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

[princep01]

On Nauru (again).  This would be a great place to use a CR force to scout it out.  Run in, bombard the place and put all your scout planes on recon to both spot the bombardment and scout out the opposition.  Unlikely that he would have a submarine there or that, if he did, it would molest the fast moving TF.  If unoccupied, then you have multiple options on how to grab it. 
 
I really don't feel comfortable talking much about what I think Walter would do in response, but if it is empty, that would be a pretty good indicator that he isn't going to fight for the area.  You are a far better judge of that, given the long time spent fighting the devious admiral in this game.  I agree that Nauru is a good place to scout from and once obtained, a place you don't want to lose again.  However, given his recent evacuations from at least some of the Gilberts, the mauling of the LKB in the area and the possibilty that the island is empty, I would rather think it unlikely he will counter-attack there.....but, one never knows with the devious one.
 
At any rate, on to Nauru and vistas beyond! 

[witpqs]

I'm certain that SNLF is at Nauru. The SigInt was from Sep '42, long after it was captured. The only reason to send a combat unit there is to defend it. Still, when the targets in the Gilberts are being assaulted would be a good time to do the recon, so that's when I'll have a look. It's not building up so I'm sure he's putting fortifications in for the "speed bump" SNLF.

Comparing Nauru to Taniteuea, no building of the bases at either, but combat troops present. In the case of Tabiteuea there is one unit there now, certainly combat troops, but there were two there when we invaded a few months back.

Even though he does not intend to fight on the ground there, he wants to stop an inexpensive occupy and build. Whether he chooses to fight at sea is a different matter, as he can have some LBA support from the Marshalls. Nauru is still far enough away from LBA that LBA might be more fickle than he would like. I don't know if he'll fight at sea or not.

[witpqs]

1943 January 15

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


At Kungchang our second attack fell short and now the troops need rest. The line is breaking to the southeast of Chungking.

Ground combat at 80,47 (near Patung)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 35445 troops, 283 guns, 44 vehicles, Assault Value = 1050

Defending force 26942 troops, 135 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 586

Japanese adjusted assault: 593

Allied adjusted defense: 466

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
1028 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 108 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 9 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Guns lost 10 (4 destroyed, 6 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
1078 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 83 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 13 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled

Assaulting units:
110th Division
17th/B Division
1st Ind.Mixed Brigade
19th Ind.Mixed Brigade
15th/C Division
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment

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


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

Ground combat at 74,52 (near Tuyun)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1146 troops, 88 guns, 26 vehicles, Assault Value = 566

Defending force 50842 troops, 383 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1432

Japanese ground losses:
Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

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

Assaulting units:
1st Mobile Infantry Regiment
22nd/A Division
8th Recon Regiment
114th Infantry Regiment
104th/C Division
4th Mortar Battalion
21st Mortar Battalion
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion

Defending units:
91st Chinese Corps
24th Chinese Corps
30th Chinese Corps
95th Chinese Corps
1st Artillery Regiment
3rd War Area
57th AT Gun Regiment
18th Artillery Regiment
21st Group Army
20th Artillery Regiment
56th AT Gun Regiment


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

Ground combat at Kungchang (81,36)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 29690 troops, 74 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 874

Defending force 3362 troops, 26 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 73

Allied adjusted assault: 74

Japanese adjusted defense: 199

Allied assault odds: 1 to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
183 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 21 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
331 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 28 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled

Assaulting units:
1st Chinese Corps
9th Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Base Force
6th Chinese Base Force

Defending units:
11th Indpt Infantry Regiment

Near Yasawa Islands I-170 was hit 8 times, but still needs more attention. The big naval news is that near Gorong Porpoise put a torpedo in xAK Sydney Maru for heavy damage, then did it again later. AM Junee was lost to a torpedo near Ndeni. Five x USN DM laid 200 mines at Reef Islands, 40nm NE Ndeni. The IJN CL raid passed through that area prior to sinking the ships of the ASW TF. Three USA fighter squadrons and a USMC dive bomber squadron will unload at Luganville tonight.

Selected Repair Estimates
Saratoga 54 days (San Francisco)
Enterprise 26 days (Pearl Harbor)
Wasp 3 days (Sydney)

North Carolina 1 day (Bremerton)
Washington 6 days (Bremerton)
South Dakota 74 days plus February Refit (Alameda)

Burma, the area of the upcoming Allied offensive.

