Other than some resources at Corunna Downs/Port Hedland, there is NOTHING of value in N. Oz except space - between you and the DEI oil. If I wanted Oz I would not bother attacking in the north at all but would head to Perth or Townsville from the start. He is just pushing his perimeter outward to delay your return to the Java Sea.
Retiring to bases with better supply and building up your strength for a while is the smart move. Move on him when you have the air and naval forces to contest the seas north of Oz and when you have enough land forces to push back up the roads or counter-invade in the north. Trapping his forces on the continent should be a part of the plan.
Shall we play a DBB-C game? - CT Grognard vs Arnhem (no CTG pls)
Moderators: wdolson, MOD_War-in-the-Pacific-Admirals-Edition
RE: 26 Mar 1942
No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth
27 Mar 1942
27 Mar 1942
SIGINT
14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment is planning for an attack on Changsha.
5/16th Division is planning for an attack on Darwin.
5/14th Army is planning for an attack on Darwin.
China
I expect Lanchow to fall under attack soon, the stack to it's east was trying to make a river crossing to cut off Lanchow from supply but I caught it in time and moved units to cover the flank, too bad CTG caught it or I could have mauled at least 1 IJA unit badly as it tried to cross.
Elsewhere recon flights over Changsha are a daily occurrence, the dot base at Putang seems to be have been abandoned but I'm not taking chances and will continue sending in 2 corps to have a look. Some understrength corps have been pushed out to cover the holes in my flanks to prevent anymore sidestepping of my MLR.
The 3 corps assigned or about to be assigned (waiting on PPs to accumulate) to the NCAC are at the border with Burma and I've swapped out their leaders to the best I could find.
DEI
Lots of sea traffic off Kendari, probably the Oz invasion force gathering before moving down to Darwin. Search planes out of Soerabaja also flag 3 surface TFs comprised of heavies to the SE of Banderjermasin, to the west of Makassar and just off Kali. I think some of the sighting reports are spurious cos if they were correct that'll be just about every CA/BB in the IJN inventory except for the ones accompanying KB. Anyways, the Dutch MTBs will make a run on Kali as I expect a reinforcement convoy to hit there on the next turn. They did pretty well the last turn so here's hoping they punch above their weight again.
SWPAC
Every USAAF 4E I have on the map is going to Oz, at this moment the northernmost airfield capable of supporting them is Townsville so it will be a while before I have the infrastructure and support in place to get them into action but I hope to have them in place and ready to make the IJA bleed if CTG makes a determined effort to push south of Darwin. In addition I have 2 fighter groups (P-40s and P-39s) at Noumea that will move to Oz and hopefully be in time to contest the landings in the north. The Americal Division(-) is also moving up from Brisbane to the north, the 164th Infantry will be extracted from SOPAC to rejoin her sister regiments.
In other news
Arizona and Maryland leave PH for the mainland to finish their repairs, they join West Virginia and California who are already undergoing refit and repairs. The earliest this lot will rejoin the fleet will be around the end of '42 with tail end Charlie California not expected to see action till mid '43.
SIGINT
14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment is planning for an attack on Changsha.
5/16th Division is planning for an attack on Darwin.
5/14th Army is planning for an attack on Darwin.
China
I expect Lanchow to fall under attack soon, the stack to it's east was trying to make a river crossing to cut off Lanchow from supply but I caught it in time and moved units to cover the flank, too bad CTG caught it or I could have mauled at least 1 IJA unit badly as it tried to cross.
Elsewhere recon flights over Changsha are a daily occurrence, the dot base at Putang seems to be have been abandoned but I'm not taking chances and will continue sending in 2 corps to have a look. Some understrength corps have been pushed out to cover the holes in my flanks to prevent anymore sidestepping of my MLR.
The 3 corps assigned or about to be assigned (waiting on PPs to accumulate) to the NCAC are at the border with Burma and I've swapped out their leaders to the best I could find.
DEI
Lots of sea traffic off Kendari, probably the Oz invasion force gathering before moving down to Darwin. Search planes out of Soerabaja also flag 3 surface TFs comprised of heavies to the SE of Banderjermasin, to the west of Makassar and just off Kali. I think some of the sighting reports are spurious cos if they were correct that'll be just about every CA/BB in the IJN inventory except for the ones accompanying KB. Anyways, the Dutch MTBs will make a run on Kali as I expect a reinforcement convoy to hit there on the next turn. They did pretty well the last turn so here's hoping they punch above their weight again.
SWPAC
Every USAAF 4E I have on the map is going to Oz, at this moment the northernmost airfield capable of supporting them is Townsville so it will be a while before I have the infrastructure and support in place to get them into action but I hope to have them in place and ready to make the IJA bleed if CTG makes a determined effort to push south of Darwin. In addition I have 2 fighter groups (P-40s and P-39s) at Noumea that will move to Oz and hopefully be in time to contest the landings in the north. The Americal Division(-) is also moving up from Brisbane to the north, the 164th Infantry will be extracted from SOPAC to rejoin her sister regiments.
In other news
Arizona and Maryland leave PH for the mainland to finish their repairs, they join West Virginia and California who are already undergoing refit and repairs. The earliest this lot will rejoin the fleet will be around the end of '42 with tail end Charlie California not expected to see action till mid '43.
28 Mar 1942
28 Mar 1942
SIGINT
14th Army is planning for an attack on Darwin.
48th Division is loaded on a Japanese TK moving to Kendari.
13th Indpt Infantry Regiment is planning for an attack on Lanchow.
5/16th Division is planning for an attack on Darwin.
5/65th Brigade is planning for an attack on Derby.
14/65th Brigade is loaded on a Ansyu-C Cargo class xAK moving to Kendari.
12/65th Brigade is loaded on a Japanese xAK moving to Kendari.
4/16th Division is planning for an attack on Darwin.
DEI
My hunch was right, the Dutch TBs catch a massive resup convoy coming into Kali and although they don't hit anything with their torps, they cause the inevitable collisions, could have done better, could do worse.
SWPAC
KB ducks all the PBYs I had out on naval search and appears between Taveuni and Hoorn Islands, attacking an empty troop convoy that had just unloaded at Suva. I lose 4 xAPs, 2 xAKs (fast ones, 17 knots) and one of my precious APs to it. Another 2 xAPs with fires aboard are in danger of sinking.
All things considered it could have been worse, KB concentrated most of her firepower on the empty troop convoy and missed another empty, unescorted 4 ship convoy just to the northeast, not to mention a gaggle of other TFs in Suva port including a bunch of TKs. I've disbanded most of the supply convoys and pushed off an AP that was in the midst of unloading an infantry battalion to Noumea. I've left a couple of DDs in port as bait. If he comes back for a second round I've got 3 fighter groups waiting for him, he might be going for Darwin part 2 but if I can gut his precious bomber crews it'll be worth it.
I'm also sending 4 old BBs down from PH to see if an opening presents itself. As it is, Yorktown and Enterprise lead charmed lives, if they had lingered another 2 days they'd be toast, they're about 2 days east of Suva and were heading for PH but will now mark time and wait as Hornet joins them. If the USAAF can whittle down KB's air complement I want to at least have the option of striking at it instead of ruing a missed opportunity.
Morning Air attack on TF, near Taveuni Island at 136,158
Weather in hex: Clear sky
Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 36
B5N2 Kate x 84
D3A1 Val x 61
Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 2 damaged
D3A1 Val: 6 damaged
D3A1 Val: 1 destroyed by flak
Allied Ships
DD Dewey
xAP Taroona, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
AP President Monroe, Bomb hits 2
AP President Polk, Bomb hits 10, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
DD Hull
xAP Malaita, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
DD Litchfield
xAP President Buchanan, Bomb hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAP President Taylor, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
Aircraft Attacking:
8 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
17 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
5 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
17 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
8 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
23 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
7 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
27 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
1 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
7 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
1 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
11 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
5 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
8 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAP Taroona
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring AP President Polk
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAP President Buchanan
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Taveuni Island at 136,158
Weather in hex: Severe storms
Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18
D3A1 Val x 57
Japanese aircraft losses
D3A1 Val: 6 damaged
Allied Ships
DD Hull, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
DD Litchfield
xAP President Tyler, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires
AP President Monroe, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Dewey, Bomb hits 2, on fire
Aircraft Attacking:
7 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
6 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
13 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
5 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
7 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
13 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
2 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Hull
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring AP President Monroe
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAP President Tyler
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Suva at 132,160
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 34 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18
B5N2 Kate x 55
Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 6 damaged
Allied Ships
CL Trenton, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Craven
xAK Sloterdijk
DD Maury
xAK Sommelsdijk
DD Gridley
xAK Brastagi
xAK Doryssa, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires
DD McCall
DD Ralph Talbot
xAK Clan Lamont, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires
Aircraft Attacking:
1 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
2 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
22 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
3 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
18 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
9 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
SIGINT
14th Army is planning for an attack on Darwin.
