Newbie Allies vs. Experinced WitP

[ny59giants]

Kusaie Island - Can you devote a PBY group to transport in what it can of a BF and SeaBee (SB) unit to build up the base?? Whatever doesn't fit on the PBY can go by Fast Transports. One of the reasons I'm not to aggressive in Dec 41 with those Clemson Class DDs. You need all the APDs you can get.

[Crackaces]

***************************************** 10 JAN 43 ********************************

The IJAAF come out at night and our night fighters actaully find them!

Night Air attack on Mandalay , at 59,46

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 78 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 24 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 3

Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIf x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged

No Allied losses


Japaneese Zero try and protect the IJN BB's going in to bombard Akyab ..we lose bombers and miss with our attacks .

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Bassein at 51,52

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 26

Allied aircraft
Beaufort I x 15

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort I: 6 damaged
Beaufort I: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
BB Yamashiro
BB Fuso

This was somewhat as predicted .. now to decide to have an exchange of BB's ..t[&:]here are no Betty's to attack us ..but we will probably get our arses handed to us .. but maybe we can hurt a BB or two .. setting the IJN back here ..

We did not shut off an attack .. so these guys will be grounded for maintaince .


Afternoon Air attack on 61st Naval Guard Unit, at 134,120 (Jaluit)

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 19
B-17F Fortress x 22


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
186 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 5 destroyed, 17 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 3 (1 destroyed, 2 disabled)


We continue to disable sqauds .. Out Boys are at 60 prep right now and will be at 80 when we hit the beaches .. two disorganized forces . the IJA from bombing and the USA 153 rgt from amphib penalities .. should be interesting ..

We continue to hit Mundi to shut down the port here ..

Morning Air attack on Munda , at 111,134

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

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


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 13
B-17F Fortress x 11
B-24D Liberator x 12


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
19 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled

Port hits 15
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 3


More bombing in China . but less of it .. I think forces are moving ..

More later ..

[Crackaces]

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

Kusaie Island - Can you devote a PBY group to transport in what it can of a BF and SeaBee (SB) unit to build up the base?? Whatever doesn't fit on the PBY can go by Fast Transports. One of the reasons I'm not to aggressive in Dec 41 with those Clemson Class DDs. You need all the APDs you can get.

I am thinking I need a lot more faster than can be transported by air and thus an amphib landing on my island .. about 20K supply and the heavy equipment to get tehe port and airfield up ... hitting Jaluit and getting the stuff on Kusaie Island is more than doable . I just have to get stuff in postion which will take a week ..

[ny59giants]

I am thinking I need a lot more faster than can be transported by air and thus an amphib landing on my island .. about 20K supply and the heavy equipment to get tehe port and airfield up ... hitting Jaluit and getting the stuff on Kusaie Island is more than doable . I just have to get stuff in postion which will take a week ..

Make sure you bring at least one of those Port Service units to speed up unloading. [;)]

[Crackaces]

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

I am thinking I need a lot more faster than can be transported by air and thus an amphib landing on my island .. about 20K supply and the heavy equipment to get tehe port and airfield up ... hitting Jaluit and getting the stuff on Kusaie Island is more than doable . I just have to get stuff in postion which will take a week ..

Make sure you bring at least one of those Port Service units to speed up unloading. [;)]

Absoutely . 'D' detachment is assigned to Jaluit ... the 225 BF with 100 Naval support is assigned to Kusaie Island

[Crackaces]

*********************************************11 JAN 43 *********************************************
This day was a day the IJNAAF went looking for trouble .. and found it ..

This will live down as the great Akyab Turkey Shoot as yesterday we downed 15 betty's today add at least 9 more probably a few more ops losses.

Morning Air attack on TF, near Akyab at 53,45

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 68 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 20 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48-IIa Lily x 15

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIc Trop x 12
Kittyhawk IA x 3


Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-IIa Lily: 7 destroyed, 1 damaged

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
BB Revenge
..............

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Akyab at 53,45

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 61 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 18 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48-IIa Lily x 15

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIc Trop x 12
Kittyhawk IA x 3


Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-IIa Lily: 2 destroyed

No Allied losses

An ACE in one day!!!

