Rumble in the Southwest witpqs-A vs Andav-J 2011-11-29 to 2017-02-08

[princep01]

Ndeni.  Yes, that is a significant bunch of naval power there.  But, I'm guessing a withdrawal.
 
The troops further south are probably not recoverable without real risk to naval units, so I'm guessing they stay and die for their Emperor.  If they are full brigades, rather than SNLF or partial units, in the southern bases, I will be surprised.  Frankly, I doubt that Admiral Wa would deploye that level of force that far forward.  But, one never knows.  Brigades may have been all that was available. 
 
Good hunting. 

[witpqs]

ORIGINAL: princep01

Ndeni.  Yes, that is a significant bunch of naval power there.  But, I'm guessing a withdrawal.

The troops further south are probably not recoverable without real risk to naval units, so I'm guessing they stay and die for their Emperor.  If they are full brigades, rather than SNLF or partial units, in the southern bases, I will be surprised.  Frankly, I doubt that Admiral Wa would deploye that level of force that far forward.  But, one never knows.  Brigades may have been all that was available. 

Good hunting. 

That's my guess too. I just want to refrain from always making guesses that are favorable to me. If it becomes a habit I'll become even more likely to do something stupid. [:D]

At the moment I forget what, but at least one or two of them was a /A /B /C type of Bde. We'll see when we get ashore!

[princep01]

Flash Traffic!  Flash Traffic!!
 
Admiral Wa take a vacation?  Where's he go witpqs?? Off morning the Little KB disaster?  Maybe you can find out and sic the P-38s on him:).

[witpqs]

1942 November 25

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


The bombardment of Efate went in.

Night Naval bombardment of Efate at 120,154

Allied Ships
CL Tromp
CL De Ruyter
CL Sumatra
CL Java

Port hits 3
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 3

CL Tromp firing at Efate
CL De Ruyter firing at Efate
CL Sumatra firing at Efate
CL Java firing at Efate

The Empire by sheer numbers bombarded Akyab from the air, but the fare was steep: 18 x G3M2 Nell, 10 x A6M2 Zero, and 7 x G4M1 Betty against 2 x P-40K.

On the day there were two IJN subs reported sunk and the third hit from the air! The aerial hit was near Noumea. The two sinkings were at Vaitupu and at Christmas Island, where that ASW TF is still a day away.

There is a TF, possibly KB, heading east toward the Gilbert Islands. With any luck, they'll be over there when our invasion convoys move north straight up the New Hebrides after refueling at sea away from the Empire's subs.

[witpqs]

ORIGINAL: princep01

Flash Traffic!  Flash Traffic!!

Admiral Wa take a vacation?  Where's he go witpqs?? Off morning the Little KB disaster?  Maybe you can find out and sic the P-38s on him:).

[:D]

He had a couple of days and then some busy stuff. Shot a turn this way in the afternoon. A decent turn for the forces of light, etc. [:'(]

In a few days we'll see how "The Ndeni Affair" turns out!

[witpqs]

1942 November 26

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Good action over Akyab. Again the Empire pounded the base, and again they paid a heavy toll. 11 x A6M2 Zero, 10 x G3M2 Nell, and 2 x G4M1 Betty. Versus no defenders lost.

Two more hits on Japanese subs reported by aircraft, both of these near Noumea. IJN subs have fanned out to the west of Fiji, obviously hoping to intercept or gain Intel on the movement of the Battle Fleet, but they are too late. Imperial ships again seen at Ndeni. Even with heavy search in their path - if they continued on course toward the Gilberts - the KB is not seen and must therefore be presumed to be near Ndeni. Sightings of our subs by Imperial aircraft support that conclusion.

South Dakota is passing more than 200nm east of Christmas Island, hopefully out of range of the subs pestering that base. The ASW group from Pearl Harbor has arrived and is taking up patrol all around Christmas Island. Neosho is leaving Christmas Island for San Diego to repair. Minneapolis is leaving Pago Pago for Pearl Harbor for her repairs. Copahee is leaving Suva, being careful to avoid the line of IJN subs, and heading for Sydney.

