Islands of Destiny: RA 5.0 Japanese Side

[pws1225]

Argh! A cliff hanger!!

[John 3rd]

Combat Report
Dec 11-13, 1942

I wonder if Dan is starting to get a feel for a change in the wind's direction? I am beginning to feel it. Don't think I am being too hopeful here but things are starting to look up for Japan. On multiple fronts there are POSITIVE things happening.

Around the Horn:

North--Central Pacific
Calm and pleasant

South Pacific
Going a LONG WAY BACK, I want to revisit a discussion we had on the AAR. When I was certain he was coming up from eastern Aussieland, I decided to pull most of my troops out of Noumea--Efate--Luganville. Enough were to be left to hold-up a landing and allow for the Japanese counter-punch. To this end, the 56th ID was broken into Combat Commands and spread at Noumea--La Foa--Koumac. Everyone kept right on digging and the AF at Koumac was expanded to Lvl-3. The Imperial Guards Brigade was placed at Efate and a strong CD unit was added to some minor troops at Luganville. The tripwire, largely obviated by events in the west, remained in place---waiting...

Dan's Invasion Force begins landing at Noumea on the 11th. To my knowledge he did no recon prior to landing. Will wager he thought it would be EASY. The units he is using are: 22nd Marine Rgt, 14th NZ Brigade, and 24th (Sep) Inf Rgt. The force is covered by BBs Tennessee, Nevada, and Idaho. There are 3-4 CVEs present provide limited CAP and strike potential.

Rather then immediately fritter away planes, I move 2 Daitai and a Sentai of Fighters to Koumac (72 Zero and 36 Tojo). As mentioned earlier my Reaction Force in this are comprises 2 CLs and 9 DDs as well as about 8-10 I-Boats. That STF was inadvertantly run into by one of Dan's FAVORITE items...let me see...CHICKENBOY???...an AK moving up between Luganville/Efate and Lunga. That TF is certainly spotted on the 11th and it moves into place protecting Koumac that same day. I leave it there to protect the Base as well as lure a strike from those CVEs. It WORKS! On the 13th the CVEs move a little towards Koumac and launch a strike of 28 SBD with NO ESCORT. They are slaughtered by 36 Zeros flying CAP. Eleven get through and none of them score a single hit.

In case he looks at Luganville I pull CL Jintsu and 4 Dds to that base. Sure enough they run into US DDs Dunlap and Mahan. In a spirited fight, Mahan is hit 8 times and Dunlap 10. One Japanese DD takes moderate damage (SYS-31) and is ordered to Tulagi.

At least five single ship Allied AK TF have spread out between Lunga and Noumea. Getting truly irritating. Would it break OPSEC if I asked whether this tactic of Dans has been discussed in his AAR? I about to say something and he will not be happy in my raising it...

The Tojos will Sweep Noumea next turn to hurt his F4Fs and we move in a group of Betty (set Range 4) to hit shipping unloading at Noumea. Don't have TTs yet but that shall be fixed pretty quickly. A Daitai of Vals hop to Tagula--Lunga--Ndeni and will arrive at Koumac tomorrow. The 11th Air Fleet HQ was at Lunga. I load it in a couple of 14 Kt AK to get to Koumac QUICKLY. Two more Daitai of Betty move to Lunga and prepare for action.

He launches his first attack on the 13th and the Allied Force scores only a 1-3 result. Order 56th ID--B to move into the hex to stiffen the defenders.

This COULD be fun!

Moves:
The CVEs will move out tomorrow carrying 45 Zero, 61 Val, and 24 Kates. The TF will have BB Fuso, 3 CA, and 12 DD.

My three CVLs that are nearly ready at Tokyo (tomorrow will see Chitose and Chiyoda enter the Fleet) have 5 DDs ready for them. I just MIGHT move them to the new Theatre of Operations. Am seriously considering this but also have to keep my eye on the prize in Sumatra.

Sumatra
Things are looking better and better.

Have decided from this point on to list Tand??? as TJB. TJB's Assault strength keeps raising as 4th ID regains lost strength. We move past the 750 mark on the 13th. AF goes to 3 on the 11th. Supply has climbed over 20,000 and Forts keep heading up.

