Islands of Destiny: RA 5.0 Japanese Side

[janh]

ORIGINAL: JocMeister
You can´t isolate the troops without a naval blockade. The only way to make sure the troops are truly cut off is to station the KB nearby. Otherwise what would stop CR from just popping in with his CVs, cover a supply landing and then pop back? And you can´t land troops without doing a proper atoll landing.

Its a very clever move by CR and John will have to as, obvert says, decide if the Gilberts are strategically important enough to devote time and attention to.

That's what I was thinking about. I almost wanted to add a reference to "another Guadalcanal" there, but the analogy isn't so good. It will require stationing Betties and Zeros in the Gilberts, plus a few CA's at least and probably even at least some CV force. Or keep the latter nearby. Viewing it from Dan's vantage point, I'd worry that the Solomon/Coral/Hebrides theater, Truk and Rabaul are all so close by that with a group of H8K on station in the Gilberts it would be near impossible to run supply from Johnston/Pearl/Christmas/Canton into the new occupations without being spotted early -- and KB might have ample time to take up position.

So what are the Gilberts presently worth to Dan, and why? Does Dan aim for a naval attrition battle there? I'd be surprised. I kind of expect his CV to show up in force somewhere quite soon, with or without amphib train, perhaps in the lower Hebrides or in the IO... Fortifying Port Blair with the ImpG ID may have been a very good choice.

[Bullwinkle58]

ORIGINAL: janh


. . . it would be near impossible to run supply from Johnston/Pearl/Christmas/Canton into the new occupations without being spotted early -- and KB might have ample time to take up position.

Don't forget Port Stanley. Japan needs pure 360 air search.

[John 3rd]

Hi Guys. Good thinking and suggestions.

Didn't sleep much last night as my mind chewed on things. How often do you guys have that happen with this DAMNED game??!! [:D]

Decided I needed some perspective so I got up this morning and took a walk.

Thinking:

1. Dan is a highly skilled and excellent opponent. He would not do this set of landing without a 'Grand Plan' of some sort. His style is to land in a succession of Operations trying to make his opponent keep yo-yo'ing back and forth and not land a solid punch. I adore this man and his excellent thinking/style. So, this being said, where does he go next? See notes below...

2. I will have to wait for my troops to prepare and train for the upcoming landings. This alone provides me time to throughly prepare all the way around for the action to come. I order an Air Flotilla and CD unit to Tabiteau. He made a big mistake in NOT grabbing this base as well. The base is already well into expansion and I should be able to fly Betty's from it within about 7-10 days. This alone will help bunches and be much closer to the targets.

3. KB stays in the area and will attack the bases to keep Forts at ZERO and disruption high. Will send in a bombardment TF at least twice a week. I need to add some minesweepers since he laid mines at Tarawa. Lost a DD and had an Ro-SS hit one there.

4. Attacked at Noumea this turn and got a 2-1 on the 1st attack by a single ID. It falls tomorrow. Will then finish bringing in my follow-on troops. His Marshalls Landing will not derail Sho-1.



June 8, 1942

Burma
Dan has taken the undefended Ramree Islands NW of Rangoon. This is dangerous but after the savaging my air units took I have been lothe to send more good after bad. Had 4 DD at Port Blair and sent them in. They were attacked by CV Aircraft from Hornet and a British CV! Lost a pair of DDs and had another damaged. GOOD TO KNOW where SOME of his CVs are! Decide to let DD Shinonome continue into the area and see if she can get lucky. She DOES! On a dark night (21% moonlight) she surprises a STF of 2 CL and 3 DD and PLASTERS CL Newcastle with two Long Lances. The modern CL SINKS: BANZAI!! My intrepid DD gets away without a scratch to Rangoon.

Have 3 BF and a TK Reg unloading at Rangoon presently. Two ID are now on the way to Rangoon. Had Dan chosen to attack AT ANY POINT in the last few months Burma would be his and I would be in DEEP Kimchi. This window is now rapidly closing.