Most of the fleet is just off the map to the bottom, with one more TF to refuel and the CVE TF to accept their new member. Then, it's on to Ndeni.

[witpqs]

1942 November 27

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Patung holds nicely again.

Ground combat at Patung (81,46)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 24851 troops, 172 guns, 4 vehicles, Assault Value = 960

Defending force 23056 troops, 156 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 454

Japanese adjusted assault: 241

Allied adjusted defense: 517

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 3)

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), forts(+), preparation(-), experience(-)
supply(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
2210 casualties reported
Squads: 6 destroyed, 149 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Guns lost 11 (1 destroyed, 10 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
338 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 53 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 9 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 4 (1 destroyed, 3 disabled)

Assaulting units:
41st Division
17th Ind.Mixed Brigade
3rd Infantry Regiment
60th Infantry Brigade
58th Infantry Regiment

Defending units:
45th Chinese Corps
8th Chinese Corps
1st Chinese Cavalry Corps
39th Group Army
7th Construction Regiment
8th Construction Regiment

Numerous sweeps by Tojos were made on Akyab today, clearly in response to the recent Allied successes in those skies. They met no opposition.

A total of four hits on IJN subs reported by aircraft today!

SBC-4 Helldiver attacking a Type K5 class SS at 130,161
:::::::: a Type KD7 class SS is reported HIT
SBD-2 Dauntless attacking SS I-29 at 129,159
:::::::: SS I-29 is reported HIT
Hudson III (LR) attacking SS I-27 at 116,160
:::::::: SS I-27 is reported HIT
Hudson III (LR) attacking a Japanese SS at 114,160
:::::::: a Japanese SS is reported HIT
Hudson III (LR) attacking a Japanese SS at 114,160
:::::::: a Japanese SS is reported HIT

DAW HQ is concentrating the Empire's subs right in the teeth of our most robust ASW efforts, because that's where the subs are most needed. But they pay for it.

2 x LB-30s and 1 x B-24D were lost in raids on Ndeni port today, but it might be worth the losses.

Morning Air attack on Ndeni , at 120,143

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 35 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9

Allied aircraft
LB-30 Liberator x 15

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
LB-30 Liberator: 1 destroyed, 5 damaged

Port hits 1
Port supply hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x LB-30 Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Port Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x LB-30 Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Port Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Genzan Ku S-1/B with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 5 on standby, 2 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Ndeni , at 120,143

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 27 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4

Allied aircraft
B-17D Fortress x 12
B-24D Liberator x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-17D Fortress: 1 damaged

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

Port hits 6

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-17D Fortress bombing from 10000 feet *
Port Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 10000 feet *
Port Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 10000 feet *
Port Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 10000 feet *
Port Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Genzan Ku S-1/B with A6M2 Zero (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Ndeni , at 120,143

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 9

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AV Kamoi, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AV Sanuki Maru, Bomb hits 1

Port hits 5
Port supply hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 10000 feet *
Port Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Ndeni , at 120,143

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 28 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 9

No Allied losses

Port hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 10000 feet *
Port Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Ndeni , at 120,143

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 39 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 9

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AV Sanuki Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Port hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 10000 feet *
Port Attack: 5 x 500 lb GP Bomb

Saratoga will make Pearl Harbor either very late tomorrow or very early the day after. South Dakota is passing to the east of the Line Islands apparently without being seen. The other damaged ship mentioned yesterday are all on their way without harassment.

The fleet is now making its first move northward, a bit slow to allow the ships that just refueled to catch up and take up station. The way point for tomorrow is 120nm ESE Tanna.

The KB - or possibly the KB - is observed making its way northwest along the Coral Sea side of the Solomon Islands.

[witpqs]

1942 November 28

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


An xAK lost near Karachi. Two IJN subs reported hit by aircraft near Noumea.