48th Division is loaded on a Japanese TK moving to Kendari.
13th Indpt Infantry Regiment is planning for an attack on Lanchow.
5/16th Division is planning for an attack on Darwin.
5/65th Brigade is planning for an attack on Derby.
14/65th Brigade is loaded on a Ansyu-C Cargo class xAK moving to Kendari.
12/65th Brigade is loaded on a Japanese xAK moving to Kendari.
4/16th Division is planning for an attack on Darwin.
DEI
My hunch was right, the Dutch TBs catch a massive resup convoy coming into Kali and although they don't hit anything with their torps, they cause the inevitable collisions, could have done better, could do worse.
SWPAC
KB ducks all the PBYs I had out on naval search and appears between Taveuni and Hoorn Islands, attacking an empty troop convoy that had just unloaded at Suva. I lose 4 xAPs, 2 xAKs (fast ones, 17 knots) and one of my precious APs to it. Another 2 xAPs with fires aboard are in danger of sinking.
All things considered it could have been worse, KB concentrated most of her firepower on the empty troop convoy and missed another empty, unescorted 4 ship convoy just to the northeast, not to mention a gaggle of other TFs in Suva port including a bunch of TKs. I've disbanded most of the supply convoys and pushed off an AP that was in the midst of unloading an infantry battalion to Noumea. I've left a couple of DDs in port as bait. If he comes back for a second round I've got 3 fighter groups waiting for him, he might be going for Darwin part 2 but if I can gut his precious bomber crews it'll be worth it.
I'm also sending 4 old BBs down from PH to see if an opening presents itself. As it is, Yorktown and Enterprise lead charmed lives, if they had lingered another 2 days they'd be toast, they're about 2 days east of Suva and were heading for PH but will now mark time and wait as Hornet joins them. If the USAAF can whittle down KB's air complement I want to at least have the option of striking at it instead of ruing a missed opportunity.
Morning Air attack on TF, near Taveuni Island at 136,158
Weather in hex: Clear sky
Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 36
B5N2 Kate x 84
D3A1 Val x 61
Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 2 damaged
D3A1 Val: 6 damaged
D3A1 Val: 1 destroyed by flak
Allied Ships
DD Dewey
xAP Taroona, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
AP President Monroe, Bomb hits 2
AP President Polk, Bomb hits 10, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
DD Hull
xAP Malaita, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
DD Litchfield
xAP President Buchanan, Bomb hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAP President Taylor, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
Aircraft Attacking:
8 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
17 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
5 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
17 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
8 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
23 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
7 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
27 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
1 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
7 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
1 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
11 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
5 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
8 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAP Taroona
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring AP President Polk
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAP President Buchanan
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Taveuni Island at 136,158
Weather in hex: Severe storms
Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18
D3A1 Val x 57
Japanese aircraft losses
D3A1 Val: 6 damaged
Allied Ships
DD Hull, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
DD Litchfield
xAP President Tyler, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires
AP President Monroe, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Dewey, Bomb hits 2, on fire
Aircraft Attacking:
7 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
6 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
13 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
5 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
7 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
13 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
2 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Hull
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring AP President Monroe
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAP President Tyler
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Suva at 132,160
Weather in hex: Thunderstorms
Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 34 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18
B5N2 Kate x 55
Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 6 damaged
Allied Ships
CL Trenton, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Craven
xAK Sloterdijk
DD Maury
xAK Sommelsdijk
DD Gridley
xAK Brastagi
xAK Doryssa, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires
DD McCall
DD Ralph Talbot
xAK Clan Lamont, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires
Aircraft Attacking:
1 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
2 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
22 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
3 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
18 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
9 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
- Attachments
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KenchiSulla
- Posts: 2963
- Joined: Wed Oct 22, 2008 3:19 pm
- Location: the Netherlands
RE: 28 Mar 1942
Do you think he used full speed to appear there? If he did he'll have to withdraw to refuel....
AKA Cannonfodder
"It happened, therefore it can happen again: this is the core of what we have to say. It can happen, and it can happen everywhere.”
¯ Primo Levi, writer, holocaust survivor
"It happened, therefore it can happen again: this is the core of what we have to say. It can happen, and it can happen everywhere.”
¯ Primo Levi, writer, holocaust survivor
29 Mar 1942
29 Mar 1942
SIGINT
4th Ind.Mixed Regiment is planning for an attack on Nanning.
China
Battle is joined at Lanchow, the IJA crosses a river hexside and does a shock attack, I do not have supplies otherwise I'd risk a counterattack.
Ground combat at Lanchow (81,34)
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 25112 troops, 154 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 801
Defending force 35678 troops, 185 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1020
Japanese adjusted assault: 266
Allied adjusted defense: 1133
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 4 (fort level 3)
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), forts(+), preparation(-), experience(-)
Attacker: shock(+), disruption(-), supply(-)
Japanese ground losses:
7866 casualties reported
Squads: 287 destroyed, 114 disabled
Non Combat: 5 destroyed, 170 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled
Guns lost 44 (32 destroyed, 12 disabled)
Allied ground losses:
898 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 70 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 19 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Assaulting units:
12th Indpt Infantry Regiment
11th Indpt Infantry Regiment
7th Ind.Mixed Brigade
6th Ind.Mixed Brigade
13th Indpt Infantry Regiment
Defending units:
19th Chinese Corps
43rd Chinese Corps
98th Chinese Corps
17th Chinese Corps
1st Construction Regiment
61st Chinese Corps
23rd Chinese Corps
81st Chinese Corps
2nd Construction Regiment
8th War Area
8th Group Army
6th Group Army
8th Chinese Base Force
DEI
Ineffectual air attacks by the Dutch AF on the convoy unloading at Kali result in 8 B-10s and 7 P-40Es shot down for no hits.
SWPAC
In the night the President Monroe succumbs to her wounds and sinks, she is followed in the morning by her sister ship President Tyler as it is bombed by the KB.
Morning Air attack on TF, near Taveuni Island at 135,159
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
Raid spotted at 10 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
D3A1 Val x 9
No Japanese losses
Allied Ships
xAP President Tyler, Bomb hits 7, heavy fires, heavy damage
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
5 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
Netties out of Timor catch an empty resup convoy on it's way back to Perth from Darwin and sink everything, 3 xAKs and a PG. All were survivors from the Philippines.
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Truscott at 72,123
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes
Japanese aircraft
G3M2 Nell x 12
G4M1 Betty x 13
Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged
Allied Ships
PG Herald, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
xAK Dilga, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
xAK Colac, Torpedo hits 4, and is sunk
xAK Corio, Torpedo hits 5, and is sunk
Aircraft Attacking:
13 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
12 x G3M2 Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
And now for the fun part.
