28th February 1942
It's been a while since the last update, airshow season is a busy time so there wasn't a lot of time at home to update the AAR. And when there was time there were other things to be done instead. So, I figured that the end of Feb would be a good point to resume writing with an update on the state of play, starting with:
THE DUTCH EAST INDIES
A brief fightback for the Dutch airforce has ended in heavy casualties, with all the reserves gone and most frontline squadrons reduced to two or three aircraft each things look grim (as usual). Apart from patrol and transport aircraft there are a grand total of three spare aircraft in the pool (2 Buffalo and a Hurricane). Combined with the aircraft in the front line that gives me a grand total of 22 fighters and bombers in Java, I don't know what numbers GBL has in Java but his Zeroes and Oscars are outclassing everything I could bring to the party.
On the ground, it's a similar situation. Java has finally been cut in two, the loss of Bandoeng has left the forces around Batavia isolated from the garrison around Soerbaja. Although the defences are clearly on their last legs, it's heartening to see that they've lasted this long after the fall of Singapore. If GBL pushes hard I think he could easily have the rest of Java in a fortnight, but at his current pace I think the end of March is a more likely time-frame.
There is 500+ AV in Batavia, which should be enough to tie up a decent sized chunk of GBL's troops for some time. I know that 18th Div is at Batavia and he also put the best part of two divisions (33rd and 29th) into the capture of Bandoeng. I have the feeling that these chaps are not likely to make a move on another major location until they've done some more prep.
Meanwhile, out at sea the IJN would appear to still be basing it's carrier forces in Singapore. Daily raids by carrier based aircraft are a feature of life throughout the remnants of the Dutch colonies. Efforts to intercept the carriers have failed as the shallow waters of the Java Sea make sub operations tricky. A variety of Allied submarines are being used to (attempt to) bottle up the exits into the Indian Ocean, as much for early warning duties as the possibilities of actually sinking something.
The same shallow waters and overwhelming Japanese air power has also prevented much in the way of merchant shipping attacks from the submarine force. We're down to one Dutch and one American sub remaining at large for offensive missions in the Java Sea, the rest of the USN and Dutch boats have either been sunk, damaged or forced to move to safer waters.
The rest of the DEI is a mixed story. Borneo is almost totally under Japanese control, whilst the Dutch are still (nominally at least) holding Northern Sumatra. However Timor, Ceram and Ambon all remain in Dutch hands, sadly a lack of fighters means that I am not too happy to risk the ships needed to move reinforcements to these locations. Especially with the KB loitering in the nearby vicinity. The best I can do is to try and sneak smaller units into Timor as and when it appears safe. The airfield there is a nice little base for the B-17s to strike into the southern areas of the Indies, indeed recent missions have claimed damage to the ports and airfields on Celebes. The rest of the islands are little more than an inconvenience that GBL will be able to deal with in his own time.
All told, with hindsight the East Indies campaign is one that the Allies could have potentially done well in. But a month or two ago the scale of forces needed to perform a successful defence of Java would have left other areas vulnerable. The presence of the KB would also have made it tricky (aka costly) to keep the supplies moving.
No Way to Fight a War (Dixie vs GBL)
Moderators: wdolson, MOD_War-in-the-Pacific-Admirals-Edition
RE: Carnage Over Wenchow
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RE: Carnage Over Wenchow
SW PACIFIC
(New Guinea, E. Australia, The Solomons, New Caledonia)
Things have slowed down in this area, and I'm doing my best to encourage this situation [:D] With the KB away in the East Indies the Japanese are limited to a handful of smaller carriers to support their operations in the vast open waters. With April, and the end of the amphibious bonus, rapidly approaching any further ops in the area will be costly for Japan so stalling GBL from further ops will be a (potentially my second) strategic win.
New Caledonia is still under ANZAC control, Noumea is still a fairly small base as it's been a struggle to find spare engineers to ship out there. But with the recent 'defeat' of the Japanese invasion of northern New Caledonia plans are afoot to reinforce the island with significant ground and air forces. Japanese patrols are routinely spotted above the harbour in Noumea, but the lack of follow up strikes is a bit of an anti-climax. But just in case, there is a squadron of USAAF fighters based there. These guys are one of the provisional pursuit squadrons that pitched up in Oz and will be replaced by a permanent USAAF or USMC unit once one arrives.
Fiji is still in Allied hands, although the Kiwis have mostly been moved to New Caledonia as I felt NC was a safer location to fight on than the more exposed Fiji. There are no immediate plans to reinforce the island at this point in time.
New Guinea, another odd one here. GBL surely knows that he could (and should) easily seize Port Moresby without too much difficulty. But the Diggers are still sat kicking their heels here as well. I didn't send any reinforcements to New Guinea as I fully expected a full division of Japanese infantry to come knocking before I could take a firm grip of the town. Instead it appears that GBL does not actually want the port or airfields. Or VPs. I'm still reluctant to commit too much here in case it all falls apart, but keeping a foothold on NG could mean a nice thorn in the Japanese side when the US finally gets enough strength to drive back up through the Solomon chain.
Australia is currently a massive training facility for RAAF and USAAF bombers. With things quiet in SWPAC there has been plenty of time for training, in fact I've scaled back the long range bombing against Lae in order to (a) train the crews some more and (b) persuade GBL it's not worth him assigning more forces to the area [see master plan A]. In particular the Wirraway squadrons are now a nicely trained core of ground attack pilots ready for action against the Japanese.
Although it's early doors still, it would appear that one event has possibly shaped the direction of the SWPac war. Namely, the loss of Lexington from which both sides have learned lessons. The lesson that GBL took away with him was that I was willing to commit the US carriers even though it was early in the war. Since the brief battle which cost me the Lex, GBL appears to have curtailed his offensive operations considerably throughout the region.
I could be wrong, but if I were to go out on a limb I'd say that whilst the KB is busy in the East Indies any further advances in the SW are off the cards. Bet you all thought I was mad when I got Lex sunk so early [:D] but it's paying off so far.
No map, there's not much to see!
(New Guinea, E. Australia, The Solomons, New Caledonia)
Things have slowed down in this area, and I'm doing my best to encourage this situation [:D] With the KB away in the East Indies the Japanese are limited to a handful of smaller carriers to support their operations in the vast open waters. With April, and the end of the amphibious bonus, rapidly approaching any further ops in the area will be costly for Japan so stalling GBL from further ops will be a (potentially my second) strategic win.
New Caledonia is still under ANZAC control, Noumea is still a fairly small base as it's been a struggle to find spare engineers to ship out there. But with the recent 'defeat' of the Japanese invasion of northern New Caledonia plans are afoot to reinforce the island with significant ground and air forces. Japanese patrols are routinely spotted above the harbour in Noumea, but the lack of follow up strikes is a bit of an anti-climax. But just in case, there is a squadron of USAAF fighters based there. These guys are one of the provisional pursuit squadrons that pitched up in Oz and will be replaced by a permanent USAAF or USMC unit once one arrives.
Fiji is still in Allied hands, although the Kiwis have mostly been moved to New Caledonia as I felt NC was a safer location to fight on than the more exposed Fiji. There are no immediate plans to reinforce the island at this point in time.
New Guinea, another odd one here. GBL surely knows that he could (and should) easily seize Port Moresby without too much difficulty. But the Diggers are still sat kicking their heels here as well. I didn't send any reinforcements to New Guinea as I fully expected a full division of Japanese infantry to come knocking before I could take a firm grip of the town. Instead it appears that GBL does not actually want the port or airfields. Or VPs. I'm still reluctant to commit too much here in case it all falls apart, but keeping a foothold on NG could mean a nice thorn in the Japanese side when the US finally gets enough strength to drive back up through the Solomon chain.
Australia is currently a massive training facility for RAAF and USAAF bombers. With things quiet in SWPAC there has been plenty of time for training, in fact I've scaled back the long range bombing against Lae in order to (a) train the crews some more and (b) persuade GBL it's not worth him assigning more forces to the area [see master plan A]. In particular the Wirraway squadrons are now a nicely trained core of ground attack pilots ready for action against the Japanese.
Although it's early doors still, it would appear that one event has possibly shaped the direction of the SWPac war. Namely, the loss of Lexington from which both sides have learned lessons. The lesson that GBL took away with him was that I was willing to commit the US carriers even though it was early in the war. Since the brief battle which cost me the Lex, GBL appears to have curtailed his offensive operations considerably throughout the region.
I could be wrong, but if I were to go out on a limb I'd say that whilst the KB is busy in the East Indies any further advances in the SW are off the cards. Bet you all thought I was mad when I got Lex sunk so early [:D] but it's paying off so far.
No map, there's not much to see!
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RE: Carnage Over Wenchow
South & Central Pacific
New Zealand, Fiji, Society Islands, Line Islands, Hawaii
And still the updates keep coming...
New Zealand and Fiji are in a sort of limbo at the moment. New Zealand is potentially a very important secure rear area in the event of a Japanese drive towards either Fiji or New Caledonia. She's got a decent (although not huge) shipyard and plenty of malaria free bases for the troops. But for now NZ has been reduced to a staging post for forces heading towards Australia or New Caledonia. The RNZAF, like the RAAF, has been heavily involved in intensive training since December, however the focus for the Kiwis has been training for maritime missions. The current thinking behind this is to use the Kiwi Hudsons for ASW patrols around Allied bases in the NZ/NC/Fiji triangle. USN aircraft will take the burden of naval attack with USAAF and USMC forces supporting ground operations.
Fiji is even more in limbo, there are some Allied forces based here but they are slowly being shifted to NZ for refit and reinforcement before moving to New Caledonia. It's a risk, but I feel that NC can be more easily defended than Fiji.