Australia
My troops are finally arriving at Carnavon. Time to strengthen the NW Coast of Aussieland. Order a pair of SNLF Assault Brigades to prepare for Exmouth Bay. Will leave a Regiment and TK Reg at Canravon to act as a delaying force while I reset to hold what I want. Another Regiment in Batavia is headed for Pt Hedlund. 65th Inf Brigade now planning for Derby. This should provide enough troops to hold the coast fairly well. Still have Air Flotilla at Carnavon and am moving one from Darwin to Corunna Downs. Have LOTS of Betty--Nell and some Zeros resting and training to move into these region so I can sting anything he might throw in this direction. Additionally moving my CVs from Oosthaven to Denpasar so they are move positioned to move towards EITHER Cocos or Aussieland. Will probably use them--once they combine with Hiyo and Rhujo--to provide cover over these troops movements.

Philippines
In a sad development, Clark finally falls in what must have the WORST Phil Campaign EVER! Move two Daitai of Nells from bombing there to Soerabaja to act as a Ready Reserve Force in this region.

Aleutians
Forces committed to the upcoming landing there:

Dutch Harbor: 2nd Maizuru (88%) and 2nd China (100%) SNLF Brigades
Akutan: 2nd Kure SNLF Brig (44%) and 7th ID (64%)
Cold Bay: Kawafuto Brigade (89%)

Will land and take these bases and then pull the 7th ID and Kawafuto back to the bases I truly want to hold for the long-term.

[John 3rd]

Beyond DD Shinonome blasting CL Newcastle, there a very nice wolfpack attack west of Karachi:

I-4 sinks TK Norfold with 3 Shells and 3 TTs
I-22 then adds another sinking TK British Energy with 3 TT
I-8 almost makes it a trifecta but misses a 3rd TK

[John 3rd]

We're getting some turns in today. Just sent back the June 10th turn. No major developments to report. Am moving troops around in Australia and hitting Makin--Tarawa every other day. Will detail when we get our last turn done in a bit.

[John 3rd]

June 11, 1942

The last plant point to repair for MISTER TOJO happens on this day. I tried something new this game and chose Tokyo to be my research area for Tojo. Figure it is THE most important plane to get into production in 1942 and Tokyo ALWAYS has supplies. Here are my four plants that just finished repairing. I figure we'll see Tojo move up at least a month and, hopefully, TWO if possible...

[John 3rd]

I've waited for nearly a month having CVs down in the Cocos--Java Region. The force present (Junyo, Hosho, Unyo, and Taiyo 66 Zero--18 Val--45 Kate) didn't feel strong enough to do much of anything with. I kept them at Oosthaven in case of a move threatening Cocos or Sumatra but didn't have much confidence in their chances. Their escort of 2 CA, 3 CL, and 12 DD provide a little bit of teeth but not much.

Now, fresh carriers begin to arrive. To the north just off of Balikpapan CV Hiyo, CVL Ryuho, 1 CL, and 7 DD get ready to take on fuel. They will refuel tomorrow and then head for Denpasar for a Fleet Rendezvous. Once added together, the total plane count climbs to a much more respectable 111 Zero, 36 Val, and 69 Kate.

I shall form them up into two CV TF. The big boys (Junyo, Hiyo, and Ryuho) will take the 2 CA, modern Yahagi, and 8 DD while the CVEs get 2 CL and 8 DD. This will leave a small Strike Force of a CL and 3 DD who will soon be joined by another CL and 7 DD.

Planning comes into play now:

1. I am moving roughly 20,000 troops off of Carnavon and depositing them at Exmouth and Port Hedlund. I want to Cover this operation so things are safer.
2. The CVs will move close enough to lend their support if needed.
3. Don't want to reveal them because I hope Dan thinks most of my CV power is in the Marshalls so I will play a cautious game of trying to stay out of search range NNE of Exmouth.