[witpqs]

1943 January 16

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


News flash: The Allies lost no planes today!

In other news, China took a beating. Yenan is about to fall.

Ground combat at 79,47 (near Patung)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 27724 troops, 236 guns, 159 vehicles, Assault Value = 723

Defending force 33200 troops, 213 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 664

Japanese adjusted assault: 29

Allied adjusted defense: 898

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 30

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

Japanese ground losses:
920 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 90 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 23 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 6 disabled
Vehicles lost 27 (7 destroyed, 20 disabled)

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

Assaulting units:
17th Tank Regiment
15th Ind.Mixed Brigade
13th Tank Regiment
6th Division
35th Division
104th/A Division

Defending units:
13th Chinese Corps
84th Chinese Corps
49th Chinese Corps
18th Chinese Corps
88th Chinese Corps


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

Ground combat at Yenan (88,37)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 7655 troops, 67 guns, 120 vehicles, Assault Value = 244

Defending force 10887 troops, 4 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 105

Japanese adjusted assault: 191

Allied adjusted defense: 59

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
155 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 17 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
613 casualties reported
Squads: 35 destroyed, 19 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Assaulting units:
3rd Mobile Infantry Regiment
3rd Recon Battalion
102nd Infantry Regiment

Defending units:
23rd Chinese Corps
42nd Chinese Corps
18th Group Army
2nd War Area
12th Chinese Base Force


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

Ground combat at 74,52 (near Tuyun)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1146 troops, 88 guns, 26 vehicles, Assault Value = 566

Defending force 50861 troops, 383 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1435

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

Assaulting units:
22nd/A Division
8th Recon Regiment
114th Infantry Regiment
1st Mobile Infantry Regiment
104th/C Division
21st Mortar Battalion
4th Mortar Battalion
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion

Defending units:
91st Chinese Corps
24th Chinese Corps
30th Chinese Corps
95th Chinese Corps
18th Artillery Regiment
20th Artillery Regiment
21st Group Army
3rd War Area
57th AT Gun Regiment
1st Artillery Regiment
56th AT Gun Regiment


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

Ground combat at 85,27 (near Kiuchuan)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 672 troops, 4 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 27

Defending force 450 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1

Japanese adjusted assault: 14

Allied adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 14 to 1

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

Allied ground losses:
149 casualties reported
Squads: 11 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 7 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units retreated 1

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
1st Ching An Tui Brigade

Defending units:
34th Separate Brigade

The battle at 79,47 near Patung was saved by the timely arrival of the 18th Chinese Corps, the most powerful defender there on this day. The troops at Kungchang are ready, so they will attack tomorrow.

The Empire looks to be reinforcing their position across the river from Akyab. Good!

North Carolina is ready. They want 5 more days on Washington, so NC will wait for her sister. Here is a look at the Intel screen.

[witpqs]

1943 January 17

The Empire captured:
Yenan

The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


As expected, the Empire captured Yenan. Our boys had a success of sorts at Kungchang, achieving a 1 to 1. Another success near Patung, inflicting twice as many casualties on the Imperials.

Ground combat at Yenan (88,37)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 7579 troops, 67 guns, 120 vehicles, Assault Value = 236

Defending force 10469 troops, 4 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 92

Japanese adjusted assault: 186

Allied adjusted defense: 57

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

Japanese forces CAPTURE Yenan !!!

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

Japanese ground losses:
66 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
3061 casualties reported
Squads: 124 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 173 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 8 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units retreated 5

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
3rd Mobile Infantry Regiment
3rd Recon Battalion
102nd Infantry Regiment

Defending units:
23rd Chinese Corps
42nd Chinese Corps
18th Group Army
2nd War Area
12th Chinese Base Force


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

Ground combat at 80,47 (near Patung)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 29875 troops, 241 guns, 32 vehicles, Assault Value = 981

Defending force 26133 troops, 135 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 502

Japanese adjusted assault: 402

Allied adjusted defense: 427

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
1316 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 116 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 8 disabled
Guns lost 16 (1 destroyed, 15 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
542 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 62 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 10 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled

Assaulting units:
1st Ind.Mixed Brigade
110th Division
19th Ind.Mixed Brigade
17th/B Division
15th/C Division
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment

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


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

Ground combat at 74,52 (near Tuyun)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1146 troops, 88 guns, 26 vehicles, Assault Value = 566