With the KB and at least one CVL operating away in the DEI the build up of Tahiti has been nicely uninterrupted, the base has been expanded sufficiently for the port to be able to unload some mid-sized ships. The airfield can support medium bombers, or at a push heavy bombers, but is currently only home to the 67th PS and their Airacobras. Ground defence is in the hands of the 2nd Marines Rgt and a pair of armoured bns.
Rangiroa is undergoing a similar expansion, in order to provide some cover to Tahiti should the worst happen. This is not a priority plan at the moment.
The Line Islands are in a similar situation, they're sufficiently built up to be able to resist anything up to a major assault. But for now their use is limited, not much is happening here and most convoys are routed well to the east in order to stay clear of any prowling subs. FoB Dalmatian may, or may not, provide a launch platform for an attack on the Gilberts. A more likely use would be as a staging point for a carrier raid on Japanese possessions in the region. But until then it's a sleepy hollow.
Pearl Harbor is buzzing with activity, but as usual it's a lot of training for US air units. A few squadrons are reaching proficiency in a skill, the units already deemed competent have been shipped to the SOPAC area already. Several cruisers are based here, whilst I wait to think of a job for them! Meanwhile the small ships are busy trying to sweep some Jap subs from the sea.
New Zealand, Fiji, Society Islands, Line Islands, Hawaii
And still the updates keep coming...
New Zealand and Fiji are in a sort of limbo at the moment. New Zealand is potentially a very important secure rear area in the event of a Japanese drive towards either Fiji or New Caledonia. She's got a decent (although not huge) shipyard and plenty of malaria free bases for the troops. But for now NZ has been reduced to a staging post for forces heading towards Australia or New Caledonia. The RNZAF, like the RAAF, has been heavily involved in intensive training since December, however the focus for the Kiwis has been training for maritime missions. The current thinking behind this is to use the Kiwi Hudsons for ASW patrols around Allied bases in the NZ/NC/Fiji triangle. USN aircraft will take the burden of naval attack with USAAF and USMC forces supporting ground operations.
Fiji is even more in limbo, there are some Allied forces based here but they are slowly being shifted to NZ for refit and reinforcement before moving to New Caledonia. It's a risk, but I feel that NC can be more easily defended than Fiji.
With the KB and at least one CVL operating away in the DEI the build up of Tahiti has been nicely uninterrupted, the base has been expanded sufficiently for the port to be able to unload some mid-sized ships. The airfield can support medium bombers, or at a push heavy bombers, but is currently only home to the 67th PS and their Airacobras. Ground defence is in the hands of the 2nd Marines Rgt and a pair of armoured bns.
Rangiroa is undergoing a similar expansion, in order to provide some cover to Tahiti should the worst happen. This is not a priority plan at the moment.
The Line Islands are in a similar situation, they're sufficiently built up to be able to resist anything up to a major assault. But for now their use is limited, not much is happening here and most convoys are routed well to the east in order to stay clear of any prowling subs. FoB Dalmatian may, or may not, provide a launch platform for an attack on the Gilberts. A more likely use would be as a staging point for a carrier raid on Japanese possessions in the region. But until then it's a sleepy hollow.
Pearl Harbor is buzzing with activity, but as usual it's a lot of training for US air units. A few squadrons are reaching proficiency in a skill, the units already deemed competent have been shipped to the SOPAC area already. Several cruisers are based here, whilst I wait to think of a job for them! Meanwhile the small ships are busy trying to sweep some Jap subs from the sea.
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RE: Carnage Over Wenchow
The Line Islands
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RE: 28th Feb 1942
SOUTH EAST ASIA
India, Burma & Ceylon
BURMA
Salvage is the name of the game here, every poor quality LCU that I can retrieve from the mess means one more good unit freed from garrison duties in India (theoretically). Also, pulling the half dozen or so units back into India after GBL had them cut-off near Rangoon would cement his opinion of me as some sort of genius! [:D]
The only real chance of a speedbump in Burma is at Mandalay and I fully expect the town to fall shortly after GBL arrives. After that I'm hoping for a nice period of consolidation whilst he shuffles units around and gets ready for the trek across the trackless jungle.
As we can see from the latest map, Japanese troops are pushing on towards Mandalay, just a regiment so far while the rest of the invaders chase after the remnants of the Rangoon defence. I'm not sure whether GBL will push on towards Mandalay or rest at Meiktila and gain some more strength. The second option would be best, giving me more time to pull the troops back.
India, Burma & Ceylon
BURMA
Salvage is the name of the game here, every poor quality LCU that I can retrieve from the mess means one more good unit freed from garrison duties in India (theoretically). Also, pulling the half dozen or so units back into India after GBL had them cut-off near Rangoon would cement his opinion of me as some sort of genius! [:D]
The only real chance of a speedbump in Burma is at Mandalay and I fully expect the town to fall shortly after GBL arrives. After that I'm hoping for a nice period of consolidation whilst he shuffles units around and gets ready for the trek across the trackless jungle.
As we can see from the latest map, Japanese troops are pushing on towards Mandalay, just a regiment so far while the rest of the invaders chase after the remnants of the Rangoon defence. I'm not sure whether GBL will push on towards Mandalay or rest at Meiktila and gain some more strength. The second option would be best, giving me more time to pull the troops back.
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RE: 28th Feb 1942
India
The waiting game continues... The build up of forces also continues, with the major bases nicely defended, along with the impending end of the amphibious bonus and the arrival of the Brit 70th Div plans are evolving for the Aus 6th Div to return home. 7th Div will, for now at least, remain in India to shore up the raw Indian forces holding the border region and Calcutta.
Most of the defences at major bases are in place, the next wave of reinforcements is planned to hold the jungle bases along the Burmese/Indian border such as Imphal and Kohima. The Indian forces are slowly upgrading to the '42 squads with brigade sized units filling up first. The furthest position I hope to hold is Cox's Bazaar although I am prepared to sacrifice that position to hold onto Chittagong. Hopefully the position of both bases close to several British airfields will persuade GBL not to bother making the effort.
Another part of this plan has been the lack of construction in coastal areas, the vast majority of efforts along the seafront has involved forts. Airfields further inland have been expanded meaning that GBL won't be able to use my former airfields against me if he shows his face.
The RAF has been training hard since the start of the Far East war, the fact that their bases are located far outside Japanese aerial range has allowed plenty of training opportunities. Because of this the Brits have more squadrons combat ready than the other nations. The fly in the ointment is that the replacement rate for aircraft is annoyingly low. So the aerial defence of India will also need help from the Kiwis, Canadians and Yanks. The Americans and Canadians have made a trek halfway round the world meaning their training has suffered.
The Royal Navy are safely tucked away in Bombay, ironically they are probably achieving more here than they would do closer to the front. I am assuming that the presence of the KB in the DEI is a guard against Force Z getting amongst the vulnerable transports and causing some serious carnage. As long as GBL doesn't know where Force Z (and the US carriers) are he'll need to protect against the possibility of the Allies appearing over the horizon. Putting the RN (or USN) into action at this time would negate my biggest advantage at the moment.
The waiting game continues... The build up of forces also continues, with the major bases nicely defended, along with the impending end of the amphibious bonus and the arrival of the Brit 70th Div plans are evolving for the Aus 6th Div to return home. 7th Div will, for now at least, remain in India to shore up the raw Indian forces holding the border region and Calcutta.
Most of the defences at major bases are in place, the next wave of reinforcements is planned to hold the jungle bases along the Burmese/Indian border such as Imphal and Kohima. The Indian forces are slowly upgrading to the '42 squads with brigade sized units filling up first. The furthest position I hope to hold is Cox's Bazaar although I am prepared to sacrifice that position to hold onto Chittagong. Hopefully the position of both bases close to several British airfields will persuade GBL not to bother making the effort.
Another part of this plan has been the lack of construction in coastal areas, the vast majority of efforts along the seafront has involved forts. Airfields further inland have been expanded meaning that GBL won't be able to use my former airfields against me if he shows his face.
The RAF has been training hard since the start of the Far East war, the fact that their bases are located far outside Japanese aerial range has allowed plenty of training opportunities. Because of this the Brits have more squadrons combat ready than the other nations. The fly in the ointment is that the replacement rate for aircraft is annoyingly low. So the aerial defence of India will also need help from the Kiwis, Canadians and Yanks. The Americans and Canadians have made a trek halfway round the world meaning their training has suffered.
The Royal Navy are safely tucked away in Bombay, ironically they are probably achieving more here than they would do closer to the front. I am assuming that the presence of the KB in the DEI is a guard against Force Z getting amongst the vulnerable transports and causing some serious carnage. As long as GBL doesn't know where Force Z (and the US carriers) are he'll need to protect against the possibility of the Allies appearing over the horizon. Putting the RN (or USN) into action at this time would negate my biggest advantage at the moment.
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RE: 28th Feb 1942
OVERVIEW
Things are progressing fairly well, I was worried about the Japanese driving deep into the South Pacific before I could move enough troops down there to hold some real estate. However with the Japanese forces slowing down their pace in the DEI I'm feeling happier now. There have been some interesting moves, such as the apparently imminent invasion of New Caledonia which was cancelled(?).
India is also fairly secure and there's a slow build up occurring in the Alaska region. China is a big horrible mess of poor troops and sod all supplies. The only bright spot in China is the continued excellence of the AVG, the Americans have forced GBL to use night raids where he's faced them in combat.
At sea the dire reliability of the USN torpedoes is a major pain. The Dutch subs have taken a bit of a beating with four boats lost since December, the price of better torpedoes putting them in danger more and the shallow waters of the DEI I guess.