Actions:
1. Pick-Up and move the 51st Air Division from Darwin to Corunna Downs for additional air support.
2. Am bringing in a 36 plane Daitai of Zeros to add to the 45 in Carnavon while Corunna Downs gains two full Daitai of 27 Nells each.
3. Move a 12 and 9 plane Chutai of Emily to Carnavon to begin serious search operations so no 'surprises' appear as I am moving all these troops.

Predictions:
My gut tells me there is about to be action at Cocos or NW Australia. Dan usually lands in three operations at a time to keep an enemy guessing. He has hit (#1) the Marshalls, (#2) Ramree Island, and (#3) remains to be seen.

Am ruling out Aleutians due to my ground strength there presently.

Central Pacific Atolls are loaded to the gills in troops and supplies so I don't think anything will happen here.

Don't see any form of counter-stroke at New Caledonia. By the way, Noumea fell today. This rules out South Pacific Ops.

The only areas left are Burma (all land and air), Cocos (to clear the way for Aussie relief and make danger towards DEI), and NW Australia (now that he knows I have no serious designs up here).

I am betting on #2 or #3. NW Australia is weak only while I am moving these troops around and then should be pretty good. Figure a week to Cover and move troops here then we shift back to a focus on Cocos.

[John 3rd]

Here is a screenshot of the movement of my troops coming up over the next 5-7 days. All these troops at Carnavon moved down to within 20 miles of Geraldton threatening the base when there was no intention of ever even entering the hex let along fighting for it. All troops recalled once Sho-1 kicked into obvious gear and any form of deception was no longer needed. Movements:

1. (From Carnavon) We are currently picking up a pair of SNLF Assault Brigades to add to the two Engineering units at Exmouth. Their AV is about 180 each. A CD unit is headed down to join them.

2. (From Carnavon) An IJA Regiment will move to Port Hedlund. Another CD unit is sailing down from Palembang to base here as well.

3. (From Luzon) The freshly rebuilt 65th Brigade is passing Tarakan presently on course for Broome to garrison that Base.

WE shall leave about 225 AV (Inf Reg and TK Reg) in Carnavon to hold out as long as possible.

[John 3rd]

June 13, 1942

Hmmmm...I wonder if I am lucky or if the man is reading my mind...but things got 'interesting--scary' this turn...

It 'appears' that some sort of move may be imminent in NW Aust. These Tf showed up on Recon this day. I am currently lifting out the two SNLF Units and 16th Army HQ. My CVs are moving to a position about 10 hexes NE of Exmouth. Units are approaching Carnavon as well...

Is this a landing? Carnavon? Exmouth?? Port Hedlund???

Going to work...

[janh]

[X(] How long ago was the Ramree landing, i.e. how long would it take Dan to dispatch his CV to NW Australia? Could this be the real thing?

It could be a total waste of fuel and time, but I would start KB's divisions towards this area... They are presently probably not so critical in that theater unless you want to go deeper into SOPAC`? Now that the landings in the Hebrides are basically complete and you could rely on LBA cover and Kate/Val/Netty protection there and it might be worth a thought to use all carriers in joined action in the IO? He might have lots of stuff moving in this theater and the British navy could use a bloody reminder on who's ruling the seas?

[John 3rd]

Home early from work.

Am waiting on a turn from CR right now.

Allied CVs were spotted on 6-6 and 6-7. The DDs were hit on the 7th. There were TWO CVs for sure there (Hornet and a Brit) at the time. Their location was about 6 hexes West of Ramree at the time. We are just seven turns later...

I will not allow CR to divert me from the Marshall's and Luganville. Am sure he'd love for me to move the KB. The answer to that is NYET!

[John 3rd]

June 14, 1942

OK. The man is coming. The question is where: Carnavon or Exmouth? Carnavon is stable for the moment so I am banking on Exmouth.

Multiple TF approaching the area of Carnavon and Exmouth. Spot a Troop TF, STF, and CVs.