Defending force 50876 troops, 382 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1436

Assaulting units:
8th Recon Regiment
1st Mobile Infantry Regiment
114th Infantry Regiment
22nd/A Division
104th/C Division
21st Mortar Battalion
4th Mortar Battalion
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion

Defending units:
24th Chinese Corps
91st Chinese Corps
30th Chinese Corps
95th Chinese Corps
1st Artillery Regiment
20th Artillery Regiment
21st Group Army
57th AT Gun Regiment
18th Artillery Regiment
3rd War Area
56th AT Gun Regiment


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

Ground combat at Kungchang (81,36)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 29444 troops, 73 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 848

Defending force 3282 troops, 26 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 67

Allied adjusted assault: 120

Japanese adjusted defense: 112

Allied assault odds: 1 to 1

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

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

Allied ground losses:
370 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 21 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Assaulting units:
1st Chinese Corps
9th Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Base Force
6th Chinese Base Force

Defending units:
11th Indpt Infantry Regiment

A few hits were obtained against an I-boat near Ndeni, and the ASW ships' crews claim a kill. I'm skeptical.

The Battle Fleet is refueling 80nm north of the Hoorn Islands. The Gilberts combat forces are about a day out of Pago Pago. There they will change to combat loading on amphibious ships, which are shortly to be sent from Suva. Wasp should be ready at Sydney tomorrow and will make haste in company with three destroyers to join the Battle Fleet and refuel. With Washington hoped ready in four days, it is possible that she and North Carolina will just make the Gilberts operation.

Abemama will be assaulted with engineers landed after capture. Most likely Tabiteuea will also be assaulted, but only if it can be hit hard enough from the sea as the forces for it are small and not fully prepped. Tarawa has a size 2 airfield that will have to be suppressed.

The para drops at Kirakira and Rennell Island will take place just after the fleet finishes its business in the Gilberts. The notion is to give the impression of the move on the Solomons getting underway, when in fact three carriers will be heading back to Pearl Harbor for refit.

Two USMC Skytrain squadrons are at Ndeni to lift the Marine Paras to Rennell Island and Kirakira. Luganville, Vanua Lava, and Ndeni airfields will be ready to launch strikes and sweeps of Tulagi the day after the para drop, when the transport planes will stand down for a day to avoid the expected LRCAPing of those objectives.

In Burma, Operation Wedge will send three divisions (17th Indian, 23rd Indian, 2nd British) plus smaller units down the jungle behind the Imperial defensive line opposite Akyab and Cox's Bazar. The Americal and 27th Infantry divisions will, with heavy air support, force a river crossing between Akyab and Cox's Bazar. It is expected that the Imperial units will maneuver when the wedge is seen moving in behind them. If not, those units opposing the 6th and 7th Australian divisions will be trapped. If they do maneuver, air attacks will be used to slow them down in hopes of trapping them.

[witpqs]

1943 January 18

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Our attack at Kungchang was held off and the troops must rest for a day. Air attacks against them were heavier.

Ground combat at 74,52 (near Tuyun)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1146 troops, 88 guns, 26 vehicles, Assault Value = 566

Defending force 50954 troops, 381 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1438

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

Assaulting units:
1st Mobile Infantry Regiment
114th Infantry Regiment
22nd/A Division
8th Recon Regiment
104th/C Division
4th Mortar Battalion
21st Mortar Battalion
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion

Defending units:
91st Chinese Corps
24th Chinese Corps
30th Chinese Corps
95th Chinese Corps
57th AT Gun Regiment
20th Artillery Regiment
21st Group Army
3rd War Area
1st Artillery Regiment
18th Artillery Regiment
56th AT Gun Regiment


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

Ground combat at Kungchang (81,36)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 29149 troops, 72 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 824

Defending force 3153 troops, 26 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 52

Allied adjusted assault: 147

Japanese adjusted defense: 172

Allied assault odds: 1 to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
91 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
209 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 19 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Assaulting units:
1st Chinese Corps
9th Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Base Force
6th Chinese Base Force

Defending units:
11th Indpt Infantry Regiment

Wasp is ready and moving out at once to join her battle mates. The refitted heavy cruisers (x5) are leaving Pearl Harbor for the South Pacific. Three days for Washington's work to complete. Trying to gather adequate DMS for the Gilbert operation as well. Many have been used as escorts so long that they're everywhere.