WO Charters, C.D. of No.14 Sqn RNZAF is credited with kill number 2
WO Charters, C.D. of No.14 Sqn RNZAF is credited with kill number 3
WO Charters, C.D. of No.14 Sqn RNZAF is credited with kill number 4
WO Charters, C.D. of No.14 Sqn RNZAF is credited with kill number 5
WO Charters, C.D. of No.14 Sqn RNZAF attains ace status!!



The IJ lost all thier Betty's and now are using Lilly's .. they did not fared better only losing 1/2 of them but no torps struck home ..

We lost a B25 and Blenheim VD ..

Morning Air attack on 74th Infantry Regiment, at 55,50 (Prome)

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 24
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 8

Allied aircraft
Blenheim VD x 11
B-25C Mitchell x 64

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim VD: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
B-25C Mitchell: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged
Damaged B-25C Mitchell from 341st BG/11th BS is missing, pilot reported killed

Japanese ground losses:
174 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 19 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 20 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Then an escorted raid ..

Morning Air attack on 2nd RTA Division, at 55,50 (Prome)

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 1
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 2

Allied aircraft
Wellington Ic x 16
Kittyhawk IA x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
133 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabledT

hen the resitance stopped ..

Morning Air attack on 55th Division, at 55,50 (Prome)

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Allied aircraft
Liberator II x 25
Wellington Ic x 14
B-24D Liberator x 36

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
203 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 17 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 13 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


Only 500 this time .. we are going to have to sweep and go lower to be effective ..

Bombing in China [>:]

This is the second time this commander has engaged on the surface and caused much damage to his ship .. [X(]

Submarine attack near Zamboanga at 75,89

Japanese Ships
xAKL Columbia Maru, Shell hits 31, heavy fires, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Pompano, hits 7

xAKL Columbia Maru is sighted by SS Pompano
SS Pompano attacking on the surface
Bass, R.H. decides to submerge SS Pompano due to damage

The Columbia Maru is on fire and has lost weapons mounts ..


The Craven and the Meade are not my best .. but they got some action in and got a hit ..

ASW attack near Mili at 135,121

Japanese Ships
SS I-172, hits 1

Allied Ships
DD Craven
DD Meade

SS I-172 is sighted by escort

The SS Sturgeon draws some attention ..

Sub attack near Aogashima at 114,66

Japanese Ships
APD Oite
APD Karukaya
APD Numakaze

Allied Ships
SS Sturgeon

SS Sturgeon launches 2 torpedoes at APD Oite

Out on the west coast of OZ ....

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Broome at 62,127

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 8

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AMc MMS A

Ok more later ..

[Crackaces]

Here is a question to any of the expect lurkers .. it is posible for the Allies to successfully invade Truk in mid '43? I know it has 20cm guns that shoot 32KM, probably 300 mines, and right now 2 SNLF units. Depending on the feasibility of supressing those shore batterires and clearing 300 mines in one fell swoop Truk is well within range of both the Marianas and Peleu Has anyone accompished this mission? Is it feasible?

Here is what I am thinking:

1. Continual preperation bombing using 4E's from Ponape Island. At some point the base will be weakend. The ultimate win would be to knock out the ACM's supporting the minefield. I think that has to happen.

2.. Constuct 3 10 YMS platform mine sweeping TF's, 1 Amphib with 7 pre war BB's [range 34K vs. the 20cm 32K] with DMS escorts APA's/AKA's loaded with 3 divisions, 2 Escort 3 CVE's each TF's loaded with fighters, 3 CVTF's 6 CV's

3. While the YMS's attempt to clear out the mines the night before with many meeting thier fate to surving shore batteries I assume a great many mines will be cleared. Then the Amphib forces can hit the beaches.

One approach I am thinking is to first take Ponope Island and start the 4E/2E campaign on Truk. The 88mm flak there will force the bombers high and I fear it will take a lot longer to get effects .. but we can supress the port and airfield .. then go after the LCU's. Once the ACM's have been somehow hit we attempt a YMS mine sweeping attack without a troop landing to test the waters so to speak .. but I would rather leverage intelligence in this forum [;)]


Thoughts?

