SS KVIII
..................
Sub attack near Truk at 116,109

Japanese Ships
TK Teikai Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires
SC CHa-17
TK Tennan Maru
PB Sento Maru

Allied Ships
SS KVIII



Buy that Commander a beer!!

When the morning comes to Burma the Air action gets hot ..

Morning Air attack on 23rd Indian Division, at 57,45 , near Shwebo

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 29 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 12

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIc Trop x 13


Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 2 destroyed

No Allied losses
.............
Morning Air attack on 26th Indian Brigade, at 57,46 , near Magwe

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 1 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 0 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 9
Ki-48-IIa Lily x 20

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIc Trop x 7
Kittyhawk IA x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 1 destroyed
Ki-48-IIa Lily: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged

No Allied losses

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


Scratch 3 Oscars and 2 Lilly's .. Damaged Hurricane IIc Trop from No.615 Sqn RAF does not return...Kittyhawk IA from No.76 Sqn RAAF is damaged on landing

So by combat report this looks like a great fight but you have to take the entire battle in context ..

Then death from above ..

Morning Air attack on 77th Infantry Regiment, at 58,46 , near Magwe

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes


Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIc Trop x 22
Vengeance I x 47
P-40K Warhawk x 28

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
278 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 8 destroyed, 18 disabled
Engineers: 4 destroyed, 16 disabled
.................

Morning Air attack on 77th Infantry Regiment, at 58,46 , near Magwe

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes


Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 15
Liberator II x 15
Wellington Ic x 12
B-24D Liberator x 36
B-25C Mitchell x 16


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
698 casualties reported
Squads: 41 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 55 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 11 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 7 (4 destroyed, 3 disabled)
..............
Morning Air attack on 77th Infantry Regiment, at 58,46 , near Magwe

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes


Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIc Trop x 6
Wellington Ic x 16
B-25C Mitchell x 16

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
331 casualties reported
Squads: 24 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 17 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 3 (2 destroyed, 1 disabled)
................

Morning Air attack on 77th Infantry Regiment, at 58,46 , near Magwe

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 32
P-40K Warhawk x 10


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
112 casualties reported
Squads: 7 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 7 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 5 (5 destroyed, 0 disabled)

1419 casulties .. 72 inf squads destroyed ..79 non-combat squads .. more so the IJA have moved engineers here with the purpose of staying put after seeing my units in motion ... I cannot let this happen and will continue to hit these forces with everying I have. It is quite possible that the IJ move more AV here and we would have a stalement as I cannot cross. A most interesting dilemma for the IJ reinforce and get time preventing me from crossing the river at the cost of troops, or withdraw to Magwe and Mandalay to fight me there where troops are fortified.

More later as this develops ..

[Crackaces]

The map below shows Burma on December 6th 1942. All my airpower in Burma is working on one hex that started with about ~200 AV and has been reduced to ~55 AV by airpower. The IJA have a choice. Reinforce and face more attacks in the open or give me the hex and fight it out in Mandalay/Magwe.

From three different directions we are crossing the Irrawandy River -- each with 400 AV. That is 3 die rolls and somebody should get across with some AV to hold the beachhaed against counterattack. In the meantime the 7th Indian Division are being entrained and shippped into the front. A US inf division is being sent to Cape Town now and will arrive in theater just in time for the Moonson ..My plan is to Have Mandalay under seige by mid Feb '43 .. I do not have the forces to take Mandalay but I can cut her off from supply ...

[Crackaces]

******************************************* 05 DEC 42 *****************************************

From the Tanker group going to Eniwetok another casualty ..SS S-23 smacks a coastal sub chaser ..

Sub attack near Ponape at 118,109

Japanese Ships
SC CHa-17, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
TK Tennan Maru
PB Sento Maru

Allied Ships
SS S-23

SS S-23 launches 2 torpedoes at SC CHa-17

Also in CENPAC .. we turn loose the bombers on Milli ..

Morning Air attack on 41st JNAF AF Unit , at 136,121 (Mili)

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 12 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 9


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
14 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
............
Morning Air attack on Mili Naval Fortress, at 136,121 (Mili)

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 34 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 33
B-17F Fortress x 12
B-24D Liberator x 24
P-40E Warhawk x 25


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
134 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 20 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Guns lost 17 (1 destroyed, 16 disabled)
...........................

