CLOSED The old world vs the new: Cannonfodder (Allies) vs Quixote (Japan)

[KenchiSulla]

3-feb-1942

Indian airforce bombers get slaughtered over Diamond Harbour. Zuikaku and Shokaku fighters are not part of the equation.

Mental note..

Morning Air attack on 18th Division, at 52,38 (Diamond Harbour)

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 20,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 27

Allied aircraft
Audax I x 12

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Audax I: 4 destroyed

CAP engaged:
15th Ku S-1 /A with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
15th Ku S-1 /B with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
Tainan Ku S-1/A with A6M2 Zero (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
Tainan Ku S-1/B with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
Akagi-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
Kaga-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
Soryu-1 with A6M2 Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead
Hiryu-1 with A6M2 Zero (18 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(18 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
18 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

Java

Soerabaja is left to the Japanese and falls. All assets are pulled to the NW of the Island.. With just 1 1/3 division and supporting troops active the dutch might be able to delay the Japanese for a bit if defenders are concentrated..

[zuluhour]

The real expensive buys are the Australians if you want to send them to India.

[KenchiSulla]

I am planning on buying out a few of the armoured units for support. For now, the Australians are digging in and training. The US infantry divisions seem to be a better choice for now! Enough full build units, and enough reinforcements

[zuluhour]

I believe congratulations are in order, it seems you have made a successful interception of an IJN convoy. I relish those moments in early 1942.
skoal!

[KenchiSulla]

4-17-feb-1942 (internet ate my last update..)

India

Quixote now established a very firm foothold by taking the most valuable cities in the area (Calcutta and Madras). By now I am quite sure he is going to at least try for autovictory going into 1943.

US Forces are starting to reinforce the area.

[KenchiSulla]

China

Quixote moved a couple of Sally Sentai into China. They are busy bombing the troops east of Sian trying to move out of the pocket (causing a lot of casualties)

The situation NE of Chungking is for now stabilised, with almost 4000 AV defending the mountain road and bordering hexes. Chungking now contains about 3000 AV.

Changsha is for now not under serious threat. Chinese forces are working on extracting a couple of Corps north of Kukong. An assault over the river all but destroyed one of the Japanese independent brigades and relieved pressure on the cut of troops.

Tank and recon regiments were driving North (which is now virtually undefended). They might turn to support an assault on Chungking. I'll try and make him pay.

[KenchiSulla]

Madras action

The only thing good news is that the coastal guns did a good job before getting destroyed by the IG.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Feb 13, 42

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TF 152 encounters mine field at Madras (35,40) - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

41 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
DMS W-12, Shell hits 5, on fire
DMS W-11, Shell hits 1, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DMS W-3, Shell hits 1, on fire
DMS W-2, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Sagiri
E Shimushu

DMS W-12 firing at Madras Fortress
Madras Fortress firing at DMS W-12
DMS W-11 firing at Madras Fortress
Madras Fortress firing at DMS W-11
Madras Fortress firing at DMS W-3
DMS W-3 firing at Madras Fortress
Madras Fortress firing at DMS W-2
DMS W-2 firing at Madras Fortress
16 mines cleared


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Pre-Invasion action off Madras (35,40) - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

185 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
BB Haruna
BB Kongo
CL Oi, Shell hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
CL Kitakami, Shell hits 1, on fire
CL Tama, Shell hits 1
CL Isuzu, Shell hits 4, heavy fires
CL Jintsu
CL Naka
DD Mikazuki
xAK Goyo Maru
LSD Shinshu Maru
DD Sagiri

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

Allied ground losses:
113 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 25 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

BB Haruna firing at Madras Fortress
Madras Fortress firing at BB Haruna
BB Kongo firing at Madras Fortress
Madras Fortress firing at BB Kongo
Madras Fortress firing at CL Oi
CL Oi firing at Madras Fortress
Madras Fortress firing at CL Kitakami
CL Kitakami firing at Madras Fortress
CL Tama firing at Madras Fortress
Madras Fortress firing at CL Tama
CL Isuzu firing at Madras Fortress
Madras Fortress firing at CL Isuzu
CL Jintsu firing at Madras Fortress
Madras Fortress firing at CL Jintsu
CL Naka firing at Madras Fortress
Madras Fortress firing at CL Naka
DD Mikazuki firing at Madras Fortress
Madras Fortress firing at DD Mikazuki
6" Mk V/VII Gun Battery engaging xAK Goyo Maru at 9,000 yards
BB Haruna firing to suppress enemy battery at 9,000 yards
DD Mikazuki fired at enemy guns
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 6,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards


