July 18, 1943 – Interim Report -
My opponent is still busy with Real Life, so once again he was only able to send the Combat Replay.
The Night Phase started out with another dot base, this time Kalao in the DEI, being automatically occupied by the Japanese. There was no other night action.
Daylight brought out plenty of Japanese Recon over China, but no bombers.
Allied Air Efforts started out with PB4Y-1s hitting the SNLF at Luganville. The Navy Libs aren't doing very well when it comes to causing Troop Casualties – I may need to send some ships in to Bombard the base.
Off in Burma DBs hit the Air Base at Myitkyina, 2Es hit Japanese Troops at Katha, and P-39s had success attacking Japanese troops near Katha but not near Akyab. And 4Es hit the Air Base at Moulmein, meeting 7 Tojos on CAP on the way in. The 4Es blasted past the Tojos and hammered the Air Base, destroying a Tony on the Ground.
And in Australia, 4Es hit the Air Base at Wyndham hard, keeping it nicely closed.
Finally, Allied Troops attacked and smashed retreating Japanese Troops along the Akyab road, pushing them further along the way towards Prome.
Last Stand at San Diego (no Richard please)
Moderators: wdolson, MOD_War-in-the-Pacific-Admirals-Edition
July 18 1943 Final Report
July 18, 1943 – Final Report –
The most important observations for this Turn were on the ground, as it appears that Myitkyina has been abandoned by Japanese forces, and that at least some Japanese Troops are pulling back from Katherine.
It will be interesting to see if my Forces at Warazup cause Myitkyina to automatically change over to the Allied side, now that the Japanese have left. I’m not assuming that this will occur, so I’ve ordered a couple of units to move to Myitkyina.
Japanese troops are also trying to pull out of Katha, but I have been slowing them down with Air Attacks. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to Air Drop enough Supplies to my Troops at Katha to allow them to capture the Base via an Attack. I would much prefer to disable the retiring Japanese troops with an Attack if I could.
I’m posting the current map of Burma below in order to show the situation.
Meanwhile, in Northern Australia, it appears that the only Japanese planes in Darwin now are Fighters on CAP. I don’t like to fly my 4Es at Extended Range unless there is a very good reason, so I won’t go after Darwin at this time. I’m satisfied with Bombing Japanese Troops in Wyndham and Katherine.
Otherwise, things continue to move in the South Pacific as the Engineering Wars step up the Pace in a Big Way. I’ve got huge numbers of Engineers out there and as I move them into my newly captured Bases around New Caledonia the Balance of Power will shift even more in the Region.
And I’ve started another Little Excursion to test out the Japanese Defences in another Region.
The most important observations for this Turn were on the ground, as it appears that Myitkyina has been abandoned by Japanese forces, and that at least some Japanese Troops are pulling back from Katherine.
It will be interesting to see if my Forces at Warazup cause Myitkyina to automatically change over to the Allied side, now that the Japanese have left. I’m not assuming that this will occur, so I’ve ordered a couple of units to move to Myitkyina.
Japanese troops are also trying to pull out of Katha, but I have been slowing them down with Air Attacks. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to Air Drop enough Supplies to my Troops at Katha to allow them to capture the Base via an Attack. I would much prefer to disable the retiring Japanese troops with an Attack if I could.
I’m posting the current map of Burma below in order to show the situation.
Meanwhile, in Northern Australia, it appears that the only Japanese planes in Darwin now are Fighters on CAP. I don’t like to fly my 4Es at Extended Range unless there is a very good reason, so I won’t go after Darwin at this time. I’m satisfied with Bombing Japanese Troops in Wyndham and Katherine.
Otherwise, things continue to move in the South Pacific as the Engineering Wars step up the Pace in a Big Way. I’ve got huge numbers of Engineers out there and as I move them into my newly captured Bases around New Caledonia the Balance of Power will shift even more in the Region.
And I’ve started another Little Excursion to test out the Japanese Defences in another Region.
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Refinery Fires
July 19, 1943 –
The Night Phase started with the empty Dutch base of Salajar in the DEI being automatically occupied by the Japanese.
Then came one of those “oh no” moments as USS Gunnell shot 6 torpedoes at IJN CV Hiryu just south of Eniwetok, hit the CV with one, but that torpedo was a Dud… Oh well, at least now I know there is at least one Japanese CV in the Central Pacific, along with a bunch of BBs, CAs, and DDs.
In Burma Allied DBs and 2Es hit the Japanese troops that are trying to get out of Katha, while P-39s hit Japanese troops in the Jungle to the southeast of Akyab. The Allied Troops in Katha now have their Supply in the Black, so they will attack next turn.
And the 4Es went on their first City Bombing Raid, hammering the Refinery at Rangoon very nicely. But I don’t want to be too predictable, nor to allow any Japanese surprise in the Region, so I’ve ordered the 4Es to make certain that the Air Base at Mandalay stays closed next turn.
