No fleet, no problem...

[Nemo121]

Just one, there was FOW and, to be honest, I don't really bother with unit IDs when I play. A fast BB is a fast BB is a fast BB. Whether it was N Dakota or S Carolina which sank doesn't matter to me. 1 sank, 1 survived. I can check which it is if you'd like but to be honest I just never bothered with which was which.

As to attrition... There's very little yet. Once the RN gets involved we'll start seeing really serious losses for both sides. That's why Damian has been hesitant to commit there vs the Aleutians. He knows if he commits the IJN in Burma then it'll rapidly be whittled down.

[Canoerebel]

My money's on Nemo. As he noted (and as most readers probably realize), he took a poor situation and already has his opponent reacting to him. As the British doctor character in Bridge on the River Kwai would say, "Madness! Madness!"

[aoffen]

I agree with Canoerebel. Given the tactical situation and the imbalance of forces Nemo inherited just a short time ago he is doing remarkably well. Even with somewhat heavier losses over the last few dyas I think the advantage is shifting. My game is in late 44 and I am only starting to realise how immaterial early losses of this scale are. The success or otherwise of the Burma move will be important in getting the Japanese on the hop. If it succeeds I can imagine Damian feeling under the pump.
Regards
Andrew

[Nemo121]

If anyone wants it I'd be happy to send a turn file on complete with password. It is much more of a mess than I prefer logistically but it is beginning to form up nicely. Just post to the thread or PM me if you'd like the file.

Also someone asked me whether my post previously about potentially starting a game in 2 to 3 months time starting in '45 using an updated version of the Armaggedon mod meant that I was open to accepting "challenges" or "applications" for an opponent. Yes, sure. Just PM me or email me if you're interested.

[obvert]

We must remember where this began.

Losses for this op:
1 BB, 1 CA, 1 CL, 1 CLAA and about 12 to 15 DD

Losses as Nemo took over the wheel:

original: Nemo121

Allies have lost 4 CVs and a CVL, 5 BBs, 10 CAs, 18 CLs and 2 CLAAs, 62 DDs, all but one DM and one DMS and, perhaps most worringly of all, all but 14 TKs and 7 AOs on the US side of the Pacific. There are loads more on the UK side but there basically isn't enough fuel capacity to support major fleet operations in the Pacific... Fortunately there isn't much of a fleet to supply so there's probably enough to support.

In total in the Pacific there are 2 CVs, 2 CVEs, 9 BBs, 5 CAs, 3 CLs, 2 CLAAs and 43 DDs ( including damaged ones and ones about to be sunk by KB ). Several of those CAs, CLs and DDs are seriously damaged and within a few hexes of KB so should sink next turn. So, about 50 combat-ready warship in the Pacific.

It's too early to tell if this is working strategically. Strategy includes looking at the ability to use assets for future operations. Losing any fast BB is critical for either side, and more so considering the losses already incurred by the Allies.

It seems Attu could be taken with the amount of troops he's brought if bombardments and air strikes can weaken the defenders. It's also not clear whether there are follow up operations coming for the Kuriles.

In short, it is way too early to say whether this is a strategic win or a loss. In the short term ship losses will reduce the ability to sustain these forward bases. In the long term losses to the IJN will hurt. If the forward Allied bases are taken, I'd call this a minor strategic loss for the Allies. If they are held, I'd call it a big win. We'll have to wait and see.

[Fetrik]

I'd just like to say that despite not having the game or even ever wanting to get it, i enjoy this AAR. Especially the mind games parts.

[Capt. Harlock]

I think my losses in the Aleutians are not at all lopsided - 1 BB, 1 CA, 1 CL, 1 CLAA and about 12 to 15 DDs in return for 1 IJN CA, 1 IJN CL and about 8 to 10 IJN DDs.

I had thought both North Carolina and South Dakota were gone. If one of them survived and can be returned to action at some later point, that does indeed change the strategic calculation. (Still, the loss of Atlanta smarts as well.)

[aoffen]

Seems your PM bank is full!!! I would love to take a look at the turn file. Its always a good learning opportunity. Will email you.
Rgds
Andrew

[CowboyRonin]

Frankly, I think many players miss the amount of metal and blood that the US historically sacrificed around Guadalcanal, a location far less strategic than your foothold in the Kuriles (certainly much farther away from Japan). Much of your overall operational concept here (including "if it can sail, it can fight" approach to ships) is quite similar to what the US did to maintain that position. Many of your techniques are far more similar to Nimitz's "calculated risk" doctrine than some other Allied players are comfortable with; I find the change refreshing. I am quite interested in seeing what you're doing with your Airmobile OMG. I appreciate the need for OpSec about upcoming operations, but I would like to see some true AAR of their makeup and operations.

[Nemo121]

Once a bit of time has gone by and it is firmed up I'll post the details.

22nd September 1942.

I thought I might detail the sub attacks since their effectiveness has been asked about. Basically I'm creating a barrier defence with them and then moving the barrier as the Japanese move. The idea was to trade initial effectiveness for greater effectiveness picking off cripples and outliers during any disordered retreat.