The CV TF reports 2 Carriers present. Not sure but I'll double that to be safe! Going to figure on Lexington, Saratoga, Enterprise, and Yorktown here. We know that CV-8 and a Brit (minimum) were just off Burma 8 days ago so that rules them out. If my guess is correct as to the others being here then that is a frightful amount of firepower, however, he'll have to split his CAP to protect any other TF moving in on their targets. I can make use of that by concentrating on defending the target area and making sure my strikes only go to the targeted location. We'll leave threatening the CVs for the time being. It is better to cream their Wildkittens first and then look at exploiting things IF it goes well.

One CV (without showing its Squadron Numbers) launches a strike of 13 F4F and 17 SBD that cream five EMPTY AKLs approaching Carnavon.


Exmouth Planning:
1. The Troop Convoys--for the moment--escape trouble. I diverted the TF bringing in the Inf Reg from Java to Exmouth. It began unloading this turn. The two SNLF make good their loading of troops and are a single hex from Exmouth. Order them to still unload there. The 16th Army HQ is more problematic. It is in a slower TF so I order it to RUN for Port Hedlund.

2. He will undoubtably send in a STF so I have two TF of DDs guarding the base. One group has 6 DD and the other is at 8 DD. Their job will be to hold off any trouble coming from the sea.

3. Have 45 Fighters at Carnavon and place them on 70% LRCAP over Exmouth and 30% CAP.

4. The Daitai of Nells at Carnavon will bomb the pair approaching LCUs.

5. At Corruna Downs sits 100 Nells and 56 Fighters (mix of Zero and Oscar). I set their max range to exactly 9 hexes (Range to Exmouth).

Elsewhere:
1. The CVs will al join up 10 hexes NE of Exmouth tomorrow. I shift the air groups from Training to Combat Mode and set everything to Range 7. Plan to bring the CVs down close to Port Hedlund to stay away from his CV Punch.

2. 65th Brigade passes Balikpapan heading south.

3. Move 39 Val to Koepang in a hop from Soerabaja. They should be available for action in two days.

[John 3rd]

Here is a better showing of the TF and what my Air Search says:

[John 3rd]

...and here are my CV TF working to join up with the coast just off of the picture edge. Notice all of the SS moving into the area. I had 5 to start with but was bringing down 4 more when I started planning the withdrawal from Canravon. These 9 SS are set to patrol and cause some trouble (I profoundly hope).

The STF shown SW of the CVs are the 8 DDs moving to Exmouth. NW of them is a TF containing a CD unit that WAS going to Exmouth. It is now going to Port Hedlund.

[John 3rd]

June 15, 1942

Absolutely crazy seeing this thing unfold over the last 7-10 turns. The Australia feint ends and the troops return home setting in motion my reorganization of NW Australian defenses THEN begin to ponder if Dan might try something HERE, and then find him ON HIS WAY just days later. NUTS! I have the blessing of 'leaning' in the right direction to knock this Operation apart if we can catch just a bit of luck. Just wish I had had even one more day to get more fully prepared.

OK. Here we go with the day. READY??

The Battle of Exmouth begins with I-158 putting a Torp into the sides of AK Alchiba as the Invasion Force and a STF arrive at Exmouth.

My SNLF and Inf Reg Convoys are unloading through the night as the Allies arrive.

Surface Fighting
The fight centers around the two DD STF I had placed here to slow down his landing and occupy his warships. This side of the plan works reasonably well as 8 DD (six of them old) meet up and fight a STF comprising CAs Portland and Salt Lake City, CL Helena, and 3 DD. A marathon DAYLIGHT fight occurs with a total of 21 gunnery rounds taking place. At the end of it, two Japanese DDs are sunk with two more seriously damaged. The American TF loses all of its DDs and sees the two CAs scratched and dented.

Just as the waters begin to calm somewhat the 6 DD TF appears and shoots a CRAPLOAD of TTs at the Allied cruisers to no effect. Beautiful targets but no luck. This part of the Operations sees another pair of Jap DDs go down to sharp shooting Helena. HATE THOSE US CLs! [:'(] Damned fine ships...