And in Australia, 4Es hammered the Japanese Troops at Wyndham and Katherine again. The only Japanese Troops left at Katherine may be a Base Force. If only I could move Supplies by Land I would move some troops forward to capture the base.
The Night Phase started with the empty Dutch base of Salajar in the DEI being automatically occupied by the Japanese.
Then came one of those “oh no” moments as USS Gunnell shot 6 torpedoes at IJN CV Hiryu just south of Eniwetok, hit the CV with one, but that torpedo was a Dud… Oh well, at least now I know there is at least one Japanese CV in the Central Pacific, along with a bunch of BBs, CAs, and DDs.
In Burma Allied DBs and 2Es hit the Japanese troops that are trying to get out of Katha, while P-39s hit Japanese troops in the Jungle to the southeast of Akyab. The Allied Troops in Katha now have their Supply in the Black, so they will attack next turn.
And the 4Es went on their first City Bombing Raid, hammering the Refinery at Rangoon very nicely. But I don’t want to be too predictable, nor to allow any Japanese surprise in the Region, so I’ve ordered the 4Es to make certain that the Air Base at Mandalay stays closed next turn.
And in Australia, 4Es hammered the Japanese Troops at Wyndham and Katherine again. The only Japanese Troops left at Katherine may be a Base Force. If only I could move Supplies by Land I would move some troops forward to capture the base.
Landing at Koumac
July 20, 1943 -
The Night Phase saw the unoccupied DEI base called Nias, off of the coast of Sumatra, occupied automatically by the Japanese.
Daylight brought the USN PB4Y-1s out again against the SNLF at Luganville. This time the Navy Libs did a better job and caused a fair number of casualties.
Elsewhere, Rain washed out most Air Missions in Burma, other than some 2Es that attempted to attack the Japanese troops at Katha but couldn't find the target.
The only other Air Attack was 4Es in Oz once again hammering Japanese Troops in Wyndham.
The end of the day brought an unopposed Allied Amphibious Landing at Koumac. As is typical in this match ever since we upgraded to the Latest Rev, I received a message during the Turn, and in the Reports afterwards, that the Landing Troops “dispersed” upon landing. But when I checked them out afterwards they were together, although with plenty of troops out of action. Never-the-less, Koumac ought to automatically become Allied next turn before the troops need to actually attack.
In Burma, my troops at Katha didn't attack. I was certain that I set them to attack for this turn because their Supplies were in the Black, but something happened, or Didn't Happen in this case.
And finally, my opponent reversed the string of Japanese Ground Defeats in Burma when a Fresh, large Japanese Infantry Division, with some supporting troops, was able to Shock Attack a British Brigade out of the Jungle Road near Toungou and send them back towards Magwe. The Brits didn't take too many losses, so they will just go back and re-group. And if my opponent sends his troops into the Clear to follow them, I'll bomb his troops into oblivion.
The Night Phase saw the unoccupied DEI base called Nias, off of the coast of Sumatra, occupied automatically by the Japanese.
Daylight brought the USN PB4Y-1s out again against the SNLF at Luganville. This time the Navy Libs did a better job and caused a fair number of casualties.
Elsewhere, Rain washed out most Air Missions in Burma, other than some 2Es that attempted to attack the Japanese troops at Katha but couldn't find the target.
The only other Air Attack was 4Es in Oz once again hammering Japanese Troops in Wyndham.
The end of the day brought an unopposed Allied Amphibious Landing at Koumac. As is typical in this match ever since we upgraded to the Latest Rev, I received a message during the Turn, and in the Reports afterwards, that the Landing Troops “dispersed” upon landing. But when I checked them out afterwards they were together, although with plenty of troops out of action. Never-the-less, Koumac ought to automatically become Allied next turn before the troops need to actually attack.
In Burma, my troops at Katha didn't attack. I was certain that I set them to attack for this turn because their Supplies were in the Black, but something happened, or Didn't Happen in this case.
And finally, my opponent reversed the string of Japanese Ground Defeats in Burma when a Fresh, large Japanese Infantry Division, with some supporting troops, was able to Shock Attack a British Brigade out of the Jungle Road near Toungou and send them back towards Magwe. The Brits didn't take too many losses, so they will just go back and re-group. And if my opponent sends his troops into the Clear to follow them, I'll bomb his troops into oblivion.
Koumac O
July 21, 1943 –
The Night Phase saw Talasea become automatically occupied by the Japanese, but more importantly, Koumac was automatically occupied by the Allies. The Air Base and Support Facilities are badly beaten up, so I have to get some Engineers in there right away to start to fix things up.
Then USS Skipjack shot at and missed a CM near Langsa. Skipjack got away from the Escorts, but the Sub’s report was worrisome – the CM was only one of a Huge number of ships in the TF, including lots of E-class Escorts and around a dozen or so APs. So where is that TF going? Is it bringing more reinforcements to Burma, or heading elsewhere?