Sub attack near Attu Island at 151,52

Japanese Ships
xAK Sumiyoshi Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
xAK Nitiai Maru
xAK Mansei Maru
SC Ch 8

Allied Ships
SS Amberjack

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

SS Amberjack launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Sumiyoshi Maru

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Attu Island at 152,47

Japanese Ships
xAP Manzyu Maru
E Manazuru
AV Kunikawa Maru
xAP Dairen Maru
xAK Jinshu Maru
xAK Hokkai Maru
xAK Calcutta Maru
DD Asanagi
PB Daibu Maru

Allied Ships
SS S-44

SS S-44 launches 4 torpedoes at xAP Manzyu Maru

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Attu Island at 153,46

Japanese Ships
DD Nowaki
CS Chitose
DD Samidare
DD Akatsuki
DD Umikaze
DD Kawakaze

Allied Ships
SS Grayback

SS Grayback launches 4 torpedoes at DD Nowaki

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Attu Island at 151,53

Japanese Ships
xAK Kuraido Maru, heavy fires

Allied Ships
SS Gar

xAK Kuraido Maru is sighted by SS Gar
SS Gar launches 2 torpedoes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Rabaul at 106,127

Japanese Ships
xAKL Yamashimo Maru
PB Kosin Maru #3

Allied Ships
SS Tuna

SS Tuna launches 2 torpedoes at xAKL Yamashimo Maru

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Attu Island at 152,46

Japanese Ships
xAP Tango Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
xAP Kasado Maru
xAP Haruna Maru
DD Yayoi

Allied Ships
SS Seawolf

SS Seawolf launches 4 torpedoes at xAP Tango Maru

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Medny Island at 150,47

Japanese Ships
DMS W-2, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DMS W-6

Allied Ships
SS S-43

SS S-43 launches 4 torpedoes at DMS W-2

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Darwin at 75,123

Japanese Ships
xAK Matsukawa Maru

Allied Ships
SS Seadragon

xAK Matsukawa Maru is sighted by SS Seadragon
SS Seadragon launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Matsukawa Maru

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Medny Island at 151,46

Japanese Ships
DD Uzuki
BB Fuso
BB Mutsu
BB Nagato
DD Minazuki
DD Amatsukaze
DD Yunagi
DD Harukaze

Allied Ships
SS Porpoise

SS Porpoise launches 4 torpedoes at DD Uzuki


We then had the usual air raids over China, Oz and over Ramree in which they bombed my uncapped troops while I shot down 2 or 3 to 1 in Burma.


The first air raid vs the trapped troops at Attu went in today with nice results.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on Ichiki Det. , at 153,49 (Attu Island)

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-17D Fortress x 3
B-17E Fortress x 23
B-24D Liberator x 6

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
260 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 24 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 14 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Vehicles lost 8 (1 destroyed, 7 disabled)

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

Ground combat at Attu Island (153,49)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 13393 troops, 251 guns, 54 vehicles, Assault Value = 583

Defending force 14020 troops, 135 guns, 70 vehicles, Assault Value = 435

Japanese ground losses:
119 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 13 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Assaulting units:
58th (Sep) Infantry Regiment
2nd USMC Parachute Battalion
147th(Sep) Infantry Regiment
161st Infantry Regiment
23rd Marine Regiment
182nd Infantry Rgt /1
810th EAB /3
175th USAAF Base Force /1
B Det USN Port Svc
101st USN Base Force
70th Cst AA Rgt /2
428th Coast AA Bn /1

Defending units:
303rd Ind.Infantry Battalion
302nd Ind.Infantry Battalion
62nd Infantry Group
4th Raiding Regiment
102nd Infantry Regiment
22nd Recon Regiment
Ichiki Det.
Maizuru 3rd SNLF
61st Infantry Group
48th Recon Regiment
144th Infantry Rgt /2


I'm recalling most of my subs as I don't want to waste time chasing shipping now. Instead they are going to be used for transporting supplies to the Kuriles as per previous plans. I'm loading 15,000 men to hold Shemya (sic) Island beside Attu and turn it into a Level 6 airfield to support resupply of the Kuriles and suppression of the nearest Japanese airbase there ( so I can get free reign to move my shipping in to the islands I hold ).

Elsewhere the unloading at Ramree has finished and I'm moving back to Chittagong to bring the last wave forward. This wave includes the OMG, all the other infantry Bdes etc required to allow divisions to reform and an additional 200+ Aviation support so that Ramree can turn into a major base.

[Nemo121]

23rd September 1942.

Harrassing forces continue to take a toll. The IJN definitely appears to be retreating.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Medny Island at 150,47

Japanese Ships
xAP Tango Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS S-43

xAP Tango Maru is sighted by SS S-43
SS S-43 launches 4 torpedoes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Agattu Island at 155,50

Japanese Ships
SS I-26

Allied Ships
DD Frazier
CA Minneapolis
DD Monaghan
DD Kane
DD Hatfield
DD Humphreys

SS I-26 launches 2 torpedoes at DD Frazier

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 62nd Infantry Group , at 153,49 (Attu Island)

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-17D Fortress x 3
B-17E Fortress x 47
B-24D Liberator x 13

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
270 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 24 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 21 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 62nd Infantry Group , at 153,49 (Attu Island)

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 2
B-24D Liberator x 8

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
62 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Dobo at 83,116

Japanese Ships
APD Fuji, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
APD Aoi

Allied Ships
SS Skipjack

SS Skipjack launches 4 torpedoes at APD Fuji

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

Ground combat at 87,45 (near Chengchow)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 3735 troops, 0 guns, 547 vehicles, Assault Value = 303

Defending force 11331 troops, 69 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 375

Japanese adjusted assault: 221

Allied adjusted defense: 103

Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1

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

Allied ground losses:
4491 casualties reported
Squads: 97 destroyed, 75 disabled
Non Combat: 132 destroyed, 68 disabled
Engineers: 3 destroyed, 8 disabled
Guns lost 27 (5 destroyed, 22 disabled)
Units retreated 2

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
12th Tank Regiment
17th Tank Regiment
3rd Tank Regiment
5th Tank Regiment
23rd Tank Regiment

Defending units:
7th Chinese Corps
84th Chinese Corps
21st Group Army

Interesting, an armoured thrust in the central region. Well, I won't counter it. Let's see if I can cause him to advance farther than is judicious. I have over 3,000 AV within 92 miles should I decide this requires crushing so I'm unconcerned.