[ny59giants]

Invading pre-war bases that have those large fixed CD guns almost always ends in a disaster. Any Mine Sweeping TF will get hit hard and sunk too quickly to truly be cost effective. If memory serves me right, they have to get too close to the shoreline to sweep enough mines.

IMO, just suppress Truk with bombers and let it be a POW camp. [:D]

[Crackaces]

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

Invading pre-war bases that have those large fixed CD guns almost always ends in a disaster. Any Mine Sweeping TF will get hit hard and sunk too quickly to truly be cost effective. If memory serves me right, they have to get too close to the shoreline to sweep enough mines.

IMO, just suppress Truk with bombers and let it be a POW camp. [:D]

OK that tells me that the Shore Batteries have to be well supressed before any anti-mining operation happends . .. which leads me to believe that getting things close enough to take mines out requires a pretty concerted effort to hit LCU's ..

The big reason I want to take Truk is to avoid the Marianas where I know the IJA have made a tremedous build up ..that is going to be bloody too .. By taking Truk and I can keep moving the $E bombers forward and I can shift my strategy from Formosa to hitting Leyte early '44 ..getting a 6 month start on dividing the empire in half.

It is something to think about .. but given the feedback I will first establish the bombing campaign on Truk that will take till mid 43 to even get establsihed and then see if my bombers at 12,000 feet can touch the coastal guns ...

[Crackaces]

*********************************** 12 JAN 43 ***********************************


Nasty little action in the Solomon's ... A mini KB comes calling ..first a sweep by the IJ that results in a minor exchange then out boys fly .. to thier death [:(]

Morning Air attack on Ndeni , at 120,143

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 11 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9



Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 8
P-40E Warhawk x 4
P-40K Warhawk x 8


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed
..................

Morning Air attack on Ndeni , at 120,143

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 27 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 21

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 8
P-40E Warhawk x 2
P-40K Warhawk x 7


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra: 1 destroyed
P-40K Warhawk: 1 destroyed

Morning Air attack on TF, near Stewart Island at 117,139

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 62 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 20 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 45
A6M3a Zero x 15



Allied aircraft
Beaufort VIII x 10
P-40K Warhawk x 17


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort VIII: 4 destroyed, 1 damaged
Beaufort VIII: 1 destroyed by flak
P-40K Warhawk: 3 destroyed

Japanese Ships
BB Kirishima
CV Junyo


Lots of submarine action but no Kaboooms ..

We have an ASW encouter ..

ASW attack near Mili at 135,121

Japanese Ships
SS I-172

Allied Ships
DD Kalk
DD Craven
DD Meade

SS I-172 is located by DD Kalk

Sub attack near Mili at 135,121

Japanese Ships
SS I-172, hits 4

Allied Ships
DD Kalk
DD Craven
DD Meade

SS I-172 launches 2 torpedoes at DD Kalk

Some Bombing in China ....[>:]

More later ..

[Crackaces]

*********************************** 13 JAN 43 *************************************

An extermely interesting turn ...

Submarine Warfare:

We were somewhat successfull today terrorizing the IJ merchant marine force ..

One group sees teh Kingfish who elects to dive ..

ASW attack near Iriomote at 91,62

Japanese Ships
PB Muroran Maru
SC CHa-2
xAK Yoneyama Maru
xAK Ueizuru Maru
xAK Meiten Maru
PB Kanko Maru

Allied Ships
SS Kingfish
Captain of SS Kingfish elects not to launch torpedoes at this target

But the radios go hot with traffic when their nearby freinds meet up with the Haddock ..

Sub attack near Pescadores at 85,62

Japanese Ships
PB Daitei Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
xAK Soyo Maru
xAK Kosin Maru
PB Toyotu Maru

Allied Ships
SS Haddock

SS Haddock launches 2 torpedoes at PB Daitei Maru

Sinking sounds in the background ...

Then we go cold again ...agasint an ASW force looking for trouble ..[:(]

Sub attack near Tokara Retto at 100,63

Japanese Ships
PB Takunan Maru
PB Zuikai Maru

Allied Ships
SS Swordfish

SS Swordfish launches 2 torpedoes at PB Takunan Maru

By Oki ... We find a prey ..

