Islands of Destiny: RA 5.0 Japanese Side

[John 3rd]

Horn Island
July 3, 1942

Don't think that I mentioned on July 1st (the day Dutch Harbor fell) that the south saw a surrender as well.

Horn Island is an important priority in making sure one can move ships back-and-forth between the DEI and SE Pacific. The Gilberts Landings made me think about abandoning the Horn Island Operation but Japan remained focused on its objectives. An SNLF Assault Brigades lands under the protective fire of BBs Fuso and Yamashiro, find three small units, and CRUSH them! The Landing scores a 20-1 result and three units surrender yielding just over 1,000 more POWs. While these were token troops, the landing could have been a lot rougher.

The BBs pull out to get back to Tulagi while the escorts form into FTF landing troops at Mornington Isle, Groote Eylandt, and Portland Roads. All these bases will fall on the 4th. Don't intend to garrison them but don't want Dan slipping anything into any of these bases and making bases of them. A contingent of about 800 men are about to land at Normanton to lightly hold that base. Have already lifted off about 30,000 resources from there without being seen and want to grab as much as I can before it is closed down by Allied Air.

All the troops landing at the first three bases will be lifted back to Horn where the SNLF shall remain to hold this important base. Will move a pair of Engineer units there and a small Base Force.

[John 3rd]

Reluctant Admiral is built on Naval Minister Yamamoto having a greater impact on all facets of the Imperial Fleet. One area reflecting this is the combining of three 'standard' SNLF units from Scen 1 and combing them to form Brigades. These Brigades have some striking power (190+ AV) but can easily be broken down into three Battalion units to spread out if needed.

Let us be clear. There are no additional SNLF troops in RA. The Assault Brigades are simply three of the old combined upwards into something stronger. We've found that SNLF Leaders are thin in RA so a few were added to strengthen a few for better leadership. Thanks to Michael finding this, we added about 6-8 new leaders with 'decent' abilities to lead. There are certainly no Vandergrift's present though...

Here is what they look like:

[John 3rd]

Here is the current air production screen of what I am building--researching along with their numbers. Thought it might be interesting a produce some commentary:

[John 3rd]

This is the current Allied Ship Loss Screen from July 3rd. Fog of War is on (of course) but it does provide an indication of the Southern Paddler's losses currently:

[John 3rd]

Probably no turns today due to CR going to Chattanooga for the day.

Need to touch on RA and CVs in mid-42. The KB all gets upgrades in mid-42 and I need to begin those. This is a big upgrade that takes each CarDiv out of action for about 8 weeks or so of time. The CVs all get early radar and conversion of their AA armament to the 100MM guns. This REALLY bumps their AA Firepower so it is a great and highly needed Upgrade. Current Operations shall conclude I will pull CarDiv1 and CarDiv2 back home to begin work on this ASAP. It also means there will be little possibility of the Carrier engagement until the Fall. We'll stay active but be VERY careful. Looks like we'll be relying almost exclusively on LBA in about two weeks...



With Australia winding down and Dan moving his CVs to a new location, I need to wrap-up the current slew of events planned:

1. Akutan is underway and we'll strongly examine the Cold Bay Option. Not a priority to go after Cold Bay so it will probably be a no-go.

2. Luganville will roll within a week or so...

3. We're probably about 2-3 weeks from taking Tarawa and Makin back.

Once these Operations are concluded then we are FINISHED in the Pacific. Have already begun shifting troops and engineers around working on the normal locations for defense and base expansion. The New Guinea--Solomons Area looks to be quite tough at this early stage of things. The Marshalls and Gilberts need to be slightly beefed up but are in fair shape. Have already got a few units in the Marianas. Marcus and Wake are currently as full as allowed.

[crsutton]

Your position on the map looks good-especially in OZ, but you have not sunk enough of the Allied fleet.

[John 3rd]

Don't I know it CR! The only really good hunting I did was that first massed raid around Aussieland.