Morning Air attack on TF, near Suva at 132,160
Weather in hex: Severe storms
Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 30 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 27
B5N2 Kate x 66
D3A1 Val x 40
Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 142
P-40E Warhawk x 57
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 5 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 19 destroyed, 1 damaged
D3A1 Val: 15 destroyed, 3 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra: 1 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed
Allied Ships
DD Craven
DD McCall
DD Maury
DD Gridley
DD Kilty
DD Hull
DD Crane
Aircraft Attacking:
1 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
8 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
2 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
6 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
17 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
1 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
9 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
4 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
1 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
CAP engaged:
49th PG/7th PS with P-40E Warhawk (0 airborne, 14 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
15 planes vectored on to bombers
49th PG/8th PS with P-40E Warhawk (0 airborne, 12 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
12 planes vectored on to bombers
49th PG/9th PS with P-40E Warhawk (0 airborne, 12 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
14 planes vectored on to bombers
8th PG/35th PS with P-39D Airacobra (0 airborne, 17 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
21 planes vectored on to bombers
8th PG/36th PS with P-39D Airacobra (0 airborne, 17 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
21 planes vectored on to bombers
35th PG/39th PS with P-39D Airacobra (0 airborne, 16 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
23 planes vectored on to bombers
35th PG/40th PS with P-39D Airacobra (0 airborne, 16 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
15 planes vectored on to bombers
35th PG/41st PS with P-39D Airacobra (0 airborne, 15 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
16 planes vectored on to bombers
8th PG/80th PS with P-39D Airacobra (0 airborne, 16 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
16 planes vectored on to bombers
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Suva at 132,160
Weather in hex: Severe storms
Raid detected at 78 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 29 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 29
B5N2 Kate x 43
D3A1 Val x 17
Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 134
P-40E Warhawk x 51
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 7 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 15 destroyed, 2 damaged
D3A1 Val: 7 destroyed, 1 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra: 1 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed
Allied Ships
DD Kilty
DD Litchfield
DD Craven
DD Gridley
DD Dewey, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD McCall
DD Maury
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
6 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
3 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
7 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
8 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
2 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
CAP engaged:
49th PG/7th PS with P-40E Warhawk (0 airborne, 12 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
9 planes vectored on to bombers
49th PG/8th PS with P-40E Warhawk (0 airborne, 12 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
9 planes vectored on to bombers
49th PG/9th PS with P-40E Warhawk (0 airborne, 12 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
9 planes vectored on to bombers
8th PG/35th PS with P-39D Airacobra (0 airborne, 16 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 2000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
12 planes vectored on to bombers
8th PG/36th PS with P-39D Airacobra (0 airborne, 16 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
20 planes vectored on to bombers
35th PG/39th PS with P-39D Airacobra (0 airborne, 16 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
12 planes vectored on to bombers
35th PG/40th PS with P-39D Airacobra (0 airborne, 15 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 3000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
22 planes vectored on to bombers
35th PG/41st PS with P-39D Airacobra (0 airborne, 13 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
17 planes vectored on to bombers
8th PG/80th PS with P-39D Airacobra (0 airborne, 16 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
I was given a heads up in the reply email that it had not been a good day for the Empire so I took the opportunity to do a little record keeping and see how Tracker, the game (air losses screen) and combat animations differ in reporting on the losses in a specific engagement. For the first two, it was just a matter of plucking the figures out from the respective reporting screens, for the combat animation I only counted "XXX destroyed" messages as hard kills, the kills came hard and fast when the Allied fighters broke through to the IJN bombers but I'm confident I recorded 95% of the kill messages.
The following are the 3 different counts of kill claims only for the engagements (1 in the morning, 1 in the afternoon) over Suva. Allied losses were 3 P-40s and P-39s each lost in A2A combat.
Z-Zeroes, V-Vals, K-Kates
Game: Z-26, V-20, K-25
Tracker: Z-21, V-36, K-50
Own count of combat animation: Z-18, V-29, K-45 (morning raid Z-7, V-21, K-24 afternoon raid Z-11, V-8, K-21)
On the whole many things went right for the Allies to get such a lopsided exchange, apart from numerical superiority and the fact that the fighters were there in the first place (1 FG was stood down and the other 2 flew back from Noumea where they were in transit to Oz), the base forces here had radar and this helped tremendously with early warning and coordination of the defence. I was also lucky that the Kates were level bombing instead of carrying torpedoes otherwise I could have easily lost all of my bait DDs.
I'm going to be conservative and claim 18 Zeroes and 50 bombers split evenly. While the material losses are significant they are easily replaceable, KB's flyers are not and it is my hope they died in droves in the skies over Suva. Assuming I'm facing 6 CVs that's still quite a lot of firepower on those decks so I'll be watching closely to see where it goes from here. KB is currently 4 hexes southeast of Suva and heading west, a half dozen S-boats just to the west of Suva were in transit to Darwin are turning around and interposing themselves on KB's intended route. An 8 DD TF will also make a night sortie from Suva to see if they can put a fish or two into the side of a CV.
SIGINT
4th Ind.Mixed Regiment is planning for an attack on Nanning.
China
Battle is joined at Lanchow, the IJA crosses a river hexside and does a shock attack, I do not have supplies otherwise I'd risk a counterattack.
Ground combat at Lanchow (81,34)
Japanese Shock attack
Attacking force 25112 troops, 154 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 801
Defending force 35678 troops, 185 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1020
Japanese adjusted assault: 266
Allied adjusted defense: 1133
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 4 (fort level 3)
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), forts(+), preparation(-), experience(-)
Attacker: shock(+), disruption(-), supply(-)
Japanese ground losses:
7866 casualties reported
Squads: 287 destroyed, 114 disabled
Non Combat: 5 destroyed, 170 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled
Guns lost 44 (32 destroyed, 12 disabled)
Allied ground losses:
898 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 70 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 19 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Assaulting units:
12th Indpt Infantry Regiment
11th Indpt Infantry Regiment
7th Ind.Mixed Brigade
6th Ind.Mixed Brigade
13th Indpt Infantry Regiment
Defending units:
19th Chinese Corps
43rd Chinese Corps
98th Chinese Corps
17th Chinese Corps
1st Construction Regiment
61st Chinese Corps
23rd Chinese Corps
81st Chinese Corps
2nd Construction Regiment
8th War Area
8th Group Army
6th Group Army
8th Chinese Base Force
DEI
Ineffectual air attacks by the Dutch AF on the convoy unloading at Kali result in 8 B-10s and 7 P-40Es shot down for no hits.
SWPAC
In the night the President Monroe succumbs to her wounds and sinks, she is followed in the morning by her sister ship President Tyler as it is bombed by the KB.
Morning Air attack on TF, near Taveuni Island at 135,159
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
Raid spotted at 10 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
D3A1 Val x 9
No Japanese losses
Allied Ships
xAP President Tyler, Bomb hits 7, heavy fires, heavy damage
Aircraft Attacking:
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
5 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
Netties out of Timor catch an empty resup convoy on it's way back to Perth from Darwin and sink everything, 3 xAKs and a PG. All were survivors from the Philippines.
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Truscott at 72,123
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes
Japanese aircraft
G3M2 Nell x 12
G4M1 Betty x 13
Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged
Allied Ships
PG Herald, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
xAK Dilga, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
xAK Colac, Torpedo hits 4, and is sunk
xAK Corio, Torpedo hits 5, and is sunk
Aircraft Attacking:
13 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
12 x G3M2 Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
And now for the fun part.