First the Yuti Maru escapes ..

Submarine attack near Naha at 95,68

Japanese Ships
xAK Yuri Maru

Allied Ships
SS Grampus

xAK Yuri Maru is sighted by SS Grampus
SS Grampus launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Yuri Maru .......

Then the Grampus finds a new prey ..

Submarine attack near Naha at 93,68

Japanese Ships
xAK Zuiko Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Grampus
xAK Zuiko Maru is sighted by SS Grampus
SS Grampus launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Zuiko Maru

So the Grampus goes back to patrol and the Yuri Maru appears again while the Grampus surfaces ..

Submarine attack near Ishigaki at 90,68

Japanese Ships
xAK Yuri Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Grampus

xAK Yuri Maru is sighted by SS Grampus
SS Grampus attacking on the surface


More sinking sounds ..

Meanwhile ....

The KB are hard at work with the intent of demonstrating force projection ..we trade a few P40's for some Elite IJN Zero pilots ..

Afternoon Air attack on Ndeni , at 120,143

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 114 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 48 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 56
A6M3a Zero x 36
B5N2 Kate x 97

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 10
P-40E Warhawk x 8
P-40K Warhawk x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 5 destroyed
A6M3a Zero: 3 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 11 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed

.............
Afternoon Air attack on Ndeni , at 120,143

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 51 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 40
B5N2 Kate x 56

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 2
P-40E Warhawk x 2
P-40K Warhawk x 5


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 7 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 1 destroyed by flak

No Allied losses .. Damaged P-40K Warhawk from 49th FG/7th FS shot down on way home

Port hits 5
Port supply hits 1

At least 9 zero's plus any operational losses to 2 P40's Not really earthshaking except the IJNAAF expected to dominate this contest and did not ..

Jaluit:

The bombing continues on Jaluit ..

Morning Air attack on Jaluit Base Force, at 134,120 (Jaluit)

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 32
B-17F Fortress x 22

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
241 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 17 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 6 (4 destroyed, 2 disabled)
...............
orning Air attack on Jaluit Base Force, at 134,120 (Jaluit)

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 8

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
83 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 8 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
.........
Afternoon Air attack on Jaluit Base Force, at 134,120 (Jaluit)

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes


Allied aircraft
LB-30 Liberator x 9
B-24D Liberator x 27

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
198 casualties reported
Squads: 13 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 9 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 0 disabled
..............
Morning Air attack on 61st Naval Guard Unit, at 134,120 (Jaluit)

Weather in hex: Clear sky

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


Allied aircraft
Bolingbroke IV x 12


No Allied losses

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

Morning Air attack on 61st Naval Guard Unit, at 134,120 (Jaluit)

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-26B Marauder x 27

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
211 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 11 disabled
Non Combat: 5 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)

What this tells me is that things are mostly disabled and now I am methodically destroying squads. Soon my forces can land.

No bombing in China today. I suspect either they are standing down or are relocating bases within Burma.

Ok more later ..with a map of the current KB .. which has been confirmed to be the entire Combined Fleet ..

[Crackaces]

********************************* 14 JAN 43 ****************************


Submarine warfare:

Sub attack near Laoag at 81,71

Japanese Ships
SC Ch 9
DD Asagumo
SC Ch 39

Allied Ships
SS Shark
SS Shark launches 2 torpedoes at SC Ch 9

I think Shark class are better at dropping mines than trying to hit something .. [8|]

The Swordfish does a bit better putting the fear of the USN in the hearts of the IJ Merchants ..

Sub attack near Nago at 94,63

Japanese Ships
xAK Chojun Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
xAK Morioka Maru
xAK Mansei Maru
xAK Kiyoshima Maru
PB Tsuneshima Maru

Allied Ships
SS Swordfish

SS Swordfish launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Chojun Maru
xAK Chojun Maru is reported to have been sunk near Nago on Jan 14, 1943

A miss around Truk ..
Submarine attack near Truk at 112,110

Japanese Ships
xAK Unyo Maru

Allied Ships
SS Pogy

xAK Unyo Maru is sighted by SS Pogy
SS Pogy launches 2 torpedoes

CENPAC:

Morning Air attack on 61st Naval Guard Unit, at 134,120 (Jaluit)

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

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


Allied aircraft
B-26B Marauder x 14

No Allied losses

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

One more big attack here and I suspect Jaluit will be clear of life ..