[Nemo121]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub vs Sub: SS I-25 attacking SS Seawolf at 155,49 - near Buldir Island

Japanese Ships
SS I-25

Allied Ships
SS Seawolf, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Seawolf survived and should make port. Rather amazing.

SS I-25 launches 2 torpedoes at 2,000 yards

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Amchitka Island at 158,52

Japanese Ships
SS RO-63, hits 5, heavy damage

Allied Ships
DD Kennison

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 102nd Infantry Regiment, at 153,49 (Attu Island)

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-17D Fortress x 3
B-17E Fortress x 48
B-24D Liberator x 13

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
327 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 17 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 16 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled

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

Ground combat at Attu Island (153,49)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 14533 troops, 257 guns, 54 vehicles, Assault Value = 624

Defending force 13624 troops, 133 guns, 70 vehicles, Assault Value = 417

Japanese ground losses:
170 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 13 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

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

Assaulting units:
23rd Marine Regiment
147th(Sep) Infantry Regiment
161st Infantry Regiment
58th (Sep) Infantry Regiment
2nd USMC Parachute Battalion
182nd Infantry Rgt /1
101st USN Base Force
B Det USN Port Svc
175th USAAF Base Force /1
70th Cst AA Rgt /2
810th EAB /3
428th Coast AA Bn /1

Defending units:
48th Recon Regiment
302nd Ind.Infantry Battalion
Ichiki Det.
22nd Recon Regiment
62nd Infantry Group
303rd Ind.Infantry Battalion
61st Infantry Group
102nd Infantry Regiment
4th Raiding Regiment
Maizuru 3rd SNLF
144th Infantry Rgt /2

Japanese AV is falling rather rapidly. I amn't launching ground assaults as I don't want to wipe the Japanese invaders out too quickly. I want to lure a rescue force in before I do that.

At Chittagong I have 160+ xAKs and xAPs ready to move to Ramree and its environs but I am waiting for the last 40 to 50 transports to finish loading troops. Eventually when I make my move a little over 200 transports will unload at Ramree ( or move to Chittagong to pick up the last components of the OMG). Ramree will be vastly overloaded but if necessary I can use these xAKs and xAPs to land larger forces along the coast than previously envisioned in order to take the strain off Ramree.

Tomorrow I'm also making an attack on Schwebo with 2 Infantry Bdes. I doubt they'll take it but they are one of the signs of increasing pressure all around Burma.

I'm also attacking south of Darwin with just under 1,000 AV in order to hurry the Japanese retreat along and to try to turn it into a rout.

A lone DD is also conducting a spoiling operation of the enemy amphibious TFs conducting counter-invasions of the territory I've occupied in Operation Sneaky. It is the only DD I have on that entire side of Oz and this is as good a place as any to use it.

In China Damian has FT TF'ed another 25000 men into Swatow. Overall he has committed about 50,000 men to the two bases I wished to take. Overall that looks like another 2 divisions removed from his strategic reserves. I'm already reacting by shifting to the Shanghai axis.

With 3 division equivalents destroyed or trapped at Attu, 2.5 division-equivalents pinned in Southern China and another 0.5 division equivalents tasked with counter-landings north of Oz ( and those bases he now has to garrison soaking up most of the troops who are fleeing northern Oz ) I think I've greatly reduced the IJA strategic reserve.

My sense is that the time is definitely right to hit him with a hammer blow and that hammer blow - the OMG is almost ready.

In other news I'm almost ready to begin shifting US armour Bns to India to create an even stronger OMG. They should allow me to double the size of the OMG over the next 3 months which would allow it to be a truly effective combat force for taking Singers and/or opening up the ground route to China --- which can be achieved by landing the OMG at Victoria Point and driving across the isthmus there before turning either north or south.

[Nemo121]

Someone asked me at the beginning of this AAR ( or in a different thread ) what my assessment of AE and the changes since I last played were. Basically I didn't touch it while I took a break from the forums so didn't play for 13 months.

Ground combat:
Much improved. Raw AV now matters far less than firepower. 100 AV of tanks vs 100 AV of infantry is no longer a near-run thing but is, instead, suitably crushing.

This has the effect of making ground combat less all-or-nothing and more favourable to an attritional ground combat strategy. It also opens up massive opportunities for the Japanese in China which I haven't seen being taken in most AARs.


Stacking Levels:
A huge and almost uniformly positive impact on gameplay. Also highlights the vast difference between a Motor Rifle Division and a Tank Division even though the MR Division may have the same number of tanks. Stacking limits rewards those nations which concentrated high levels of firepower in small formations ( Marines, Tank regiments, units with high levels of automatic weaponry/artillery).

Stacking limits also remove the "Stack 'O Death" whereby a player would get 6,000 AV into a single hex and simply obliterate whatever faced them.

Overall though stacking levels reward manoeuvre more than they reward attritionist approaches. With the removal of the Stack O' Death approach - which is as far as anyone had to develop in terms of ground combat skill - there's a competitive advantage in being able to optimize forces within hexes and across fronts with a view to creating openings in the enemy line through manoeuvre.

Pinning actions are also significantly more functional with stacking levels.


Naval Combat:
I haven't noticed it being significantly changed.


Aerial Combat:
Major changes. Good co-ordination within and across bases is still possible. Aerial combat is a much less all or nothing feature now and feels more like the aerial combat results one reads about in dry histories.

You get leakers, unexpected breakthroughs, unexpectedly fierce defences and the grind of low-level losses over day rather than the cataclysm of sudden loss.

[GreyJoy]

ORIGINAL: Nemo121

Someone asked me at the beginning of this AAR ( or in a different thread ) what my assessment of AE and the changes since I last played were. Basically I didn't touch it while I took a break from the forums so didn't play for 13 months.