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Amphibious Assault at Madras (35,40)

TF 152 troops unloading over beach at Madras, 35,40

Japanese ground losses:
78 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 5 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

10 Support troops lost from landing craft during unload of Imperial Guards Div /6
10 Support troops accidentally lost during unload of Imperial Guards Div /7
16 troops of a IJA Cavalry Squad accidentally lost during unload of Imperial Guards Div /8
17 troops of a IJA Infantry Squad lost from landing craft during unload of Imperial Guards Div /9
10 Support troops lost overboard during unload of Imperial Guards Div /9
10 Support troops lost overboard during unload of Imperial Guards Div /10
10 Support troops accidentally lost during unload of Imperial Guards Div /11
17 troops of a IJA Infantry Squad lost overboard during unload of Imperial Guards Div /12
17 troops of a IJA Infantry Squad lost from landing craft during unload of Imperial Guards Div /13
Motorized Support dropped into water during unload of Imperial Guards Div /13
10 Support troops accidentally lost during unload of Imperial Guards Div /13


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Invasion Support action off Madras (35,40)

8 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
LSD Shinshu Maru
DD Sagiri

Japanese ground losses:
23 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards


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Invasion Support action off Madras (35,40)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

13 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
xAK Nankai Maru, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
BB Haruna
BB Kongo
xAK Goyo Maru, Shell hits 4, on fire
LSD Shinshu Maru

6" Mk V/VII Gun Battery engaging xAK Nankai Maru at 10,000 yards
BB Kongo firing to suppress enemy battery at 10,000 yards
6" Mk V/VII Gun Battery engaging xAK Goyo Maru at 10,000 yards
BB Kongo firing to suppress enemy battery at 10,000 yards
6" Mk V/VII Gun Battery engaging xAK Goyo Maru at 10,000 yards
BB Kongo firing to suppress enemy battery at 10,000 yards

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Philippines

4 IJA divisions and a brigade (no tanks) are going to settle the matter at Clark Field and Bataan. Troops were divided over both bases to try and delay the Japanese by messing with the prep. schedule.

Supplies are now running very low due to constant bombing...

Ground combat at Clark Field (79,76)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 2045 troops, 207 guns, 75 vehicles, Assault Value = 2050

Defending force 34813 troops, 565 guns, 456 vehicles, Assault Value = 1115

Allied ground losses:
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Assaulting units:
21st Ind. Engineer Regiment
9th Division
3rd Ind. Engineer Regiment
21st Division
1st Sasebo SNLF Coy
16th Division
38th Division
5th Amphibious Brigade
1st RF Gun Battalion
14th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
10th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
36th Const Co
5th Mortar Battalion
20th Ind. Mtn Gun Battalion
8th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
3rd Mortar Battalion
17th Medium Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
26th PS Cavalry Regiment
194th Tank Battalion
71st PA Infantry Division
192nd Tank Battalion
11th PA Infantry Division
31st PA Infantry Division
41st PA Infantry Division
91st PA Infantry Division
14th PS Engineer Regiment
51st PA Infantry Division
1st PA Infantry Division
Cavite USN Base Force
86th PS Coastal Artillery Battalion
Subic Bay Defenses
USAFFE
200th & 515th Coast AA Regiment
Manila USAAF Base Force
Clark Field USAAF Base Force
Far East USAAF
1st PI Base Force
PAF Aviation
301st Construction Battalion

[zuluhour]

Chin up. You have a wily and skilled opponent. This is a very good game to observe from both sides. Both of your AARs are top notch and easy to follow. Some questions for you: Political point situation? Aircraft losses vs his ( I confess this is as much for me as I'm in CG2 as well)? I know you must feel like your back is getting close to the wall, can you take advantage of anything to upset him, even if it's just to make him lose a little focus?

ps Instead of chin up, I should say keep up the good fight. I like Rommel when he said something like: "Theres no use in fighting if there is nothing to gain."

[Capt. Harlock]

Quixote now established a very firm foothold by taking the most valuable cities in the area (Calcutta and Madras).

Hold Darjeeling! The lads can't fight without decent tea! [:D]

[KenchiSulla]

ORIGINAL: zuluhour

Chin up. You have a wily and skilled opponent. This is a very good game to observe from both sides. Both of your AARs are top notch and easy to follow. Some questions for you: Political point situation? Aircraft losses vs his ( I confess this is as much for me as I'm in CG2 as well)? I know you must feel like your back is getting close to the wall, can you take advantage of anything to upset him, even if it's just to make him lose a little focus?

ps Instead of chin up, I should say keep up the good fight. I like Rommel when he said something like: "Theres no use in fighting if there is nothing to gain."