In four days the 1st New Chinese Corps arrives at Chungking, 474AV strong - none too soon! How long it lasts is a different matter. Also in four days the 9th Australian Division will arrive at Aden and be thrown pretty directly into the offensive in Burma.

After detailing some newly deployed USMC dive bomber and torpedo planes to a narrow search area over the trouble spot, Imperial subs have largely vanished. As the new squadrons have only some training in search and ASW (certainly not experts) the current picture might have more to do with the weather curtailing search operations and therefore contacts.

[witpqs]

1943 January 19

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Another Imperial attack in China went (sort of) our way today. At Kungchang the troops are in good enough shape to attack tomorrow.

Ground combat at 80,47 (near Patung)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 33943 troops, 282 guns, 44 vehicles, Assault Value = 894

Defending force 25707 troops, 135 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 455

Japanese adjusted assault: 709

Allied adjusted defense: 568

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
1406 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 123 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 13 disabled
Guns lost 15 (1 destroyed, 14 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
769 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 52 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled

Assaulting units:
17th/B Division
110th Division
19th Ind.Mixed Brigade
1st Ind.Mixed Brigade
15th/C Division
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment

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


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

Ground combat at 74,52 (near Tuyun)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1138 troops, 88 guns, 26 vehicles, Assault Value = 566

Defending force 50955 troops, 381 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1439

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

Assaulting units:
1st Mobile Infantry Regiment
8th Recon Regiment
22nd/A Division
114th Infantry Regiment
104th/C Division
4th Mortar Battalion
21st Mortar Battalion
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion

Defending units:
24th Chinese Corps
30th Chinese Corps
91st Chinese Corps
95th Chinese Corps
20th Artillery Regiment
1st Artillery Regiment
57th AT Gun Regiment
21st Group Army
18th Artillery Regiment
3rd War Area
56th AT Gun Regiment

I-175 is claimed as a kill. Skeptical as ever.

Sub attack near Vanikoro at 121,146

Japanese Ships
SS I-175, hits 7, heavy damage

Allied Ships
AM Kapunda

SS I-175 launches 2 torpedoes at AM Kapunda
I-175 diving deep ....
AM Kapunda attacking submerged sub ....
Large oil slick appears over area of attack!
Escort abandons search for sub

In checking over things, the 40th Infantry Division is now 80% prepped for Tarawa. Hmmm... SigInt shows the 53rd Naval Guard Unit plus an Air Flotilla. What do you think?

Luganville is now airfield size 8. Ndeni is 5+56%, Vanua Lava 4+29%. I want Ndeni at 8 before the aerial assault on Tulagi begins. 4EBs will base at Luganville and Vanua Lava, 2 EBs at Ndeni. Engineers are moving from Luganville to Ndeni to increase the speed of construction there. One such unit just moved to Ndeni from Tanna, and there is only one at Efate. Some others are at Pago Pago, but they are earmarked for the Gilberts for the most part.

Here is the overview map.

[BBfanboy]

I think Tarawa is a level 2 island that can take 60K troops, so I would expect more opposition, a CD unit, forts 4 or 5. The 40th division will need a Combat Engineer Rgt and perhaps a tank regiment, + some arty and AA in support. If you can't bring that much, I guess the question is whether you can afford to lose the division if it all goes to heck?

[witpqs]

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

I think Tarawa is a level 2 island that can take 60K troops, so I would expect more opposition, a CD unit, forts 4 or 5. The 40th division will need a Combat Engineer Rgt and perhaps a tank regiment, + some arty and AA in support. If you can't bring that much, I guess the question is whether you can afford to lose the division if it all goes to heck?

Ouch! Such a pessimist. In stock it might be 60,000, but in this mod (with the optional stacking limits) it's 20,000. Thanks to Michael for providing that info in a mouse over!

I am working to get a long range recon unit in place, but maybe I should just task another PBY unit. I really want those boys working on search, though. Besides, their recon-fu is lousy. I have the sense that there will be no major resistance (meaning on the ground) in the Gilberts, just speed bumps. I could be wrong... [X(]

[witpqs]

1943 January 20

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


A setback in China, as the Empire cleared the road to Yenan. Our boys at Kungchang fell short too.