Morning Air attack on TF, near Suva at 132,160
Weather in hex: Severe storms
Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 30 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 27
B5N2 Kate x 66
D3A1 Val x 40
Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 142
P-40E Warhawk x 57
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 5 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 19 destroyed, 1 damaged
D3A1 Val: 15 destroyed, 3 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra: 1 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed
Allied Ships
DD Craven
DD McCall
DD Maury
DD Gridley
DD Kilty
DD Hull
DD Crane
Aircraft Attacking:
1 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
8 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
2 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
6 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
17 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
1 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
9 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
4 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
1 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg GP Bomb
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
CAP engaged:
49th PG/7th PS with P-40E Warhawk (0 airborne, 14 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
15 planes vectored on to bombers
49th PG/8th PS with P-40E Warhawk (0 airborne, 12 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
12 planes vectored on to bombers
49th PG/9th PS with P-40E Warhawk (0 airborne, 12 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
14 planes vectored on to bombers
8th PG/35th PS with P-39D Airacobra (0 airborne, 17 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
21 planes vectored on to bombers
8th PG/36th PS with P-39D Airacobra (0 airborne, 17 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
21 planes vectored on to bombers
35th PG/39th PS with P-39D Airacobra (0 airborne, 16 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
23 planes vectored on to bombers
35th PG/40th PS with P-39D Airacobra (0 airborne, 16 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
15 planes vectored on to bombers
35th PG/41st PS with P-39D Airacobra (0 airborne, 15 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
16 planes vectored on to bombers
8th PG/80th PS with P-39D Airacobra (0 airborne, 16 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
16 planes vectored on to bombers
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Suva at 132,160
Weather in hex: Severe storms
Raid detected at 78 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 29 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 29
B5N2 Kate x 43
D3A1 Val x 17
Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 134
P-40E Warhawk x 51
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 7 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 15 destroyed, 2 damaged
D3A1 Val: 7 destroyed, 1 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra: 1 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed
Allied Ships
DD Kilty
DD Litchfield
DD Craven
DD Gridley
DD Dewey, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD McCall
DD Maury
Aircraft Attacking:
3 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
6 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
3 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
7 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
8 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 10000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
2 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
CAP engaged:
49th PG/7th PS with P-40E Warhawk (0 airborne, 12 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
9 planes vectored on to bombers
49th PG/8th PS with P-40E Warhawk (0 airborne, 12 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
9 planes vectored on to bombers
49th PG/9th PS with P-40E Warhawk (0 airborne, 12 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
9 planes vectored on to bombers
8th PG/35th PS with P-39D Airacobra (0 airborne, 16 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 2000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
12 planes vectored on to bombers
8th PG/36th PS with P-39D Airacobra (0 airborne, 16 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
20 planes vectored on to bombers
35th PG/39th PS with P-39D Airacobra (0 airborne, 16 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
12 planes vectored on to bombers
35th PG/40th PS with P-39D Airacobra (0 airborne, 15 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 3000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
22 planes vectored on to bombers
35th PG/41st PS with P-39D Airacobra (0 airborne, 13 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
17 planes vectored on to bombers
8th PG/80th PS with P-39D Airacobra (0 airborne, 16 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
I was given a heads up in the reply email that it had not been a good day for the Empire so I took the opportunity to do a little record keeping and see how Tracker, the game (air losses screen) and combat animations differ in reporting on the losses in a specific engagement. For the first two, it was just a matter of plucking the figures out from the respective reporting screens, for the combat animation I only counted "XXX destroyed" messages as hard kills, the kills came hard and fast when the Allied fighters broke through to the IJN bombers but I'm confident I recorded 95% of the kill messages.
The following are the 3 different counts of kill claims only for the engagements (1 in the morning, 1 in the afternoon) over Suva. Allied losses were 3 P-40s and P-39s each lost in A2A combat.
Z-Zeroes, V-Vals, K-Kates
Game: Z-26, V-20, K-25
Tracker: Z-21, V-36, K-50
Own count of combat animation: Z-18, V-29, K-45 (morning raid Z-7, V-21, K-24 afternoon raid Z-11, V-8, K-21)
On the whole many things went right for the Allies to get such a lopsided exchange, apart from numerical superiority and the fact that the fighters were there in the first place (1 FG was stood down and the other 2 flew back from Noumea where they were in transit to Oz), the base forces here had radar and this helped tremendously with early warning and coordination of the defence. I was also lucky that the Kates were level bombing instead of carrying torpedoes otherwise I could have easily lost all of my bait DDs.
I'm going to be conservative and claim 18 Zeroes and 50 bombers split evenly. While the material losses are significant they are easily replaceable, KB's flyers are not and it is my hope they died in droves in the skies over Suva. Assuming I'm facing 6 CVs that's still quite a lot of firepower on those decks so I'll be watching closely to see where it goes from here. KB is currently 4 hexes southeast of Suva and heading west, a half dozen S-boats just to the west of Suva were in transit to Darwin are turning around and interposing themselves on KB's intended route. An 8 DD TF will also make a night sortie from Suva to see if they can put a fish or two into the side of a CV.
RE: 28 Mar 1942
ORIGINAL: Cannonfodder
Do you think he used full speed to appear there? If he did he'll have to withdraw to refuel....
Probably not, it's probably the holes in my search arcs.
-
FeurerKrieg
- Posts: 3400
- Joined: Wed Jun 15, 2005 8:43 pm
- Location: Denver, CO
RE: 29 Mar 1942
Glad to see these things in AARs. Gives me ideas on things to watch out for as I run the Empire. Would hate to see my KB flyers up against all those air force planes - especially when the only potential prizes are some tin cans.
-
KenchiSulla
- Posts: 2963
- Joined: Wed Oct 22, 2008 3:19 pm
- Location: the Netherlands
RE: 29 Mar 1942
Excellent job.. Sooner or later this happens to nearly all Japanese players. They grow into this soothing state of invulnerability untill they lose 50+ bombers. They can be retrained (95% of those pilots are either dead or missing) but this should give you a breather.
Your ship losses are high though, and will sting later..
Your ship losses are high though, and will sting later..
AKA Cannonfodder
"It happened, therefore it can happen again: this is the core of what we have to say. It can happen, and it can happen everywhere.”
¯ Primo Levi, writer, holocaust survivor
"It happened, therefore it can happen again: this is the core of what we have to say. It can happen, and it can happen everywhere.”
¯ Primo Levi, writer, holocaust survivor
RE: 29 Mar 1942
You made a lot of that luck that you credit for your success. You figured out how to lure and trap the aircraft and moved what you could to make it happen.
I am a great believer in DDs as a way to get KB to use up a lot of op cycles [and lose aircraft to flak] for not much gain. I tried it at the beginning of the game near PH. Never got through the escort to score on the carriers but they used virtually all their strikes over 3 days and then Enterprise and Lexington found them before they got back to Japan to replenish ammo and avgas. Killed two, damaged three more CVs. [Too bad the BBs ate up so many bombs without real damage. Could've used those on the CVs.]
I am a great believer in DDs as a way to get KB to use up a lot of op cycles [and lose aircraft to flak] for not much gain. I tried it at the beginning of the game near PH. Never got through the escort to score on the carriers but they used virtually all their strikes over 3 days and then Enterprise and Lexington found them before they got back to Japan to replenish ammo and avgas. Killed two, damaged three more CVs. [Too bad the BBs ate up so many bombs without real damage. Could've used those on the CVs.]
No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth
30 Mar 1942
30 Mar 1942
SIGINT
82nd Naval Guard Unit is loaded on a Brazil Maru class xAP moving to Rabaul.
12/65th Brigade is planning for an attack on Derby.
9/2nd Tank Regiment is loaded on a Japanese xAK moving to Kendari.
SWPAC
An Aussie brigade makes it into Darwin, if I have another week of game time I should have around 800 AV to contest any landing there.
Naval search puts 2 carrier type ships at Kendari with another 2 just to the east of Makassar. I have no idea where all the IJN CVs are, Shokaku and Soryu are probably with their sister ships in the Pacific so that leaves the CVLs together with Akagi and Kaga the cover the Darwin landings, the latter 2 should have doubled back from their jaunt in the IO by now and it could be them east of Makassar on their way to Kendari.
Sub War
Half of KB would be sitting at the bottom of the ocean by now if I had working torps...
Sub attack near Kandavu Island at 130,163
Japanese Ships
CV Zuikaku
BB Hiei
CA Suzuya
DD Isokaze
DD Amatsukaze
DD Shiranui
Allied Ships
SS Gato
SS Gato launches 6 torpedoes at CV Zuikaku
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Nadi at 129,163
Japanese Ships
CV Zuikaku
BB Hiei
BB Haruna
CA Suzuya
DD Amatsukaze
DD Shiranui
Allied Ships
SS S-42
SS S-42 launches 4 torpedoes at CV Zuikaku
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Nadi at 125,163
Japanese Ships
CV Hiryu
BB Hiei
CA Suzuya
CA Takao
DD Kagero
DD Amatsukaze
DD Shiranui
Allied Ships
SS S-45
SS S-45 launches 4 torpedoes at CV Hiryu
In other news
A slew of diverse reinforcements this turn, from a Sikh construction battalion on one end of the map to a Canadian brigade on the other but what delighted me most was the arrival of the 70th Brit Division.
In the stock game, the 70th appears but stripped of it's component infantry brigades which appear separately. In this game it's an intact division with 80/80 exp/morale and a very welcome reinforcement. It still gets broken up as I only have it for slightly over a year before it gets withdrawn but I much prefer the division being treated this way rather than the case in stock where all you get is a shell of a division stripped of the infantry brigades and basically useless as an LCU.