The plan for the next few months is to build up the defensive lines where they are now. This is fairly easy in India where the front line is connected to the rear area by railways, but it's more difficult in the ocean areas. The current thinking is to restrain the Japanese and hold the line until late 42 when a limited offensive will be launched, either in India or to retake the New Hebrides. Other contingency plans are being formulated to prepare for the loss of Ceylon, Northern Oz or even the Line Islands. Only time will tell though...
The scores on the doors.
Things are progressing fairly well, I was worried about the Japanese driving deep into the South Pacific before I could move enough troops down there to hold some real estate. However with the Japanese forces slowing down their pace in the DEI I'm feeling happier now. There have been some interesting moves, such as the apparently imminent invasion of New Caledonia which was cancelled(?).
India is also fairly secure and there's a slow build up occurring in the Alaska region. China is a big horrible mess of poor troops and sod all supplies. The only bright spot in China is the continued excellence of the AVG, the Americans have forced GBL to use night raids where he's faced them in combat.
At sea the dire reliability of the USN torpedoes is a major pain. The Dutch subs have taken a bit of a beating with four boats lost since December, the price of better torpedoes putting them in danger more and the shallow waters of the DEI I guess.
The plan for the next few months is to build up the defensive lines where they are now. This is fairly easy in India where the front line is connected to the rear area by railways, but it's more difficult in the ocean areas. The current thinking is to restrain the Japanese and hold the line until late 42 when a limited offensive will be launched, either in India or to retake the New Hebrides. Other contingency plans are being formulated to prepare for the loss of Ceylon, Northern Oz or even the Line Islands. Only time will tell though...
The scores on the doors.
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Chickenboy
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RE: 28th Feb 1942
Appreciate the update, Dix.
Impressive 1:0.8 ratio in the air for the Allies at this stage of the game. Is this mostly the work of the AVG, or do you have some stud pilots elsewhere that you've yet to mention?
Impressive 1:0.8 ratio in the air for the Allies at this stage of the game. Is this mostly the work of the AVG, or do you have some stud pilots elsewhere that you've yet to mention?
RE: 28th Feb 1942
ORIGINAL: Chickenboy
Appreciate the update, Dix.
Impressive 1:0.8 ratio in the air for the Allies at this stage of the game. Is this mostly the work of the AVG, or do you have some stud pilots elsewhere that you've yet to mention?
The AVG have claimed 138 kills between the three squadrons, plus a good chunk of the ops losses can be credited to them. The game seems to swing the other way in comparison to real life, I'm sure the AVG have shot down more than they've claimed.
Whatever the situation, the US Army (AVG mostly) dominates the leading pilot scoreboard at the moment, the top pilots statistics show:
4 USN pilots
92 US Army
19 Australians
3 New Zealanders
6 Brits
21 Dutch
2 Chinese
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RE: 28th Feb 1942
And some potentially interesting stats from the lost aircraft tables. Particularly interesting given that the Zeros have not come up against the AVG yet. The Sallies were victims of the Malaya campaign, especially the AAA above Singers. All the Sonias are victims of the AVG.
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No Way To Fight A War
1st March 1942
The actual events of 28th Feb were fairly quiet, but some useful intel has been received. Just in time for me to restart my intel database I was keeping up to early Feb. The other bonus is that I've reached March, so the floodgates start to open as I get several new pools of aircraft to be using. None of them are particularly world beaters, but some are going to be quite handy in niche roles.
EAST INDIES
(Includes Malaya)
Fairly quiet throughout as the Dutch air force has been swept from the skies leaving the Japanese free reign over the last Allied positions on Java. Batavia was bombed by IJAAF bombers based near Palembang (Sallies) and possibly Oosthaven (Lilies). This has given me the I.D. of three Army units, but a more valuable selection of units was spotted later in the day. CV Shokaku, Soryu and Hiryu are believed to be in the Singapore area after aircraft from all three carriers were seen in action over Sumatra. Aircraft from CVE Taiyo were also traced back to Singapore. With at least two other CVs operating north of Darwin this means I know where 5 of the KB carriers are as well as one of the CVEs. This leaves one CV and two (or one) CVLs to find. Given that a single IJN carrier would be vulnerable to a USN attack, and that GBL has been quite cautious, I'd bet that the other CV is somewhere in the DEI at this time. CVLs Zuiho and Shoho have both taken varying damage and are probably still under repair. I hope.
On the ground in Java, the expected attack on Batavia failed to come. GBL didn't even bombard the guys around the town. [&:] Possibly he's hoping to reduce the defences with some aerial attacks. At least it's another day with the base in Allied hands...
INDIA & BURMA
Fairly quiet here as well, compared to how it could have been. The action was limited to a small scale raid from each side. The IJAAF sent the 31st Sentai out against the Indians fleeing back towards Mandalay. The USAAF launched a small raid against Rangoon, at this moment in time the objective is not to cause damage (although it's a bonus if I can) but rather to force GBL to keep fighters at his rear area bases, especially his Zeroes which are his most effective Fortress killers.
Replacements for the Indian troops are starting to turn up now, with several brigades upgrading their infantry weapons. It's just a shame I don't have more modern tanks to refill the armoured brigades that are relying on Vickers tanks and other light AFVs.
EVERYWHERE ELSE
Snoozy and quiet. Just a case of waiting for my reinforcements or for GBL to show his hand. USS Hornet turns up in 10 days [8D]
The actual events of 28th Feb were fairly quiet, but some useful intel has been received. Just in time for me to restart my intel database I was keeping up to early Feb. The other bonus is that I've reached March, so the floodgates start to open as I get several new pools of aircraft to be using. None of them are particularly world beaters, but some are going to be quite handy in niche roles.
EAST INDIES
(Includes Malaya)
Fairly quiet throughout as the Dutch air force has been swept from the skies leaving the Japanese free reign over the last Allied positions on Java. Batavia was bombed by IJAAF bombers based near Palembang (Sallies) and possibly Oosthaven (Lilies). This has given me the I.D. of three Army units, but a more valuable selection of units was spotted later in the day. CV Shokaku, Soryu and Hiryu are believed to be in the Singapore area after aircraft from all three carriers were seen in action over Sumatra. Aircraft from CVE Taiyo were also traced back to Singapore. With at least two other CVs operating north of Darwin this means I know where 5 of the KB carriers are as well as one of the CVEs. This leaves one CV and two (or one) CVLs to find. Given that a single IJN carrier would be vulnerable to a USN attack, and that GBL has been quite cautious, I'd bet that the other CV is somewhere in the DEI at this time. CVLs Zuiho and Shoho have both taken varying damage and are probably still under repair. I hope.
On the ground in Java, the expected attack on Batavia failed to come. GBL didn't even bombard the guys around the town. [&:] Possibly he's hoping to reduce the defences with some aerial attacks. At least it's another day with the base in Allied hands...
INDIA & BURMA
Fairly quiet here as well, compared to how it could have been. The action was limited to a small scale raid from each side. The IJAAF sent the 31st Sentai out against the Indians fleeing back towards Mandalay. The USAAF launched a small raid against Rangoon, at this moment in time the objective is not to cause damage (although it's a bonus if I can) but rather to force GBL to keep fighters at his rear area bases, especially his Zeroes which are his most effective Fortress killers.
Replacements for the Indian troops are starting to turn up now, with several brigades upgrading their infantry weapons. It's just a shame I don't have more modern tanks to refill the armoured brigades that are relying on Vickers tanks and other light AFVs.
EVERYWHERE ELSE
Snoozy and quiet. Just a case of waiting for my reinforcements or for GBL to show his hand. USS Hornet turns up in 10 days [8D]
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RE: No Way To Fight A War
2nd March 1942
Another generally quiet day in many respects, but it does provide a possible clue as to a new wave of Japanese action.
EAST INDIES
Events started with a Japanese bombardment of the Dutch troops at Tanjoengpinang (directly south of Singapore). The bombardment caused little material damage, mostly because there's not a lot there to actually damage. The action did allow me to I.D both BB Ise and Mutsu. Whilst that was happening the Dutch sub KVIII sank an unescorted(!) Japanese tanker in the Makassar Strait, something which will probably invite several irate IJN destroyers to the area. Later in the day USS Saury sighted another two battleships near Ambon (Kirishima and Hiei) and five cruisers. The sub has also reported at least one CV in the area. The IJN force appears to be heading towards Babeldaob or Truk.
On Java, the usual rain of HE was dropped on Batavia by IJAAF bombers whilst Japanese fighters carried out several sweeps. Despite the lack of fighter opposition this has continued for several weeks. I guess GBL learned his lesson over the Philippines about unescorted bombers...
With 8 Japanese LCUs already in Batavia and another 8 spotted just down the road it looks like GBL is going to use a lot of force to overwhelm the defenders. Whether he plans to attack soon or wait until further troops have captured Buitzoeng remains to be seen.
CHINA
The AVG 2nd Squadron has converted to P-40E fighters, with the AVG shouldering the majority of the Allied aerial combat thus far it makes sense to put the boys in the best fighter they can get. With 1st and 2nd Sqns both in E models I plan to rotate them on the front line carrying out offensive sweeps against the Jap stronghold of Wuchang. The current IJAAF contingent is a mix of Nates and Tojos, so whilst he's still using Nates I want to kill as many of his future George pilots as I can...
In the medium future, once the AVG has been disbanded, the USAAF 10th AF will have to provide some units to bolster the Chinese AF until the CATF gains strength and the Chinese pilots gain enough experience.
On the ground, it's hard to tell what is going on. Without recce kites it's a guess as to what is going on in Japanese territory, but it would appear that in the South GBL is pulling several groups back from the frontlines. This is possibly a precursor to a large attack in the North.