It is my hope to smack him some with the Gulf of Alaska and IO Raids about to commence. As said earlier I am now fairly hamstrung with CV Upgrades...



EDIT: When did the the Postings begin automatically correcting or starring out borderline words? Used it instead of 'smack him.' I just wrote the word that rhymes with MICK but with a PR and it starred the word after I posted. Never seen that before...

[John 3rd]

If anyone has any suggestions for causing chaos and getting some serious sinkings I would be ALL EARS! With knowing where at least six of his CVs are, I felt semi-safe launching the two raids I detailed above.

[John 3rd]

July 4, 1942
Gulf of Alaska

The Japanese CVs move into a striking position in the central Gulf of Alaska and find easy pickings to begin with. A strike of 15 Zero and 21 Val blasts an AK and lots of shipping is spotted at various Ports. The afternoon Port Strike of 20 Zero and 45 Kate run into a WALL of Allied Fighters. A total of 68 Fighters (Army and Navy) blast their way through the desperate fighters trying to protect their charges. While the Zeros do fairly well (down 12-14 of the enemy), they can do nothing for the vulnerable Kates.

EVERYONE of them is shot down for nothing. Just kind of how this war has been proceeding at nearly every turn. Crap...

Only real explanation is that he saw my CVs last turn and put EVERYTHING at Kodiak.

I dread opening the Orders side of the turn but then am relieved to find some very strange numbers. Both Hiryu and Soryu have exactly ZERO Kates left but they didn't lose very many crews. A quick check shows that Hiryu still has 21 Crews with an average of 67 Experience while Soryu has 19 with an average of 62. Can anyone explain that one?

This Admiral will gladly embrace his pilots living but am flummoxed at the simple fact that they are there to be counted at all...

[Cpt Sherwood]

I suspect a lot of damaged Kates were write offs after landing. Airframe gone, pilot in ready room.

[Capt. Harlock]

Both Hiryu and Soryu have exactly ZERO Kates left but they didn't lose very many crews.

I don't suppose the game is sophisticated enough to estimate the warmer water in July, allowing ditched pilots to survive? [:D]

[John 3rd]

July 9, 1942
Indian Ocean

As normal the week gets crazier as it progresses for me at work. I can Post frequently on the AAR on Sat--Sun--Mon but Tues--Fri are usually a no-go. Wanted to do a small one here as the Mini-KB makes its presence known in good fashion in the IO. Shipping was spotted on the 8th headed for Ramree and THIS time we're positioned to do something about it.

Ramree is swept by 27 Zero who smash through 12 P-40 without much issue. The CV Strike then bores in with 37 Zero, 63 Val, and 12 Kate. The pickings are quite good as an AM, 2 AP, and 6 AKs are smashed during the attack.

This attack should stir things up.

Tomorrow sees the release of the forces gathered in Burma and the IO over the last week or so. Mini-KB moves SE to the ocean hex South of Rangoon and Junyo--Hiyo's Zeros are set to Sweep Ramree. Three Daitai of Betty--Nells are set to Naval Attack with 3 Daitai of Zeros acting as escorts. The real punch comes squarely at Ramree where over 200 Sally, Lily, and Helen (covered by 100+ Oscars) will--HOPEFULLY--blast the AF there.

A STF of 2 CL and 8 DDs are set for a full speed sweep of the coastal hexes from Ramree up to Akayb.

A Bombardment TF of 2 CA, 1 CL, and 4 DD will hit Ramree and brave the mines there.

ACTION TOMORROW!

[John 3rd]

It should be added that on July 8th, CARDIV1 and CARDIV5 depart Jaliut for the Home Islands for upgrades. They take several cruisers and DDs scheduled for upgrade as well.

To keep up some pretense of them still being in the Marshalls, I leave the Zeros and Kates from CARDIV1 to fly against Tarawa.