Morning Air attack on Mili Naval Fortress, at 136,121 (Mili)

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 36 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 8
B-24D Liberator x 9


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
31 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 7 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 9 (2 destroyed, 7 disabled)

..............................

Morning Air attack on Mili Naval Fortress, at 136,121 (Mili)

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 5 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 1 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 9


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
14 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 6 (1 destroyed, 5 disabled)
.........................

Morning Air attack on Mili Naval Fortress, at 136,121 (Mili)

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 9 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 9


No Allied losses

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

In Burma light cloud and I forget to shut off the B-25's ..

Afternoon Air attack on 77th Infantry Regiment, at 58,46 , near Magwe

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 43 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 32
P-40K Warhawk x 18


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
314 casualties reported
Squads: 15 destroyed, 10 disabled
Non Combat: 20 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 6 (2 destroyed, 4 disabled)


And there is bombing in China ..[>:]

My opponent is quite frustrated with the effectiveness of LBA on IJA in the open. I have mixed feelings on this. If this hex were fortified I would not be attriting at this level. On the other hand I am creaming his forces here and the IJAAF have no answer. Then again from 41-43 I have no answer for the KB but it comes in one fell swoop and the pain goes away .. my land based air is a steady drip drip drip on the forehead ...I could see it being quite frustrating.

The real problem I see is realizing the importanace of this hex and fortifying the position very very early on. I believe it is a general problem with the IJ attacking attacking attacking until a set back and then finding a place to defend. In this case Mandalay becomes "untenable" but I could think of lots of places this strategy would fail.

Ok ... The IJ thought that Monsoon would prevent my crossing into Burma.... I figured out how to do it ... now Burma is in real danger ...If Mandalay is to be defended there are three or four very key hexes that must be built up or the Allies can cross the Irrawandy using armor and air power .. unless one home rules out unlimited air power ...we have not done this yet .... I keep the pressure on with measured force ...

[Crackaces]

The IJ have brought up an intresting problem in the game. I have on occasion in this game parked my CV fleet at Canton Island. which in reality can not sustain operations there. That of course allows us to react very quickly to IJ forays, which in turn is frustrating to the IJ because they cannot execute a surprise attack. I get wind of thier operations and react way too quickly putting myself in an advantagious position.

So I have proposed to keep my ships at a place that is capable of repair of such said ship ...

We shall see how this developes ..

The current strategy I have choose is not very fun for the IJ .. A combined coordianted air/sea/ground campaign ... rather than the politcally motvated historical slaughter in the Solomon's ....I think the IJ were fully prepared to fight this battle and now I am comming out in Burma and Marshalls in '42 this is not so fun ... The fact that my USN CV's have remained intact and yet a threat has the IJ a little bit frustrated ...

1. We caught the MKB at Baker Island and roughed it up..
2. We prepped an invasion waiting for the KB to raid and when they did we invaded Tarawa
3. The next KB raid we hit Moulimien ...
4. After the IJ invade Darwin we had Burma ready to attack and bought out the Indian Divisions proceeding to clear out the under defended area..
5. We prepped the Aussies and supply, and kicked them out of OZ

But .. I still think this is a draw in '46 .. I am not sure the IJ have thier eyes on this goal [&:]

More later ..

[Crackaces]

************************************* 07 DEC 42 **************************************

The Allies stood down to remember the Day of Infamy one year later ..

This is what is left of a Tanker TF that met multiple submarines on its way .. the escorts and one small TK met Davy Jones ..This sub misses


Sub attack near Eniwetok at 127,107

Japanese Ships
TK Tennan Maru
PB Sento Maru

Allied Ships
SS Sturgeon


Bombing in China [>:]

Below shows the strategic situation one year later ... The Gilberts are secure and the Marshall's are under assault. The land of OZ has been secured from tyranny. Burma is feeling tremendious pressure while the China front is an eggshell ready to crack. We have entrenched around the Solomons drawing a defensive line preventing further expansion while other theaters develop. In short we have prepared for '43 ..and the lines have been drawn for the stalemate ..

[Crackaces]

BURMA:

We crossed the Irrawanddy river on December 6th, and now are in the process of consolidating 2K AV on our brdigehead while the IJ are moving forces to provide a defense. Forces were concentrated at Mandalay but this turn of events has the IJ having to quickly form a defensive line within LOC. '43 will be very very interesting here ...