Another generally quiet day in many respects, but it does provide a possible clue as to a new wave of Japanese action.
EAST INDIES
Events started with a Japanese bombardment of the Dutch troops at Tanjoengpinang (directly south of Singapore). The bombardment caused little material damage, mostly because there's not a lot there to actually damage. The action did allow me to I.D both BB Ise and Mutsu. Whilst that was happening the Dutch sub KVIII sank an unescorted(!) Japanese tanker in the Makassar Strait, something which will probably invite several irate IJN destroyers to the area. Later in the day USS Saury sighted another two battleships near Ambon (Kirishima and Hiei) and five cruisers. The sub has also reported at least one CV in the area. The IJN force appears to be heading towards Babeldaob or Truk.
On Java, the usual rain of HE was dropped on Batavia by IJAAF bombers whilst Japanese fighters carried out several sweeps. Despite the lack of fighter opposition this has continued for several weeks. I guess GBL learned his lesson over the Philippines about unescorted bombers...
With 8 Japanese LCUs already in Batavia and another 8 spotted just down the road it looks like GBL is going to use a lot of force to overwhelm the defenders. Whether he plans to attack soon or wait until further troops have captured Buitzoeng remains to be seen.
CHINA
The AVG 2nd Squadron has converted to P-40E fighters, with the AVG shouldering the majority of the Allied aerial combat thus far it makes sense to put the boys in the best fighter they can get. With 1st and 2nd Sqns both in E models I plan to rotate them on the front line carrying out offensive sweeps against the Jap stronghold of Wuchang. The current IJAAF contingent is a mix of Nates and Tojos, so whilst he's still using Nates I want to kill as many of his future George pilots as I can...
In the medium future, once the AVG has been disbanded, the USAAF 10th AF will have to provide some units to bolster the Chinese AF until the CATF gains strength and the Chinese pilots gain enough experience.
On the ground, it's hard to tell what is going on. Without recce kites it's a guess as to what is going on in Japanese territory, but it would appear that in the South GBL is pulling several groups back from the frontlines. This is possibly a precursor to a large attack in the North.
[center]
Bigger boys stole my sig
Bigger boys stole my sig
RE: No Way To Fight A War
3rd March 1942
EAST INDIES
Japanese troops have landed at Ruteng (6 hexes north of Koepang), as yet there are no clues as to the identity of the invaders (other than the fact they speak Japanese). There's nothing defending the base, and actually nothing to mark it out as a base. Whether this is GBL taking the easy targets or he plans to build the base up is a question that can only be answered with time. It looks as though GBL is no longer worried about the immediate threat of Allied SCTFs as the IJN carriers are all 2-3 days sailing away from the landings (as far as I can tell).
Away in Java and the constant bombing of Batavia has started to overwhelm the engineers based here. Constant raids have started to damage the airfield, diverting the construction efforts into attempting to keep the facilities operational. The only factors really in my favour are the forts (lvl 3) and that the chaps are mostly 100% prepped for their surroundings. Probably not enough to stave off the ravening Nipponese hordes though.
The influx of replacement aircraft for the Dutch may be useful, but I'm reluctant to use too many of the new frames as they can be used to fill out a few Dutch manned RAAF squadrons in the near future (or a USAAF one). The P-40Es that the Dutch receive will be useful however, although the numbers are too small to make a serious dent on the Japanese.
BURMA
The Japanese are in control of Meiktila, they easily routed the Burmese troops who were stationed in the town. Many of the Burmese took advantage of the chaos to slip away and escape back to their own villages. As things stand the advancing Japanese forces are fairly close in strength to the Allied forces in Mandalay, hopefully the road can be held open long enough for the retreating forces further south to link up with friendly forces.
INDIA
The build up continues still, the reconstitution of 223 Group, 224 Group and III Indian Corps HQ formations will provide a nice boost to the effectiveness of the British defence of India. The three HQs are all former Singapore forces that were received as reinforcements after upgrading to the latest patch. Currently they're sat in Aden waiting to load onto transport to the sub-continent. They've also had their commanders changed, III Corps is now under the control of Gen Hartley, a man well suited to commanding an assault HQ despite his cautious nature.
The Air HQs will be based along the Indian border in order to provide a constant HQ coverage for the Allied air forces based between Calcutta and the Himalayas. The bases in this area will be expanded enough to operate medium bombers with Calcutta and Dacca being used for strategic bombers.
PHILIPPINES
A Japanese attack on the beleaguered Americans in Bataan failed to achieve a decisive result although it did manage to push the Americans out of their outer defence line.
US WEST COAST
Another wave of transport convoys is loading cargo, troops and aircraft ready for departure as soon as I can scrape together enough escorts. One 16kt convoy is planned along with several 12kt ones, this wave of convoys will move almost all of the remaining S/SW Pacific forces from the continental US.
Saratoga has unloaded her air group and will undergo a month long refit at San Diego, she's been acting as the reserve carrier for the NORPAC command, a role which will be taken over by Yorktown as she returns from aircraft ferrying in the South. Ultimately the Northern/West Coast carrier will probably be Wasp when she arrives in the summer, unless things go pear shaped before then.
The plan is to keep three carriers in the front line, one under refit (or repair) and Wasp as the reserve. For some reason I suspect that the plan will have to be changed though....
EAST INDIES
Japanese troops have landed at Ruteng (6 hexes north of Koepang), as yet there are no clues as to the identity of the invaders (other than the fact they speak Japanese). There's nothing defending the base, and actually nothing to mark it out as a base. Whether this is GBL taking the easy targets or he plans to build the base up is a question that can only be answered with time. It looks as though GBL is no longer worried about the immediate threat of Allied SCTFs as the IJN carriers are all 2-3 days sailing away from the landings (as far as I can tell).
Away in Java and the constant bombing of Batavia has started to overwhelm the engineers based here. Constant raids have started to damage the airfield, diverting the construction efforts into attempting to keep the facilities operational. The only factors really in my favour are the forts (lvl 3) and that the chaps are mostly 100% prepped for their surroundings. Probably not enough to stave off the ravening Nipponese hordes though.
The influx of replacement aircraft for the Dutch may be useful, but I'm reluctant to use too many of the new frames as they can be used to fill out a few Dutch manned RAAF squadrons in the near future (or a USAAF one). The P-40Es that the Dutch receive will be useful however, although the numbers are too small to make a serious dent on the Japanese.
BURMA
The Japanese are in control of Meiktila, they easily routed the Burmese troops who were stationed in the town. Many of the Burmese took advantage of the chaos to slip away and escape back to their own villages. As things stand the advancing Japanese forces are fairly close in strength to the Allied forces in Mandalay, hopefully the road can be held open long enough for the retreating forces further south to link up with friendly forces.
INDIA
The build up continues still, the reconstitution of 223 Group, 224 Group and III Indian Corps HQ formations will provide a nice boost to the effectiveness of the British defence of India. The three HQs are all former Singapore forces that were received as reinforcements after upgrading to the latest patch. Currently they're sat in Aden waiting to load onto transport to the sub-continent. They've also had their commanders changed, III Corps is now under the control of Gen Hartley, a man well suited to commanding an assault HQ despite his cautious nature.
The Air HQs will be based along the Indian border in order to provide a constant HQ coverage for the Allied air forces based between Calcutta and the Himalayas. The bases in this area will be expanded enough to operate medium bombers with Calcutta and Dacca being used for strategic bombers.
PHILIPPINES
A Japanese attack on the beleaguered Americans in Bataan failed to achieve a decisive result although it did manage to push the Americans out of their outer defence line.
Ground combat at Bataan (78,77)
Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 50188 troops, 522 guns, 428 vehicles, Assault Value = 1702
Defending force 31702 troops, 644 guns, 652 vehicles, Assault Value = 1017
Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 2
Japanese adjusted assault: 824
Allied adjusted defense: 2259
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 2)
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), forts(+), leaders(+), experience(-)
Attacker:
Japanese ground losses:
7667 casualties reported
Squads: 54 destroyed, 564 disabled
Non Combat: 3 destroyed, 49 disabled
Engineers: 24 destroyed, 29 disabled
Guns lost 82 (6 destroyed, 76 disabled)
Vehicles lost 59 (12 destroyed, 47 disabled)
Allied ground losses:
1547 casualties reported
Squads: 11 destroyed, 118 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 55 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 29 disabled
Guns lost 53 (1 destroyed, 52 disabled)
US WEST COAST
Another wave of transport convoys is loading cargo, troops and aircraft ready for departure as soon as I can scrape together enough escorts. One 16kt convoy is planned along with several 12kt ones, this wave of convoys will move almost all of the remaining S/SW Pacific forces from the continental US.
Saratoga has unloaded her air group and will undergo a month long refit at San Diego, she's been acting as the reserve carrier for the NORPAC command, a role which will be taken over by Yorktown as she returns from aircraft ferrying in the South. Ultimately the Northern/West Coast carrier will probably be Wasp when she arrives in the summer, unless things go pear shaped before then.
The plan is to keep three carriers in the front line, one under refit (or repair) and Wasp as the reserve. For some reason I suspect that the plan will have to be changed though....
- Attachments
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[center]
Bigger boys stole my sig
Bigger boys stole my sig
RE: No Way To Fight A War
4th March 1942
Not really a huge amount of stuff to report today really. A few air raids across the map and a few small actions at sea.
BURMA
USAAF bombers attacked Rangoon again, the Americans were targeting the airfield as well as industrial targets in the city. The net result was one bomb on the runway and an Oscar destroyed. A good return on thousands of gallons of fuel and lbs of HE I think you'll agree.