Sibolga now has 10 Engineering units working and the AF is growing by nearly 20-25% EACH DAY! Lvl-1 tomorrow. The 10th ID moves away from this base on the 13th and moves to the middle of Sumatra. 2nd ID moves away and goes in pursuit of the 10 units driven out of the base a few days ago.

Nias and Sinabang are now getting hit by several Sentai of bombers every day and my 6 CAs are now split into two TF of 3 CA and 4 DD to bombardment the two targets about every other night. Am waiting for my Inf units to get to at least 30-35% prep before landing them. Don't think this is a major risk since his units present are getting beat-up and haven't been supplied since landing.

BB Yamato and her escorts come back to TJB after a few days off in Singapore.

My 4 BC will arrive at Singapore tonight. They will get a day or two of R&R and then be sent on a bombardment run to Medan. Right now I have 4 BC and 6 DD. To this I shall add 5 DMS to try and deal with the mines he has planted at Medan. Weather has been nasty over northern Sumatra so I am hitting medan about every other day with about 75-80 bombers. No aircraft present yet.

KB is headed to Soerabaja for aircraft as well as R&R. Plan to run about 125-150,000 supply up to Rangoon and Pt Blair. Am trying to figure out the best way. Do we take the LONG way around western Sumatra covered by the CVs or do we RACE of the coast of eastern Malaya with a strong Surface Escort? This is a puzzlement and any opinions might be welcomed!

Port Blair
This AF is still pulverized by the CVs attacks from 5-6 turns ago. A TF of 5 DDs protects the harbor as a Convoy bringing in 6 AA units arrives on the 13th. His 4EB are coming everyday and they don't do a lot, however, they do manage to keep the numbers from dropping very quickly. Gonna need a serious CAP shot in the arm here--plus the AA units--to stop this stuff!

Burma
Damn. It isn't often I get the drop on my opponent by I do it TWICE on the 13th.

The 2nd TK Div arrived at 59,44 (Northern Burma Plain above the Irrawaddy) on the 12th and the 12th ID arrived on the 13th. Both units are pretty much full strength. There were 4 Allied units present. I KNEW Dan would have to try to bomb my troops if he was to stop or slow my immediate attack. The Tojos are called upon and lie in wait for two days before the assault occurs. A total of 96 Blenheim--A-29--B-25 arrive over the hex with NO ESCORT! They are met by 59 Fighters. The bombers are CRUSHED! Dan loses an insane amount of Blenheims and other bombers. LOVELY!

BANZAI BABY!!!

The 2nd TK Assault occurs and scores a 3-1 result. Four units are thrown back into the jungle inflicting 1,813 Cas, 39 Guns, and 47 Vehicles. Two Brigades, an HQ, and another unit take it on the chin. NICE! Order the two victorious Divisions back to Magwe for some R&R.

My bombers roam over the Allied units down in the pocket near Prome beating them up as well.

China
Really WANT to expand the success of my capture of Kweilin but doesn't look like this will happen. Attacks at 76,53 (east of Kweilin) don't do well as well as attacks to 73,53. Will pull the troops back and order some R&R.

Continue bombing Chungking. AF is now at 100%.

INSIGHT
1. Dan is pissing away expendable troops over in New Caledonia. If he thinks there is little chance of success I wager he will begin lifting troops back up tomorrow. This would be good because it forces him to stick around for a couple of days and my aircraft can have at his ships. I'll try to drive him out and force him to re-evaluate his thinking as to my weaknesses along the perimeter.

2. NO ALLIED FIGHTERS except over bases right now. He must be putting everything up over Sumatra and his west coast (Burma) bases. I've held off on SWEEPS for a while as I wanted to rest my Sentai and get some Tojos built. Time to change that I think. Will take the FIGHT to the ALLIES in Burma first and then (once Sibolga has reached AF-2) will move it over to Sumatra.

[John 3rd]

It is not often in late-1942 one can Post 8-1 victories as Japan:

[John 3rd]

Here is a current screenshot of the New Caledonia Area:

[zuluhour]

At least five single ship Allied AK TF have spread out between Lunga and Noumea. Getting truly irritating. Would it break OPSEC if I asked whether this tactic of Dans has been discussed in his AAR? I about to say something and he will not be happy in my raising it...

It has been discussed.

[Chickenboy]

ORIGINAL: John 3rd
I've held off on SWEEPS for a while as I wanted to rest my Sentai and get some Tojos built. Time to change that I think.