I have about 350 PP now saving up to buy the 2nd marine regiment. US Infantry is prepping for Auckland so I'll buy an additional division out a little bit later (want to train them up anyway) as NZ is not really an option for him with that many troops in India.

Preparing the New Caledonia area for action by building up a base that can sustain B17s (in range of Koumac, he is building an airfield there) and prepping troops for Noumea.

Would like to take it back in 1942 but it is a very obvious way in so I'll have to be careful. On the other hand, it is on the extreme side of his main focus (India) AND I have a lot of good bases in the area to sustain an offensive. A lot is at stake.

[zuluhour]

Remember the Aussies arrive tied to Australian I Corp in Australia and they are expensive, but close to India. I have seen some just buy the HQ out, but this is a no no in my book.

[KenchiSulla]

According to our houserules full PP must be paid for units to cross national borders. However, the units arrive attached to I Australian Corps (unrestricted) so they are free to move. The fact that I Australian Corps (and located in Australia) is itself attached to a restricted command does not change that fact.

In other words, as far as I understand it, it is fair to move them to India.

Looking at the situation in India, having to pay PPs for the 6th and 7th Australian would mean a death sentence to all troops in India... You can't hope to defend Bombay + Karachi without the Aussies...

[zuluhour]

&^%$ and I have paid for them for the third game in a row! Well at least the entire 6th and a Rgt of the 7th in the current one. Should have read the manual?

[KenchiSulla]

Your just a die-hard allied commander Zulu, restricting yourself above and beyond the call of duty!

[KenchiSulla]

18-28-feb-1942

China

Going to let the screenshot speak for itself.. A mess but slowly stabilizing into something less of a mess as the Chinese are training up and entrenching nicely.

Attention will probably shift to Changsha soon...

[KenchiSulla]

India

Mini KB struck an outbound convoy of xAPs sinking many.. (probably detected by submarines lurking west of Karachi). Quixote managed to stay outside of search range and ended up a perfect six hexes from the ships...

What is interesting is that he is keeping the miniKB within search range, exposing them to attack. Is he that confident? Does he have KB lingering just outside of range waiting for my carriers to attack? Is he trying to distract me from another amphibious assault somewhere else? Fiji maybe?

Did he sniff out the location of my carriers?

The amphibious bonus is running out end of this month. I did not see masses of troops leaving from Calcutta by ship and there are 50+ ships reported in port by coastwatchers.. Sadly no recon in range.. Another five divisions are now engaged on Luzon against 1800 out of supply AV at Clark and Bataan so he only has the troops available in India. Would he sail them all the way to the other side of the map?

Unlikely, but he could have moved KB away(lost track after the loss of Sabang) in anticipation of an attack in the Pacific area.

Morning Air attack on TF, near Karachi at 27,6

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 11 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 21
B5N1 Kate x 4
B5N2 Kate x 13
D3A1 Val x 13

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
xAP Poelau Bras
xAP Glenartney, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
xAP Felix Roussel, Torpedo hits 4, and is sunk
xAP Cap St Jacques, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAP Kota Tjandi
xAP Glenapp, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x D3A1 Val releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
13 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
4 x B5N1 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

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAP Cap St Jacques

From now on I am going to route ships coming from Cape Town over Aden and then to Karachi.. Socotra will be developed into a fighter base. A couple of squadrons should be sufficient to keep the IJN at bay

[KenchiSulla]

Pacific

An additional major - to the operation: Impossible to achieve strategic suprise..

[KenchiSulla]

Range of search planes

[zuluhour]

Splendid Graphics!
In China, perhaps cross the river through the woods and cut the road to Sian on him? Two smaller corps equal small risk.

[KenchiSulla]

Short update (planning to do a major one on the first half of march this weekend)

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Night Time Surface Combat, near Luganville at 120,150, Range 1,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Ashigara, Shell hits 9, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Yamagumo
DD Yayoi
DD Yuzuki
DD Tatsuyuke

Allied Ships
DD McCall, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Ellet, Shell hits 16, and is sunk
DD Cummings, Shell hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Drayton, Shell hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Stuart, Shell hits 14, and is sunk
DD Le Triomphant, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

The allied DDs, all with night experience at least in the 50s with Le Triomphant up into the 70s, got butchered. First long lance salvo at 1000 meters hit Le Triomphant and it all went downhill from there..

I did not know Ashigara was in the hex and Quixote saw my DDs coming. He certainly knows when to fight and when to run. Well played...