Saratoga has made Pearl Harbor. The yard wants 86 days to repair her (plus upgrade time), so she is moving on to Bremerton. South Dakota is changing course and will head directly to Alameda.

No elements of the fleet report being spotted. Tomorrow's way point is 80nm east of Ambryn (which is 80nm SE Luganville/80nm NE Efate). Yesterday's bombing of the port at Ndeni revealed 4 x IJ units present. A second wave convoy for Ndeni will begin loading the 3rd USMC Tank Bn, 48% prepped, at Suva. The USA 193rd and 194th Tank Bns are each roughly 30% prepped and will be picked up at Noumea by ships currently in the first wave. The first wave includes the USA 41st Inf Div and the 4th Marine Def Bn. It's hoped that the 6" guns of the latter unit will make bombardments a little more costly.

The sighting of 4 units on Ndeni might mean additional combat units, or they might all be support units to build up the base and make the regiment sized unit more effective on defense. Getting in early is a great benefit in the second case, a risk in the first case. However, Ndeni is not an atoll, and AFAIK is not a size 1 or 2 island so no shock attack will be required. Once ashore the Allied troops can choose to sit tight on the defensive and await assistance from other Allied assets advancing. Our recon Buffaloes can reach Ndeni from Koumac, where they have repositioned, but they will not do so until the fleet is spotted or when it is certain that they must be spotted the following day.

The position of IJN surface assets closer to the Gilbert Islands is good as at least they will be burning more fuel to return for a battle near Ndeni. Every day that our fleet is not spotted will make it more difficult for them to get back into position. Tomorrow's forecast is overcast across the region.

Sightings of our subs by aircraft are consistent with Imperial carriers operating north of Ndeni. There is this sighting, alluded to above, near the Gilbert Islands. Are they positioning to respond to a potential threat or to bombard Nanumea?

[witpqs]

1942 November 29

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


The Chinese hold.

Ground combat at 78,48 (near Chihkiang)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 1140 troops, 0 guns, 212 vehicles, Assault Value = 120

Defending force 51248 troops, 173 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1664

Japanese adjusted assault: 39

Allied adjusted defense: 3223

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 82

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

Japanese ground losses:
Vehicles lost 69 (7 destroyed, 62 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
299 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 25 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
13th Tank Regiment
17th Tank Regiment
15th Tank Regiment

Defending units:
53rd Chinese Corps
28th Chinese Corps
87th Chinese Corps
44th Chinese Corps
94th Chinese Corps
20th Group Army


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at 80,47 (near Patung)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 6895 troops, 50 guns, 11 vehicles, Assault Value = 520

Defending force 7745 troops, 41 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 209

Assaulting units:
1st Ind.Mixed Brigade
19th Ind.Mixed Brigade
15th/C Division

Defending units:
4th Chinese Cavalry Corps
13th Group Army


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at 76,51 (near Chihkiang)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 1104 troops, 12 guns, 193 vehicles, Assault Value = 953

Defending force 19941 troops, 108 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 569

Japanese adjusted assault: 39

Allied adjusted defense: 1342

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 34

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

Japanese ground losses:
Vehicles lost 56 (1 destroyed, 55 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
159 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Assaulting units:
3rd/A Division
3rd/C Division
14th Tank Regiment
6th Tank Regiment
5th Recon Regiment
9th Division
36th/B Division
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
32nd Chinese Corps
115th Red Chinese Division
120th Red Chinese Division
21st Chinese Cavalry Division
3rd Prov Chinese Corps

An IJN sub is still active near Karachi but her head was kept down by an ASW TF.

Imperial aircraft are again seen near Christmas Island, so the subs are back. A KD6A class IJN sub was reported hit by a dive bomber near Fiji.

APD Chew was on her way to deliver supplies to Nanumea and stopped short to await the movement of the Imperial surface group scouted yesterday. It turns out that they were not intent on bombarding Nanumea, but rather Vaitupu!