SIGINT
82nd Naval Guard Unit is loaded on a Brazil Maru class xAP moving to Rabaul.
12/65th Brigade is planning for an attack on Derby.
9/2nd Tank Regiment is loaded on a Japanese xAK moving to Kendari.
SWPAC
An Aussie brigade makes it into Darwin, if I have another week of game time I should have around 800 AV to contest any landing there.
Naval search puts 2 carrier type ships at Kendari with another 2 just to the east of Makassar. I have no idea where all the IJN CVs are, Shokaku and Soryu are probably with their sister ships in the Pacific so that leaves the CVLs together with Akagi and Kaga the cover the Darwin landings, the latter 2 should have doubled back from their jaunt in the IO by now and it could be them east of Makassar on their way to Kendari.
Sub War
Half of KB would be sitting at the bottom of the ocean by now if I had working torps...
Sub attack near Kandavu Island at 130,163
Japanese Ships
CV Zuikaku
BB Hiei
CA Suzuya
DD Isokaze
DD Amatsukaze
DD Shiranui
Allied Ships
SS Gato
SS Gato launches 6 torpedoes at CV Zuikaku
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Nadi at 129,163
Japanese Ships
CV Zuikaku
BB Hiei
BB Haruna
CA Suzuya
DD Amatsukaze
DD Shiranui
Allied Ships
SS S-42
SS S-42 launches 4 torpedoes at CV Zuikaku
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Nadi at 125,163
Japanese Ships
CV Hiryu
BB Hiei
CA Suzuya
CA Takao
DD Kagero
DD Amatsukaze
DD Shiranui
Allied Ships
SS S-45
SS S-45 launches 4 torpedoes at CV Hiryu
In other news
A slew of diverse reinforcements this turn, from a Sikh construction battalion on one end of the map to a Canadian brigade on the other but what delighted me most was the arrival of the 70th Brit Division.
In the stock game, the 70th appears but stripped of it's component infantry brigades which appear separately. In this game it's an intact division with 80/80 exp/morale and a very welcome reinforcement. It still gets broken up as I only have it for slightly over a year before it gets withdrawn but I much prefer the division being treated this way rather than the case in stock where all you get is a shell of a division stripped of the infantry brigades and basically useless as an LCU.
31 Mar 1942
31 Mar 1942
And the invasion bonus for the IJN ends, CTG's invasion TFs are just that little more vulnerable from here on out.
Quiet turn, KB in the Pacific is now east of Efate and proceeding on a northerly course, given the mauling suffered over Suva a couple of turns ago I'm still fantasizing about closing with and engaging KB if I had all 5 CVs operating in the area, then again, I could have easily been caught off guard and lost all 5 when KB just popped up like that off Suva a couple of turns back. Still, it's fun to daydream about.
SWPAC
Invasion fleet looks like it's inbound, 2 TFs just north and to the east of Timor heading southwest, if they're not heading for Koepang than the guesstimate for D-day is in 2 turns.
And the invasion bonus for the IJN ends, CTG's invasion TFs are just that little more vulnerable from here on out.
Quiet turn, KB in the Pacific is now east of Efate and proceeding on a northerly course, given the mauling suffered over Suva a couple of turns ago I'm still fantasizing about closing with and engaging KB if I had all 5 CVs operating in the area, then again, I could have easily been caught off guard and lost all 5 when KB just popped up like that off Suva a couple of turns back. Still, it's fun to daydream about.
SWPAC
Invasion fleet looks like it's inbound, 2 TFs just north and to the east of Timor heading southwest, if they're not heading for Koepang than the guesstimate for D-day is in 2 turns.
1 Apr 1942
1 Apr 1942
SIGINT
5/65th Brigade is planning for an attack on Derby.
4/4th Tank Regiment is planning for an attack on Darwin.
11/2nd Tank Regiment is planning for an attack on Darwin.
5/14th Army is loaded on a Japanese CM moving to Dili.
DEI
The IJA 18th Division has joined the 5th on Java, it takes Cheribon this turn. That's 2 divisions of the 25th Army on the island, hopefully I can tie up a fair bit of the 25th till the end of April '42.
SWPAC
Lots of ships gathered at Dili. Given that the initial targets seem to be Darwin and Derby, and assuming he's using his LBA, Akagi, Kaga and his CVLs and CVEs to cover his landings the ships are probably going to be spread out to cover both landing sites, I'm looking to mess up his Derby landing force with a couple of Brit cruisers coming up from Perth but only if the invasion force isn't well covered, no sense fighting too hard, the objective is to eventually turn north Oz into a PoW camp.
SIGINT
5/65th Brigade is planning for an attack on Derby.
4/4th Tank Regiment is planning for an attack on Darwin.
11/2nd Tank Regiment is planning for an attack on Darwin.
5/14th Army is loaded on a Japanese CM moving to Dili.
DEI
The IJA 18th Division has joined the 5th on Java, it takes Cheribon this turn. That's 2 divisions of the 25th Army on the island, hopefully I can tie up a fair bit of the 25th till the end of April '42.
SWPAC
Lots of ships gathered at Dili. Given that the initial targets seem to be Darwin and Derby, and assuming he's using his LBA, Akagi, Kaga and his CVLs and CVEs to cover his landings the ships are probably going to be spread out to cover both landing sites, I'm looking to mess up his Derby landing force with a couple of Brit cruisers coming up from Perth but only if the invasion force isn't well covered, no sense fighting too hard, the objective is to eventually turn north Oz into a PoW camp.
2 Apr 1942
2 Apr 1942
SIGINT
13/2nd Tank Regiment is loaded on a Japanese xAK moving to Manila.
3/4th Tank Regiment is loaded on xAK Chowa Maru moving to Manila.
4/48th Division is planning for an attack on Darwin.
16th Division is loaded on a Japanese TK moving to Manila.
This seems a little odd if true, going back to where they came from?
SWPAC
As you can see a bombardment force will probably be paying Darwin a visit during the next turn. I've moved everything that can fly south to Katherine and set all the LCUs there to Reserve mode. LCUs usually get roughly handled by naval bombardment in a well-reconned hex so I'm playing a hunch here, Reserve mode seems to have worked well in shielding Bandoeng's defenders from aerial bombardment so we'll see if the same applies to naval shells.
In other news
I'm woefully short of AV support (curse you DBB) where I need it most in north Oz. A combination of lack of escorts for convoys from CONUS and having KB sit astride the US-Oz SLOC for more than 2 weeks means I have 8 base groups cooling their heels at PH while waiting for convoy escorts to turn around from earlier convoys.
With the exception of Enterprise which is a hex off PH, all the other USN CVs are in refit, the Lexingtons are 11 days away from returning to service by which time all 3 Yorktowns will also be back in action. The majority of their escorts will need a further 2-3 weeks of game time to come back online but they'll have shiny new radar sets and be a little more lethal to subs so it'll be worth the wait.
SIGINT
13/2nd Tank Regiment is loaded on a Japanese xAK moving to Manila.
3/4th Tank Regiment is loaded on xAK Chowa Maru moving to Manila.
4/48th Division is planning for an attack on Darwin.
16th Division is loaded on a Japanese TK moving to Manila.
This seems a little odd if true, going back to where they came from?
SWPAC
As you can see a bombardment force will probably be paying Darwin a visit during the next turn. I've moved everything that can fly south to Katherine and set all the LCUs there to Reserve mode. LCUs usually get roughly handled by naval bombardment in a well-reconned hex so I'm playing a hunch here, Reserve mode seems to have worked well in shielding Bandoeng's defenders from aerial bombardment so we'll see if the same applies to naval shells.
In other news
I'm woefully short of AV support (curse you DBB) where I need it most in north Oz. A combination of lack of escorts for convoys from CONUS and having KB sit astride the US-Oz SLOC for more than 2 weeks means I have 8 base groups cooling their heels at PH while waiting for convoy escorts to turn around from earlier convoys.
With the exception of Enterprise which is a hex off PH, all the other USN CVs are in refit, the Lexingtons are 11 days away from returning to service by which time all 3 Yorktowns will also be back in action. The majority of their escorts will need a further 2-3 weeks of game time to come back online but they'll have shiny new radar sets and be a little more lethal to subs so it'll be worth the wait.