The upshot of all this is to strip the Invasion Force of its STF protection and delay the landing until later in the day.

Japanese Air Attacks
The Japanese launch two attacks from Corunna Downs. The first is 48 Zeros and 38 Betty--Nells against NO OPPOSITION! YUMMY! Three APs are hit along with 3 AKs. Two of the AKs sink immediately costing 38 Cas, 5 G, and 79 Vehicles. The second raid comes in with 24 Fighters and 6 Nells. These planes sink AP Koolama doing 103 Cas and 28 Vehicles.

OK work. Not too exciting but still pretty decent for no losses.

American Air Attacks
As expected there are FOUR US CVs involved. No surprise here. I've known these CVs to be down working between New Zealand and Australia. Sure enough we see planes from Lexington, Saratoga, Yorktown, and Enterprise. Damn. I guessed that one. These four together SCARE THE HELL OUT OF ME!

The great news is that four strikes fly hitting nothing of great value. Some of them tangle with my LRCAP and pay a bit for it. STRIKES:

1. 2 Zero vs 7 F4F 17 SBD from CV-6 (Ent) hitting a DD with a single bomb. They lose 2 F4F and an SBD.
2. 20 Zero vs 37 F4F 18 SBD from CV-2 (Lex) hit 1 DD with 3 bombs sinking it. The good guys lose 3 Zeros in exchange for 6 F4F and 4 SBD.
3. 35 F4F 54 SBD 27 TBD (Sara and York) fly into Exmouth and sink an AK and SC and do crippling damage to 4 AK and 2 AP, however, they keep unloading! Lose 649 casualties here.
4. 8 F4F and 12 TBD from Yorktown miss an AKL.

Very good news is that the American planes totally ignore the slow moving TF carrying 16th Army HQ and an Engineering unit. It will be out of Harm's Way tomorrow.

Weather
Weather prevents ANYTHING from flying in the afternoon and that really sucks from the Nell--Betty perspective but it does also serve to allow my ships at Exmouth to keep unloading so I'll take that.


The Allies land. I am shocked to see it is only the 6th Aust Cav Brigade! There must be more so I won't celebrate yet.

Carnavon
As expected dan focuses everything of his LBA on Carnavon. The base puts up about two dozen fighters to fight 18 Vindicators, 25 B-25, 5 B-26, and 15 B-17. The CAP does fairly well keeping many raids from doing a bunch of damage. There are no fighter escorts for these planes and the Vindicators, in particular, are chewed up. Going by the report is looks like 6-8 Vindicators, 3-5 B-25, a pair of B-26 and a B-17 are shot down. For this the field takes fairly decent damage with Runway at 39% and Service at 33%. STILL OPERATIONAL!

Corunna has to come as a surprise to Dan.

Exmouth Bay
I have roughly 300 AV ashore right now. There are still 4,200 SNLF troops on board 3 AK and 3 AP. They are ordered to keep unloading through the night. Should add about 100-150 more AV. Think we are OK for the moment. If he has more coming--which I expect--then nothing is certain for holding here.


PLANNING:
1. Four of my DDs are still in good shape. Send them back in to disrupt the unloading during the night. Detach a CL and 5 DD from the CVs to make a full speed run hitting shipping at Exmouth and retiring towards Pt Hedlund.

2. The seas shall SWARM with Japanese SS next turn with all nine moving in for attacks.

3. Shuttle a Daitai of Zeros from the CVEs to Corunna to add escort to the Nells and Bettys. Move one of the four Daitai of Nells from Corunna to Carnavon to see if that surprises Mr. Roper. This gives Carnavon a second Daitai of Bombers. Set ranges at Corunna to 8 and from Carnavon to 4.