Night Time Surface Combat, near Vaitupu at 137,143, Range 8,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Kirishima
CL Sendai
CL Naka
CL Tenryu
DD Akizuki
DD Tokitsukaze
DD Urakaze

Allied Ships
APD Chew, Shell hits 1, on fire


Maximum visibility in Overcast Conditions and 60% moonlight: 8,000 yards
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 8,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 8,000 yards
Range increases to 9,000 yards
BB Kirishima engages APD Chew at 9,000 yards
CL Tenryu engages APD Chew at 9,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards
BB Kirishima engages APD Chew at 8,000 yards
Range increases to 11,000 yards
CL Naka engages APD Chew at 11,000 yards
Allied Task Force Manages to Escape
Task forces break off...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Vaitupu at 138,145

Japanese Ships
BB Kirishima
CL Tenryu
CL Naka
CL Sendai

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

Port hits 16
Port supply hits 2

BB Kirishima firing at Vaitupu
CL Tenryu firing at Vaitupu
CL Naka firing at Vaitupu
CL Sendai firing at 141st USN Stn Base Force

Chew is largely OK. She fled but will turn around and deliver to Nukufetau instead before retiring to Pago Pago for repairs. Vaitupu base suffered only minor damage but the engineers had the pants scared off of them and will probably be on strike for a few days.

And then S-23 had what can accurately be described as "A good day."

Sub attack near Duff Islands at 122,143

Japanese Ships
CV Akagi, Torpedo hits 3
BB Haruna
BB Kongo
CA Chikuma
CS Nisshin
DD Samidare
DD Hayashio

Allied Ships
SS S-23

SS S-23 launches 4 torpedoes at CV Akagi
S-23 diving deep ....
DD Samidare fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Hayashio fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Samidare attacking submerged sub ....
DD Samidare fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Samidare attacking submerged sub ....
DD Samidare fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Ndeni at 120,143

Japanese Ships
xAK Chitose Maru #2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS S-23

SS S-23 launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Chitose Maru #2

The fleet has been spotted, albeit with weak contact. Recon shall commence on Ndeni, the convoys shall pull back to await developments, and the Battle Fleet shall rush forward to the attack. 3rd USMC Tank Bn might be in time to join the first wave.

Pic: Akagi desperately tries to evade three homing torpedoes hot on her trail.

[princep01]

Polish the medals, break out the booze and call the girls.  The party is on when S-23 gets home!
 
Even if just one is a real hit, Akagi (and maybe the whole KB) will retire.  If three really hit (and exploded), then maybe KB retires w/o Akagi at all:).
 
A great time for that to happen.  Adm Wa is going to get an ulcer from that one!

[witpqs]

Oh yeah! The timing is wonderful. OK with me if KB retires or gives battle. Just keeping my fingers crossed that there is no return favor by the IJN sub lying in the path of the Battle Fleet. [&:]

[witpqs]

1942 November 30

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Another report hit by aircraft on a sub near Noumea. The hapless Hirotu Maru at Ndeni was hit several times by scout dive bombers before being attacked with purpose. There are no ships currently reported at Ndeni. S-18 transmitted this report.

ASW attack near Munda at 110,135

Japanese Ships
CA Kinugasa
CA Aoba
DD Fubuki
DD Uzuki
DD Sazanami
DD Ayanami

Allied Ships
SS S-18

SS S-18 is sighted by escort
S-18 diving deep ....
DD Uzuki fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Sazanami fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Ayanami fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Sazanami fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Ayanami attacking submerged sub ....
DD Ayanami fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Ayanami fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Ayanami fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

The KB appears to have moved northeast, as seen below. Given Akagi's battle cruiser construction it's entirely possible that she can make good speed and the KB is moving away with her. Growler is directly in the path of KB but is well spotted.