[Crackaces]

********************************* 08 DEC 42 ****************************************

We modified our bombing to have 4E's at 10,000 feet and 2E's from any altitude hitting Magwe a level 3 fort.

Morning Air attack on 3rd Raiding Regiment, at 57,47 (Magwe)

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes


Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIc Trop x 4
B-25C Mitchell x 48

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
121 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Guns lost 5 (4 destroyed, 1 disabled)
.....................
Morning Air attack on 41st Infantry Regiment, at 57,47 (Magwe)

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes


Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIc Trop x 4
Vengeance I x 48
P-40K Warhawk x 25

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
102 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 10 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
.....................
Morning Air attack on 6th Tank Regiment, at 57,47 (Magwe)

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

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


Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 12
P-40K Warhawk x 7


No Allied losses
.......................
M orning Air attack on 77th Infantry Regiment, at 57,47 (Magwe)

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes


Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIc Trop x 10
Wellington Ic x 28
B-25C Mitchell x 16


Allied aircraft losses
Wellington Ic: 1 damaged
B-25C Mitchell: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
77 casualties reported
Squads: 7 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 6 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

......................
Morning Air attack on Imperial Guards/C Division, at 57,47 (Magwe)

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

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


Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 15
Hurricane IIc Trop x 4
Liberator II x 16
B-24D Liberator x 24
P-40K Warhawk x 7


No Allied losses

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

...........................


364 Casulties from 208 bombers attacking 4 units. That seems reasonable but I do not know reliable sources on the historical effectiveness of mid level ground bombing.

At sea ..we miss .

Submarine attack near Sangi at 76,96

Japanese Ships
xAK Kazan Maru

Allied Ships
SS O21

More bombing in China .. same targets .. [>:]

More later as our fronts develop ..

[Crackaces]

************************************ 09 DEC 42 ***********************************

NORPAC:

Rah Roh!

PBY-5A Catalina sighting report: 10 Japanese ships at 162,51 near Adak Island, speed 16, Moving East

It looks like the IJ have trouble in store for the US ...I sure hope this is not an invasion in December .. and only a punsihing bombardment .. because the IJ are not going to like the results ..

CENPAC:

ASW attack near Eniwetok at 126,109

Japanese Ships
APD Tachikaze, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
xAP Huzi Maru
APD Yakaze

Allied Ships
SS S-42

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

................
Sub attack near Bikini at 129,110

Japanese Ships
xAP Huzi Maru
APD Yakaze

Allied Ships
SS Tambor

SS Tambor launches 4 torpedoes at xAP Huzi Maru

It looks like the IJ are attempting to move troops southward from Eniwetok and took a loss ...

Two more convoys escape when Duds hit ...

Sub attack near Morotai at 80,99

Japanese Ships
xAK Meiyo Maru
TK San Luis Maru
TK Ogura Maru #1
xAK Mito Maru
xAK Kosei Maru
E Tomozuru
PB Nako Maru #2

Allied Ships
SS O20
SS O20 launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Meiyo Maru
......................
Sub attack near Tawi Tawi at 71,91

Japanese Ships
DD Shiratsuyu
SC CHa-36
SC CHa-5
TK Nanrei Maru
TK Fukoku Maru
TK Tatibana Maru
DD Matsukaze

Allied Ships
SS Wahoo

SS Wahoo launches 2 torpedoes at DD Shiratsuyu

BURMA:

The 4E's rest while the 2E's and some dive bombers continue to attack ..

Morning Air attack on 5th Mortar Battalion, at 57,47 (Magwe)

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 15
P-40K Warhawk x 32

Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
27 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
...........................
Morning Air attack on 6th Tank Regiment, at 57,47 (Magwe)

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes


Allied aircraft
Wellington Ic x 27
B-25C Mitchell x 32
P-40K Warhawk x 7

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
167 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 5 destroyed, 30 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 27 (1 destroyed, 26 disabled)
............................
Morning Air attack on 77th Infantry Regiment, at 57,47 (Magwe)

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 16

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
132 casualties reported
Squads: 14 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 9 (8 destroyed, 1 disabled)
......................
Morning Air attack on Imperial Guards/C Division, at 57,47 (Magwe)

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes


Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIc Trop x 10
Vengeance I x 48
P-40K Warhawk x 7


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
315 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 24 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 21 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 4 (1 destroyed, 3 disabled)
.................