Daylight brought out PB4Y-1s hitting the SNLF unit at Luganville, Liberator IIs hitting the Air Base at Lashio, 2Es and DBs hitting the Japanese troops at Katha, 4Es hitting the Air Base at Mandalay, and 4Es hitting the Japanese Troops at Wyndham.
Then at the end of the day Skipjack came back and put a torpedo into the CM off of Langsa, likely sinking it. I’ve now decided that I will attempt to catch that TF if it heads to Moulmein or Rangoon.
BTW – the Allied Troops at Katha were back in the Black for Supply, so I ordered them to Attack next turn. It will be interesting to see what happens this time.
The Night Phase saw Talasea become automatically occupied by the Japanese, but more importantly, Koumac was automatically occupied by the Allies. The Air Base and Support Facilities are badly beaten up, so I have to get some Engineers in there right away to start to fix things up.
Then USS Skipjack shot at and missed a CM near Langsa. Skipjack got away from the Escorts, but the Sub’s report was worrisome – the CM was only one of a Huge number of ships in the TF, including lots of E-class Escorts and around a dozen or so APs. So where is that TF going? Is it bringing more reinforcements to Burma, or heading elsewhere?
Daylight brought out PB4Y-1s hitting the SNLF unit at Luganville, Liberator IIs hitting the Air Base at Lashio, 2Es and DBs hitting the Japanese troops at Katha, 4Es hitting the Air Base at Mandalay, and 4Es hitting the Japanese Troops at Wyndham.
Then at the end of the day Skipjack came back and put a torpedo into the CM off of Langsa, likely sinking it. I’ve now decided that I will attempt to catch that TF if it heads to Moulmein or Rangoon.
BTW – the Allied Troops at Katha were back in the Black for Supply, so I ordered them to Attack next turn. It will be interesting to see what happens this time.
Katha Captured
July 22, 1943 –
The Night Phase saw Kaimana in western New Guinea get automatically occupied by Japan.
Daylight brought the Allied Aerial Bombardment Campaign on its daily efforts. First off, 2Es and DBs hit the Japanese Infantry Troops at Katha. Next the Air Base at Toungoo was hammered by 4Es. Then P-39s actually found the mark while attacking Japanese Troops in the Jungle near Akyab.
Air Action then moved East as PB4Y-1s attacked the SNLF unit at Luganville with less-than-stellar effect. Finally, 4Es hammered the Japanese Troops at Wyndham again.
Then, in the Ground Phase, the Allied Troops at Katha finally captured the Base, achieving a 9:1 result despite Level 3 Fortifications, and driving the Japanese Troops into the Jungle.
And a Commonwealth LCU Reached Myitkyina this turn. I’ve set it to Attack, but the empty Base will be Occupied by the Allies overnight, so next turn it will be Allied once again.
So the slow move Forward continues.
The Night Phase saw Kaimana in western New Guinea get automatically occupied by Japan.
Daylight brought the Allied Aerial Bombardment Campaign on its daily efforts. First off, 2Es and DBs hit the Japanese Infantry Troops at Katha. Next the Air Base at Toungoo was hammered by 4Es. Then P-39s actually found the mark while attacking Japanese Troops in the Jungle near Akyab.
Air Action then moved East as PB4Y-1s attacked the SNLF unit at Luganville with less-than-stellar effect. Finally, 4Es hammered the Japanese Troops at Wyndham again.
Then, in the Ground Phase, the Allied Troops at Katha finally captured the Base, achieving a 9:1 result despite Level 3 Fortifications, and driving the Japanese Troops into the Jungle.
And a Commonwealth LCU Reached Myitkyina this turn. I’ve set it to Attack, but the empty Base will be Occupied by the Allies overnight, so next turn it will be Allied once again.
So the slow move Forward continues.
Taking Back Myitkyina, again
July 23, 1943 – Interim Report –
The Night Phase started out with some base called Siaoe being automatically occupied by the Japanese, and then Myitkyina was occupied by the Allies. So this is the second time that the Allies have recovered Myitkyina from the Japanese. I think this time it will hold.
The Real Night Action was Under Water as the USN Silent Service had one success and two failures.
First off, just to the northwest of Marcus Island, USS Pogy shot 6 torpedoes at IJN CV Taiho, hitting the CV with one torpedo. As Luck Would Have It, the torpedo was a Dud.
Pogy got away from the Japanese Escorts and came back to try again. This time the Sub found CVL Ryujo and fired 4 torpedoes at the ship, hitting the CVL with one torpedo. But this time the torpedo was live! Once again Pogy got away from the Japanese Escorts.
Then, off of Georgetown, USS Skipjack hit a Japanese PB with a Dud torpedo. Skipjack also got away unscathed.
Daylight brought a continuation of the Allied Bombing Campaign in Burma. Japanese Troops S/W of Myitkyina were hit by DBs and 2Es, Japanese Troops at Mandalay were hit by 2Es, P-39s strafed Japanese Troops S/E of Akyab, Lib IIs hammered Japanese Troops in the Open west of Mandalay, and the 4Es hammered the Air Base at Toungoo again. My opponent has a Lot of Troops at Toungoo, so it is taking some Regular Effort to keep the Air Base there Out-of-Commission.