Rather than give chase, the Battle Fleet is moving back to meet the convoys and get this invasion going. Rain is forecast across the region for tomorrow. Estimate D-Day Ndeni in 3 days. On the same or the following day the 1st Marine Raider Bn (of Tabiteuea raid fame) will seize Vanua Lava. AVDs will follow close behind to set up a search base.

As yet there is a lack of additional information on the force composition at Ndeni. We currently have a convoy of AKs and APDs back at Tanna unloading supplies. They will proceed to Noumea when finished and load the two USA Tank Bns (and lots of additional supply) to form the second wave at Ndeni. Much faster than waiting for first wave ships, as they should finish their present task at Tanna early tomorrow and get underway during the day.

[witpqs]

1942 December 01

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


The Chinese held very well. The action near Patung was aided by the timely arrival of two of the defending units, bushwhacking the Imperialists. Is there hope of stabilizing the China front?

Ground combat at 78,49 (near Chihkiang)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 47633 troops, 320 guns, 60 vehicles, Assault Value = 1510

Defending force 47314 troops, 143 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1196

Japanese adjusted assault: 719

Allied adjusted defense: 3376

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 4

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

Japanese ground losses:
3695 casualties reported
Squads: 16 destroyed, 519 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 44 disabled
Engineers: 4 destroyed, 60 disabled
Guns lost 39 (3 destroyed, 36 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
920 casualties reported
Squads: 6 destroyed, 74 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 30 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Assaulting units:
27th Division
37th Division
57th Infantry Brigade
51st Infantry Brigade
51st Engineer Regiment
2nd Ind.Mixed Brigade

Defending units:
37th Chinese Corps
65th Chinese Corps
73rd Chinese Corps
20th Chinese Corps
4th Chinese/C Corps
19th Group Army
9th War Area
6th War Area
32nd Group Army


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at 80,47 (near Patung)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 31147 troops, 232 guns, 27 vehicles, Assault Value = 945

Defending force 27996 troops, 139 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 713

Japanese adjusted assault: 250

Allied adjusted defense: 1120

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 4

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

Japanese ground losses:
2346 casualties reported
Squads: 7 destroyed, 232 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 16 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 12 disabled

Allied ground losses:
689 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 89 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 10 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Guns lost 6 (1 destroyed, 5 disabled)

Assaulting units:
1st Ind.Mixed Brigade
19th Ind.Mixed Brigade
110th Division
15th/C Division

Defending units:
71st Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Cavalry Corps
13th Group Army


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at 76,51 (near Chihkiang)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 1044 troops, 12 guns, 192 vehicles, Assault Value = 952

Defending force 19911 troops, 108 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 568

Japanese adjusted assault: 23

Allied adjusted defense: 1882

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 81

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), supply(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
Guns lost 4 (1 destroyed, 3 disabled)
Vehicles lost 52 (11 destroyed, 41 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
80 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 8 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
14th Tank Regiment
9th Division
6th Tank Regiment
3rd/A Division
5th Recon Regiment
3rd/C Division
36th/B Division
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
115th Red Chinese Division
120th Red Chinese Division
32nd Chinese Corps
21st Chinese Cavalry Division
3rd Prov Chinese Corps

There were 4 x C-47 lost to operations on the route to China, so the weather there was lousy. Still, the 6 x Nell ops losses might just be from large transfers of aircraft to the Solomon Islands. And now there are a few fighters at Ndeni (only 2 seen). The 4EBs will hit Ndeni airfield tomorrow.


With her upgrade now added in, BB Oklahoma now has 207 days to repair. Akagi is listed as sunk, but there have been no corresponding ground losses in aircraft. BB Indiana, CL Columbia, and DD DeHaven have just passed the Marquesas Islands on their way to the battle area. With the threat of raids diminished, there are two fast convoys passing through the recently raided area west of the Line Islands. Another is following. Soon the existing large bases in SoPac (Pago Pago, Savii, Suva, Nadi, Noumea, La Foa, and Koumac) will be bursting at the seams. Bases in the New Hebrides and Santa Cruz Islands will be quickly filled.