I'd engage immediately John. You've Oscar Ic's or IIa's doncha? Flying high sweep in numbers, they will do in a pinch. Once you attrit his frontline fighters, they're even more of a match for the poor airframes he's likely got in numbers in the pools.

In my opinion, you haven't been as aggressive with sweeping as you should have on Sabang. As a result, he's likely got sizeable numbers there now. With the Tojo IIa at your disposal, you should be sweeping 4-5 times daily to wear him down. Then your naval bombardments, LBA airfield bombings and the lot will be able to work on the airfield. Your ships will be safer too.

Focus, dude. He's given you a very meaningful and increasingly vulnerable target. Stop looking elsewhere for a place to bleed him. Kill him here. Here, damnit!

ETA: Very nice job on the CAP trap in Burma. Kill! Kill! Kill!

[Quixote]

ORIGINAL: zuluhour

At least five single ship Allied AK TF have spread out between Lunga and Noumea. Getting truly irritating. Would it break OPSEC if I asked whether this tactic of Dans has been discussed in his AAR? I about to say something and he will not be happy in my raising it...

It has been discussed.

Zulu - You put that very succinctly. Given the amount of discussion, I'm impressed.

[crsutton]

The blemheim is just a pitful plane to put into combat without escort. I would not do it. The air frames are one thing but for the Allies bomber pilots are just as critical in 1942. The Allies just can't fight everywhere. Those blemheims would have served better training up pilots. I think in 42 the Allies need to concede air superiority in some theaters. It hurts to watch but in the long run he would be better off.

Crap I hated the Tojo in late 42. I had nothing that could really handle it and that gap does not close until the hellcat comes on line in the spring of 43. The smattering of lightnings and corsairs on hand just are not enough to staunch the flow. Once the F6F comes on line the Allies can start to think a little more offensively.

In real life the Tojo was not a great aircraft, but in the game it is king for almost a year. Enjoy yourself while you can.[;)]

[ny59giants]

Ind Eng Rgt - Next turn look for and find where they ALL are at. These are Japan's best construction engineers and you should have them at your most important bases. Are they??

Tojo sweeps - I agree with my fellow posters here. Massive sweeps of Sabang by them and then a possibility of having KB visit the base after he has been knocked down to some extent.

[obvert]

ORIGINAL: crsutton

The blemheim is just a pitful plane to put into combat without escort. I would not do it. The air frames are one thing but for the Allies bomber pilots are just as critical in 1942. The Allies just can't fight everywhere. Those blemheims would have served better training up pilots. I think in 42 the Allies need to concede air superiority in some theaters. It hurts to watch but in the long run he would be better off.

Crap I hated the Tojo in late 42. I had nothing that could really handle it and that gap does not close until the hellcat comes on line in the spring of 43. The smattering of lightnings and corsairs on hand just are not enough to staunch the flow. Once the F6F comes on line the Allies can start to think a little more offensively.

In real life the Tojo was not a great aircraft, but in the game it is king for almost a year. Enjoy yourself while you can.[;)]

Interesting you've read/heard this. I've always read the opposite, that it was one of the best the Japanese fielded but due to politics, manufacturing concerns, and pilots initial lack of interest in the faster, less maneuverable aircraft, it didn't see much action early but eventually actually fared well in combat. I have read a few comments from US pilots saying the same, including the one below.

[font="Trebuchet MS"]Here some interesting comments by Mustang pilot 'Ax' Hiltgen of the 530th Fighter Squadron (from Roger Freeman's "Combat Profile: Mustang"):

"Altitude was important to get over the bad weather in combat and when we encountered 'Tonys' and 'Tojos' - particularly the latter."

"Fortunately for us, as the Japanese planes got better - with the 'Tojo' the best - their fighter pilot quality plummeted."

"As mentioned earlier, the only Japanese plane that came close to the characteristics of the P-51 was the 'Tojo'. With the 'Oscar' and 'Zero', if you stayed out of tight, slow manoeuvres and used the advantages of the Mustang you would win."

(He might not have encountered the Nakajima Ki-84 before he was rotated out of the theatre. However, from aviation enthusiasts familiar with the Japanese perspective, I've heard that the Ki-84 gave a lot of trouble initially and did not develop full engine power, so that many pilots still preferred the mature Ki-44 which gave comparable performance.)[/font]

Sorry for the hijack John!