One poor little xAK tries to supply Maloelap so first I try and hit the port ..

Morning Air attack on Maloelap , at 136,117

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 35 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-26B Marauder x 13

No Allied losses

Port hits 2

So the dive bombers come and one xAK pays the ultimate price ...

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Maloelap at 136,117

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 39 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Allied aircraft
SBD-3 Dauntless x 12

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAK Koyu Maru, Bomb hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000' *
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 lb SAP Bomb
11 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000' *
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Koyu Maru


OZ:

The IJAAF are detemined to sink 2 little anti mine craft ..

Morning Air attack on TF, near Broome at 62,127

Weather in hex: Overcast

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

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 8

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AMc MMS D
AMc MMS B

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 8000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb


Missed again [8D]


We sweep Prome to bag one Oscar:

Morning Air attack on Prome , at 55,50

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 35 NM, estimated altitude 25,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 6

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIc Trop x 14


Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses

One thing happened here 2 Sendai failed morale checks and "checked out" leaving their buddy behind to get smacked . this is rather different news ..

Bombing again in China .. [>:]

More later ..

[Crackaces]

***************************************************** 15 - 16 JAN 1943 ************************************

Still one day turns but I thought I would combine things for the slow action ..

Submarine Warfare:

The USN keeps the pressure on ..

The Swordfish finds a TF force at Nago but dives deep in repsonse to a DD escort.

The Searaven finds its prey ..

Sub attack near Satawal at 103,105

Japanese Ships
xAK Clyde Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
PC Nire

Allied Ships
SS Searaven

Sinking sounds ...[;)]


The Tuna finds a the loney PC at Satawai (104,106):

Sub attack near Satawal at 104,106

Japanese Ships
PC Nire

Allied Ships
SS Tuna

SS Tuna launches 2 torpedoes

Pretty good confermation that the xAK Clyde Maru found the bottom of the ocean ..

On the 16th the Sharks finds a huge convoy but gets roughed up by escorts ..

ASW attack near Laoag at 81,71

Japanese Ships
DD Fuyo
DD Asanagi
E Kari
E Hato
CM Okinoshima
AV Kimikawa Maru
TK Teiyo Maru
TK Tatekawa Maru
TK Rikko Maru
TK Akebono Maru
xAK Melbourne Maru
xAK Aratama Maru
DD Asagao
DD Sanae

Allied Ships
SS Shark, hits 1

SS Shark launches 2 torpedoes at DD Fuyo

OZ:

Our little mine sweepers find the skies full of Sally's and this time they are not so lucky ..

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Broome at 62,127

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 6 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 1 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 8
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 13


No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AMc MMS B, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
AMc MMS A

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 4000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

I had a strategy here of encouraging these extended range attacks and accumulate operational losses but it is not happening ..

As the next day the same 8 show up in severe storms ..

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Broome at 62,127

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 5 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 1 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 8

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AMc Salak
AMc MMS A

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 4000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb



Bombing in China .. [>:]

Ok more later ..

[Alfred]

ORIGINAL: Crackaces

Here is a question to any of the expect lurkers .. it is posible for the Allies to successfully invade Truk in mid '43? I know it has 20cm guns that shoot 32KM, probably 300 mines, and right now 2 SNLF units. Depending on the feasibility of supressing those shore batterires and clearing 300 mines in one fell swoop Truk is well within range of both the Marianas and Peleu Has anyone accompished this mission? Is it feasible?

Here is what I am thinking:

1. Continual preperation bombing using 4E's from Ponape Island. At some point the base will be weakend. The ultimate win would be to knock out the ACM's supporting the minefield. I think that has to happen.