About 700 casualties in clear weather unmolested level bombers against a well scouted level 3 fortified base position with 12,000 occupants ...

SOPAC:

We hit the port at Munda ..

Morning Air attack on Munda , at 111,134

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 14
B-17F Fortress x 11
B-24D Liberator x 12

No Allied losses

Port hits 8
Port fuel hits 2
Port supply hits 2

[Crackaces]

I would post another map of burma but just imagine Mandalay -- Magwe as above but shift forces . now about 1500 AV in Mandalay down from 2000 and 500 AV in Magwe ... with more coming. The entire theater is shifting together toward the south-southwest ...

More Allies are coming too over the next two months ..what a slugfest in the jungle ...

There are a number of APD's in the Marshalls ... I am not sure the direction of the movement yet. I thought out toward Bikini and Juluit but it might just be the other way. We sent out B24's to shut down some ports ...

Otheriwise we move supplies and wait for tHellcats and the Essex class CV's ..

[Alfred]

ORIGINAL: Crackaces

The IJ have brought up an intresting problem in the game. I have on occasion in this game parked my CV fleet at Canton Island. which in reality can not sustain operations there. That of course allows us to react very quickly to IJ forays, which in turn is frustrating to the IJ because they cannot execute a surprise attack. I get wind of thier operations and react way too quickly putting myself in an advantagious position.

So I have proposed to keep my ships at a place that is capable of repair of such said ship ...

We shall see how this developes ..

The current strategy I have choose is not very fun for the IJ .. A combined coordianted air/sea/ground campaign ... rather than the politcally motvated historical slaughter in the Solomon's ....I think the IJ were fully prepared to fight this battle and now I am comming out in Burma and Marshalls in '42 this is not so fun ... The fact that my USN CV's have remained intact and yet a threat has the IJ a little bit frustrated ...

1. We caught the MKB at Baker Island and roughed it up..
2. We prepped an invasion waiting for the KB to raid and when they did we invaded Tarawa
3. The next KB raid we hit Moulimien ...
4. After the IJ invade Darwin we had Burma ready to attack and bought out the Indian Divisions proceeding to clear out the under defended area..
5. We prepped the Aussies and supply, and kicked them out of OZ

But .. I still think this is a draw in '46 .. I am not sure the IJ have thier eyes on this goal [&:]

More later ..

Frankly, I have no sympathy for the Japanese player. He faces a situation brought about by his own actions and inactions.

Back in post #841 you mentioned not having LRCAP show up. Make sure you assign LRCAP only to within the aircraft's normal range. At extended range, LRCAP doesn't fly.

Alfred

[Crackaces]

Frankly, I have no sympathy for the Japanese player. He faces a situation brought about by his own actions and inactions.

Back in post #841 you mentioned not having LRCAP show up. Make sure you assign LRCAP only to within the aircraft's normal range. At extended range, LRCAP doesn't fly.

Alfred

I admit I have no clue about this game -- so the IJ are just tough enough for me [8D] On the LRCAP .. that very well could have been it .. drop tanks not set on .. [:o]

I have enclosed a WitpStaff picture of the trails tracking the Enterprise. Just for the record. A dot shows parking and the arrrows are movement. As one can see my CV's transited up to Canton Island to park and fuel and then head back into a steady loop between SOPAC and CENPAC/Pearl Harbor. Often deviating to react to "heavy radio traffic" stand off with the KB and then enter the operational pattern seen. The home rule agreed to is that the port must be big enough to dock to park or the fleet must disband. Otherwise the ships must stay in patrol ...

[Crackaces]

Three things I would like to add to this AAR about my opponent:

1. He is a fine gentlemen.
2. I never have to worry about quitting or gameyness.
3. He makes a fine adversary as we both are learning a new game.

Given other AAR's and difficulties with the above -- I am quite fortunate

The intial submarine warfare DEC 10-14th for the Allies was remarkable. Much better than P(.20) for the USN. This hammered some of the intial invasions. It slowed the advance considerably despite my mistakes.