[John 3rd]

Was just talking to Michael about hitting Sabang and I don't think you guys see the whole range issue presently. The closest bases I have to hit that base are TJB and Georgetown. Georgetown is quickly repairing as I've moved four more engineering/construction units to the base. Once the base is operational, I shall hit Sabang with both bases. Range will be long but it is do-able.

[John 3rd]

Two more good turns in the book. Am definitely feeling some serious momentum. Will Post in a bit...

[MrBlizzard]

a little trick to increase suspence[:D]

[moore4807]

I know I'm a newbie and take this as coming from one...

I wouldn't get mad, get even instead! [;)]

PB's are your answer. Pack 4 of them into a SCTF and run them as YOUR pickets ahead of your TF's or just sweep where you think they will be. In my limited experience they drive off or sink the single ship and if they are ambushed its not any significant points lost.

As long as there are ships they can draw fuel from - the PB's then have unlimited range...

It may send the message to him that your done with his picket system if he keeps losing them to your PB's...

[John 3rd]

Not a bad thought...

Return the favor so to speak!

Update coming.

[John 3rd]

Combat Report
December 14-15, 1942

Things continue to look up. Am cautious but think things are definitely continuing in the right direction.

North--Central Pacific
Calm.

South Pacific
Noumea
This looks like a delightful situation right now. Two solid turns in here. The 14th sees three Allied TF continue to slowly unload. Though very low on supplies the garrisons look solid. The 13th sees the first Japanese 'nibble' at enemy shipping as 15 Z and 9 Betty attack. There are no hits but notice is served for the following day. His CVEs launch another small strike with no CAP and down go ALL eleven SBDs to my 34 Fighter CAP. The 14th ROCKS as my Vals finally arrive at Koumac. The morning strike has 39 Zero and 20 Vals fighting 51 F4F. My fighters pilots are eating their wheaties because they CRUSH the Wildkittens! Over 50% of the CAP is shot down in exchange for 6 Zeros and two pilots. NICE! The Kitties don't penetrate the Escort and so all 20 Vals dive and wreak some serious havoc: CVE Prince William 3 Bombs, CVE Altamaha 2 Bombs, BB Nevada 2 B, and BB Tennessee 3 B. Only one Val is shot down. Afternoon strike musters 27 Zero and 13 Val vs. 9 F4F. Most of the Wildcats are shot down for a single Zero and then the Vals dive: Prince William takes another pair of bombs and appears to be in sinking condition. BB Nevada is hit twice more. Boy: I WISH I had Judys with that bigger bomb right now...

A weak Allied attack gets 1-10 with 166 Japanese Cas for 546 Allied. The second Brigade of the 56th arrives in two days.

Very nice pair of turns.

He must pull out. It is that simple.

His CVE's air groups are now officially mauled. Unleash two full Daitai of Betty at Ndeni for attacks. Perhaps we can finish the two CVEs. I convoy with 10,000 supply will begin unloading the day after tomorrow at Koumac. Just behind them is the 11th Air Fleet. TORPS BABY!

In far away Soerabaja a CVE TF of my own lifts anchor and sets course for the Coral Sea...

Sumatra
Sinabang and Nias
These bases are being hit every day by bombers and are getting bombarded every other days presently. We are seriously opening the hurt locker on them.

Sibolga
AF-1 on Dec 14th. It expands a full 23% the next day.

Medan
Decide to put Dan on his toes and send in a pair of DDs from TJB. They encounter two TF of PTs (6 and 5) and sink 4 of them. Medan will be hit by 4 BC and their escorts tomorrow. Send in a group of three more DDs to sweep the PTs again.

Langsa
Coinciding with the Medan bombardment I order Yamato's TF to bombard Langsa.

Time for Dan to realize that these are MY WATERS! Bombers and Fighter Sweeps to go over each target as well.

Malaya
50,72 has held the 99th Indian and 762nd TK Bn for a month now. These troops have nowhere to go. I moved a fragment of Imperial Guards to the Alor Star hex about 3 weeks ago and Dan has never bothered to try moving it away. The 'unit' only has about 250 men and an AV of 9! [:)] Anyway, BOTH Units surrender to the 48th ID and a THAI Division. Combined losses are equal about 2,000 men plus Tanks and Artillery.