So – just what is my opponent up to in the Central Pacific? Is he considering some CV Raids, or is he just building up in anticipation of an Allied Push into the Gilberts? In any event, it's good to see some of the Japanese CVs there, because that way they are using up Lots of Fuel, and they aren't bothering me around Northern Oz or in the Indian Ocean.
The Night Phase started out with some base called Siaoe being automatically occupied by the Japanese, and then Myitkyina was occupied by the Allies. So this is the second time that the Allies have recovered Myitkyina from the Japanese. I think this time it will hold.
The Real Night Action was Under Water as the USN Silent Service had one success and two failures.
First off, just to the northwest of Marcus Island, USS Pogy shot 6 torpedoes at IJN CV Taiho, hitting the CV with one torpedo. As Luck Would Have It, the torpedo was a Dud.
Pogy got away from the Japanese Escorts and came back to try again. This time the Sub found CVL Ryujo and fired 4 torpedoes at the ship, hitting the CVL with one torpedo. But this time the torpedo was live! Once again Pogy got away from the Japanese Escorts.
Then, off of Georgetown, USS Skipjack hit a Japanese PB with a Dud torpedo. Skipjack also got away unscathed.
Daylight brought a continuation of the Allied Bombing Campaign in Burma. Japanese Troops S/W of Myitkyina were hit by DBs and 2Es, Japanese Troops at Mandalay were hit by 2Es, P-39s strafed Japanese Troops S/E of Akyab, Lib IIs hammered Japanese Troops in the Open west of Mandalay, and the 4Es hammered the Air Base at Toungoo again. My opponent has a Lot of Troops at Toungoo, so it is taking some Regular Effort to keep the Air Base there Out-of-Commission.
So – just what is my opponent up to in the Central Pacific? Is he considering some CV Raids, or is he just building up in anticipation of an Allied Push into the Gilberts? In any event, it's good to see some of the Japanese CVs there, because that way they are using up Lots of Fuel, and they aren't bothering me around Northern Oz or in the Indian Ocean.
Bad Odds, Good Results
July 24, 1943 –
The Night Phase brought the automatic occupation of the dot base Sipora, off of Sumatra, by the Japanese. The Japanese-held dot base north of Koumac remains under Japanese control, despite Allied forces sitting in Koumac.
Daylight brought out lots of Japanese Recon flights, particularly in China, but no Air Attacks. Allied Air Attacks, on the other hand, continued unabated in Burma.
Allied 2Es hit the remnants of the Japanese Infantry Division west of Mandalay yet again. Afterwards, the Japanese unit had simply vanished. Japanese troops near Prome were hit by Liberator IIs, P-39s hit Japanese troops near Akyab, and the USAAF 4Es went after the Light Industry at Rangoon. Despite having no opposition, the 4Es did a poor job of hitting their target.
Afterwards, Dutch Sub O23 was chased off by PBs at Tulagi, and USS Seawolf was hit by a bomb from a Japanese plane and is now limping home from the Solomons.
The only Land Action was a deliberate attack by a Brit Armoured unit on a retreating Japanese Infantry unit along the road near Katha:
Ground combat at 60,43 (near Katha)
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 524 troops, 0 guns, 84 vehicles, Assault Value = 52
Defending force 3922 troops, 39 guns, 10 vehicles, Assault Value = 141
Allied adjusted assault: 23
Japanese adjusted defense: 289
Allied assault odds: 1 to 12
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), op mode(-), leaders(+)
Attacker: leaders(-)
Japanese ground losses:
263 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 22 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 5 disabled
Assaulting units:
3rd Carabiniers Regiment
Defending units:
33rd/C Division
Despite achieving lousy odds the Brits were the ones who inflicted the casualties.
The Night Phase brought the automatic occupation of the dot base Sipora, off of Sumatra, by the Japanese. The Japanese-held dot base north of Koumac remains under Japanese control, despite Allied forces sitting in Koumac.
Daylight brought out lots of Japanese Recon flights, particularly in China, but no Air Attacks. Allied Air Attacks, on the other hand, continued unabated in Burma.
Allied 2Es hit the remnants of the Japanese Infantry Division west of Mandalay yet again. Afterwards, the Japanese unit had simply vanished. Japanese troops near Prome were hit by Liberator IIs, P-39s hit Japanese troops near Akyab, and the USAAF 4Es went after the Light Industry at Rangoon. Despite having no opposition, the 4Es did a poor job of hitting their target.
Afterwards, Dutch Sub O23 was chased off by PBs at Tulagi, and USS Seawolf was hit by a bomb from a Japanese plane and is now limping home from the Solomons.