Using my knowledge now, there is a game mechanic that one has to escort amphib landings against targets with shore batteries with surface action forces that can engage at range. A seperate bombardment force does not do the trick. Bombardment will go after the port, airfield, and troops -- escorting the amphib forces ensures that the shore batteries will be engaged, and more so the shore batteries will be busy banging away on warships and not fragile xAK's/xAP's. Although the downside is that the platforms will close to 0 distance. A couple of minor losses by shore batteries were experinced earlier to Darwin, but not understanding this detail caused the landing forces at Darwin to take 1/3 losses from 6" guns. This is decisive in changing the initiative in my opinion.

Even with all this -- I continue to believe this game will be close in '46. I just do not believe with the KB preserved that the Allies can make a huge decisive leap, but must stay within Patrol/Land based air range in a steady advance. Once the Essex class CV's arrive in numbers then a bold move might be made.

Those are my assumptions for now ..

[Crackaces]

*********************************************** 11 DEC 42 ********************************

BURMA:

Just 4E's to test 8000 feet and results. It is pretty clear that 4E's are very powerful and urban/fort level 3 is no match for unopposed 4E's
Morning Air attack on 77th Infantry Regiment, at 57,47 (Magwe)

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes


Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIc Trop x 4
Liberator II x 16
B-24D Liberator x 24
P-40K Warhawk x 25

Allied aircraft losses
Liberator II: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
317 casualties reported
Squads: 14 destroyed, 10 disabled
Non Combat: 6 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 11 (7 destroyed, 4 disabled)

In 8 raids the 77th rgt is no more.

My plan is to slow down the pace of bombing, although the IJ have options they are not using like resitance and flak ..

CENPAC:

Morning Air attack on Roi-Namur , at 132,114

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 20
B-17F Fortress x 10
B-24D Liberator x 23

No Allied losses

Port hits 19
Port fuel hits 2
Port supply hits 2
.................
Morning Air attack on Roi-Namur , at 132,114

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 10 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 18


Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 1 damaged

Port hits 4
Port supply hits 4
................

Morning Air attack on Roi-Namur , at 132,114

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 10 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 8

No Allied losses
.................

Morning Air attack on Roi-Namur , at 132,114

Weather in hex: Overcast

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


Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 9

No Allied losses

Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 2

Given a level 4 port we placed 23 port hits and 3 fuel hits with some supply hits ..

Ok more later ..

[Crackaces]

It is easy to argue ahistorical results, and the overwhelming superiorty of 4E's in this game. However, I would propose looking at the situation in Burma a problem more like Poland 1939 rather than historical Burma '42. Fundamentally one force has total air superiority over the battlespace and ability to project operational air to ground attacks of a devasting nature with the defense holding clear terrain and no flak. I am dropping 1000 to 2000 500 pound bombs attacking units in clear terrain and getting a 3 bombs kill/injure 1 troop effect. Ground bombing in the game does not yield the same devastating kinds of results in rough/jungle or in Mandalay as examples.

My strategy so far leveraged the fact that the IJ did not establish a line in the jungle, but are defending clear terrain within my battlespace. I have suggested that establishing a line from Taung Gvi to Prome through the jungle is a much a better option than getting pounded by Allied air. I also propose that the IJ use Oscars to cover their movement to this line. I might say the resistance to do so is competing against history rather than the current situation, which is nothing like history. Anyway, that would be my reaction to this turn of events --move toward Taung Gvi to Prome building up Prome as a huge fortress. That beats getting smacked in the open.

I also propose that a similar problem in the game was faced by the Allies -- in that the IJ has total sea superiority where and when they decide to project it into the battlespace. I found a defensive line that I could reasonable defend ...

[Crackaces]

******************************************* 12 DEC 42 *******************************************

BURMA:

We continue our attacks against Magwe:

Morning Air attack on 41st Infantry Regiment, at 57,47 (Magwe)

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 48
P-40K Warhawk x 24


Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
193 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 19 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

.................
Morning Air attack on Imperial Guards/C Division, at 57,47 (Magwe)

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes


Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIc Trop x 4
Wellington Ic x 28
B-25C Mitchell x 16


Allied aircraft losses
Wellington Ic: 1 damaged
B-25C Mitchell: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
540 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 37 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 20 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

733 casualties from ~400 500 lbs bombs agasint a target with 12,000 men in the open on a celar day. Most units are disabled


CENPAC:

Morning Air attack on Roi-Namur , at 132,114

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 20
B-17F Fortress x 11

No Allied losses

Port hits 8
Port supply hits 1

OZ:

December 12, 1942 represents the last IJA units in Australia:


Ground combat at 73,126 (near Wyndham)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 3096 troops, 32 guns, 49 vehicles, Assault Value = 124

Defending force 15 troops, 4 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 2

Allied adjusted assault: 29

Japanese adjusted defense: 1

Allied assault odds: 29 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
Guns lost 4 (4 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units destroyed 2

Assaulting units:
13th Australian Brigade

Defending units:
15th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Bn /2


I am going to assume that fast transport got the infantry off to safety leaving behind some guns.