EAST INDIES
Apart from the usual Japanese raids on Batavia, the main action in the air was an abortive attempt by a handful of bombers. I don't really need to tell you that the bombers got slaughtered do I?
At least their naval colleagues can still achieve something as Dutch submarines sank another Japanese ship in the Makassar Strait. That will probably be enough to persuade GBL to send some DDs that way. Or he'll avoid the strait.
SOUTH PACIFIC
A small TF of APDs was attacked by torpedo carrying Nells off the Sout-West coast of New Caledonia. The Japanese bombers were escorted by Zeroes and thus easily brushed past the P-40s flying CAP. The end result was four P-40s shot down (with their pilots), luckily the Japanese bombers failed to hit the transports despite being armed with torpedoes.
If nothing else, it's possibly saved something more valuable from being sunk as anything else not directly going to New Caledonia will be routed well to the south. The fast transports will still head into the danger area as will some small transports.
Not really a huge amount of stuff to report today really. A few air raids across the map and a few small actions at sea.
BURMA
USAAF bombers attacked Rangoon again, the Americans were targeting the airfield as well as industrial targets in the city. The net result was one bomb on the runway and an Oscar destroyed. A good return on thousands of gallons of fuel and lbs of HE I think you'll agree.
EAST INDIES
Apart from the usual Japanese raids on Batavia, the main action in the air was an abortive attempt by a handful of bombers. I don't really need to tell you that the bombers got slaughtered do I?
At least their naval colleagues can still achieve something as Dutch submarines sank another Japanese ship in the Makassar Strait. That will probably be enough to persuade GBL to send some DDs that way. Or he'll avoid the strait.
SOUTH PACIFIC
A small TF of APDs was attacked by torpedo carrying Nells off the Sout-West coast of New Caledonia. The Japanese bombers were escorted by Zeroes and thus easily brushed past the P-40s flying CAP. The end result was four P-40s shot down (with their pilots), luckily the Japanese bombers failed to hit the transports despite being armed with torpedoes.
If nothing else, it's possibly saved something more valuable from being sunk as anything else not directly going to New Caledonia will be routed well to the south. The fast transports will still head into the danger area as will some small transports.
[center]
Bigger boys stole my sig
Bigger boys stole my sig
RE: No Way To Fight A War
5th MARCH 1942
EAST INDIES
Today saw the first large scale attacks by Japanese troops against the Allied troops around Batavia. I'm chalking this attack up as a draw, the Dutch and Australian troops managed to hold the town against a superior Japanese force, but given the casualties they suffered a prolonged resistance can't be relied upon. Happily the morale remains high despite the odds facing the chaps.
In the relative safety of Soerbaja the Dutch air force has started to re-equip with some modern fighters. These are not likely to make a huge difference but it might help to bring down some more Japanese aircraft in the last weeks of Java's resistance. In all honesty the island is doomed and efforts are being made to recover some of the troops stuck there and relocate them to Timor. But a lack of transport means that it's going to be a bitter end for a lot of the guys. [:(]
AUSTRALIA
Northern Oz is a horrible place isn't it? Rubbish transport links means shipping stuff is the best option, but the only bases with enough surplus to be able to spare a shipload are on the other side of the continent and getting it there means either a long haul round the western end or running the gauntlet of Jap subs and aircraft around the Torres Strait.
I don't think that a serious attack will be made on the Australian mainland, Darwin is a possibility but I think that GBL lacks sufficient bases to cover such an undertaking given his cautious nature so far. He's also mention checking out potential targets for when he's finished with Java, which suggests to me a lack of concrete long term plans. So whilst I can't rule it out I suspect that the main effort of the Japanese forces tied up in Java will either be the SW Pacific or Burma/India. Watch this space to see how wrong I'm going to be!
SOUTH PACIFIC
The fast transport fleet that was attacked by IJN torpedo bombers today faced a new assailant in the form of a Japanese submarine attack as they head back to New Zealand. Aerial patrols have reported at least four submarine sightings along the coastline of New Caledonia.
Today has also shown the value of radar to the Allies, the IJNAF put in another appearance today. This time they attacked a convoy in Noumea's hex. Whilst the bombers attacked, and missed, the escorting minesweepers the American fighters tangled with escorting Zeros. This time the P-40s managed to hold their own and even claimed one kill and a probable! Although one P-40 was written off later the pilot survived, whereas both Japanese pilots are probably lost. Although it's only a small scale example it's promising as the 20th PS(P) are representative of the average USAAF squadron (give or take a few exp points here or there), but they actually fall short of the average USMC or RAF squadron let alone the USN.
Despite this, it's only a matter of time until GBL gets lucky with an attack so it's a case of slowly sending convoys t=into the dangerous bits. With New Guinea being quiet at the moment the Australian 75 Sqn has been earmarked to replace the Americans when they withdraw, after that the next lot of reinforcements is not likely to reach Australia for two weeks.
PHILIPPINES
There was another Japanese attack on the defences at Bataan and despite the fact the guys are eating rats and boots they held the Japanese off again...
It's good to see the Americans holding up so many Japanese troops.
I think that it's fair to say neither side has been used anywhere near as well as they could have been so far, GBL is not used to playing as the Japanese and I'm not used to playing as the Allies. A more aggressive approach from either one of us would have drastically changed how things are progressing.
EAST INDIES
Today saw the first large scale attacks by Japanese troops against the Allied troops around Batavia. I'm chalking this attack up as a draw, the Dutch and Australian troops managed to hold the town against a superior Japanese force, but given the casualties they suffered a prolonged resistance can't be relied upon. Happily the morale remains high despite the odds facing the chaps.
[font="Times New Roman"]Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 41518 troops, 429 guns, 449 vehicles, Assault Value = 1274
Defending force 19148 troops, 175 guns, 81 vehicles, Assault Value = 535
Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 2
Japanese adjusted assault: 800
Allied adjusted defense: 615
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 2)
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 2
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), forts(+), experience(-)
Attacker:
Japanese ground losses:
1971 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 168 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 14 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 18 disabled
Allied ground losses:
1489 casualties reported
Squads: 81 destroyed, 141 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 62 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 5 disabled
Guns lost 17 (3 destroyed, 14 disabled)
Vehicles lost 55 (5 destroyed, 50 disabled)
Assaulting units:
148th Infantry Regiment
14th Tank Regiment
29th Division
18th Division
20th Ind. Engineer Regiment
1st Tank Regiment
15th Ind. Engineer Regiment
113th Infantry Regiment
33rd/B Division
1st Hvy.Artillery Regiment
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
2nd Mortar Battalion
3rd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
14th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion
18th JAAF Base Force
Defending units:
1st Regt Cavalerie
Roodenburg Battalion
1st KNIL Landstorm Battalion
2nd KNIL Regiment
Batavia Coastal Gun Battalion
4th KNIL Landstorm Battalion
1st KNIL Regiment
22nd Australian Brigade
KNIL Army Command
1st KNIL AA Battalion
ML-KNIL
ABDA
1 ML-KNIL Aviation
Batavia Base Force[/font]
In the relative safety of Soerbaja the Dutch air force has started to re-equip with some modern fighters. These are not likely to make a huge difference but it might help to bring down some more Japanese aircraft in the last weeks of Java's resistance. In all honesty the island is doomed and efforts are being made to recover some of the troops stuck there and relocate them to Timor. But a lack of transport means that it's going to be a bitter end for a lot of the guys. [:(]
AUSTRALIA
Northern Oz is a horrible place isn't it? Rubbish transport links means shipping stuff is the best option, but the only bases with enough surplus to be able to spare a shipload are on the other side of the continent and getting it there means either a long haul round the western end or running the gauntlet of Jap subs and aircraft around the Torres Strait.
I don't think that a serious attack will be made on the Australian mainland, Darwin is a possibility but I think that GBL lacks sufficient bases to cover such an undertaking given his cautious nature so far. He's also mention checking out potential targets for when he's finished with Java, which suggests to me a lack of concrete long term plans. So whilst I can't rule it out I suspect that the main effort of the Japanese forces tied up in Java will either be the SW Pacific or Burma/India. Watch this space to see how wrong I'm going to be!
SOUTH PACIFIC
The fast transport fleet that was attacked by IJN torpedo bombers today faced a new assailant in the form of a Japanese submarine attack as they head back to New Zealand. Aerial patrols have reported at least four submarine sightings along the coastline of New Caledonia.
Today has also shown the value of radar to the Allies, the IJNAF put in another appearance today. This time they attacked a convoy in Noumea's hex. Whilst the bombers attacked, and missed, the escorting minesweepers the American fighters tangled with escorting Zeros. This time the P-40s managed to hold their own and even claimed one kill and a probable! Although one P-40 was written off later the pilot survived, whereas both Japanese pilots are probably lost. Although it's only a small scale example it's promising as the 20th PS(P) are representative of the average USAAF squadron (give or take a few exp points here or there), but they actually fall short of the average USMC or RAF squadron let alone the USN.
Despite this, it's only a matter of time until GBL gets lucky with an attack so it's a case of slowly sending convoys t=into the dangerous bits. With New Guinea being quiet at the moment the Australian 75 Sqn has been earmarked to replace the Americans when they withdraw, after that the next lot of reinforcements is not likely to reach Australia for two weeks.
PHILIPPINES
There was another Japanese attack on the defences at Bataan and despite the fact the guys are eating rats and boots they held the Japanese off again...