There were no hits on IJN subs today. The KB is well seen, south of Nauru, on the edge of naval search coverage. A battleship group is passing to the Coral Sea side of Guadalcanal. Our fleet is safely past one IJN sub ESE Luganville.

Below you can see the situation. The Battle Fleet and Ndeni invasion convoys (bottom of the screen) will move to a point 40nm SE Ndeni tomorrow. They will be within range of attack by KB, battleships, and land-based aircraft. The KB would have to move closer to achieve that, and the battleships would have to run south. If DAW HQ believes the target is Luganville and chooses to attack with KB and battleships, then our carriers will be within range of both. This time around I am electing not to dance but rather to go straight in. That in itself might be unexpected, as might the target of Ndeni. The Luganville invasion convoy has also been spotted, presumably by sub-launched Glen, and will pull back a short distance. CA Astoria and one DD just finished repairs at Sydney and are setting course for a point NW Luganville from where they can rejoin the Battle Fleet or provide independent cover for the Luganville invasion (along with the Dutch and Summer Cruisers). It will be about two days before Vanua Lava is seized, and AVDs are moving to be there the same day. The other two tank Bns will be picked up at Noumea tomorrow for the quick journey to Ndeni, provided we then hold those waters, of course!

[JocMeister]

Pretty risky but fingers crossed! [:)]

[witpqs]

1942 December 02

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


In China the Empire appears to be near forcing a hole in the western end of our lines, but maybe we can plug that for a time. This position near Patung will get some reinforcements arriving in battle formation tomorrow.

Ground combat at 79,47 (near Patung)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 30166 troops, 236 guns, 18 vehicles, Assault Value = 955

Defending force 21606 troops, 109 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 611

Japanese adjusted assault: 863

Allied adjusted defense: 1162

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
1082 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 79 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled

Allied ground losses:
905 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 102 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 20 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled

Assaulting units:
6th Division
35th Division
104th/A Division
11th Army

Defending units:
13th Chinese Corps
84th Chinese Corps
88th Chinese Corps

In the South Pacific the big news was only small combat, that and the IJN carriers are whereabouts unknown. A small Imperial convoy with only a PB escort was wiped out at Ndeni. The invasion will go in tomorrow, ready to face a fierce attack from sea and air. Aircraft sightings of our subs indicate almost nothing, which most likely means the KB has gone dark (no search). There is one sub with DL 1/1 almost 300nm ESE Ontong Java, and one with DL 5/5 a couple of hundred miles NE Ontong Java. It's just as likely that the IJN carriers are closer in to the Solomon Islands, relying on land-based search. We shall see tomorrow.

Vanua Lava will will also be invaded tomorrow, but I doubt a shock attack will be forced. That means as much two days after until it can open as a search base.

The invasion force for Luganville is moving into position for an overnight run in the following day, covered by the Dutch.

Weather forecast for tomorrow is clear in the region. But it was so for today as well, and foul weather prevailed.

One IJN sub was hit by an SBD near Fiji, and the prize of the day...

Sub attack near Truk at 114,109

Japanese Ships
AO Nippon Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Isonami

Allied Ships
SS Finback

SS Finback launches 6 torpedoes at AO Nippon Maru
Finback diving deep ....
DD Isonami fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Isonami fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

[witpqs]

ORIGINAL: JocMeister

Pretty risky but fingers crossed! [:)]

D-Day cometh...

[BBfanboy]

Wow - you have destroyed 800 more of his aircraft than he has of yours - and it's still 1942 [the year, not the movie]. You must have spent a lot of time getting your pilots trained and in the right jobs.

[witpqs]

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

Wow - you have destroyed 800 more of his aircraft than he has of yours - and it's still 1942 [the year, not the movie]. You must have spent a lot of time getting your pilots trained and in the right jobs.