2.. Constuct 3 10 YMS platform mine sweeping TF's, 1 Amphib with 7 pre war BB's [range 34K vs. the 20cm 32K] with DMS escorts APA's/AKA's loaded with 3 divisions, 2 Escort 3 CVE's each TF's loaded with fighters, 3 CVTF's 6 CV's

3. While the YMS's attempt to clear out the mines the night before with many meeting thier fate to surving shore batteries I assume a great many mines will be cleared. Then the Amphib forces can hit the beaches.

One approach I am thinking is to first take Ponope Island and start the 4E/2E campaign on Truk. The 88mm flak there will force the bombers high and I fear it will take a lot longer to get effects .. but we can supress the port and airfield .. then go after the LCU's. Once the ACM's have been somehow hit we attempt a YMS mine sweeping attack without a troop landing to test the waters so to speak .. but I would rather leverage intelligence in this forum [;)]


Thoughts?

Sorry for the delay but I don't necessarily read your AAR every day.[:)]

I can't recall anyone succesfully capturing Truk but I have a distant recall of some one launching an ill prepared invasion and being "splattered".

1. As you have indicated that the minesweeping operation first needs to sink the ACMs, I'm not certain why you would want to expose your minesweepers subsequently. Without the ACMs, the minefields will eventually decay to nothing.

2. The alternative to sinking the ACMs is to destroy all the fuel at Truk. Without fuel, those ACMs cease to tend the minefield. Set your bombers to "port attack" and the fuel stocks may be targetted. Of course setting a cordon sanitaire around Truk to prevent shipment of fuel (and supply) would also be necessary.

3. Note the difference between minesweeping and local minesweeping. A TF set to the former sweeps the hex it is in plus the adjacent 6 hexes, where on the latter, the TF only sweeps the hex it is in. Some ships can be used for only one of these missions. You may find other, even more expendable ships than YMS (have a look at YP for instance, or AMc) which could be used in a local minesweeping operation. Just be aware that some players might consider using Local Minesweeping in an offensive capacity to be somewhat "gamey".

4. You will definitely want to consider embedding at least one old BB into the Amphibious TF to soak up the CD fire.

5. Normally the simplest course of action is to bypass Truk. However, in view of what you are attempting to do have you given thought to moving south of Truk via New Ireland -> Admiralty Islands -> Caroline Islands -> Palau/Moluccas? It would give you a long flank but the payoff is that you would invalidate any Japanese position on the Solomons and New Guinea and suppressing Truk is cheaper than landing on it.

6. Capturing both Ponape and Ontong Java will be useful irrespective of how your final plan is structured.

Alfred

[Crackaces]

1. As you have indicated that the minesweeping operation first needs to sink the ACMs, I'm not certain why you would want to expose your minesweepers subsequently. Without the ACMs, the minefields will eventually decay to nothing.

2. The alternative to sinking the ACMs is to destroy all the fuel at Truk. Without fuel, those ACMs cease to tend the minefield. Set your bombers to "port attack" and the fuel stocks may be targetted. Of course setting a cordon sanitaire around Truk to prevent shipment of fuel (and supply) would also be necessary.

3. Note the difference between minesweeping and local minesweeping. A TF set to the former sweeps the hex it is in plus the adjacent 6 hexes, where on the latter, the TF only sweeps the hex it is in. Some ships can be used for only one of these missions. You may find other, even more expendable ships than YMS (have a look at YP for instance, or AMc) which could be used in a local minesweeping operation. Just be aware that some players might consider using Local Minesweeping in an offensive capacity to be somewhat "gamey".

4. You will definitely want to consider embedding at least one old BB into the Amphibious TF to soak up the CD fire.

5. Normally the simplest course of action is to bypass Truk. However, in view of what you are attempting to do have you given thought to moving south of Truk via New Ireland -> Admiralty Islands -> Caroline Islands -> Palau/Moluccas? It would give you a long flank but the payoff is that you would invalidate any Japanese position on the Solomons and New Guinea and suppressing Truk is cheaper than landing on it.

6. Capturing both Ponape and Ontong Java will be useful irrespective of how your final plan is structured.

Excellent Feedback Alfred! Lots to think about especally heading for Kavig and then around Truk .. I have to think hard about this one ..

I thought I would for the record answer my thoughts on 1 - 6 [8D]

1. I was thinking of following up on killing the ACM's with local minesweeping to hasten the clean up of 300 mines. Sort of a couple of sweeps and here comes the cavalry !!