The only Land Action was a deliberate attack by a Brit Armoured unit on a retreating Japanese Infantry unit along the road near Katha:
Ground combat at 60,43 (near Katha)
Allied Deliberate attack
Attacking force 524 troops, 0 guns, 84 vehicles, Assault Value = 52
Defending force 3922 troops, 39 guns, 10 vehicles, Assault Value = 141
Allied adjusted assault: 23
Japanese adjusted defense: 289
Allied assault odds: 1 to 12
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), op mode(-), leaders(+)
Attacker: leaders(-)
Japanese ground losses:
263 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 22 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 5 disabled
Assaulting units:
3rd Carabiniers Regiment
Defending units:
33rd/C Division
Despite achieving lousy odds the Brits were the ones who inflicted the casualties.
Building Wars
July 25, 1943 -
There was no Night Action of any sort, not even any automated occupations.
Daylight brought out plenty of Japanese Recon and Search Flights, and a number of Glen spottings in the South Pacific and off of south-eastern Australia, but no Japanese Combat Air Missions.
Allied Combat Air Missions were limited to Burma again, with the usual 2E, DB, and P-39 attacks against various Japanese LCUs that are trying to flee Central Burma. The 4Es went after Light Industry in Rangoon again, but after another mediocre result, I’ve ordered them to go after the Air Base at Mandalay again next turn.
Finally, Dutch sub O23 was chased off by Japanese PBs again at Tulagi.
Essentially, things will remain quiet for the time being while I build up bases in the South Pacific.
There was no Night Action of any sort, not even any automated occupations.
Daylight brought out plenty of Japanese Recon and Search Flights, and a number of Glen spottings in the South Pacific and off of south-eastern Australia, but no Japanese Combat Air Missions.
Allied Combat Air Missions were limited to Burma again, with the usual 2E, DB, and P-39 attacks against various Japanese LCUs that are trying to flee Central Burma. The 4Es went after Light Industry in Rangoon again, but after another mediocre result, I’ve ordered them to go after the Air Base at Mandalay again next turn.
Finally, Dutch sub O23 was chased off by Japanese PBs again at Tulagi.
Essentially, things will remain quiet for the time being while I build up bases in the South Pacific.
Good News/Bad News
July 26, 1943 –
The Night Phase started out with the dot base called Moa, near Timor, being automatically occupied by the Japanese.
Then US DDs at Baker Island spotted and hammered a Japanese sub with 13 hits. Intel later reported that the sub went down, but that was a Good News/Bad News situation, because now my Surface Combat TF at Baker has been revealed to my opponent, and he likely has CVs sitting around the Gilberts. I wanted to sneak in that SC TF to Bombard the Japanese Seaplane base at Tabiteuea, but now I’ll hold off for a bit since the Surprise is Over.
Daylight brought out Allied Bombers over Central Burma again. Japanese troops were hit by 2Es and DBs at Bhamo, by 2Es near Lashio, by Lib IIs near Prome, by B-25Gs near Katha, and by P-39s near Akyab. The 4Es in Burma didn’t fly.
Everywhere else it was simply a case of continuing Construction Wars.
The Night Phase started out with the dot base called Moa, near Timor, being automatically occupied by the Japanese.
Then US DDs at Baker Island spotted and hammered a Japanese sub with 13 hits. Intel later reported that the sub went down, but that was a Good News/Bad News situation, because now my Surface Combat TF at Baker has been revealed to my opponent, and he likely has CVs sitting around the Gilberts. I wanted to sneak in that SC TF to Bombard the Japanese Seaplane base at Tabiteuea, but now I’ll hold off for a bit since the Surprise is Over.
Daylight brought out Allied Bombers over Central Burma again. Japanese troops were hit by 2Es and DBs at Bhamo, by 2Es near Lashio, by Lib IIs near Prome, by B-25Gs near Katha, and by P-39s near Akyab. The 4Es in Burma didn’t fly.
Everywhere else it was simply a case of continuing Construction Wars.
Return of the JAAF?
July 27, 1943 -
The Night Phase started out with a dot base called Gorong in the DEI being automatically occupied by the Japanese.
Then the USN did something of a rarity – a TF consisting of CAs and CLs bombarded Luganville. The Bombardment caused a fair amount of damage to the Air Base and Port, but for some reason the SNLF at the Base avoided the incoming shells. (That was even with Spotter Planes flying successfully.)
Daylight brought out USN PBY4-1s who did find the SNLF and hit it fairly hard.
Then there was a return to Old Times in Burma as 47 Helen IIas, 24 Helen Ias and 22 Oscar IIbs attacked the Indian Infantry Division that is besieging Mandalay. The Japanese 2Es hit the Indian Troops fairly hard, causing a fair amount of Disruption.
Allied Bombers then took over in Burma as 2Es hit Japanese Troops at Mandalay, Lib IIs hit the Japanese Infantry Regiment that is now on the Road southeast of Akyab, B-25Gs hit Japanese Troops near Katha, and DBs and 2Es hit Japanese Troops at Bhamo. The 4Es then flew and pounded the Air Base at Mandalay, and over 130 P-39s flew at the same time to strafe that Japanese Infantry Regiment near Akyab.