- Attachments
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- darwin.jpg (248.71 KiB) Viewed 361 times
3 Apr 1942
3 Apr 1942
SIGINT
11/14th Army is loaded on a Aden Cargo class xAK moving to Dili.
7/2nd Tank Regiment is planning for an attack on Darwin.
14/48th Division is planning for an attack on Darwin.
8/7th Tank Regiment is loaded on a Gozan Cargo class xAK moving to Dili.
7/48th Division is planning for an attack on Darwin.
9/14th Army is planning for an attack on Darwin.
7/65th Brigade is loaded on a Japanese xAK moving to Koepang.
1/21st Division is loaded on xAP Kachidoki Maru moving to Koepang.
Mummy /whimper
China
2 Chinese corps have reach Patung, that dot base that CTG grabbbed that's threatening my MLR from the rear, recon shows another LCU moving to join it, am waiting for a third corps to arrive before I try ejecting the IJA, or should I go now?
SWPAC
No bombardment during the night, the SAG seems to have disappeared, don't have enough naval search assets here to cover the entire coast from Broome to Darwin, lots of ships at Koepang and Dili. The Brit cruisers are half a day out of Broome but I've turned them back because the CV force is now just a little south and west of Dili and heading southwest in their direction.
Sub War
I lose the minelayer Oglala to an I-boat near Horn Island. Confirmation of the sinking of Kinugasa Maru by K XI on 11 Feb 1942.
Allied Sub killboard
Seadragon - xAP Rakuyo Maru (7,470t), xAKL Kanjo Maru (1,650t), xAKL Tamaki Maru (1,650t)
K XIV - AK Sakura Maru (6,840t)
O 20 - xAP Taizan Maru (3,380t), PB Hirota Maru (2,780t)
K XI - xAK Kinugasa Maru (5,935t)
O 23 - xAP Manzyu Maru (5,830t)
S-38 - xAK Gyoun Maru (1,900t), xAK Kikuryu Maru (1,900t)
K XV - xAK Nojima Maru (3,425t)
Sargo - xAK Gosei Maru (3,425t)
Swordfish - xAKL Yamatsuru Maru (1,650t), xAKL Muko Maru (1,650t)
Snapper - DD Hatsuyuki (2,090t), APD Hagi (935t)
O 21 - DD Urakaze (2,553t)
K XVII - CM Itsukushima (2,400t)
Perch - DD Sazanami (2,090t)
S-34 - xAKL Kanaiyama Maru (1,650t)
Tarpon - TB Manazuru (775t)
Probable
xAK Kogyo Maru (torp hits 2, hvy fires/dmg, 07/12/41-Kota Bahru 53,74) - K XI
xAK Tamon Maru (torp hit 1, on fire, 12/12/41-Laoag 80,72) - S-38
xAK Kano Maru (torp hit 1, hvy fires/dmg, 06/02/42-Oosthaven 49,96) - S-38
xAK Azuma Maru (torp hit 1, hvy fires, 11/02/42-Pontianak 54,90) - K X
SIGINT
11/14th Army is loaded on a Aden Cargo class xAK moving to Dili.
7/2nd Tank Regiment is planning for an attack on Darwin.
14/48th Division is planning for an attack on Darwin.
8/7th Tank Regiment is loaded on a Gozan Cargo class xAK moving to Dili.
7/48th Division is planning for an attack on Darwin.
9/14th Army is planning for an attack on Darwin.
7/65th Brigade is loaded on a Japanese xAK moving to Koepang.
1/21st Division is loaded on xAP Kachidoki Maru moving to Koepang.
Mummy /whimper
China
2 Chinese corps have reach Patung, that dot base that CTG grabbbed that's threatening my MLR from the rear, recon shows another LCU moving to join it, am waiting for a third corps to arrive before I try ejecting the IJA, or should I go now?
SWPAC
No bombardment during the night, the SAG seems to have disappeared, don't have enough naval search assets here to cover the entire coast from Broome to Darwin, lots of ships at Koepang and Dili. The Brit cruisers are half a day out of Broome but I've turned them back because the CV force is now just a little south and west of Dili and heading southwest in their direction.
Sub War
I lose the minelayer Oglala to an I-boat near Horn Island. Confirmation of the sinking of Kinugasa Maru by K XI on 11 Feb 1942.
Allied Sub killboard
Seadragon - xAP Rakuyo Maru (7,470t), xAKL Kanjo Maru (1,650t), xAKL Tamaki Maru (1,650t)
K XIV - AK Sakura Maru (6,840t)
O 20 - xAP Taizan Maru (3,380t), PB Hirota Maru (2,780t)
K XI - xAK Kinugasa Maru (5,935t)
O 23 - xAP Manzyu Maru (5,830t)
S-38 - xAK Gyoun Maru (1,900t), xAK Kikuryu Maru (1,900t)
K XV - xAK Nojima Maru (3,425t)
Sargo - xAK Gosei Maru (3,425t)
Swordfish - xAKL Yamatsuru Maru (1,650t), xAKL Muko Maru (1,650t)
Snapper - DD Hatsuyuki (2,090t), APD Hagi (935t)
O 21 - DD Urakaze (2,553t)
K XVII - CM Itsukushima (2,400t)
Perch - DD Sazanami (2,090t)
S-34 - xAKL Kanaiyama Maru (1,650t)
Tarpon - TB Manazuru (775t)
Probable
xAK Kogyo Maru (torp hits 2, hvy fires/dmg, 07/12/41-Kota Bahru 53,74) - K XI
xAK Tamon Maru (torp hit 1, on fire, 12/12/41-Laoag 80,72) - S-38
xAK Kano Maru (torp hit 1, hvy fires/dmg, 06/02/42-Oosthaven 49,96) - S-38
xAK Azuma Maru (torp hit 1, hvy fires, 11/02/42-Pontianak 54,90) - K X
-
FeurerKrieg
- Posts: 3400
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RE: 2 Apr 1942
SIGINT
13/2nd Tank Regiment is loaded on a Japanese xAK moving to Manila.
3/4th Tank Regiment is loaded on xAK Chowa Maru moving to Manila.
4/48th Division is planning for an attack on Darwin.
16th Division is loaded on a Japanese TK moving to Manila.
This seems a little odd if true, going back to where they came from?
Probably just hadn't left yet. I often will not enter the destination for my TF's until I am ready for them to sail, both for sigint reasons and also just so I don't have any TF's accidentally leave before the whole convoy is ready.
4 Apr 1942
4 Apr 1942
SIGINT
4/21st Division is loaded on xAP Katori Maru moving to Dili.
11/16th Division is loaded on a Std-C Cargo class xAK moving to Dili.
15/48th Division is planning for an attack on Darwin.
DEI
Another large resupply convoy inbound Java from Singapore and the little flotilla of Dutch MTBs have made the hop across the sea to Makassar where they will refuel and then have a look at what's swinging anchor at Kendari.
SWPAC
That CV TF is now north of Port Hedland and still moving southwest, probably securing his flanks before the troopships hit the beaches.
I knew I forgot to do something department
Oscars were up over Patung this turn so I thought I'd send in my fighters to sweep the place after I rested them for a turn, only thing is I stood down my fighters but not the bombers. Goodbye CAF, was nice knowing you.
SIGINT
4/21st Division is loaded on xAP Katori Maru moving to Dili.
11/16th Division is loaded on a Std-C Cargo class xAK moving to Dili.
15/48th Division is planning for an attack on Darwin.
DEI
Another large resupply convoy inbound Java from Singapore and the little flotilla of Dutch MTBs have made the hop across the sea to Makassar where they will refuel and then have a look at what's swinging anchor at Kendari.
SWPAC
That CV TF is now north of Port Hedland and still moving southwest, probably securing his flanks before the troopships hit the beaches.
I knew I forgot to do something department
Oscars were up over Patung this turn so I thought I'd send in my fighters to sweep the place after I rested them for a turn, only thing is I stood down my fighters but not the bombers. Goodbye CAF, was nice knowing you.
5 Apr 1942
5 Apr 1942
SIGINT
65th Brigade is located at Koepang(68,116). - This is unit detailed to land at Derby.