[font="Times New Roman"]Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 45250 troops, 520 guns, 426 vehicles, Assault Value = 1234
Defending force 30367 troops, 642 guns, 652 vehicles, Assault Value = 865
Japanese adjusted assault: 637
Allied adjusted defense: 1239
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 2)
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(+), experience(-)
Attacker:
Japanese ground losses:
5242 casualties reported
Squads: 80 destroyed, 226 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 115 disabled
Engineers: 17 destroyed, 169 disabled
Guns lost 46 (13 destroyed, 33 disabled)
Vehicles lost 140 (63 destroyed, 77 disabled)
Allied ground losses:
1157 casualties reported
Squads: 8 destroyed, 142 disabled
Non Combat: 4 destroyed, 66 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 52 disabled
Guns lost 49 (4 destroyed, 45 disabled)
Vehicles lost 34 (5 destroyed, 29 disabled)
Assaulting units:
7th Tank Regiment
Kimura Det
21st Ind. Engineer Regiment
48th Engineer Regiment
65th Brigade
Kure 1st SNLF
2nd Tank Regiment
48th Recon Regiment
3rd Ind. Engineer Regiment
1st Formosa Inf. Regiment
4th Division
20th Infantry Regiment
4th Tank Regiment
16th Engineer Regiment
47th Infantry Regiment
9th Infantry Regiment
Tanaka Detachment
Yokosuka 3rd SNLF
3rd Engineer Construction Battalion
40th Field AA Battalion
9th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
38th Road Const Co
30th Fld AA Gun Co
31st Fld AA Gun Co
45th Field AA Battalion
14th Army
47th Field AA Battalion
48th JAAF AF Bn
1st Medium Field Artillery Regiment
8th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
15th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
2nd Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
37th Const Co
48th Field Artillery Regiment
39th Road Const Co
14th JAAF AF Coy
Defending units:
11th PA Infantry Division
14th PS Engineer Regiment
192nd Tank Battalion
194th Tank Battalion
31st Infantry Regiment
31st PA Infantry Division
4th Marine Regiment
57th PS Infantry Regimental Combat Team
2nd/45th PS Inf Battalion
26th PS Cavalry Regiment
21st PA Infantry Division
4th PA Constabulary Regiment
1st/45th PS Inf Battalion
1st PA Constabulary Regiment
2nd PA Constblry HW Regiment
Manila Bay Defenses
200th & 515th Coast AA Regiment
202nd PA Construction Battalion
88th PS Field Artillery Regiment
86th PS Coastal Artillery Battalion
Bataan USN Base Force
Provisional GMC Grp
Clark Field USAAF Base Force
201st PA Construction Battalion
3rd/45th PS Inf Battalion
1st PI Base Force
I Philippine Corps
803rd Engineer Aviation Battalion
Asiatic Fleet
1st USMC AA Battalion
Far East USAAF
301st Construction Battalion
301st PA Field Artillery Regiment[/font]
It's good to see the Americans holding up so many Japanese troops.
I think that it's fair to say neither side has been used anywhere near as well as they could have been so far, GBL is not used to playing as the Japanese and I'm not used to playing as the Allies. A more aggressive approach from either one of us would have drastically changed how things are progressing.
[center]
Bigger boys stole my sig
Bigger boys stole my sig
RE: No Way To Fight A War
6th March 1942
Not really a huge amount happening today, although GBL is using his recce kites more now after I said he should be keeping the idle buggers busy. It may come back to bite me, but he's used to playing as the Allies so actually having recce assets is a novelty for him!
East Indies
A second day of Japanese attacks has further weakened the Allied defence of Batavia. This time the result was definitely in favour of the Japanese, almost 3:1 in fact. Three Dutch infantry units are, to all intents and purposes, combat-ineffective. With the forts down to lvl 1 and only five LCUs having any sort of combat strength left it's looking bleak. Less than a week left I suspect.
Meanwhile further south, in the "Too Little Too Late" series, the Dutch have managed to re-equip a flight of fighters with P-40s. All four aircraft will start patrols over Soerbaja when they've been rebuilt and made air worthy. Hopefully I'll have just enough breathing room to re-equip a second flight with the P-40s whilst GBL is busy with Batavia.
On Sumatra, Japanese troops have reached the outskirts of Padang. A long resistance is planned, but not expected.
Australia
Earlier plans to deploy 75 Sqn to Noumea may be about to change, two US fighter squadrons have arrived in Perth. The pilots are short of the quality available to the Aussies, but I have some very good pilots in the reserves that could be used to man one of the American units. Should I keep to the plan and use the Aussies in Noumea or send an American squadron instead and keep the Australians at home?
At Sydney, 22 Sqn A Flight has swapped their Wirraways for the vastly superior DB-7. A lack of replacement airframes is a bit of a bugger that may hamstring their operations if things really kick off. However, I think the potential drawback is worth the risk so as soon as possible the rest of the squadron will be getting new transport.
South Pacific
Today was another aerial tussle above Noumea as Japanese bombers attacked Allied shipping in the harbour. Unfortunately, despite driving off the Japanese fighters the Americans were unable to stop the bombers from putting a torp into xAKL Hamakua leaving her heavily damaged. Thankfully the troops had unloaded by the time she was hit.
The big positive was the 3:0 kill ratio today, despite the poor morale of the squadron causing several pilots to flee at the first sign of trouble. The chaps aren't quite the calibre of the AVG but they're killing more than they're losing (just). The score is currently 5-4 (four Zeros and a Mavis).
In an effort to keep Noumea supplied the current USN stash of APDs is on it's way to New Zealand where they'll be based for their blockade running missions.
[center]
The Men of the Hour (Employees of the Week[/center]
Not really a huge amount happening today, although GBL is using his recce kites more now after I said he should be keeping the idle buggers busy. It may come back to bite me, but he's used to playing as the Allies so actually having recce assets is a novelty for him!
East Indies
A second day of Japanese attacks has further weakened the Allied defence of Batavia. This time the result was definitely in favour of the Japanese, almost 3:1 in fact. Three Dutch infantry units are, to all intents and purposes, combat-ineffective. With the forts down to lvl 1 and only five LCUs having any sort of combat strength left it's looking bleak. Less than a week left I suspect.
[font="Times New Roman"]Japanese Deliberate attack
Attacking force 40186 troops, 429 guns, 449 vehicles, Assault Value = 1139
Defending force 17231 troops, 172 guns, 76 vehicles, Assault Value = 348
Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 1
Japanese adjusted assault: 640
Allied adjusted defense: 495
Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 1)
Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 1
Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), experience(-)
Attacker:
Japanese ground losses:
633 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 29 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 16 disabled
Engineers: 29 destroyed, 23 disabled
Vehicles lost 30 (2 destroyed, 28 disabled)
Allied ground losses:
1809 casualties reported
Squads: 80 destroyed, 45 disabled
Non Combat: 38 destroyed, 23 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 8 disabled
Guns lost 9 (1 destroyed, 8 disabled)
Units destroyed 1[/font]
Meanwhile further south, in the "Too Little Too Late" series, the Dutch have managed to re-equip a flight of fighters with P-40s. All four aircraft will start patrols over Soerbaja when they've been rebuilt and made air worthy. Hopefully I'll have just enough breathing room to re-equip a second flight with the P-40s whilst GBL is busy with Batavia.
On Sumatra, Japanese troops have reached the outskirts of Padang. A long resistance is planned, but not expected.
Australia
Earlier plans to deploy 75 Sqn to Noumea may be about to change, two US fighter squadrons have arrived in Perth. The pilots are short of the quality available to the Aussies, but I have some very good pilots in the reserves that could be used to man one of the American units. Should I keep to the plan and use the Aussies in Noumea or send an American squadron instead and keep the Australians at home?
At Sydney, 22 Sqn A Flight has swapped their Wirraways for the vastly superior DB-7. A lack of replacement airframes is a bit of a bugger that may hamstring their operations if things really kick off. However, I think the potential drawback is worth the risk so as soon as possible the rest of the squadron will be getting new transport.
South Pacific
Today was another aerial tussle above Noumea as Japanese bombers attacked Allied shipping in the harbour. Unfortunately, despite driving off the Japanese fighters the Americans were unable to stop the bombers from putting a torp into xAKL Hamakua leaving her heavily damaged. Thankfully the troops had unloaded by the time she was hit.
The big positive was the 3:0 kill ratio today, despite the poor morale of the squadron causing several pilots to flee at the first sign of trouble. The chaps aren't quite the calibre of the AVG but they're killing more than they're losing (just). The score is currently 5-4 (four Zeros and a Mavis).
In an effort to keep Noumea supplied the current USN stash of APDs is on it's way to New Zealand where they'll be based for their blockade running missions.
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The Men of the Hour (Employees of the Week[/center]
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End of the Line
7th March 1942
EAST INDIES
After three days of heavy attacks the Allied positions around Batavia have fallen with heavy casualties. Almost 1 in 3 of the Dutch and Australian troops has been killed, injured or captured with the remnants dropping back to Merak. At the same time elements of the IJA 33rd Div captured Buitenzong leaving any route back to Soerbaja cut off. Will GBL finish off the shattered survivors or turn towards Soerbaja? There are a lot of troops in Merak, but not much food and not a lot more AV. Between them, the defenders can muster 118AV so a prolonged defence is impossible, especially given that all that 'strength' is concentrated in three units.
On Sumatra the Japanese ops to mop up the rest of the Allied positions carries on, with parts of the 38th Div capturing Padang (on the Indian Ocean coast). The terrain, lack of roads and lack of worthwhile targets has clearly relegated the island to a backwater status for both sides.
That is pretty much all that happened today, generally a quiet day all round [>:]
EAST INDIES
After three days of heavy attacks the Allied positions around Batavia have fallen with heavy casualties. Almost 1 in 3 of the Dutch and Australian troops has been killed, injured or captured with the remnants dropping back to Merak. At the same time elements of the IJA 33rd Div captured Buitenzong leaving any route back to Soerbaja cut off. Will GBL finish off the shattered survivors or turn towards Soerbaja? There are a lot of troops in Merak, but not much food and not a lot more AV. Between them, the defenders can muster 118AV so a prolonged defence is impossible, especially given that all that 'strength' is concentrated in three units.