My use of air is reasonably focused, which I think has a lot to do with it. Sure if there is real need I'll take losses, but mostly they fight when and where they can win. Training - yes. Never enough once the attrition really gets rolling, at least outside of USA. USN and USMC can get ahead of the training curve given enough time. The Brits always run short once sustained offensives begin.

The flip side of all this is that he is also has time to train and is surely doing so. Of course his bombers in China are getting great anti-ground skill + experience. That won't matter so much if they can be shot down quickly when attacking Allied ground troops.

[witpqs]

1942 December 03

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:
Ndeni
Vanua Lava

Beyond the usual air attacks and the continuing maneuvers, the news in China is that the first IJA unit has made it overland to Kweiyang.

In the North Pacific we see this little gem:

Task Force 464 encounters enemy Task Force at 183 , 60

TF 464 is an empty supply convoy returning to San Francisco from Dutch Harbor. It looks like DAW HQ has given orders for assets to search for the damaged Saratoga. I knew she should have kept those 8" guns! Her repair assignment has been changed to San Francisco. She will sprint for one day then (probably) make port the second day at normal speed. She is 17 hexes ESE of TF 464's current position. The nature of the raiders is unknown.

Over on the Burma front the IJN and IJA made the mistake of trying to coordinate activities. Yamato and friends did alright with their bombardment, destroying some aircraft and damaging many, but the fly boys ran into an undaunted defense which took them out something better than 4 to 1. The base is badly damaged and the engineers are drinking heavily. Still, the fliers flew and boy did they! The IJA lost around 70 aircraft on the day over Chittagong. Those air battles are not shown as there is a bit of "other action" to show below. The Intel Monkeys are debating whether Yamato will be reassigned to the Pacific.

Night Naval bombardment of Cox's Bazar at 54,43

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIb Trop: 11 damaged
Hurricane IIb Trop: 1 destroyed on ground
P-39D Airacobra: 16 damaged
P-39D Airacobra: 1 destroyed on ground
P-40K Warhawk: 11 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Yamato
CA Ashigara
CL Tama
CL Kuma
CL Jintsu
DD Shiranui
DD Isokaze
DD Maikaze
DD Hatsukaze
DD Yugumo

Allied ground losses:
88 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 18 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Airbase hits 11
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 42
Port hits 11
Port fuel hits 2
Port supply hits 1

E13A1 Jake acting as spotter for BB Yamato
BB Yamato firing at 70th British Division
CA Ashigara firing at 70th British Division
E13A1 Jake acting as spotter for CL Tama
CL Tama firing at Cox's Bazar
CL Kuma firing at 70th British Division
CL Jintsu firing at 70th British Division
DD Shiranui firing at Cox's Bazar
DD Isokaze firing at 70th British Division
DD Maikaze firing at Cox's Bazar
DD Hatsukaze firing at 70th British Division
DD Yugumo firing at 70th British Division

The big news of the day is that one of our subs scored in an area that has been dry for some time.

Sub attack near Moppo at 100,55

Japanese Ships
xAK Kaimei Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
xAK Momoyama Maru
xAK Kizan Maru
SC Ch 21

Allied Ships
SS Pollack

SS Pollack launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Kaimei Maru
SC Ch 21 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC Ch 21 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC Ch 21 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC Ch 21 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC Ch 21 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

Oh yes, the even bigger news. The Ndeni convoys unloaded at Ndeni, protected by Short's Long Guns and the CVEs. The rest of the Battle Fleet took up station 40nm NW, fearing heavy attack. It came, but no carriers were involved, but for ours. In fact the location of the IJN carriers is a mystery at this point as it was yesterday. Even land-based air from Tulagi did not participate. The IJN battleships, et al that were seen traversing the Coral Sea over the last two days arrived on the scene and dawn found them 40nm W of Ndeni. That is 40nm W of some of our forces and 40nm SW of the rest of our forces.