Ground combat:
Much improved. Raw AV now matters far less than firepower. 100 AV of tanks vs 100 AV of infantry is no longer a near-run thing but is, instead, suitably crushing.

This has the effect of making ground combat less all-or-nothing and more favourable to an attritional ground combat strategy. It also opens up massive opportunities for the Japanese in China which I haven't seen being taken in most AARs.


Stacking Levels:
A huge and almost uniformly positive impact on gameplay. Also highlights the vast difference between a Motor Rifle Division and a Tank Division even though the MR Division may have the same number of tanks.


Will add more later.

Well, the stacking limits change the whole ground combat imho. Yes, attritional battles are now not only possible, but advisable. You won't win anymore a land battle in a couple of days simply placing 1000000 of men in a single hex and steamroll everything. You now need to create your attacking armies, trying to optimize the firepower given a total maximum of possible troops. It's very very interesting imho.
In China I've experienced how stacking limits can help the better army. 50,000 Chinese won't hold for many weeks against 50,000 Japanese.
Same happens between the allies (post 1942) and the IJA divisions. I'm experiencing how an army of 30,000 IJA (1 Army HQ, 1 experienced 1943-squads IJA Division, 1 Heavy artillery unit, some AAs and some battalion size minor infantry units) cannot hold, even if well entrenched and in jungle terrain, against an invasion corp consisting of an HQ, 2 Marine Divs and 2 tank regiments.

[Nemo121]

We're racing through turns as Damian has some time off. Therefore I'll post highlights only for the next 3 or 4 days.

September 25th to 28th 1942

1. I sent a DD TF out to try to intercept the retreating IJN amphibious TF. Unfortunately it got spotted by elements of KB straggling behind the IJN main body ( possibly the IJN CV I put a bomb into?) and 4 of them were sunk over the next 3 days.

2. Allied bombers continue pounding Attu and inflicting 300 to 500 casualties per day. On the 27th I spot two IJN TFs 8 hexes from Attu. My spotters tell me they include BBs, CAs and many DDs and so I think they are FT TFs. I respond by moving my last SC TF in the region up to Amchitka where it can sprint into position on the 29th if the IJN hang around. This SC TF comprises 2 old BBs and 1 fast BB as well as about a dozen DDs. I don't expect it to win any naval battle but I do expect it to be able to inflict damage. My damaged ships are very close to major ports ( Adak Island is almost a Level 6 port now ) while the IJN ships will have a long way to travel to get home.

In response to the IJN FT TFs lurking off Attu I decide that I need to kill off the invaders ASAP and, on the 27th, launch my first deliberate attack. These will continue until the invaders are wiped out - I really don't want to let 500 AV escape, get reinforced in Hokkaido and then have them used to take the Kuriles away from me.

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

Ground combat at Attu Island (153,49)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 19375 troops, 271 guns, 181 vehicles, Assault Value = 672

Defending force 12979 troops, 130 guns, 70 vehicles, Assault Value = 357

Allied adjusted assault: 186

Japanese adjusted defense: 69

Allied assault odds: 2 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
2045 casualties reported
Squads: 43 destroyed, 113 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 10 disabled
Guns lost 7 (2 destroyed, 5 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
890 casualties reported
Squads: 7 destroyed, 183 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 15 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 22 disabled
Guns lost 28 (2 destroyed, 26 disabled)

Assaulting units:
147th(Sep) Infantry Regiment
161st Infantry Regiment
58th (Sep) Infantry Regiment
23rd Marine Regiment
182nd Infantry Regiment
2nd USMC Parachute Battalion
101st USN Base Force
175th USAAF Base Force /1
810th EAB /3
70th Cst AA Rgt /2
B Det USN Port Svc
428th Coast AA Bn /1

Defending units:
61st Infantry Group
303rd Ind.Infantry Battalion
Maizuru 3rd SNLF
48th Recon Regiment
62nd Infantry Group
4th Raiding Regiment
Ichiki Det.
102nd Infantry Regiment
22nd Recon Regiment
302nd Ind.Infantry Battalion
144th Infantry Rgt /2

Allied losses are high but it is definitely worth continuing the attacks and grinding the Japanese down. My troops will recover disablements quickly given the base size and large amount of supply and support available.


3. In Oz I continue to press the enemy rearguard and got a bit lucky at Fenton, just south of Darwin where 763 AV of Japanese troops got trapped in Strategic Op Mode by one of my armoured units cutting the rail line to Darwin. The next turn, before they could revert back to move or combat mode my troops entered the hex they were in and the day after I attacked. A lot of my units were out of supply but given the manoeuvres I'd made to prevent IJA movement I got fortunate in catching them while they were changing op modes and mauled them rather badly.

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

Ground combat at Fenton (76,126)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 29458 troops, 493 guns, 354 vehicles, Assault Value = 1044

Defending force 19607 troops, 208 guns, 69 vehicles, Assault Value = 763

Allied adjusted assault: 436

Japanese adjusted defense: 152

Allied assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 0)

Allied forces CAPTURE Fenton !!!

Combat modifiers
Defender: op mode(-), preparation(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
4717 casualties reported
Squads: 154 destroyed, 91 disabled
Non Combat: 162 destroyed, 61 disabled
Engineers: 59 destroyed, 4 disabled
Guns lost 87 (73 destroyed, 14 disabled)
Vehicles lost 30 (27 destroyed, 3 disabled)
Units retreated 5

Allied ground losses:
1480 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 149 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 28 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 17 disabled
Guns lost 37 (1 destroyed, 36 disabled)

Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
2nd Australian Brigade
17th MG Battalion
Gull Battalion
1st Australian Brigade
Sparrow Battalion
32nd Infantry Division
3rd Australian Brigade
15th Australian Brigade
8th Australian Brigade
22nd Australian Brigade
1st Medium Regiment
223rd Field Artillery Battalion
108th Tank Attack Regiment
641st Towed Tank Destroyer Battalion
2nd Medium Regiment

Defending units:
146th Infantry Regiment
16th Recon Regiment
52nd Division
Miura Det
41st Infantry Regiment
48th Field AA Battalion
30th Fld AA Gun Co

So, so far on the Darwin axis thats 3 IJA division-equivalents mauled. Not bad.