Ground combat at 88,38 (near Yenan)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 10596 troops, 93 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 294

Defending force 11438 troops, 43 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 88

Japanese adjusted assault: 309

Allied adjusted defense: 15

Japanese assault odds: 20 to 1

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

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

Allied ground losses:
4387 casualties reported
Squads: 173 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 120 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 5 destroyed, 4 disabled
Guns lost 5 (3 destroyed, 2 disabled)
Units retreated 7

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
4th Ind.Mixed Brigade
12th Indpt Infantry Regiment
6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
19th Chinese Corps
42nd Chinese Corps
18th Group Army
2nd War Area
23rd Chinese Corps
6th Group Army
12th Chinese Base Force


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

Ground combat at Kungchang (81,36)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 28796 troops, 71 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 803

Defending force 3220 troops, 26 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 62

Allied adjusted assault: 79

Japanese adjusted defense: 202

Allied assault odds: 1 to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
103 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
575 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 56 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

Assaulting units:
1st Chinese Corps
9th Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Base Force
6th Chinese Base Force

Defending units:
11th Indpt Infantry Regiment

2 days for Washington. Keep your fingers crossed there are no more welding deficiencies or whatever slowed down her repairs. I've tentatively decided that the Gilberts operation will include Tarawa. There is one combat engineer battalion also prepping, although they are at about 27%. This will certainly take all of the AP and AK ships available. Two more AP and a bunch of AK are a few days out from Pearl Harbor, so they will speed to SoPac.

Operations Wedge
A more complete OOB for the operation is:

Moving SW from Silchar (Phase I)
First Echelon
17th Indian Division
23rd Indian Division
Second Echelon
2nd British Division
Third Echelon
Kowloon Brigade

Forced River Crossing above Akyab/Below Cox's Bazar (Phase II)
Americal Division
27th Infantry Division
14th Indian Division
7th Armoured Brigade

After the completion of Phase II, other Allied armored and armoured units currently along the coast will begin crossing the river to support the ongoing advance.
754th Tank Battalion
2/10th Armoured Regiment
3rd Carabiniers Regiment

Eastern Army Command HQ will support the fighting in the jungle from Chittagong, while XV Indian Corps HQ will provide similar support from Akyab. Other corps HQs are prepping for objectives in the Burma plain.

In Phase I the participating units move SW from Silchar to take up blocking positions. Phase II will not begin until either Phase I is about to complete, or Imperial units have begun moving to prevent Phase I completion. In Phase II the designated units will force the river crossing. After the river crossing, the remaining combat ready forces will commence attacking the Imperial position with all available air support.

Likewise, if enemy units maneuver to prevent Phase I then air support will be used to suppress their movement and disrupt their troops while they are attacked on the ground by the Australian divisions (as movement in progress removes fortifications).

The timing of Phase II should allow the two USA divisions to upgrade to '43 squad standards. Phase I begins tomorrow.

[witpqs]

1943 January 21

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


In China there is little change to report. The troops at Kungchang are recovered enough to try again, but I doubt they will succeed.

Imperial fleet units are on the move in the South Pacific. Carriers are 200nm east of Green Island, most likely a TF that overran one of our subs hunting just south of Rabaul.

ASW attack near Feni Islands at 107,127

Japanese Ships
DD Samidare
CA Mogami
CS Nisshin
DD Minegumo

Allied Ships
SS Sculpin

SS Sculpin launches 2 torpedoes at DD Samidare
Sculpin diving deep ....
DD Samidare fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Samidare fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Samidare attacking submerged sub ....
DD Samidare fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Samidare fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

So, has DAW HQ divined that the Gilberts are next up? Or is this unrelated? Are Imperial carrier forces moving to where they can be more of a potential menace to otherwise shortened shipping lanes?

In an attempt to forestall a possible ambush, I'll change the plan somewhat. The invasion of Arorae will go first. A battalion sized operation via APD, it should look pretty incremental. Two days following, while the fleet moves north but stays out of search range, the para-landings outlined earlier will hit the southern Solomons followed by the air assault on Tulagi. About two days following that, the fleet will head north and into the Gilberts.

Now one day for Washington's refit.

[princep01]

The Cv TF APPEARS to be rather small given the 4 ship designation.  Might just be a CS tender.  But what is that dodad at Nauru Is...reinforcements, just picking up resources or evac.  Any ideas?
 
 

[witpqs]

ORIGINAL: princep01

The Cv TF APPEARS to be rather small given the 4 ship designation.  Might just be a CS tender.  But what is that dodad at Nauru Is...reinforcements, just picking up resources or evac.  Any ideas?