To finish the Air Action for the Day, B-24Ds hammered the Air Base at Milne Bay.
After all this, the Japanese Troops at Mandalay attempted an Artillery Attack on the Besieging Indian Infantry Division, but without effect. What the failed Artillery Attack did show me was that Mandalay is being held by a fairly weak selection of partial units. So it's too bad that the Indian Division got beat up so badly (and also that it does't have enough Supply).
In light of this, I set a couple of P-38 Squadrons on LR CAP over Mandalay, and I ordered the 4Es to hit the Air Base at Raheng, from where I suspect that the Japanese Air Attack originated.
The Night Phase started out with a dot base called Gorong in the DEI being automatically occupied by the Japanese.
Then the USN did something of a rarity – a TF consisting of CAs and CLs bombarded Luganville. The Bombardment caused a fair amount of damage to the Air Base and Port, but for some reason the SNLF at the Base avoided the incoming shells. (That was even with Spotter Planes flying successfully.)
Daylight brought out USN PBY4-1s who did find the SNLF and hit it fairly hard.
Then there was a return to Old Times in Burma as 47 Helen IIas, 24 Helen Ias and 22 Oscar IIbs attacked the Indian Infantry Division that is besieging Mandalay. The Japanese 2Es hit the Indian Troops fairly hard, causing a fair amount of Disruption.
Allied Bombers then took over in Burma as 2Es hit Japanese Troops at Mandalay, Lib IIs hit the Japanese Infantry Regiment that is now on the Road southeast of Akyab, B-25Gs hit Japanese Troops near Katha, and DBs and 2Es hit Japanese Troops at Bhamo. The 4Es then flew and pounded the Air Base at Mandalay, and over 130 P-39s flew at the same time to strafe that Japanese Infantry Regiment near Akyab.
To finish the Air Action for the Day, B-24Ds hammered the Air Base at Milne Bay.
After all this, the Japanese Troops at Mandalay attempted an Artillery Attack on the Besieging Indian Infantry Division, but without effect. What the failed Artillery Attack did show me was that Mandalay is being held by a fairly weak selection of partial units. So it's too bad that the Indian Division got beat up so badly (and also that it does't have enough Supply).
In light of this, I set a couple of P-38 Squadrons on LR CAP over Mandalay, and I ordered the 4Es to hit the Air Base at Raheng, from where I suspect that the Japanese Air Attack originated.
Rahaeng
July 28, 1943 –
There was no Night Action this turn.
Daylight brought out Allied Bombers but not Japanese Bombers.
Allied Bombers in Burma hit Japanese troops at Bhamo, near Katha, and near Akyab. Then the 4Es went after Rahaeng. The Attack contained 80 B-24D1s and 10 B-17Es, which had to face 36 Tojo IIs and 3 Oscar IIas.
The 4Es blasted past the scattered CAP, shooting down one Tojo on the way in. The Air Base at Rahaeng was hit hard, but no planes were caught on the Ground. On the way out 1 B-24 was lost.
Then in the Pacific, PB4Y-1s hit the SNLF unit at Luganville again. This was followed by B-24D1s hitting the Air Base at Rossel Island.
I’m guessing that my opponent is sending his Bombers up-and-down the Rail Road from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, so I am sending the 4Es after Chiang Mai next turn. But I am also sending out more Recon Flights because I suspect that my opponent is using more bases in the Region.
There was no Night Action this turn.
Daylight brought out Allied Bombers but not Japanese Bombers.
Allied Bombers in Burma hit Japanese troops at Bhamo, near Katha, and near Akyab. Then the 4Es went after Rahaeng. The Attack contained 80 B-24D1s and 10 B-17Es, which had to face 36 Tojo IIs and 3 Oscar IIas.
The 4Es blasted past the scattered CAP, shooting down one Tojo on the way in. The Air Base at Rahaeng was hit hard, but no planes were caught on the Ground. On the way out 1 B-24 was lost.
Then in the Pacific, PB4Y-1s hit the SNLF unit at Luganville again. This was followed by B-24D1s hitting the Air Base at Rossel Island.
I’m guessing that my opponent is sending his Bombers up-and-down the Rail Road from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, so I am sending the 4Es after Chiang Mai next turn. But I am also sending out more Recon Flights because I suspect that my opponent is using more bases in the Region.
Chiang Mai
July 29, 1943 –
The Night Phase saw Dutch sub O23 caught and attacked by escorts in a Japanese Transport TF at Tulagi. The Dutch sub was hit several times and is now limping home. Then USS Sturgeon shot at and missed an E-Class Escort in the same TF. This time Sturgeon got away.
Daylight brought out the usual flurry of Recon and Search flights from both sides. Allied Naval Search spotted Japanese subs off of Perth and Albany. I keep on chasing those subs with ASW TFs, but I haven’t caught them yet.