4. In Burma I've moved my loaded shipping and SC TFs to Akyab and over the next two days the final amphibious TFs from Chittagong will arrive. At that point in time I'll move to Ramree, unload everything, reload units for the littoral campaign and then blitz the littoral campaign in just a couple of days. The more I see the slow rate of movement through jungles from Ramree the more I think I may just gamble everything and instead of dropping a division per hex on the way to the plains might, instead, just drop 1- 2 divisions worth of infantry WITH the OMG.

Northern Burma has completely fallen now with Shwebo being captured on the 28th September. I think Damian might be abandoning Burma - which is probably the right move at this stage. In response I'm beginning to recon even deeper in the search for good targets for the Chindit Bde.

[Nemo121]

28th September 1942.

Well, it looks like it wasn't an FT TF but, rather, a very, very well escorted troop convoy. My BBs made contact during a nice, clear day with 20,0000 yards of visibility. The IJN escorts included 1 BB and 2 CA but, unfortunately, despite crossing the T my TF with 3 BBs failed to press its advantage and only sank 3 xAPs and a DMS. On the other hand damage to Allied ships was very light and they are all ready to fight again tomorrow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Attu Island at 153,49, Range 16,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Nagato, Shell hits 7
CA Tone
CA Kinugasa
CL Abukuma
CL Tama
DD Hamakaze
DD Arashio
DD Yayoi
DD Mochizuki
DMS W-1, Shell hits 5, and is sunk
xAK Katuragi Maru, Shell hits 1
LSD Akitsu Maru
xAP Aikoku Maru, Shell hits 2
xAP Hokoku Maru, Shell hits 6, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
xAP Haruna Maru
xAP Mizuho Maru
xAP Koan Maru
xAP Kobe Maru, Shell hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAP Kasado Maru
xAP Kowa Maru, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
xAP Palau Maru
xAP Teifu Maru

Allied Ships
BB West Virginia, Shell hits 3
BB Oklahoma, Shell hits 2
BB Washington, Shell hits 7
CL Detroit
DD Aaron Ward
DD Bancroft
DD Gridley
DD Dunlap, Shell hits 1
DD Fanning
DD Smith, Shell hits 1
DD Hatfield, Shell hits 2, on fire


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Attu Island at 153,49

I think Damian must have left a single CV with attack orders for its strike group. This must be a strike launched in error. My pilots happily shot down every Val and Kate which didn't turn back. Tomorrow I'll see massive strikes coming in and undoubtedly take damage to the ships but I need the ships here overnight in order to protect the airfield because I've gathered 100+ SBDs and 50 Avengers ( complete with torpedo ordnance stockpiles ) at Amchitka which will allow me to launch raids at any transports at Attu from a range of 6 hexes. I have close-in escorts but I'm also hoping that the CAP at Attu ( 150 fighters ) will be in the air also to provide additional protection. I have no expectation of sinking large numbers of combat ships but I would hope that the dive-bombers could work over the transports and the torpedo bombers might get lucky.

Obviously all 3 USN BBs at Attu are likely to be damaged tomorrow but over the next month I get 2 BBs and 3 CAs back from the repair yards.

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 55 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 20 minutes

Japanese aircraft
B5N2 Kate x 17
D3A1 Val x 8

Allied aircraft
P-38F Lightning x 8
P-40E Warhawk x 7
F4F-3A Wildcat x 5
F4F-3 Wildcat x 1
F4F-4 Wildcat x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 8 destroyed
D3A1 Val: 4 destroyed

No Allied losses



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

Ground combat at 86,47 (near Sinyang)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 3727 troops, 0 guns, 547 vehicles, Assault Value = 295

Defending force 13656 troops, 70 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 445

Japanese adjusted assault: 220

Allied adjusted defense: 175

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
Vehicles lost 33 (2 destroyed, 31 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
1976 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 202 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 40 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 8 disabled
Guns lost 26 (1 destroyed, 25 disabled)

Assaulting units:
5th Tank Regiment
12th Tank Regiment
3rd Tank Regiment
17th Tank Regiment
23rd Tank Regiment

Defending units:
12th Chinese Corps
29th Chinese Corps
31st Group Army

Hmm, he's gotten cocky with those Tank Regiments. I'm responding by moving 1,000 AV in behind him with a view to crushing the tanks. They are faster so should be able to dodge out of the way but it should, at least, stop him destroying this blocking force.

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

Ground combat at Attu Island (153,49)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 18267 troops, 271 guns, 181 vehicles, Assault Value = 521

Defending force 11130 troops, 128 guns, 68 vehicles, Assault Value = 192

Allied adjusted assault: 150

Japanese adjusted defense: 25

Allied assault odds: 6 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
1219 casualties reported
Squads: 57 destroyed, 31 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 14 (8 destroyed, 6 disabled)
Vehicles lost 4 (4 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
440 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 60 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Vehicles lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)

The Japanese forces are taking a real beating. In 2 or 3 days, if I can keep the IJN amphibious TFs away for that long, some of these units will start being eliminated. As it is they are being mauled and rendered ineffective for any sudden riposte vs the Kuriles.