Radio transmissions detected at Port Blair (46,58). - First indication of activity in the Bay of Bengal for a while now.
51st Infantry Brigade is planning for an attack on Changsha.
DEI
The Dutch MTBs attack a heavy SAG at Kendari and lose 2 of their number for their trouble.
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Apr 05, 42
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Kendari at 70,106, Range 20,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
BB Ise
BB Hyuga
CA Chikuma
CA Aoba
CA Kinugasa
CA Furutaka
CA Kako
CL Kashii
CL Oi
DD Arare
DD Kasumi
DD Shiratsuyu
DD Shigure
DD Yamakaze
DD Kawakaze
DD Suzukaze
DD Hatsuharu
DD Nenohi
DD Hatsushima
DD Yugure
DD Ariake
DD Akatsuki
Allied Ships
TM-4
TM-10
TM-11
TM-13, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
TM-14, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions: 30,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 20,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 20,000 yards
Range closes to 17,000 yards
DD Akatsuki engages TM-11 at 17,000 yards
China
The expected opposition to my unescorted CAF bombers over Patung didn't appear and the bombers live another day.
SIGINT
65th Brigade is located at Koepang(68,116). - This is unit detailed to land at Derby.
Radio transmissions detected at Port Blair (46,58). - First indication of activity in the Bay of Bengal for a while now.
51st Infantry Brigade is planning for an attack on Changsha.
DEI
The Dutch MTBs attack a heavy SAG at Kendari and lose 2 of their number for their trouble.
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Apr 05, 42
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Kendari at 70,106, Range 20,000 Yards
Japanese Ships
BB Ise
BB Hyuga
CA Chikuma
CA Aoba
CA Kinugasa
CA Furutaka
CA Kako
CL Kashii
CL Oi
DD Arare
DD Kasumi
DD Shiratsuyu
DD Shigure
DD Yamakaze
DD Kawakaze
DD Suzukaze
DD Hatsuharu
DD Nenohi
DD Hatsushima
DD Yugure
DD Ariake
DD Akatsuki
Allied Ships
TM-4
TM-10
TM-11
TM-13, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
TM-14, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions: 30,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 20,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 20,000 yards
Range closes to 17,000 yards
DD Akatsuki engages TM-11 at 17,000 yards
China
The expected opposition to my unescorted CAF bombers over Patung didn't appear and the bombers live another day.
6 Apr 1942
6 Apr 1942
SIGINT
12th Indpt Infantry Regiment is planning for an attack on Lanchow.
3/21st Division is loaded on xAP Suwa Maru moving to Dili.
China
The 2 Chinese corps engage the IJA at Patung but it's a turn too late as instead of 1 division they now face 2. The 2 corps committed there will now switch to a defensive stance while building prep points. I believe there will be difficulties in keeping the IJA there supplied, at the same time the building of forts on the IJA side will continue making it increasingly difficult to eject the IJA, so I will try to starve the units there out or failing that, force the IJA to come to me. Either way, committing assets here will, it is hoped, take some of the pressure off the other targets that have been flagged by SIGINT.
Ground combat at Patung (81,46)
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 29737 troops, 153 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 695
Defending force 28158 troops, 224 guns, 8 vehicles, Assault Value = 858
Allied adjusted assault: 406
Japanese adjusted defense: 4279
Allied assault odds: 1 to 10 (fort level 2)
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(+), preparation(-)
Attacker:
Japanese ground losses:
66 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 16 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Allied ground losses:
1524 casualties reported
Squads: 13 destroyed, 183 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 13 disabled
Guns lost 11 (1 destroyed, 10 disabled)
Assaulting units:
8th Chinese Corps
18th Chinese Corps
Defending units:
3rd Division
13th Division
DEI
Balikpapan is invaded this turn and the CD unit there gives a good account of itself.
Pre-Invasion action off Balikpapan (64,97)
56 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
xAP Takatiho Maru, Shell hits 2, on fire
APD Fuji
TB Kamo
xAP Huso Maru, Shell hits 1
xAP Hakusan Maru, Shell hits 10
TB Otori
AMC Akagi Maru
CS Chitose
Japanese ground losses:
58 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Allied ground losses:
67 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
120mm CD Gun Battery engaging xAP Takatiho Maru at 5,000 yards
TB Kamo firing to suppress enemy battery at 5,000 yards
75mm CD Gun Battery engaging xAP Huso Maru at 5,000 yards
TB Kamo firing to suppress enemy battery at 5,000 yards
120mm CD Gun Battery engaging xAP Hakusan Maru at 5,000 yards
TB Kamo firing to suppress enemy battery at 5,000 yards
75mm CD Gun Battery engaging xAP Hakusan Maru at 5,000 yards
TB Kamo firing to suppress enemy battery at 5,000 yards
120mm CD Gun Battery engaging xAP Hakusan Maru at 5,000 yards
TB Kamo firing to suppress enemy battery at 5,000 yards
75mm CD Gun Battery engaging xAP Hakusan Maru at 5,000 yards
TB Kamo firing to suppress enemy battery at 5,000 yards
TB Otori fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 5,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 1,000 yards
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Balikpapan (64,97) - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
80 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
AMC Akagi Maru, Shell hits 2
APD Fuji, Shell hits 3, on fire
APD Nadakaze, Shell hits 7, heavy fires
APD Shimakaze, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
xAP Hakusan Maru, Shell hits 1
TB Kamo
CS Mizuho
xAP Takatiho Maru, Shell hits 3, on fire
CS Chitose
Japanese ground losses:
89 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Allied ground losses:
22 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
AMC Akagi Maru firing at Balikpapan Defenses
Balikpapan Defenses firing at AMC Akagi Maru
Balikpapan Defenses firing at APD Fuji
Balikpapan Defenses firing at APD Nadakaze
APD Nadakaze firing at Balikpapan Defenses
Balikpapan Defenses firing at APD Shimakaze
APD Shimakaze firing at Balikpapan Defenses
120mm CD Gun Battery engaging xAP Hakusan Maru at 5,000 yards
CS Mizuho firing to suppress enemy battery at 5,000 yards
75mm CD Gun Battery engaging xAP Takatiho Maru at 5,000 yards
CS Mizuho firing to suppress enemy battery at 5,000 yards
75mm CD Gun Battery engaging xAP Hakusan Maru at 5,000 yards
CS Mizuho firing to suppress enemy battery at 5,000 yards
75mm CD Gun Battery engaging xAP Takatiho Maru at 5,000 yards
CS Mizuho firing to suppress enemy battery at 5,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 4,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 1,000 yards
SIGINT
12th Indpt Infantry Regiment is planning for an attack on Lanchow.
3/21st Division is loaded on xAP Suwa Maru moving to Dili.
China
The 2 Chinese corps engage the IJA at Patung but it's a turn too late as instead of 1 division they now face 2. The 2 corps committed there will now switch to a defensive stance while building prep points. I believe there will be difficulties in keeping the IJA there supplied, at the same time the building of forts on the IJA side will continue making it increasingly difficult to eject the IJA, so I will try to starve the units there out or failing that, force the IJA to come to me. Either way, committing assets here will, it is hoped, take some of the pressure off the other targets that have been flagged by SIGINT.
Ground combat at Patung (81,46)
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 29737 troops, 153 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 695
Defending force 28158 troops, 224 guns, 8 vehicles, Assault Value = 858
Allied adjusted assault: 406
Japanese adjusted defense: 4279
Allied assault odds: 1 to 10 (fort level 2)
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(+), preparation(-)
Attacker:
Japanese ground losses:
66 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 16 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Allied ground losses:
1524 casualties reported
Squads: 13 destroyed, 183 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 13 disabled
Guns lost 11 (1 destroyed, 10 disabled)
Assaulting units:
8th Chinese Corps
18th Chinese Corps
Defending units:
3rd Division
13th Division
DEI
Balikpapan is invaded this turn and the CD unit there gives a good account of itself.
