Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee, Docup(A)-Koniu(J)

[koniu]

17 January 44

Burma
We have huge naval battle near Rangoon. Allied TF was successfully intercepted. IJN sunk two CL and two DD. One of Japanese DD is in bad shape. Prabably will sunk.
Only 3 DDs, CLs and CA is in combat shape. BB Fuso will need to spend probably 4-6 weeks in anchor to remove huge number of sys damage. Also 7 destroyers need yard time

Day Time Surface Combat, near Moulmein at 54,55, Range 15,000 Yards

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
Walrus II: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
BB Fuso, Shell hits 8, on fire
CA Mogami, Shell hits 2
CL Naka
CL Jintsu, Shell hits 4
DD Murakumo
DD Asagiri, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Kamikaze, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Asakaze, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Harukaze, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Matsukaze, Shell hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Asanagi, Shell hits 2
DD Okikaze, Shell hits 2, heavy fires
DD Hokaze, Shell hits 3, heavy fires
DD Tachikaze

Allied Ships
CL Emerald, Shell hits 18, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
CL Kenya, Shell hits 13, and is sunk
DD Quadrant, Shell hits 2
DD Quality, Shell hits 2
DD Quilliam, Shell hits 1
DD Racehorse, Shell hits 1
DD Relentless, Shell hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Roebuck, Shell hits 7, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

At day Japanise air force launch against enemy ships. Ki-45 finish DD Relentless. Some planes go against enemy DDs closer to Prome and they get slaughtered by CAP

Morning Air attack on TF, near Rangoon at 53,54

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 18 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Relentless, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Racehorse

Marshals
Nothing happen. Both sides decide to protect own base. During night DDs from CV TF force to surface and sunk SS Lancetfish. The samt sub that put two TT in CV Unryu 4 days ago

Submarine attack near Namorik at 131,118

Japanese Ships
DD Takanami
DD Makinami
DD Kasumi
DD Yukikaze
DD Natsushio
DD Hatsukaze

Allied Ships
SS Lancetfish, hits 11, and is sunk


Japanise ships after battle

[koniu]

18 January 1944

Burma
Allied Bombers attack Margui port. DL was 0/0 day earlier so it was blind shot.
I had 2 AKE anchored there. One is heavily damage second only eat one bomb and is save. I was luck today BB Fuso with 6 damaged DD was ordered to disband there to pomp out water from damaged DDs before they will sail to Singer. Lucky TF stop one hex from base.

DD Matsukaze i save. Fires where put down by fire crews from Rangoon port.
I i manage to avoid subs last naval battle will end without loses.

Second Group of Ki-84r gain combat redidnes. I have now 84 Frank R flying in Burma

[zuluhour]

I think Joe may speak up on the CAP thing shortly.[;)]

[koniu]

ORIGINAL: zuluhour

I think Joe may speak up on the CAP thing shortly.[;)]

We will see. I planing to sweep with them soon. But i need first upgrade another Sentai. And need have some planes in pool to be able to replace loses. ~week i think.

I also upgrade one Sentai in DEI to "r" but that unit is in low morale now because was decimated few day earlier flying Ki-44 CAP above Namlea.

[koniu]

19-20 Janury 1944

Burma
CL and DD hit mine 1 hex south of Rangoon. Damage is moderate to both ships. They will spend few days in Rangoon port to pomp out water and will sail south to Singer.

TF 46 encounters mine field at 54,54

Japanese Ships
CL Jintsu, Mine hits 1
DD Murakumo, Mine hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

I am sending replacement TF north to protect Rangoon. TF will be in position in 48h.

Truk
CV Unryu anchored in port. In 2-3 days he will sail north to home.

Carrier division 2 arrive Truk today. Marshal operation is over. Soon enemy will land in
Roi-Namor. I will not fight for it.

Battleships
I have only six operational BBs right now.
4 BB are with KB1 in Ambon area
2 BB are with KB2 in Truk
3 BB are in Japan during repairs (two need 60 days each, last 15 days)
2 BB are in Singer during repairs(60 and 20 days)

[koniu]

Global map. With major allies offensives.
Territory behind sand line is still in Japanese hands with few major strong points like Rabaul, Peneope or Kusaie. But i will not fight for that territory. Only job for troop there is slow down enemy and die to be reborn elsewhere.