Assaulting units:
58th (Sep) Infantry Regiment
147th(Sep) Infantry Regiment
161st Infantry Regiment
182nd Infantry Regiment
23rd Marine Regiment
2nd USMC Parachute Battalion
101st USN Base Force
175th USAAF Base Force /1
810th EAB /3
B Det USN Port Svc
70th Cst AA Rgt /2
428th Coast AA Bn /1

Defending units:
102nd Infantry Regiment
22nd Recon Regiment
48th Recon Regiment
302nd Ind.Infantry Battalion
Maizuru 3rd SNLF
61st Infantry Group
4th Raiding Regiment
62nd Infantry Group
Ichiki Det.
144th Infantry Rgt /2
303rd Ind.Infantry Battalion

In other news: I'm making the major leap to Ramree tomorrow. I have over 220 transports involved in this action and the movement of the OMG so this really is a massive undertaking. Cover is being provided by 5 BB, several CA and about 20 DDs. The IJN has BB and CA TFs in the area so if they try to intervene it will be bloody. I might pick off some cripples though as I have about 15 torpedo bombers and 18 dive-bombers at Akyab ( this is all of either type that is available in India - the RAF in India was just crushed through attrition before I took over. I've been keeping them out of the fray, training, rebuilding etc and finally have a few squadrons which I can put in the front lines to help achieve my objectives.

[Nemo121]

29th September 1942. Unfortunately a computer crash cost me the pictures from this turn which is a pity as there were some nice shots of the IJN BB Kongo taking a pasting.

Rather weirdly it appears that the IJN TFs near Attu were part of a resupply operation, not an evacuation operation. I miscalculated and therefore began wiping out the Japanese before i had to. I'm committed now though so I'll keep up the attacks until they're wiped out.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Attu Island at 153,49, Range 2,000 Yards

Night, limited visibility. This aids the Allies more than the Japanese.

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo, Shell hits 36, heavy fires, heavy damage
BB Hiei
BB Kirishima
CA Nachi, Shell hits 4
CA Mogami
CA Furutaka, Shell hits 7
CA Kako, Shell hits 10, on fire
DD Kagero
DD Kuroshio
DD Hayashio
DD Shiranui
DD Shigure
DD Kisaragi, Shell hits 2

Allied Ships
BB West Virginia
BB Oklahoma
BB Washington
CL Detroit, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Aaron Ward, Shell hits 1
DD Bancroft
DD Gridley, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Dunlap
DD Fanning

At least a dozen of the hits on Kongo were 14" and 16" shots which penetrated its armour belt and penetrated deep in its bowels. I'm certain the Kongo will sink after this punishment.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Attu Island at 153,49, Range 2,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Mutsu
BB Fuso
CA Takao
CA Maya
CA Haguro
CA Aoba
DD Maikaze
DD Amatsukaze
DD Uzuki
DD Harukaze

Allied Ships
PT-34, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
PT-66
PT-76, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT-82, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
PT-83, Shell hits 1, and is sunk

The 2nd IJN SC TF is still fully intact though and it should be remembered that between the 2 TFs the IJN still has 4 BBs + another two BBs with KB if I'm right. So, they really have committed a massive weight of metal to this reinforcement effort. It has also got to be burning a LOT of fuel.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Attu Island at 153,49, Range 2,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Mutsu
BB Fuso
CA Takao
CA Maya
CA Haguro
CA Aoba
DD Maikaze
DD Amatsukaze
DD Uzuki
DD Harukaze

Allied Ships
PT-44, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT-45, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT-78, Shell hits 5, and is sunk
PT-84, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT-128, Shell hits 1, and is sunk

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Attu Island at 153,49, Range 10,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Nagato
CA Tone
DD Hamakaze
DD Mochizuki
xAK Katuragi Maru
LSD Akitsu Maru
xAP Aikoku Maru
xAP Haruna Maru
xAP Mizuho Maru
xAP Koan Maru
xAP Kasado Maru
xAP Palau Maru
xAP Teifu Maru

Allied Ships
PT-66

Scratch that, 4 BBs in SC TFs, 1 BB escorting the landing ships and 2 BBs with KB. OUCH !!!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Attu Island at 153,49

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 58 damaged
F4F-4 Wildcat: 10 destroyed on ground
P-40E Warhawk: 8 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 5 destroyed on ground
OS2U-3 Kingfisher: 6 damaged
OS2U-3 Kingfisher: 3 destroyed on ground
P-38F Lightning: 43 damaged
P-38F Lightning: 8 destroyed on ground
F4F-3A Wildcat: 8 damaged
F4F-3A Wildcat: 3 destroyed on ground
PBY-5A Catalina: 16 damaged
PBY-5A Catalina: 3 destroyed on ground

Japanese Ships
BB Fuso
BB Mutsu
CA Aoba
CA Haguro
CA Maya
CA Takao

Allied ground losses:
165 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 3 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Guns lost 7 (1 destroyed, 6 disabled)
Vehicles lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Airbase hits 12
Airbase supply hits 5
Runway hits 24
Port hits 1

Damn, where's my SC TF???? These guys just slipped right past the blockade as though it wasn't there. DAMN !! This is going to leave my shipping unCAPped tomorrow which is going to cost me.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Agattu Island at 155,50, Range 4,000 Yards

I had assembled an SC TF from odds and ends repairing at Adak. These ships were lightly to moderately damaged but were sent in because, clearly, tonight is a pivotal night. I put a massively aggressive and capable commander in charge and sent them to Attu at flank speed. They arrived too late to stop the bombardment but did come across an IJN TF screening the eastward approaches to Attu, 46 miles out to sea.