Morning Air attack on TF, near Ndeni at 119,143

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
F4F-3A Wildcat x 13
F4F-3 Wildcat x 10
SBD-3 Dauntless x 17

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 4 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
CA Myoko
BB Hiei, Bomb hits 2
CA Atago, Bomb hits 1
CA Kinugasa, Bomb hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
2 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
5 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Ndeni at 119,143

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 123
SBD-3 Dauntless x 54
TBF-1 Avenger x 30

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 3 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed by flak
TBF-1 Avenger: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
BB Hiei, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CA Myoko, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires
CA Nachi, Bomb hits 3, on fire
DD Uranami
DD Uzuki
DD Fubuki
DD Sazanami
CA Aoba, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CA Kinugasa, Bomb hits 1
CA Atago, on fire
CA Takao

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
6 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
14 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
5 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
14 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
1 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
12 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
6 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring BB Hiei
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CA Myoko


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Ndeni at 119,143

Weather in hex: Light rain

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

Allied aircraft
F4F-3A Wildcat x 13
F4F-3 Wildcat x 13
F4F-4 Wildcat x 13
SBD-3 Dauntless x 14

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 2 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed by flak

Japanese Ships
CA Kinugasa, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
CA Atago
CA Nachi, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CA Aoba

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
1 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
3 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Ndeni at 119,143

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 122
SBD-3 Dauntless x 141
TBF-1 Avenger x 59

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 5 damaged
TBF-1 Avenger: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Kinugasa, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Ayanami, Bomb hits 2
CA Atago, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires
DD Fubuki
BB Hiei, Bomb hits 9, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
CA Takao, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CA Nachi, Bomb hits 7, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Sazanami
DD Hatsuyuki, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CA Aoba, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
DD Uranami, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Uzuki
CA Myoko, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
12 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
14 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
15 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
12 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
15 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
2 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
15 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.
1 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
10 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
10 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
6 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
2 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
2 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CA Kinugasa
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CA Atago
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring a Kongo class BB
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CA Nachi
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Hatsuyuki
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CA Aoba
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Uranami
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CA Myoko


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Ndeni at 119,143

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 11 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Allied aircraft
TBF-1 Avenger x 14

Allied aircraft losses
TBF-1 Avenger: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Atago, Torpedo hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Yugure
DD Fubuki

Aircraft Attacking:
14 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22.4in Mk 13 Torp.

In-game lists BB Hiei, CAs Atago and Aoba, and DD Hatsuyuki as sunk. Tracker also lists CA Chikuma and DD Teruzuki. Surely there are more, but I haven't tried to list them as of this writing.

A number of Mavis transports were shot down over Ndeni, and some Zeros presumably trying to escort them. The 4EBs from Fiji and New Caledonia hit the troops on Ndeni from their usual 2 miles up. Here is the bombardment tally.

Ground combat at Ndeni (120,143)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 6670 troops, 52 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 249

Defending force 13536 troops, 233 guns, 252 vehicles, Assault Value = 424

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

Assaulting units:
21st Infantry Regiment
24th Infantry Regiment
7th Naval Construction Battalion
A/50th JNAF Coy

Defending units:
41st Infantry Division
3rd USMC Tank Battalion
4th Marine Defense Battalion

All the troops and equipment unloaded in excellent condition. Some supplies will be unloaded overnight and the (now one) convoy will depart so as to free the combat TFs to maneuver. The two USA tank Bns are now at sea and heading for Ndeni, so any attack will wait until they are landed. Luganville will be invaded tomorrow under Dutch protection. The Marines are ashore on Vanua Lava and will seize it tomorrow. IJN subs are flooding the area, some having streamed up from New Caledonia, some from Fiji and some moving from the Solomons. We achieved enough surprise to get there just ahead of the subs.

[BBfanboy]

Nice ambush and landing coordination! [&o]
Any thoughts on pursuit of cripples or do the subs/whereabouts of KB make it too risky?