2. I can test this out. The bombs will be falling very soon ..[;)] Nauru Island is level 5 ..

3. This is an excellent comment for the annuals of time .. I did not know this!

4. I am finding at least for most pre-war shore installations of 15cm or greater .. 3 ol' pre-war BB's .. one BB gets smacked .. the others supress .. in fact I am thinking that 5 ol' prewar BB's makes a good amphib shell sponge ..

5. I am giving this serious consideration and really had not considered it prior to your suggestion. I just know that Maraianas with the KB intact and no bases is not going to happen before Apr '44... at least in my mind .. but the direction you suggest has lots of merit [of course! [8D]] It is very doable Feb 43 through Jan '44.

6. Consider it done Alfred!!

Thanks again Alfred!

[Crackaces]

******************************* 17 JAN 43 **********************************

The day begins with Allied aircraft sweeping Rangoon ...

Morning Air attack on Rangoon , at 54,53

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 15 NM, estimated altitude 24,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 19
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 17

Allied aircraft
P-40K Warhawk x 22

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 3 destroyed
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 2 destroyed

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

Morning Air attack on Rangoon , at 54,53

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 49 NM, estimated altitude 21,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 7
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 7

Allied aircraft
P-40K Warhawk x 21


Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-40K Warhawk: 1 destroyed

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


Morning Air attack on Rangoon , at 54,53

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 33 NM, estimated altitude 23,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 5
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 2


Allied aircraft
P-40K Warhawk x 22

No Japanese losses

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

Morning Air attack on Rangoon , at 54,53

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 55 NM, estimated altitude 23,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 18 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 1

Allied aircraft
P-40K Warhawk x 9

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

The usual 1 -2 planes crashing on landing and operational losses . but only 6 Oscars down and no Tojo's .

We bomb Prome ..

Morning Air attack on 74th Infantry Regiment, at 55,50 (Prome)

Weather in hex: Light cloud

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

Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 64

Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
340 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 18 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 38 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Afternoon Air attack on 74th Infantry Regiment, at 55,50 (Prome)

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 4

Allied aircraft
Liberator II x 28
...........
Morning Air attack on 58th Infantry Regiment, at 55,50 (Prome)

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes


Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIc Trop x 32
Wellington Ic x 32

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
100 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 10 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Liberator II: 1 damaged

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

Morning Air attack on 55th Division, at 55,50 (Prome)

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Allied aircraft
Vengeance I x 48

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
246 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 20 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 20 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Morning Air attack on 55th Division, at 55,50 (Prome)

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 6 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 1 minutes

Allied aircraft
Beaufort I x 12
Kittyhawk IA x 10


Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort I: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
29 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Morning Air attack on 2nd RTA Division, at 55,50 (Prome)

Weather in hex: Light cloud

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


Allied aircraft
Vengeance I x 12


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
53 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
........


Afternoon Air attack on 2nd RTA Division, at 55,50 (Prome)

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 36

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D Liberator: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
102 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 10 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


For some reason we hit Kwajalein Island:

Afternoon Air attack on Maizuru 2nd SNLF, at 132,115 (Kwajalein Island)

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 12 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Allied aircraft
SBD-3 Dauntless x 16

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
28 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

And of course Jaluit ..

Morning Air attack on 61st Naval Guard Unit, at 134,120 (Jaluit)

Weather in hex: Overcast

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


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 46
B-17F Fortress x 22
LB-30 Liberator x 3
B-24D Liberator x 63
PB4Y-1 Liberator x 12

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
525 casualties reported
Squads: 37 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 72 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 4 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 17 (7 destroyed, 10 disabled)
............