IIRC it scouts as escorts and xAK types, and it appeared on the same turn that a TF at Ocean Island disappeared! I really don't know.

BTW I'm thinking that aircraft count is too high for only CS ships. That aircraft count could be two IJN fleet carriers.

[witpqs]

1943 January 22

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


A redux of a strange attack in China, and another tough day at Kungchang. It seems that the Imperial unit there is simply recovering squads as fast as we can disable them.

Ground combat at 73,49 (near Kweiyang)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 1152 troops, 0 guns, 210 vehicles, Assault Value = 364

Defending force 15711 troops, 87 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 469

Japanese adjusted assault: 109

Allied adjusted defense: 367

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 3

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

Allied ground losses:
723 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 86 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
4th Tank Regiment
10th Tank Regiment
66th Infantry Regiment
4th Ind.Mixed Regiment
11th Tank Regiment

Defending units:
56th Chinese Corps
48th Chinese Corps
5th Chinese Cavalry Corps
50th Chinese Corps
79th Chinese/B Corps


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

Ground combat at Kungchang (81,36)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 28230 troops, 69 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 747

Defending force 3227 troops, 26 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 64

Allied adjusted assault: 70

Japanese adjusted defense: 202

Allied assault odds: 1 to 2

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

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

Allied ground losses:
330 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 21 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 3 destroyed, 1 disabled

Assaulting units:
1st Chinese Corps
9th Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Base Force
6th Chinese Base Force

Defending units:
11th Indpt Infantry Regiment

Washington repairs are finished. Midway has finished building fortifications and will now concentrate on the port for use as an advance submarine base. Our planes, both yesterday and today, delivered more destruction to Milne Bay.

Imperial Navy on the move!

Morning Air attack on TF, near Ndeni at 120,143

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 114 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 48 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 80
B5N2 Kate x 38

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

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 3 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra: 1 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 2 destroyed

Allied Ships
CL Java
PT-39
CL De Ruyter
DD Piet Hein
DD Evertsen
DD Banckert
PT-48

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
8 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
8 x B5N2 Kate bombing from 9000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
12 x A6M3a Zero sweeping at 13000 feet
6 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
14 x A6M3a Zero sweeping at 12000 feet
6 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
10 x A6M3a Zero sweeping at 12000 feet
12 x A6M3a Zero sweeping at 12000 feet
8 x A6M3a Zero sweeping at 13000 feet
8 x A6M3a Zero sweeping at 13000 feet

CAP engaged:
343rd FG/11th FS with P-40E Warhawk (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 7000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
70th FS with P-39D Airacobra (2 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes



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

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 51 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 14
B5N2 Kate x 18

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 2
P-40E Warhawk x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 1 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 1 destroyed by flak

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
DD Van Nes
CL De Ruyter, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CL Sumatra
CL Java
DD Van Ghent

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
9 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp

CAP engaged:
343rd FG/11th FS with P-40E Warhawk (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 46 minutes
70th FS with P-39D Airacobra (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 9000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes

De Ruyter is now sheltering in harbor with -40(35)-0-0 damage. Our aircraft came out OK with losses for the day of:
A6M3a Zero: 7
P-40E Warhawk: 5
B5N2 Kate: 4
P-39D Aircobra: 3
A6M2 Zero: 1
PBY-5A Catalina: 1

The IJN battleships and cruisers are now in position to shell the island base. Or, they might be there to destroy the two search plane outposts, Reef Islands and Duff Islands. The situation is shown below. The USN Battle Fleet, including 3 x fleet carriers and 8 x escort carriers, plus fleet carrier Wasp if she can catch up in time, will make to pass east of the Duff islands. As the Battle Fleet will be heading away from the five refitted CA returning from Pearl those ships will likely miss the party. They will head straight across north of baker/south of Howland to join any late action.

It's just possible that DAW HQ believes that any remaining USN fleet carriers have departed for refit. Current distance from the KB to the USN Battle Fleet is 29 hexes. Ndeni is being cleared of non-essential aircraft. The three USA fighter squadrons will remain (2 x P-40E; 1 x P-39D), the search squadron (PBY-5A), one USMC dive bomber squadron with short range orders (SBC-4), and the lone float plane from De Ruyter.