Japanese Ships
CA Kinugasa, Shell hits 6, on fire
CL Abukuma, Shell hits 3
CL Tama, Shell hits 7, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Arashio, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Yayoi, Shell hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Minazuki, Shell hits 7, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Yunagi, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
CA Minneapolis, Shell hits 7, Torpedo hits 1, heavy fires
CLAA Juneau, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Frazier
DD Helm
DD McCall
DD Stack, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Sterett
DD Ward
DD Crane
DD Lawrence
DD Kane, Shell hits 4
DD Rathburne, Shell hits 2, on fire

Minneapolis is in bad shape but I roughed up the IJN TF quite severely. Also, several of the hits on the IJN CA were seen to penetrate its armour belt and explode within the ship. She won't sink but I do believe she'll have to make for port immediately.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Attu Island at 153,49, Range 7,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Mutsu, Shell hits 2
BB Fuso
CA Takao
CA Maya
CA Haguro
CA Aoba
DD Maikaze, Shell hits 2
DD Amatsukaze
DD Uzuki
DD Harukaze, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships
DD Frazier, Shell hits 8, and is sunk
DD Helm, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD McCall
DD Sterett
DD Ward
DD Crane, Shell hits 2, heavy fires
DD Lawrence
DD Kane, Shell hits 2, heavy fires

These DDs were orphans from the Cruiser TF I sent in last night. Minneapolis and the CL headed home after battle damage leaving these DDs to encounter the IJN battleline alone. *sigh*

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Attu Island at 153,49, Range 5,000 Yards

The USN BBs finally intercept the amphibs....

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
SOC-1 Seagull: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
BB Nagato, Shell hits 5, on fire
CA Tone, Shell hits 9, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Hamakaze, Shell hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Mochizuki, Shell hits 4, on fire
xAK Katuragi Maru, Shell hits 2, on fire
LSD Akitsu Maru, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
xAP Aikoku Maru
xAP Haruna Maru, Shell hits 5, and is sunk
xAP Mizuho Maru, Shell hits 12, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAP Koan Maru, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
xAP Kasado Maru, Shell hits 7, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
xAP Palau Maru, Shell hits 7, and is sunk
xAP Teifu Maru, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

Allied Ships
BB West Virginia, Shell hits 4
BB Oklahoma, Shell hits 1
BB Washington, Shell hits 2
CL Detroit, Shell hits 7, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Aaron Ward, Shell hits 1
DD Bancroft
DD Gridley
DD Dunlap
DD Fanning

Not a bad day at all. Nagato was only hit by small calibre fire but the rest of the IJN TF is badly roughed up with the CA taking several penetrating hits and the xAPs proving no match to 14 and 16" shells. The key to this battle was, again, very poor visibility which let the Allies close to within 6,000 yards and open fire on surprised Japanese ships.

In expectation of combat I had, once again, sent my DBs and TBs into action, risking massive losses if KB was close enough to lure them into attacking it. This time, however, my forces got lucky and in return for about 20 planes lost here's the strikes...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Attu Island at 153,49

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 29

Allied aircraft
P-40B Warhawk x 18
F2A-3 Buffalo x 10
SBC-4 Helldiver x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-40B Warhawk: 1 destroyed
F2A-3 Buffalo: 1 destroyed
SBC-4 Helldiver: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAP Mizuho Maru, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Katuragi Maru, heavy fires, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x SBC-4 Helldiver releasing from 2000' *
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 lb SAP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Agattu Island at 154,50

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4

Allied aircraft
F2A-3 Buffalo x 6
SBC-4 Helldiver x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
F2A-3 Buffalo: 1 destroyed
SBC-4 Helldiver: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Kinugasa, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x SBC-4 Helldiver releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Attu Island at 152,51

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 11 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
E13A1 Jake x 4

Allied aircraft
F2A-3 Buffalo x 17
TBF-1 Avenger x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F2A-3 Buffalo: 1 destroyed
F2A-3 Buffalo: 1 destroyed by flak
TBF-1 Avenger: 3 destroyed, 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Fuso
BB Mutsu

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo

I got a torpedo hit on Fuso but it was a dud. [:(]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Agattu Island at 154,50

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 3 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 1 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 13

Allied aircraft
P-40B Warhawk x 18
F2A-3 Buffalo x 3
SBD-3 Dauntless x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-40B Warhawk: 3 destroyed
F2A-3 Buffalo: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CL Abukuma, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires

These 2 x 1,000lb bomb hits caused Abukuma to sink.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Attu Island at 152,51

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 12 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3

Allied aircraft
SBD-2 Dauntless x 15

No Japanese losses

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

Japanese Ships
BB Fuso
CA Aoba
BB Mutsu

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

The Japanese retaliated and with the airfield at Attu closed my BBs were exposed.... Fortunately IJNAF pilot quality appears to be collapsing due to the heavy losses over the last month.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Attu Island at 153,49

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 106 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 39 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 6
B5N2 Kate x 5
D3A1 Val x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 2 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
BB Oklahoma, Bomb hits 2
BB Washington, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
5 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Agattu Island at 155,50

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 30 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
D3A1 Val x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A1 Val: 6 damaged

Allied Ships
CLAA Juneau, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires
CA Minneapolis, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Rathburne, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage

These were all crippled from the night before so this was to be expected.

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
7 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CA Minneapolis
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Rathburne

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Attu Island at 153,49

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 21

Allied aircraft
SBD-3 Dauntless x 12

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 8 destroyed

Japanese Ships
xAK Katuragi Maru, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAP Mizuho Maru, heavy fires, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
2 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Attu Island at 153,49

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 13

Allied aircraft
TBF-1 Avenger x 9

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
TBF-1 Avenger: 3 destroyed, 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAP Mizuho Maru, and is sunk

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Agattu Island at 155,50

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 22 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
B5N2 Kate x 9

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
SOC-1 Seagull: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
CLAA Juneau, heavy fires
DD Stack, on fire
CA Minneapolis, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
DD Rathburne, and is sunk

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Attu Island at 153,49

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 118 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 44 minutes

Japanese aircraft
B5N2 Kate x 4
D3A1 Val x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 3 damaged
D3A1 Val: 5 damaged
D3A1 Val: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
BB West Virginia, Bomb hits 1
BB Washington, Torpedo hits 2

Damage to these ships is only in the 20s. Enough to cause them to be sent home for repairs but not nearly enough to sink them.