The 48th and THAI ID will arrive at Alor Star in two days. My Inf Brigade will arrive at the same destination tomorrow. We're about to reclaim the rest of Malaya! Get ready for a British SURRENDER Baby!

Georgetown
Repairing as new engineer and construction units arrive.

Port Blair
All six AA units are fully unloaded by the 15th. The TF retreats without having been messed with whatsoever. The 15th provides a rude shock to Dan as 18 4EB make their milk run over the AF and are greeted by nearly 60 Zeros and concentrated FLAK. At least three planes go down and nearly all of the rest are damaged. Now we're working here...

Burma
Had an epiphany last turn. The four Allied units closest to Prome (41st US ID, 254th Armored, and two others have all been pushed around pretty strongly by me. Dan NEVER withdraws his units from Burma so they MUST be shadows of themselves. Have decided on a limited counterattack. Issue orders for two ID to move to Prome. They will then detrain, cross to the NW, and then attack his formation. Pretty sure two full strength Japanese IDs will crush what has left here. All bombers attacking each of the three stacks presently. Looks like he is moving at least one or two units to that hex between Prome and my troops east of Ramree. We'll see what that brings.

55,48
This is the hex east of Ramree. The Allies launch a nine Brigade and one Indian ID attack on the 21st ID. It is easily repulsed with a 1-2 result. There are 497 Japanese Casualties to 1326 Allied (+35 Guns and 67 Vehicles). 21st looks GREAT!

KB
The Cvs will run the strait between Oosthaven and Merak next turn and then go on to Soerabaja. Currently have enough Judy and Jill for two large Daitai of each. Will also refuel and replenish aircraft. They will quickly turn around and head back out to see and stage a diversion while my supply convoys head for Burma.

Singapore
Two large AK TF are loading supplies. Total will be over 125,000. Have decided to run them up the west edge of Malaya. They will be heavily escorted for the first two days and have BUNCHES of CAP.

China
Calm for the moment.

SS Operations
12-14
I-17 sinks AK Yochow near Diego Garcia
Ro-34 hits AO Patoka with a Torp near Koggala.

12-15
I-172 sinks AKL Nicarta near Belep Isle

REINFORCEMENTS
12-14 CVL Chitose and Chiyoda join CVL Mizuho and 5 modern DDs and depart for the south.



How about all that my readers???

[John 3rd]

Here is the screenshot of the F4F Turkey Shoot:

[pws1225]

Wow! What a nice pair of turns! Keep up the pressure where it hurts him the most.

[Chickenboy]

ORIGINAL: moore4807

I know I'm a newbie and take this as coming from one...

I wouldn't get mad, get even instead! [;)]

PB's are your answer. Pack 4 of them into a SCTF and run them as YOUR pickets ahead of your TF's or just sweep where you think they will be. In my limited experience they drive off or sink the single ship and if they are ambushed its not any significant points lost.

As long as there are ships they can draw fuel from - the PB's then have unlimited range...

It may send the message to him that your done with his picket system if he keeps losing them to your PB's...

Were I interested in giving him back some of his own medicine (not that I think that's deserved, mind you), I'd focus on the lowest VP xAKL that I could find for the pickets. That would also send the message about using 'civilian' ships. What's good for the goose and all that.

ETA: Nice couple of days, John! Keep up the pressure and liquidate the gaijin!

[obvert]

KB
The Cvs will run the strait between Oosthaven and Merak next turn and then go on to Soerabaja. Currently have enough Judy and Jill for two large Daitai of each. Will also refuel and replenish aircraft. They will quickly turn around and head back out to see and stage a diversion while my supply convoys head for Burma.

I'm surprised you are heading all of the way to Soerabaja. Can't you replenish at a base like Oosthaven or Batavia? If not you need to set up some AO and AE with a Fleet HQ nearer the action. It's about a week long window or more that he can then do what he likes in the IO.

This is also when all of the sorties, not to mention the ops losses to planes, start to hurt after hitting all of the single ship TFs out there. Maybe you should run a bunch of the 30+ knot torpedo boats out in front of the CVs next time in single ship TFs to pick these off and see if his DBs can hit them. Have some G3M3 on 26 hex search in that direction both day and night to spot and lead your hunters in.