Vanua Lava has one P-38G squadron ordered to LRCAP Ndeni; one B-17E squadron that will fly against the carriers; plus one squadron each of USMC F4F-3 fighters and SBD-2 dive bombers.

Luganville is packed to the gills and stood down a USMC SBD-2 squadron as their range will likely keep them from flying, and two USA fighters squadrons as there is no room for them in the active base area. Squadrons on duty include one B-17D, three B-24D, and one LB-30 to fly against the carriers; One USMC TBF-1 on search and attack; one P-40K on CAP; and Saratoga's entire air wing. Sara's air wing could be flown to the CV USS Ndeni in case the Battle Fleet finds a chance to engage near that island. In case airfield repairs are needed, there are presently 174 engineers and 52 engineer vehicles on Ndeni. 205 defensive mines protect the anchorage. Another 130 mines dot the approaches of the Reef Islands.

Some bad news regarding the Gilberts operation - the beaches at Abemama will not be assaulted by US Army cavalry. There are enough USA 43 Rifle Squads to upgrade the regiment, so the soldiers will have to walk from the landing craft. As far as the date goes, the two refitted fast battleships will set the schedule. They'll take about a week to make Pearl Harbor and refuel. Then they will join the fleet on its way to the Gilberts, refueling at sea on the way. So, that means the invasion of Arorae will take place just after they leave Pearl Harbor. The units for Tabiteuea have much lower prep, so I might hold them back for a follow-on wave. If Tarawa goes well enough, though, it might be possible to use naval sea and air bombardment to allow the invasion of Tabiteuea just after.

In Burma, tomorrow 4EB will begin hitting Katha and then the units in the jungle guarding the approaches from India to soften them up for the attack that is not going there.

[witpqs]

1943 January 23

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


In China, two land bombardments and the usual aerial onslaught. Rain is predicted tomorrow, so perhaps the troops at Kungchang will get enough rest to attack again. Three Imperial units are now on the road between Lanchow and Kungchang.

Ground combat at 80,47 (near Patung)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 210 troops, 17 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 843

Defending force 35551 troops, 204 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 643

Assaulting units:
1st Ind.Mixed Brigade
110th Division
17th/B Division
19th Ind.Mixed Brigade
15th/C Division
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
71st Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Corps
18th Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Cavalry Corps
13th Group Army


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

Ground combat at 83,46 (near Ichang)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 4393 troops, 34 guns, 7 vehicles, Assault Value = 482

Defending force 12298 troops, 83 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 447

Assaulting units:
15th/B Division
12th RGC Temp. Division
34th/B Division
34th/C Division

Defending units:
55th Chinese Corps
77th Chinese Corps

What I figured was most likely happened around Ndeni. Nothing. An obviously Glen-equipped sub has been spotted in the waters north of Fiji, and in turn spotted the cruiser force of the Battle Fleet. The sub was spotted by an SBD-3, so DAW HQ might well be alerted as to the rough location of the USN carriers. Which might have been the whole point. Still it is mysterious enough to serve our purposes. BTW, only Sculpin, 80nm SE Rabaul is reporting being sighted this day.

Back in Burma the USA 4EB hit Katha hard and without interference. Even though Katha is likely not high on the list of important place for the Empire, the supply hits always help.

Morning Air attack on Katha , at 61,43

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 36
B-17F Fortress x 12
B-24D Liberator x 12

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 10
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 27

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-17F Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Katha , at 61,43

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-17F Fortress x 12

No Allied losses

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-17F Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

A small TF is near Ramree Island.

[princep01]

At what prep level do you fell comfortable unleashing an amphibious op against an occupied objective?  How about unoccupied objectives?
 
I have not accumulated much experience as the Allies with regard to amphibious ops as my games either ended before the Allies could get cranked up or I just plain lost the game before I could start acting offensively on a strategic level.
 
In my lastest foray (now mid July 42) I have made two amphibious landings against lightly held objectives (Wake and Tarawa) and some unoccupied objectives with prep at 45%-55% without obvious adverse effects.  Just curious as I have no real feel for this.

[princep01]

Comment on Tarawa:  It is a small island and an atoll in the game.  One step up from very small atoll. BBfanboy is incorrect re it being able to hold 60K; it can stack 30K.
 