The Air War started out in a Big Way as the USAAF 4Es in Burma attacked Chiang Mai and found the Enemy in a Big Way. 71 B-24D1s and 9 B-17Es ran into 12 Tonys, 42 Tojo IIas, 13 Oscar IIbs and 20 Nick Ias. The Big Bombers blasted through the CAP, while taking a fair amount of damage. But the Reward was Great, as the Bombardiers found a Rich Payout down below and hammered the Air Base and a lot of Japanese Fighters on the Ground.
The Air Combat Screen, posted below, shows the results. Sure, I lost a number of B-24s, but most of those losses were write-offs back at base and I lost few pilots. But the Japanese War Machine has another large number of Fighters to replace, and another Base from which it won’t be staging Raids for a while.
Elsewhere, the 100+ P-39s continued their Live Training on the Japanese Infantry Regiment southeast of Akyab, along with the Lib IIs. And off in PNG a squadron of B-24D1s continued its Recon-By-Bomb campaign on various Japanese Bases by hitting the Air Base at Horn Island.
Then during the Land Combat Phase, the Allied Troops on the road next to Katha tried once again to kick out the Beat-Up Japanese Troops that are sitting there, and failed again, although they once more caused a number of Japanese casualties. And finally, the Japanese Infantry Regiment that had recently moved onto the Road southeast of Akyab was decisively kicked back into the Jungle.
The Night Phase saw Dutch sub O23 caught and attacked by escorts in a Japanese Transport TF at Tulagi. The Dutch sub was hit several times and is now limping home. Then USS Sturgeon shot at and missed an E-Class Escort in the same TF. This time Sturgeon got away.
Daylight brought out the usual flurry of Recon and Search flights from both sides. Allied Naval Search spotted Japanese subs off of Perth and Albany. I keep on chasing those subs with ASW TFs, but I haven’t caught them yet.
The Air War started out in a Big Way as the USAAF 4Es in Burma attacked Chiang Mai and found the Enemy in a Big Way. 71 B-24D1s and 9 B-17Es ran into 12 Tonys, 42 Tojo IIas, 13 Oscar IIbs and 20 Nick Ias. The Big Bombers blasted through the CAP, while taking a fair amount of damage. But the Reward was Great, as the Bombardiers found a Rich Payout down below and hammered the Air Base and a lot of Japanese Fighters on the Ground.
The Air Combat Screen, posted below, shows the results. Sure, I lost a number of B-24s, but most of those losses were write-offs back at base and I lost few pilots. But the Japanese War Machine has another large number of Fighters to replace, and another Base from which it won’t be staging Raids for a while.
Elsewhere, the 100+ P-39s continued their Live Training on the Japanese Infantry Regiment southeast of Akyab, along with the Lib IIs. And off in PNG a squadron of B-24D1s continued its Recon-By-Bomb campaign on various Japanese Bases by hitting the Air Base at Horn Island.
Then during the Land Combat Phase, the Allied Troops on the road next to Katha tried once again to kick out the Beat-Up Japanese Troops that are sitting there, and failed again, although they once more caused a number of Japanese casualties. And finally, the Japanese Infantry Regiment that had recently moved onto the Road southeast of Akyab was decisively kicked back into the Jungle.
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- Julu 29 Air Losses.jpg (47.46 KiB) Viewed 168 times
Tabiteuea
July 30, 1943 –
The Night Phase started out with Batjan being automatically occupied by the Japanese.
The real action then moved to the South Pacific where USN DDs attacked a Japanese sub near Nikunan and hit it 3 times. That USN TF then went on to Bombard Tabiteuea hard, causing lots of Base damage and Troop casualties.
Finally, USS Sturgeon hit a PB with a Dud at Tulagi. The PBs in the Japanese ASW TF then proceeded to drive off Sturgeon, hitting it several times. Sturgeon is now limping home.
Daylight brought plenty of Rain to Burma, but Allied DBs and 2Es still managed to attack Japanese Troops at Bhamo, and P-39s attacked Japanese Troops southeast of Akyab.
But more importantly, the Allied Bomber Missions against Mandalay were scrubbed due to the weather, leaving the Indian 5th Division on it’s own to attack the Defending Japanese Troops. Thus, even though the Defenders were weaker, the 5th could only achieve a 1:2 result and couldn’t reduce the Level 3 Fortifications. However, they did cause twice the casualties, so overall the Attack wasn’t a total waste.
The Night Phase started out with Batjan being automatically occupied by the Japanese.
The real action then moved to the South Pacific where USN DDs attacked a Japanese sub near Nikunan and hit it 3 times. That USN TF then went on to Bombard Tabiteuea hard, causing lots of Base damage and Troop casualties.
Finally, USS Sturgeon hit a PB with a Dud at Tulagi. The PBs in the Japanese ASW TF then proceeded to drive off Sturgeon, hitting it several times. Sturgeon is now limping home.
Daylight brought plenty of Rain to Burma, but Allied DBs and 2Es still managed to attack Japanese Troops at Bhamo, and P-39s attacked Japanese Troops southeast of Akyab.