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
4 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
4 x D3A1 Val releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Agattu Island at 155,50

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 23 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
B5N2 Kate x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
CLAA Juneau, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
DD Stack, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

Massive explosion on DD Stack



Meanwhile in Burma
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Ramree Island at 54,48

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 77 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 28 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 13
A6M2-N Rufe x 1
B5N2 Kate x 18
D3A1 Val x 9

Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane Ib x 6
Martlet II x 10
Hurricane IIc Trop x 6
Kittyhawk IA x 6
P-38F Lightning x 10
P-40E Warhawk x 9
P-40K Warhawk x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 4 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 12 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 3 destroyed by flak
D3A1 Val: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
KV Cyclamen, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
CL Dauntless
DD Stuart
xAK Birminghan City, Bomb hits 1, on fire
BB Valiant
BB Colorado
xAK Jalaratna, Bomb hits 1, on fire
BB Mississippi

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x D3A1 Val releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
8 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
7 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

I'm quite happy with the outcome though. In return for 1 ship sunk and 2 damaged I've landed 45,000 men and 50,000 tons of supplies in 12 hours at Ramree. I counted and I had 409,000 tons of capacity committed to this landing - which gives you a sense of the scale of it and, thanks to the massive amount of naval support I'd steadily flown in over the past fortnight etc 350,000 tons of this was unloaded in just 12 hours ( I have to bring an additional 50,000 tons of supplies back with me cause I don't want to hang around and let the IJN hit me).

In addition, at Akyab, the OMG is now fully loaded and ready to launch.


According to my recon Rangoon holds just 3 units including 30 vehicles, 20 Guns and NO infantry. I'm wondering if he really could have left Rangoon garrisoned by just some FlAK and a small Base Force. I know it is crazy but I'm half-considering dropping the Chindits directly into Rangoon. I might try a bomber raid there just to see what's there.

After all, if he did somehow leave it so poorly held and it could be taken it'd be a LOT easier to unload the OMG into Rangoon harbour than over some beach in the wilds of Burma.

I can't bring myself to believe the recon is accurate though.

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

Ground combat at 86,47 (near Sinyang)

His tanks continue to party but countermoves are afoot.

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 3639 troops, 0 guns, 547 vehicles, Assault Value = 280

Defending force 12136 troops, 69 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 280

Japanese adjusted assault: 177

Allied adjusted defense: 73

Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender: disruption(-), fatigue(-), experience(-)
Attacker:

Allied ground losses:
1302 casualties reported
Squads: 44 destroyed, 74 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 21 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Guns lost 19 (5 destroyed, 14 disabled)

Assaulting units:
12th Tank Regiment
17th Tank Regiment
3rd Tank Regiment
5th Tank Regiment
23rd Tank Regiment

Defending units:
12th Chinese Corps
29th Chinese Corps
31st Group Army


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

Ground combat at Attu Island (153,49)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 17994 troops, 271 guns, 180 vehicles, Assault Value = 486

Defending force 10063 troops, 112 guns, 62 vehicles, Assault Value = 136

Allied adjusted assault: 148

Japanese adjusted defense: 11

Allied assault odds: 13 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
985 casualties reported
Squads: 66 destroyed, 33 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Guns lost 23 (19 destroyed, 4 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
327 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 38 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

Assaulting units:
147th(Sep) Infantry Regiment
161st Infantry Regiment
182nd Infantry Regiment
58th (Sep) Infantry Regiment
23rd Marine Regiment
2nd USMC Parachute Battalion
II US Fighter Cmnd
B Det USN Port Svc
810th EAB /3
70th Cst AA Rgt /2
175th USAAF Base Force /1
101st USN Base Force
428th Coast AA Bn /1

Defending units:
102nd Infantry Regiment
Ichiki Det.
62nd Infantry Group
Maizuru 3rd SNLF
61st Infantry Group
4th Raiding Regiment
144th Infantry Rgt /2
22nd Recon Regiment
48th Recon Regiment
302nd Ind.Infantry Battalion
303rd Ind.Infantry Battalion

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

48th Recon Regiment Wiped Out at Attu Island by attrition!!!

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

22nd Recon Regiment Wiped Out at Attu Island by attrition!!!

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

303rd Ind.Infantry Battalion Wiped Out at Attu Island by attrition!!!


Japanese Unit(s) surrounded at Attu Island

The IJA forces in Attu are rapidly running out of time. He must commit to pulling them off over the next 48 hours or he'll lose them entirely.

[DW]

In addition, at Akyab, the OMG is now fully loaded and ready to launch.

My mind has a tendency to see "OMG" as "Oh, my God" instead of "Operational Maneuver Group".

The funny thing is, if your plan in Burma goes the way it's looking like it's going to, the phrase is still works. [:D]

[BBfanboy]

The IJA forces in Attu are rapidly running out of time. He must commit to pulling them off over the next 48 hours or he'll lose them entirely.

I suspect that Amphib TF you ravaged was there to withdraw the Attu units. If it was just for resupply, why risk an LSD and APs? Since there were no troops on it, I rule out reinforcement efforts.
I doubt he has any reserves left to withdraw the remnants from Attu unless he can land Mavis/Emily transports while you still hold the hex?

[Cribtop]

He's in trouble in Burma, IMHO. I would defunitely "recon bomb" Rangoon first. Unlikely he'd have time to react after just one day of ground bombing.