Pre-Invasion action off Balikpapan (64,97)
56 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
xAP Takatiho Maru, Shell hits 2, on fire
APD Fuji
TB Kamo
xAP Huso Maru, Shell hits 1
xAP Hakusan Maru, Shell hits 10
TB Otori
AMC Akagi Maru
CS Chitose
Japanese ground losses:
58 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Allied ground losses:
67 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
120mm CD Gun Battery engaging xAP Takatiho Maru at 5,000 yards
TB Kamo firing to suppress enemy battery at 5,000 yards
75mm CD Gun Battery engaging xAP Huso Maru at 5,000 yards
TB Kamo firing to suppress enemy battery at 5,000 yards
120mm CD Gun Battery engaging xAP Hakusan Maru at 5,000 yards
TB Kamo firing to suppress enemy battery at 5,000 yards
75mm CD Gun Battery engaging xAP Hakusan Maru at 5,000 yards
TB Kamo firing to suppress enemy battery at 5,000 yards
120mm CD Gun Battery engaging xAP Hakusan Maru at 5,000 yards
TB Kamo firing to suppress enemy battery at 5,000 yards
75mm CD Gun Battery engaging xAP Hakusan Maru at 5,000 yards
TB Kamo firing to suppress enemy battery at 5,000 yards
TB Otori fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 5,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 1,000 yards
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Balikpapan (64,97) - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
80 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
AMC Akagi Maru, Shell hits 2
APD Fuji, Shell hits 3, on fire
APD Nadakaze, Shell hits 7, heavy fires
APD Shimakaze, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
xAP Hakusan Maru, Shell hits 1
TB Kamo
CS Mizuho
xAP Takatiho Maru, Shell hits 3, on fire
CS Chitose
Japanese ground losses:
89 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Allied ground losses:
22 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
AMC Akagi Maru firing at Balikpapan Defenses
Balikpapan Defenses firing at AMC Akagi Maru
Balikpapan Defenses firing at APD Fuji
Balikpapan Defenses firing at APD Nadakaze
APD Nadakaze firing at Balikpapan Defenses
Balikpapan Defenses firing at APD Shimakaze
APD Shimakaze firing at Balikpapan Defenses
120mm CD Gun Battery engaging xAP Hakusan Maru at 5,000 yards
CS Mizuho firing to suppress enemy battery at 5,000 yards
75mm CD Gun Battery engaging xAP Takatiho Maru at 5,000 yards
CS Mizuho firing to suppress enemy battery at 5,000 yards
75mm CD Gun Battery engaging xAP Hakusan Maru at 5,000 yards
CS Mizuho firing to suppress enemy battery at 5,000 yards
75mm CD Gun Battery engaging xAP Takatiho Maru at 5,000 yards
CS Mizuho firing to suppress enemy battery at 5,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 4,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 1,000 yards
7 Apr 1942
7 Apr 1942
SIGINT
11th Army is planning for an attack on Changsha.
8th Ind Engineer Regiment is planning for an attack on Changsha.
DEI
The Dutch MTBs pay a visit to Kendari again but encounter the same heavy SAG, this time round nobody gets hurt.
SWPAC
It was the mini-KB (intel courtesy of email correspondence) that was the CV TF spotted going west from Broome a few turns ago. It unmasks itself with a strike on Perth. The Brit cruisers had just come into port a turn ago and had just topped up their fuel bunkers, I should have been a little more careful with them and moved them out as I had not seen mini-KB come back north after I had lost it west of Broome a couple of turns ago but thankfully apart from heavily damaging Dorsetshire (now ported), the rest of the combat ships escaped any damage.
Apart from heavily damaging Doresetshire, mini-KB's flyers also claimed a couple of xAKs. The other combat ships that have not been damaged will be heading for Adelaide at full speed for a turn to put some distance between them and mini-KB. A resupply convoy from Cape Town on it's way back home escaped being bombed and will head southeast to try and escape mini-KB.
A Kittyhawk squadron is there training (raw pilots with exp in the high 30s) but will be put on CAP on the next turn, I reckon mini-KB will still be on naval strike with a port strike as secondary mission, given the experience levels I'm not terribly hopeful the Aussies will do well but it might give him pause about staying around the neighbourhood for too long. BBs and CAs have been spotted in the TF otherwise I'd give an interception a shot.
Morning Air attack on TF, near Perth at 49,147
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud
Raid detected at 77 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 28 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 23
B5N2 Kate x 35
D3A1 Val x 22
Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 9 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 1 destroyed by flak
D3A1 Val: 3 damaged
D3A1 Val: 1 destroyed by flak
Allied Ships
CA Dorsetshire, Bomb hits 2
CL Glasgow
PC Bingera, Bomb hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Dardanus, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
CA Exeter, Bomb hits 1
CL Hobart
xAK Anhui, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Wanaka, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
Aircraft Attacking:
8 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000' *
Naval Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb
13 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
2 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000' *
Naval Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb
22 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
11 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000' *
Naval Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Perth at 49,147
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
Raid detected at 58 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 24 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 23
B5N2 Kate x 39
Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 20 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 2 destroyed by flak
Allied Ships
CA Dorsetshire, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Tjerk Hiddes
DD Nestor
DD Napier
CL Hobart
CA Exeter
CL Glasgow
Aircraft Attacking:
21 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
18 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
SIGINT
11th Army is planning for an attack on Changsha.
8th Ind Engineer Regiment is planning for an attack on Changsha.
DEI
The Dutch MTBs pay a visit to Kendari again but encounter the same heavy SAG, this time round nobody gets hurt.
SWPAC
It was the mini-KB (intel courtesy of email correspondence) that was the CV TF spotted going west from Broome a few turns ago. It unmasks itself with a strike on Perth. The Brit cruisers had just come into port a turn ago and had just topped up their fuel bunkers, I should have been a little more careful with them and moved them out as I had not seen mini-KB come back north after I had lost it west of Broome a couple of turns ago but thankfully apart from heavily damaging Dorsetshire (now ported), the rest of the combat ships escaped any damage.
Apart from heavily damaging Doresetshire, mini-KB's flyers also claimed a couple of xAKs. The other combat ships that have not been damaged will be heading for Adelaide at full speed for a turn to put some distance between them and mini-KB. A resupply convoy from Cape Town on it's way back home escaped being bombed and will head southeast to try and escape mini-KB.
A Kittyhawk squadron is there training (raw pilots with exp in the high 30s) but will be put on CAP on the next turn, I reckon mini-KB will still be on naval strike with a port strike as secondary mission, given the experience levels I'm not terribly hopeful the Aussies will do well but it might give him pause about staying around the neighbourhood for too long. BBs and CAs have been spotted in the TF otherwise I'd give an interception a shot.
Morning Air attack on TF, near Perth at 49,147
Weather in hex: Heavy cloud
Raid detected at 77 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 28 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 23
B5N2 Kate x 35
D3A1 Val x 22
Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 9 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 1 destroyed by flak
D3A1 Val: 3 damaged
D3A1 Val: 1 destroyed by flak
Allied Ships
CA Dorsetshire, Bomb hits 2
CL Glasgow
PC Bingera, Bomb hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Dardanus, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
CA Exeter, Bomb hits 1
CL Hobart
xAK Anhui, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Wanaka, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
Aircraft Attacking:
8 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000' *
Naval Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb
13 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
2 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000' *
Naval Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb
22 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
11 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000' *
Naval Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Perth at 49,147
Weather in hex: Partial cloud
Raid detected at 58 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 24 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 23
B5N2 Kate x 39
Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 20 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 2 destroyed by flak
Allied Ships
CA Dorsetshire, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Tjerk Hiddes
DD Nestor
DD Napier
CL Hobart
CA Exeter
CL Glasgow
Aircraft Attacking:
21 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
18 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
-
KenchiSulla
- Posts: 2963
- Joined: Wed Oct 22, 2008 3:19 pm
- Location: the Netherlands
RE: 7 Apr 1942
I made the same mistake at Noumea. Dissappearing CV taskforces tend to turn up right at your doorstep. It makes sense.. Strike when your undetected.. We do the same, yet we fall for that trick. Human mind is a strange machine..
AKA Cannonfodder
"It happened, therefore it can happen again: this is the core of what we have to say. It can happen, and it can happen everywhere.”
¯ Primo Levi, writer, holocaust survivor
"It happened, therefore it can happen again: this is the core of what we have to say. It can happen, and it can happen everywhere.”
¯ Primo Levi, writer, holocaust survivor