On Sumatra the Japanese ops to mop up the rest of the Allied positions carries on, with parts of the 38th Div capturing Padang (on the Indian Ocean coast). The terrain, lack of roads and lack of worthwhile targets has clearly relegated the island to a backwater status for both sides.
That is pretty much all that happened today, generally a quiet day all round [>:]
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Bigger boys stole my sig
Bigger boys stole my sig
RE: End of the Line
Well I'm back. After a busy Christmas and New Year for both myself and GBL the game pace had slowed to a crawl. Although things slowed they never really stopped although there was a space of almost a month where we didn't get any turns sorted and there didn't seem much point updating the AAR when things were almost at a standstill.
However, with things picking up in the last few weeks I'll be restarting the reports. We've only just reached April '42 and although the date hasn't progressed much there have been several developments...
CHINA
The big news coming from China is the fall of Loyang as several IJA divisions managed to grind the Chinese defences into ineffectiveness. The former defenders of Loyang are falling abck towards Nanchang and thence into the forests where the terrain is more favourable to defensive positions. The main Japanese effort in China appears to be in the Northern areas, although a few smaller thrusts are apparent in the south. The only target of any real value to Japan in that area is the port of Wenchow which still remains in Chinese hands.
BURMA & INDIA
Mandalay was captured in the last week of March, ending the British defence of Burma. Around a dozen British, Indian and Burmese formations are struggling back towards the Indian border, but most of these are little more than a handful of troops by now. For now the heavy jungle terrain along the border will be a bonus for the Allies as it slows any Japanese advance towards India.
In India things are looking more positive compared to a month ago. The end of the Japanese amphibious bonus has almost removed the threat of a seaborne invasion against a major base. With the arrival of the experienced British 70th Div I feel it is safe enough to ship the Australian 6th Division home.
A slow transfer of troops from the Bengal defensive positions towards the border is planned as units gain full strength. The low experience of the Indian army formations is the main reason for retaining the Australian 7th Div in India for now.
The build up in forces has also included an investment in aerial strength. The Assam region is home to several airfields which will become the home of the 3rd TAF in due course. The RAF Blenheim squadrons are (for the most part) now highly trained in both ground and naval bombing, although a lack of replacements is limiting their usage for now. This is the case for most of the Allied squadrons, with experience levels in the mid to high 50s and several British squadrons sitting comfortably in the low 60s.
The nucleus of a strategic air force is forming in the Calcutta area, USAAF B-17s will soon be joined by RAF Wellingtons and PR units. However, the only long range fighters in India are a squadron of P-38Es who are still working up to operational standards.
The only real excitement of late was a IJN sortie into the Indian Ocean, although the Japanese forces were located heading towards Ceylon an expected series of air raids against the island was not forthcoming. It's a shame as I had hoped to see how the Allied air forces would cope against the best that Japan could offer.
DUTCH EAST INDIES
It's all over bar the shouting now. Soerbaja is the last 'major' holdout in the DEI but overwhelming Japanese forces are on the edges of the city.
Ambon and Timor are still in Allied hands, more through GBL not trying to take them than any effort on my part.
AUSTRALIA
The big news in Australia was the three day 'Battle of Sydney' as IJN carrier forces launched several attacks on targets in the Sydney/Newcastle area as they hunted for USS Enterprise. The three day battle saw the 75 Sqn, supported by the USAAF 49th PG bloody the nose of the raiders. A total of around 41 e/a were claimed destroyed by the Aussies and Americans for the loss of 12 P-40s. The Australians in particular impressed with a score of 26 kills and two new aces on the scoreboard.
SOUTH PACIFIC
The end of March saw several US ships torpedoed in the waters around New Caledonia, including 2 APDs sunk and Enterprise damaged by Nells flying from Luganville [:@] The torpedoing of the US carrier was the catalyst for the Japanese raids on Sydney as the IJN diverted carriers from the Coral Sea to try and track down the Big E. However, I had forseen that outcome and with Enterprise in no immediate danger she instead escaped away to the South of Fiji. She's now on her way to PH for repairs.
The build up on New Caledonia has slowed slightly as I'm trying to sneak troops into the island by sending single APDs rather than small groups. Port Moresby has been surrounded by Japanese troops and the almost continual presence of IJN carriers and submarines has made it too risky to send ships into the area.
OTHER PLACES
A major blow to the Allies was the loss of Yorktown to a Japanese submarine. Frustratingly she was just off the coast of the US when she was hit and although she limped into San Diego the damage was too severe and she sank the next day [:(]
However, with things picking up in the last few weeks I'll be restarting the reports. We've only just reached April '42 and although the date hasn't progressed much there have been several developments...
CHINA
The big news coming from China is the fall of Loyang as several IJA divisions managed to grind the Chinese defences into ineffectiveness. The former defenders of Loyang are falling abck towards Nanchang and thence into the forests where the terrain is more favourable to defensive positions. The main Japanese effort in China appears to be in the Northern areas, although a few smaller thrusts are apparent in the south. The only target of any real value to Japan in that area is the port of Wenchow which still remains in Chinese hands.
BURMA & INDIA
Mandalay was captured in the last week of March, ending the British defence of Burma. Around a dozen British, Indian and Burmese formations are struggling back towards the Indian border, but most of these are little more than a handful of troops by now. For now the heavy jungle terrain along the border will be a bonus for the Allies as it slows any Japanese advance towards India.
In India things are looking more positive compared to a month ago. The end of the Japanese amphibious bonus has almost removed the threat of a seaborne invasion against a major base. With the arrival of the experienced British 70th Div I feel it is safe enough to ship the Australian 6th Division home.
A slow transfer of troops from the Bengal defensive positions towards the border is planned as units gain full strength. The low experience of the Indian army formations is the main reason for retaining the Australian 7th Div in India for now.
The build up in forces has also included an investment in aerial strength. The Assam region is home to several airfields which will become the home of the 3rd TAF in due course. The RAF Blenheim squadrons are (for the most part) now highly trained in both ground and naval bombing, although a lack of replacements is limiting their usage for now. This is the case for most of the Allied squadrons, with experience levels in the mid to high 50s and several British squadrons sitting comfortably in the low 60s.
The nucleus of a strategic air force is forming in the Calcutta area, USAAF B-17s will soon be joined by RAF Wellingtons and PR units. However, the only long range fighters in India are a squadron of P-38Es who are still working up to operational standards.
The only real excitement of late was a IJN sortie into the Indian Ocean, although the Japanese forces were located heading towards Ceylon an expected series of air raids against the island was not forthcoming. It's a shame as I had hoped to see how the Allied air forces would cope against the best that Japan could offer.
DUTCH EAST INDIES
It's all over bar the shouting now. Soerbaja is the last 'major' holdout in the DEI but overwhelming Japanese forces are on the edges of the city.
Ambon and Timor are still in Allied hands, more through GBL not trying to take them than any effort on my part.
AUSTRALIA
The big news in Australia was the three day 'Battle of Sydney' as IJN carrier forces launched several attacks on targets in the Sydney/Newcastle area as they hunted for USS Enterprise. The three day battle saw the 75 Sqn, supported by the USAAF 49th PG bloody the nose of the raiders. A total of around 41 e/a were claimed destroyed by the Aussies and Americans for the loss of 12 P-40s. The Australians in particular impressed with a score of 26 kills and two new aces on the scoreboard.
SOUTH PACIFIC
The end of March saw several US ships torpedoed in the waters around New Caledonia, including 2 APDs sunk and Enterprise damaged by Nells flying from Luganville [:@] The torpedoing of the US carrier was the catalyst for the Japanese raids on Sydney as the IJN diverted carriers from the Coral Sea to try and track down the Big E. However, I had forseen that outcome and with Enterprise in no immediate danger she instead escaped away to the South of Fiji. She's now on her way to PH for repairs.
The build up on New Caledonia has slowed slightly as I'm trying to sneak troops into the island by sending single APDs rather than small groups. Port Moresby has been surrounded by Japanese troops and the almost continual presence of IJN carriers and submarines has made it too risky to send ships into the area.
OTHER PLACES
A major blow to the Allies was the loss of Yorktown to a Japanese submarine. Frustratingly she was just off the coast of the US when she was hit and although she limped into San Diego the damage was too severe and she sank the next day [:(]
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RE: End of the Line
2nd April 1942
SOUTH PACIFIC
Japanese carrier aircraft, identified as being from Kaga and Zuikakau, appeared over Norfolk Island where Allied ships were busy unloading the 114th USA Base Force. USS Maury was left a burning wreck and she sank later in the day and the transport Crescent City has been heavily damaged. The only other loss was USS Manley as she attempted to sneak part Australian troops into Noumea.
The transports are in trouble now, they can't be disbanded into the port and running for safety would just leave them even more vulnerable to air attack. Two USAAF fighter squadrons have transferred in from Australia and will attempt to protect the ships as they finish unloading.
Hopefully GBL will be focused on hitting the ships at Norfolk as there are several other convoys dotted around the region and an extra day should see them all safely out of harm's way. Squadrons at Auckland are also being put on full readiness in case the carriers should move towards NZ.
NEW GUINEA
Strong Japanese ground forces have surrounded Port Moresby, combined with a bombardment by Japanese warships, so it would appear that the end is near for the Australian defences here. Apart from regular bombing raids flown from Australia there isn't a lot that can be done to relieve the situation.