Tarawa atoll consists of 38 islands, but Betio was the real objective with its airstip (main runway about 1500 yds long).  Betio is a little under two miles long but very narrow (700 yards at its widest point, but much more narrow for most its length.  Hard to see 60K men there.  In real life, there was a 5000 man garrison, but it was really an elite group anchored by 7th Sasebo SNLF and 6th Yokosuka SLNF.  And damned tough enough given the level of fortification and prep.  But it fell to 2d Marine Div.
 
In your game, I have no idea what is there, but I'd wager a lot that it isn't that strong.  I'm sure you'll lay heavy recon before jumping on it....if you choose to jump on it at all.
 
Could you give us a map of the Gilbert Is area as it currect is in the game?  Thanks.  

[witpqs]

1943 January 24

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


There are now reported four enemy units at Kungchang. There will be no Chinese attack. The Empire also continues building strength near Patung.

Ground combat at 80,47 (near Patung)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 210 troops, 17 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 861

Defending force 35506 troops, 202 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 639

Assaulting units:
1st Ind.Mixed Brigade
17th/B Division
110th Division
19th Ind.Mixed Brigade
15th/C Division
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
71st Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Corps
18th Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Cavalry Corps
13th Group Army

News Flash: Cow Jumps Over Moon! I mistakenly left the B-17 squadron at Vanua Lava with naval attack orders. One was lost to ops, but it was worth it!

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Ontong Java at 115,131

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

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

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 5

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
DD Wakatake
xAK Sanura Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 10000 feet *
Naval Attack: 4 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

That TF near Ramree Island is wandering a small area> I figure an ASW TF with LRCAP assigned.

Here is the critical area in China. Let's hope the Empire is running out of supplies.

[witpqs]

ORIGINAL: princep01

At what prep level do you fell comfortable unleashing an amphibious op against an occupied objective?  How about unoccupied objectives?

I have not accumulated much experience as the Allies with regard to amphibious ops as my games either ended before the Allies could get cranked up or I just plain lost the game before I could start acting offensively on a strategic level.

In my lastest foray (now mid July 42) I have made two amphibious landings against lightly held objectives (Wake and Tarawa) and some unoccupied objectives with prep at 45%-55% without obvious adverse effects.  Just curious as I have no real feel for this.

Well, mostly 100%. I'll venture on less, but I don't really have a cut-off. It's a combination of the excellence and strength of the attacking unit, plus the anticipated defense. For undefended locales certainly I am willing to go with nothing. You will potentially take a lot of disabled squads, but in both cases (defended or not) highly experienced and well-led units recover them much faster, if they have supply.

ORIGINAL: princep01

Comment on Tarawa:  It is a small island and an atoll in the game.  One step up from very small atoll. BBfanboy is incorrect re it being able to hold 60K; it can stack 30K.

Tarawa atoll consists of 38 islands, but Betio was the real objective with its airstip (main runway about 1500 yds long).  Betio is a little under two miles long but very narrow (700 yards at its widest point, but much more narrow for most its length.  Hard to see 60K men there.  In real life, there was a 5000 man garrison, but it was really an elite group anchored by 7th Sasebo SNLF and 6th Yokosuka SLNF.  And damned tough enough given the level of fortification and prep.  But it fell to 2d Marine Div.

In your game, I have no idea what is there, but I'd wager a lot that it isn't that strong.  I'm sure you'll lay heavy recon before jumping on it....if you choose to jump on it at all.

Could you give us a map of the Gilbert Is area as it currect is in the game?  Thanks.  

In this scenario Tarawa has a stacking limit of 20,000. That is, we are playing with the optional stacking limits on every hex. That includes that the scenario designers calculated their best assignment of every base in the game as well as non-base hexes. I've noticed that they cut down a bunch of island and/or atoll bases' stacking limits, which is certainly good. There might even be some that got bumped up from the 6,000 minimum, dunno.

BTW Abemama is 10,000 and Tabiteuea is 40,000; Ocean Island is 10,000 and Nauru Island is 25,000. Makin is 15,000.

I couldn't fit the whole Marshalls in with the Gilberts on the screen capture.

[princep01]

Thanks for the map.  When I wrote earlier, I thought you had taken a few of the lesser islands in the Gilberts.  Later, I went back and checked and discovered they were still in the clutches of the Great WA.  But, hopefully, not for long.
 
Merry Christmas to you and your family....I wonder how it feels to celebrate Christmas in summer:)?  Guess I'll have to nventure down under someday and find out. You good folks have a very good one and a Happy New Year!