CHINA:

The IJAAF STRAT bombing continues ..

Morning Air attack on Changsha , at 82,52

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 39 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 24
Ki-48-IIa Lily x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-IIa Lily: 7 damaged
......................

Morning Air attack on Changsha , at 82,52

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 40 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 14
Ki-48-Ib Lily x 20

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-Ib Lily: 5 damaged

Manpower hits 56
Fires 16710
Fires causing damage to Light Industry at Changsha!
....................
Morning Air attack on Chengchow , at 88,44

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-Ic Sally x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-Ic Sally: 2 damaged

Manpower hits 1
Fires 1195

A lot of kabooms that drain supplies, and I am not repairing the factories being burned to the ground. China is one big eggshell ..

[Crackaces]

*************************************** 13 DEC 42 ***********************************

BURMA:

I left my Wellingtons to land bomb and the IJAAF decided to defend ..

Afternoon Air attack on Imperial Guards/A Division, at 57,47 (Magwe)

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 12

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIc Trop x 10
Wellington Ic x 28
P-40K Warhawk x 7

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIc Trop: 1 destroyed
Wellington Ic: 1 destroyed, 6 damaged

Hurricane IIc Trop from No.615 Sqn RAF is damaged on landing
Damaged Hurricane IIc Trop from No.79 Sqn RAF crashes on return leg

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


MUCH MUCH different results!!! 12 rather than 100 casualties and the loss of Allied airframes. A lot of discussion, but my thoughts I beleive were correct in that the situation was more like Poland than Burma .. now with some resistance .. better results ..

TULAGI:

Morning Air attack on Tulagi , at 114,137

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 36 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes


Allied aircraft
Beaufort VIII x 12
B-17E Fortress x 14
B-17F Fortress x 11
B-24D Liberator x 12
B-26B Marauder x 6


Allied aircraft losses
B-26B Marauder: 5 damaged

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

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 15
Runway hits 64


Preemptive raid to shut down this airbase ...

Off the Coast of Perth we are chasing around a persistent IJN sub ..

Sub attack near Busselton at 47,150

Japanese Ships
SS I-169

Allied Ships
AM Colac
AM Ipswich
AM Deloraine

SS I-169 launches 2 torpedoes at AM Colac

More later ..

[Crackaces]

For those IJFB's that think an Oscar with 12.7mm machine guns is a match for a B17 ....this aircraft survived a ME109 crashing through the tail ..

[Crackaces]

******************************************** 14 DEC 42 *************************************************

CENPAC:

Kwajalein Island reports 6 Bombers but we get zero hits on platforms .. but it will be awhile before this airbase puts up fighters ...

Morning Air attack on Kwajalein Island , at 132,115

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 30
B-24D Liberator x 51
No Allied losses

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

Airbase hits 21
Airbase supply hits 12
Runway hits 49\
..................
Morning Air attack on Kwajalein Island , at 132,115

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 12 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 9

No Allied losses

Runway hits 5

We sweep Magwe will 60 fighters and the IJ stay down .. The Ij bomb China ..

The Dutch find a convoy off the Home Islands ..

Sub attack near Amami Oshima at 99,64

Japanese Ships
SC CHa-13
xAK Zyuyo Maru
xAK Yamakisan Maru
xAKL Gyokurei Maru

Allied Ships
SS KXIV

SS KXIV launches 2 torpedoes at SC CHa-13
.......................

Sub attack near Amami Oshima at 99,64

Japanese Ships
xAK Keihuku Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
SC CHa-13

Allied Ships
SS KXIV

Note that the Keihuku Maru was not part of the orginal targets so this is a big convoy ...

A IJN DD goes hunting but comes up dry ..

ASW attack near Emirau Island at 103,121

Japanese Ships
DD Ariake

Allied Ships
SS Salmon

SS Salmon is sighted by escort

Ok more later ..