But more importantly, the Allied Bomber Missions against Mandalay were scrubbed due to the weather, leaving the Indian 5th Division on it’s own to attack the Defending Japanese Troops. Thus, even though the Defenders were weaker, the 5th could only achieve a 1:2 result and couldn’t reduce the Level 3 Fortifications. However, they did cause twice the casualties, so overall the Attack wasn’t a total waste.
August 1 1943 Intel
July 31, 1943 –
The Night Phase saw Sibervet automatically occupied by the Japanese. Then HMS Trident put a torpedo into a PB off of Langsa, and that was the end of that PB.
Daylight brought lots of Rain to much of Burma again, but some Allied Air Missions did fly. Japanese Troops were hit by DBs and 2Es at Bhamo, by P-39s near Akyab, and by 2Es at Mandalay. But the 4Es once again didn’t fly against Mandalay.
Off in the South Pacific, PB4Y-1s hit the SNLF unit at Luganville again, while DDs in a USN Transport TF hammered a Japanese sub south-east of Suva. INTEL reported later that the sub had gone down.
The August Maps and Screen shots will come next, starting off with the Intel Screen below:
The Night Phase saw Sibervet automatically occupied by the Japanese. Then HMS Trident put a torpedo into a PB off of Langsa, and that was the end of that PB.
Daylight brought lots of Rain to much of Burma again, but some Allied Air Missions did fly. Japanese Troops were hit by DBs and 2Es at Bhamo, by P-39s near Akyab, and by 2Es at Mandalay. But the 4Es once again didn’t fly against Mandalay.
Off in the South Pacific, PB4Y-1s hit the SNLF unit at Luganville again, while DDs in a USN Transport TF hammered a Japanese sub south-east of Suva. INTEL reported later that the sub had gone down.
The August Maps and Screen shots will come next, starting off with the Intel Screen below:
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- August11943Intel.jpg (60.6 KiB) Viewed 168 times
August 1 1943 South Pac
Here's the situation in the South Pacific at this time:
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- August11..outhPac.jpg (72.02 KiB) Viewed 168 times
August 1 1943 Northern Oz
Here's the situation in Northern Oz at this time:
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- August11..thernOz.jpg (137.02 KiB) Viewed 168 times
August 1 1943 Burma
Here's the situation in Burma at this time:
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- August11943Burma.jpg (202.41 KiB) Viewed 168 times
August 1 1943 Kuriles
And here is the situation in the Kuriles:
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- August11..Kuriles.jpg (92.33 KiB) Viewed 168 times
Tanahdjampea
August 1, 1943 –
The Night Phase saw yet another dot base, this time Tanahdjampea, get automatically occupied by the Japanese. At the same time in the South Pacific, once again nothing happened to any of the Japanese bases near to the Allied bases. I guess that I haven’t figured out the right equation for Automatic Occupation yet.
Daylight brought Lots of Rain to Burma again, but Allied 2Es and DBs attacked Japanese Troops at Bhamo anyway, P-39s attacked the Japanese Infantry Regiment in the Jungle to the southeast of Akyab, and the 4Es finally attacked the Japanese Troops at Mandalay, along with some 2Es. The Japanese suffered a lot of casualties at Mandalay, and the Indian 5th Division is Back in the Black as far as Supplies go, so I ordered them to attack again next turn.
Off in the South Pacific Tanna received multiple visits from Japanese Recon Planes. I’m not sure why Tanna and not Efate, or the other Allied Bases in the Region. In any event, I wouldn’t mind seeing the Japanese attempt a Raid on Tanna…
And PB4Y-1s attacked the SNLF unit at Luganville again.
Otherwise, things are fairly quiet as I am very, very busy moving Forces around, as well as upgrading Air Units and Ships.
The Night Phase saw yet another dot base, this time Tanahdjampea, get automatically occupied by the Japanese. At the same time in the South Pacific, once again nothing happened to any of the Japanese bases near to the Allied bases. I guess that I haven’t figured out the right equation for Automatic Occupation yet.
Daylight brought Lots of Rain to Burma again, but Allied 2Es and DBs attacked Japanese Troops at Bhamo anyway, P-39s attacked the Japanese Infantry Regiment in the Jungle to the southeast of Akyab, and the 4Es finally attacked the Japanese Troops at Mandalay, along with some 2Es. The Japanese suffered a lot of casualties at Mandalay, and the Indian 5th Division is Back in the Black as far as Supplies go, so I ordered them to attack again next turn.
Off in the South Pacific Tanna received multiple visits from Japanese Recon Planes. I’m not sure why Tanna and not Efate, or the other Allied Bases in the Region. In any event, I wouldn’t mind seeing the Japanese attempt a Raid on Tanna…
And PB4Y-1s attacked the SNLF unit at Luganville again.
Otherwise, things are fairly quiet as I am very, very busy moving Forces around, as well as upgrading Air Units and Ships.