Going to be pretty vulnerable in the Central Pacific for the foreseeable future.

[John 3rd]

The Japanese land as planned at Akutan on the 7th. The Landing goes without a hitch. The Allied units don't even bombard the Japanese as they settle into their beach-head. All three days see bombardments by BBs and CAs as well as air strikes. We'll bombard tomorrow and see just what even got to be worried about. My personal bet is that he has withdrawn by SS (CHEESY!) many of the troops there. We shall know what is there next turn...

CarDiv2 refuels and replace Kate airframes at Attu and moves back into the area tomorrow before heading south to join-up with the CVLs left at Jaliut.

[pws1225]

ORIGINAL: John 3rd

As normal the week gets crazier as it progresses for me at work. I can Post frequently on the AAR on Sat--Sun--Mon but Tues--Fri are usually a no-go.

No worries, we all know work sucks. That's why we all enjoy the weekends to kick back some, enjoy an adult beverage or two, and catch up on your AAR.

[John 3rd]

July 10, 1942

The aerial offensive goes pretty well on Day ONE. A BUNCH of Allied Fighters are shot down (appears to be over 40) for only 10 Japanese Losses. Most enjoyably, the Betty's somewhat fly (only 25 of 81 due to bad weather) and they plaster USS Houston with 3 TT. Scratch one CA. The Devonshire, Pensacola and CL Enterprise all take damage.

[John 3rd]

Looks like my prediction is fairly accurate. There are four units at Akutan and they appear to be at about 50% strength. Biggest and best is the 8th Marines.

Order a Deliberate Attack tomorrow...

[janh]

Good job at Ramree island! There is plenty of shipping between Calcutta and Ramree, perhaps some good opportunities to do damage. His British CVs and Hornet are probably around, so maybe even big prizes? The British bombers at this point are not a big concern for Zero covered carriers, nor are the British fighters except perhaps the Hurricanes. I would probably try something here. Too bad your carriers are split up between so many theaters at this point.

You probably also noted the little movement marker of the heavy stack in Akyab? Pointing East... Dan is probably sending reinforcements or orchestrating something bigger?

[John 3rd]

ORIGINAL: janh

Good job at Ramree island! There is plenty of shipping between Calcutta and Ramree, perhaps some good opportunities to do damage. His British CVs and Hornet are probably around, so maybe even big prizes? The British bombers at this point are not a big concern for Zero covered carriers, nor are the British fighters except perhaps the Hurricanes. I would probably try something here. Too bad your carriers are split up between so many theaters at this point.

You probably also noted the little movement marker of the heavy stack in Akyab? Pointing East... Dan is probably sending reinforcements or orchestrating something bigger?

Great thinking, however, an S-Boat just ruined the plans by planting a fish into Junyo's side on 7-11. No crisis since her damage isn't too bad (SYS 7 FLOT 32) but it does throw a pickle into things.

That stack is moving east but Dan has quite possibly forfetted his window of opportunity. I am moving an Inf Div into each jungle hex where those Aussie ID are. Given just a couple of days they will be in the jungle bonus realm. NICE! Two full strength ID are now unloading at Rangoon. They move to Prome and then advance along the coastal road towards Ramree. He'll have to react to this...

[John 3rd]

July 11, 1942
Aleutians

The 7th ID and an SNLF Assault Brigade launch their attack against the 8th Marines and three other units. The weakened units immediately surrender to a 5-1 assault. Wouldn't you SURRENDER if you were left all alone by a Commander who DOESN'T CARE??!! The Japanese lose only 297 men while the Allies surrender over 5,750 POWs. Damn. Another 6,000 men into the Camps! BANZAI! Still fairly respectable...

Do I continue on to Cold Bay or say good enough? I have a Brigade 100% prepped for Cold Bay...

CARDIV2 and 3 BBs are still up here. If I attack, they stay. If I do not they head for Singapore. Any comments/ideas?