EVERYWHERE ELSE
Japanese forces retook the town of Shwebo, but as the nearest British forces were over 50 miles away it's hardly the greatest victory of all time.
Minor skirmishes took place over Wuchang as CAF fighters performed a sweep, although they met a small force of Oscars no casualties were sustained by either side. April sees the start of deliveries of P-43 Lancer fighters to the CAF and although they're not exactly front line fighters they will allow me to fill out a few second line squadrons (and transfer their a/c to training units). The lack of bombers is a nuisance though.
SOUTH PACIFIC
Japanese carrier aircraft, identified as being from Kaga and Zuikakau, appeared over Norfolk Island where Allied ships were busy unloading the 114th USA Base Force. USS Maury was left a burning wreck and she sank later in the day and the transport Crescent City has been heavily damaged. The only other loss was USS Manley as she attempted to sneak part Australian troops into Noumea.
The transports are in trouble now, they can't be disbanded into the port and running for safety would just leave them even more vulnerable to air attack. Two USAAF fighter squadrons have transferred in from Australia and will attempt to protect the ships as they finish unloading.
Hopefully GBL will be focused on hitting the ships at Norfolk as there are several other convoys dotted around the region and an extra day should see them all safely out of harm's way. Squadrons at Auckland are also being put on full readiness in case the carriers should move towards NZ.
NEW GUINEA
Strong Japanese ground forces have surrounded Port Moresby, combined with a bombardment by Japanese warships, so it would appear that the end is near for the Australian defences here. Apart from regular bombing raids flown from Australia there isn't a lot that can be done to relieve the situation.
EVERYWHERE ELSE
Japanese forces retook the town of Shwebo, but as the nearest British forces were over 50 miles away it's hardly the greatest victory of all time.
Minor skirmishes took place over Wuchang as CAF fighters performed a sweep, although they met a small force of Oscars no casualties were sustained by either side. April sees the start of deliveries of P-43 Lancer fighters to the CAF and although they're not exactly front line fighters they will allow me to fill out a few second line squadrons (and transfer their a/c to training units). The lack of bombers is a nuisance though.
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RE: End of the Line
3rd to 8th April 1942
South Pacific
Japanese aircraft hit Norfolk Island and finished off the Allied convoy there. Most of the 114th Base Force was ashore but unfortunately most of their heavier equipment is sitting on the seabed now. After sinking the convoy the Japanese carriers vanished away to the East, resurfacing south of Fiji in support of Jap landings at Vava'u and Tongatapu (Tonga Islands) and sinking several ships of a second convoy bringing NZ troops out of Fiji.
Currently their exact location is unknown, although the remnants of the second convoy have reported being sighted by aerial patrols. Whilst the carriers are away to the east, fast transports are attempting to sneak into Noumea again, carrying reinforcements and supplies. The arrival of more transport aircraft cannot come quickly enough right now...
GBL mentioned that he cancelled his earlier attack on New Caledonia after he realised I had shipped more troops into Noumea than he thought. Hopefully he hasn't worked out where those troops came from yet...
Meanwhile on New Guinea, Port Moresby has fallen. Constant bombing had exhausted the Australian supplies and left the facilities in ruins. On the plus side, the Japanese have now inherited a ruined base with no supplies. Hopefully the Allied air forces and navies will be able to interdict any ships bringing supplies in. The Port Moresby brigade has 'escaped' into the jungle to the SE of the town.
Central Pacific
Not much to report here really. Pearl Harbor is a hive of activity as the USN attempts to push its ships through the Apr 42 upgrades as quickly as possible whilst still keeping a useful number of ships available. First priority has gone to Hornet and her future escorts (Nashville, Helena and St.Louis).
Japanese propaganda has been claiming that two US battleships were sunk at PH, it'll be a lovely surprise when the entire pre-war fleet shows up raining horrible things onto their cowering troops. California (the most damaged) is still facing almost two years in the docks at Pearl, a few more weeks and she should be in a condition to make the trek back to the US proper. At the other end of the scale, Maryland is less than three weeks from completing repairs and upgrades on the East Coast.
Australia
Not too much going on here either, a lot of stuff going on behind the scenes in preparation. The Australian militia divisions are gathering and recombining into their larger formations before being sent to guard a few key locations. They are being joined by the first US combat troops, including an armoured brigade. I could really use more tank units across the map. I think GBL has left it too late to make a major offensive in Australia, but a landing in the Darwin area is a possibility and tanks will be helpful in the deserts of Northern Australia.
USS Boise is undergoing repair in Australia, she was torpedoed in the Tasman Sea and limped into Melbourne. With her minor damage repaired she's still looking at 200+ days to full readiness so she'll be making her way to South Africa and then home to repair.
Burma & India
More of the slow build up, but now with added 70th Div. These chaps are highly experienced and their arrival will bolster the Indian border defences. When most of the defenders are sitting on experiences levels in the 40s or lower, a unit with 80 experience is a major boost.
The airfields in Assam are building up nicely now and there are sufficient British Air HQs to cover all of the airfields in the area and spare some for the Bengal airfields. With the HQs spread, every airfield between Jemshedpur and Ledo is in the radius of at least 1 HQ. This should provide a boost to the Allied air defence and (hopefully) compensate for the relative inferiority of the early Allied equipment.
China
The Japanese tide grinds ever westwards as the Chinese seem to slow to move out of the way and unable to stand and fight. Ho-hum.
In the air however, Chinese pilots have been performing admirably. The 42nd FS has been performing regular sweeps over Wuchang and has claimed several Japanese fighters shot down in the last week. Even with the haul from their base at Changsha they are besting the IJAAF pilots and their Oscars.
Allied Air HQs India-
The plan is to use the RAF HQs and Assam airfields along the border as the core of the 3rd TAF with strategic aircraft located closer to Calcutta. Other RAF HQs will be based at Madras, Ceylon and Bombay initially, these will control maritime patrol and strike aircraft until the Brits go back onto the offensive.
South Pacific
Japanese aircraft hit Norfolk Island and finished off the Allied convoy there. Most of the 114th Base Force was ashore but unfortunately most of their heavier equipment is sitting on the seabed now. After sinking the convoy the Japanese carriers vanished away to the East, resurfacing south of Fiji in support of Jap landings at Vava'u and Tongatapu (Tonga Islands) and sinking several ships of a second convoy bringing NZ troops out of Fiji.
Currently their exact location is unknown, although the remnants of the second convoy have reported being sighted by aerial patrols. Whilst the carriers are away to the east, fast transports are attempting to sneak into Noumea again, carrying reinforcements and supplies. The arrival of more transport aircraft cannot come quickly enough right now...
GBL mentioned that he cancelled his earlier attack on New Caledonia after he realised I had shipped more troops into Noumea than he thought. Hopefully he hasn't worked out where those troops came from yet...
Meanwhile on New Guinea, Port Moresby has fallen. Constant bombing had exhausted the Australian supplies and left the facilities in ruins. On the plus side, the Japanese have now inherited a ruined base with no supplies. Hopefully the Allied air forces and navies will be able to interdict any ships bringing supplies in. The Port Moresby brigade has 'escaped' into the jungle to the SE of the town.
Central Pacific
Not much to report here really. Pearl Harbor is a hive of activity as the USN attempts to push its ships through the Apr 42 upgrades as quickly as possible whilst still keeping a useful number of ships available. First priority has gone to Hornet and her future escorts (Nashville, Helena and St.Louis).
Japanese propaganda has been claiming that two US battleships were sunk at PH, it'll be a lovely surprise when the entire pre-war fleet shows up raining horrible things onto their cowering troops. California (the most damaged) is still facing almost two years in the docks at Pearl, a few more weeks and she should be in a condition to make the trek back to the US proper. At the other end of the scale, Maryland is less than three weeks from completing repairs and upgrades on the East Coast.
Australia
Not too much going on here either, a lot of stuff going on behind the scenes in preparation. The Australian militia divisions are gathering and recombining into their larger formations before being sent to guard a few key locations. They are being joined by the first US combat troops, including an armoured brigade. I could really use more tank units across the map. I think GBL has left it too late to make a major offensive in Australia, but a landing in the Darwin area is a possibility and tanks will be helpful in the deserts of Northern Australia.
USS Boise is undergoing repair in Australia, she was torpedoed in the Tasman Sea and limped into Melbourne. With her minor damage repaired she's still looking at 200+ days to full readiness so she'll be making her way to South Africa and then home to repair.
Burma & India
More of the slow build up, but now with added 70th Div. These chaps are highly experienced and their arrival will bolster the Indian border defences. When most of the defenders are sitting on experiences levels in the 40s or lower, a unit with 80 experience is a major boost.
The airfields in Assam are building up nicely now and there are sufficient British Air HQs to cover all of the airfields in the area and spare some for the Bengal airfields. With the HQs spread, every airfield between Jemshedpur and Ledo is in the radius of at least 1 HQ. This should provide a boost to the Allied air defence and (hopefully) compensate for the relative inferiority of the early Allied equipment.
China
The Japanese tide grinds ever westwards as the Chinese seem to slow to move out of the way and unable to stand and fight. Ho-hum.
In the air however, Chinese pilots have been performing admirably. The 42nd FS has been performing regular sweeps over Wuchang and has claimed several Japanese fighters shot down in the last week. Even with the haul from their base at Changsha they are besting the IJAAF pilots and their Oscars.
Allied Air HQs India-
The plan is to use the RAF HQs and Assam airfields along the border as the core of the 3rd TAF with strategic aircraft located closer to Calcutta. Other RAF HQs will be based at Madras, Ceylon and Bombay initially, these will control maritime patrol and strike aircraft until the Brits go back onto the offensive.
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Bigger boys stole my sig
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