4. The Carriers move SE towards Broome. Things look fairly decent so I will hold them back for the moment and play a bit of a conservative game here. This matches my play period in this campaign. Am trying to not simply ATTACK and then lose everything for no reason. My little CVs might inflict some serious damage on those 4 CVs but I'll lose them in the process. Not worth the exchange at this point. Pending on tomorrow's developments will I make a decision. I can always funnel in the planes to add to dan;s woes if needed.

5. A single Allied unit enters the Canravon hex. I order the ground forces there to attack it and drive it out.

6. Reload TTs at Carnavon and Corunna.

Totals for the day:
Japan: 6 DD (Five of them older), an SC, and 5 AK.
Allies: 3 DD, 2-3 AP, and 2-3 AK.


Strategic Thinking:
1. Dan is now firmly committed with ALL of CVs in southern waters and/or the IO. GREAT! The KB--most of it--will stay highly visible pounding the Marshalls while I detach a Division to move North and support my Aleutian Operations. Not sure whom. Anyone got some bright ideas? A CVL will tag along for Fighter help.

2. The Marshalls will be fully retaken. His commitment here provides me at least a month of time to finish off the troops landed and vulnerably waiting for hep that will not be coming.

3. Unrelated but relevant is the focus shifting to Burma. The war has been already lost there. Don't worry defeat is not a problem for the Japanese HQ. Taking Ramree is quite serious, however, I can take it from the land side. With this in mind, I now have a total of four ID heading for Rangoon. Their sole purpose shall be the reduction of Ramree. The remaining pair of Inf Div and TKs will hold Northern and Central Burma while we drive on Ramree. Doubt if it will work but the attempt has to be made.


Big Post with BIG ideas and developments. Comments Please????

Here is a screenshot of the Landing Force:

[John 3rd]

Here is how things look at the end of Day ONE:

[Chickenboy]

ORIGINAL: John 3rd
3. Unrelated but relevant is the focus shifting to Burma. The war has been already lost there. Don't worry defeat is not a problem for the Japanese HQ. Taking Ramree is quite serious, however, I can take it from the land side. With this in mind, I now have a total of four ID heading for Rangoon. Their sole purpose shall be the reduction of Ramree. The remaining pair of Inf Div and TKs will hold Northern and Central Burma while we drive on Ramree. Doubt if it will work but the attempt has to be made.

Why fight for central Burma on the (indefensible) central plains? Same with the North. I'd rather hear about your defensive preparations on / near the Thai-Burma frontier. You may still be able to hold them back here for some time. Holding them under air threat in Central Burma? It's a non-starter IMO.

Speaking of air threat, where are his HBs? Haven't heard you discuss massive B-24 or B-17 sorties recently that I recall. Is he keeping the majority of these in reserve? Where do you believe that these are being employed / staged?

[John 3rd]

He has about three dozen in Australia. Other then those I haven't heard a peep. This is a thankful thing.

Ohhhhhh...Chickenman I am digging everywhere. Pegu, Moulmein, Chang Mai, etc... all have some sort of engineer unit/units working. Port Blair, Victoria Point, and all of Western Sumatra is doing the same thing.

[John 3rd]

Interesting turn just played out. I have to go to work so I'll just Post a couple of quick notes:

1. The AKs and APs left at Exmouth are all sunk, however they do their job and drop off 3,000 of the 4,200 men carried. AV just went up over 400 and I think we are pretty secure. Forts crossover to 2 in a turn or two. Supplies are low but I think we're OK for the time being with that.

2. SS account for 2 AK and an AP this turn as well as a miss on CA Astoria.

3. Nells do GREAT! CA Astoria is sunk and BB New Mexico joins her sister--Mississippi--15,000 Ft down when 9 Nells plant 4 TT into her and a magazine explodes. EXCELLENT!

4. Carnavon is in real trouble with just the two units confronting it. Detail 50 Tina to begin flying in the 2nd Raiding Regiment to bolster its strength.

Just like yesterday there are no strikes flown in the afternoon.

Got to get to work!

[pws1225]

I just tuned back in after a couple of days away. Damn, things are heating up nicely in Oz. Go get'em John!