Morning Air attack on 61st Naval Guard Unit, at 134,120 (Jaluit)

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
SBD-3 Dauntless x 12

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
13 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)
.................
Morning Air attack on 61st Naval Guard Unit, at 134,120 (Jaluit)

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-26B Marauder x 17

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
53 casualties reported
Squads: 6 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)
............
Morning Air attack on 61st Naval Guard Unit, at 134,120 (Jaluit)

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-26B Marauder x 10


No Allied losses

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

Morning Air attack on 61st Naval Guard Unit, at 134,120 (Jaluit)

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 8

No Allied losses

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

Morning Air attack on 61st Naval Guard Unit, at 134,120 (Jaluit)

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 6 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 1 minutes


Allied aircraft
LB-30 Liberator x 9


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
19 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)
.......................
Morning Air attack on 61st Naval Guard Unit, at 134,120 (Jaluit)

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 9


No Allied losses

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


Note the squads destroyed vs. disabled ..

Submarines:

SS-46 decides to have it out with the Arizama Maru on the surface! [X(]

Sub attack near Cape Gloucester at 102,123

Japanese Ships
xAKL Arizama Maru, Shell hits 18, heavy fires

Allied Ships
SS S-46, hits 9, on fire


The Skipjack bags one .. [8D]

Sub attack near Ominato at 120,55

Japanese Ships
xAK Jinshu Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
PB Menado Maru

Allied Ships
SS Skipjack

SS Skipjack launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Jinshu Maru

Sinking sounds soon threafter ..

Two more encouters that are cold ..

ASW attack near Treasury Islands at 108,133

Japanese Ships
DD Yugumo
CA Haguro
CA Tone
DD Sazanami
DD Inazuma

Allied Ships
SS S-34

SS S-34 launches 2 torpedoes at DD Yugumo
.........................
ASW attack near Mili at 137,122

Japanese Ships
SS I-19

Allied Ships
SC PC-1077
SC PC-582

SS I-19 is sighted by escort

More later ..

[Crackaces]

******************************** 18 - 19 JAN 43 *******************************

Recon shows that another bombardment is coming to Cox's Bazzar ..

We hit Rangoon at night for 9 airbase 12 runway and 2 nick's on the grpund .. a nick and a tojo got shot down for 1 RAF B-24 ..

When we swept Prome no fighters came up to meet us ..
We bombed Prome in the Morning targeting a AA unit and takening out 10 aa guns disabling another 15 .. 100 dead ..

We got 2 subamarine contacts .. miss miss on the home islands ..

It looks like Jaluit is empty ..

More later ..

[Crackaces]

A look at the map and we can see detection level 9 and Jaluit is empty [&:] It looks like the IJ is fast transporting back to Truk. I suspect this is in reaction to 200 4E's and DB's hitting every 3 days. Now we have to accerlerate things and take advantage of this turn of events.

I am giving serious thought to Alfred's inputs. The first thing that has to happen is establish 4E's on Narau Island and get BF's on Kusaie Island this is in progress right now ..in the meantime we clean up the Marshall's .. one other bit of news .. we are 127 days from the first Essex CV

[Crackaces]

************************************* 20 JAN 43 **************************************

We picked off a PB near Iriomote:

Sub attack near Iriomote at 91,62

Japanese Ships
PB Heiyo Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
xAK Celebes Maru
xAK Brasil Maru
PB Tokotsu Maru

Allied Ships
SS Sturgeon

Sweeps of Prome yield no resistance ..

Bombing in China ..[>:]

Another day clicked off the clock ...[;)]

One piece of intelligence ..

Coastwatcher Report: CVE Hosho reported in port at Kavieng

So an invasion of New Ireland would take interdicting these platforms .. a mid to late '43 proposition maybe they could be pressured earlier if 4E's were to come and visit? [:D]

[Crackaces]

**************************************** 21 JAN 43 ******************************************


It is very very quiet these days ..we turn loose the 4E's to inhibit the port at Kwajalein Island and depopulate Majuro ..

Morning Air attack on Kwajalein Island , at 132,115

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes


Allied aircraft
LB-30 Liberator x 12
B-24D Liberator x 63
PB4Y-1 Liberator x 12


No Allied losses

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

Port hits 8
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 4

...........
Morning Air attack on Majuro Base Force, at 136,119 (Majuro)

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 19
B-17F Fortress x 22


No Allied losses
Japanese ground losses:
322 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 3 destroyed, 32 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 7 disabled
Guns lost 5 (1 destroyed, 4 disabled)



More later .. we are busy planning mid '43 ...