[koniu]

We are on 27 January right now.
Big catch up report later today or tomorrow

I just waiting for turn from Docup. It will be combat debut of Ki-84r.
120 Franks will sweep enemy base. I hopping for good result. Enemy base is defended by ~100 planes but none of them can go above Frank (some Hurricane, P-40, P-51A etc)

[koniu]

Still waiting for turn

I know we cant compare today and old wars in 1:1 but look at this telegram from 15 September 1939(two days before USSR invade Poland). Look at this like interesting historical fact





The German Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Schulenburg) to the German Foreign Office

I saw Molotov at 6 o'clock today and carried out instructions. Molotov declared that military intervention by the Soviet Union was imminent-perhaps even tomorrow or the day after. Stalin was at present in consultation with the military leaders and he would this very night, in the presence of Molotov, give me the day and hour of the Soviet advance.

Molotov added that he would present my communication to his Government but he believed that a joint communiquĂŠ was no longer needed; the Soviet Government intended to motivate its procedure as follows: the Polish State had collapsed and no longer existed; therefore all agreements concluded with Poland were void; third powers might try to profit by the chaos which had arisen; the Soviet Union considered itself obligated to intervene to protect its Ukrainian and White Russian brothers and make it possible for these unfortunate people to work in peace.

The Soviet Government intended to publicize the above train of thought by the radio, press, etc., immediately after the Red Army had crossed the border, and at the same time communicate it in an official note to the Polish Ambassador here and to all the missions here.

Molotov conceded that the projected argument of the Soviet Government contained a note that was jarring to German sensibilities but asked that in view of the difficult situation of the Soviet Government we not let a trifle like this stand in our way. The Soviet Government unfortunately saw no possibility of any other motivation, since the Soviet Union had thus far not concerned itself about the plight of its minorities in Poland and had to justify abroad, in some way or other, its present intervention.

In conclusion, Molotov urgently asked for an explanation of what was to become of Vilna. The Soviet Government absolutely wanted to avoid a clash with Lithuania and would, therefore, like to know whether some agreement had been reached with Lithuania regarding the Vilna region, particularly as to who was to occupy the city.

SCHULENBURG

[koniu]

I am tired so i will have to daley last week report.
But Ki-84r Frank debut go very well. Summary of air battle over Magwe (Burma)

[koniu]

Time to slowly catch up with AAR. I will start with some technical data

Pilot reserves

[koniu]

Plane pools

[PaxMondo]

Pretty good pilot pools ... you're as ready for '44 as you can be. Good Luck!

[koniu]

1 February 1944

Burma
Lower You have current Burma map. As we all see situations is steady
Movement east of Taung Gyi is to block bypass move if Indian troops. I am preparing slowly to retreat from Taung Gyi.

Biggest concern of mine is possibility of allied invasion behind mine lines. Tavoy etc.
I am currently reinforing those places.

In last days i lost two destroyers in this area. Both after hitting mines near Rangoon.

There is enemy TF visible in map. _Intel show 6 DDs. Prabably Ranggon sweep mision.
I have CA TF protecting Ranggon.

I there couple of interesting air combat reports from last days. For lose of 30 Ki-84r my boys shot down ~100 enemy fighters over Magwe

Morning Air attack on Magwe , at 57,47

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 31 NM, estimated altitude 39,270 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-84r Frank x 42

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIc Trop x 12
Spitfire VIII x 16
P-40N1 Warhawk x 44
P-51A Mustang x 25

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-84r Frank: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIc Trop: 2 destroyed
Spitfire VIII: 4 destroyed
P-40N1 Warhawk: 4 destroyed
P-51A Mustang: 2 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
19 x Ki-84r Frank sweeping at 38270 feet


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

Morning Air attack on Magwe , at 57,47

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 36 NM, estimated altitude 41,270 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-84r Frank x 42

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIc Trop x 7
Spitfire VIII x 6
P-40N1 Warhawk x 28
P-51A Mustang x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-84r Frank: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIc Trop: 1 destroyed
Spitfire VIII: 1 destroyed
P-40N1 Warhawk: 7 destroyed
P-51A Mustang: 3 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
34 x Ki-84r Frank sweeping at 38270 feet


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

Morning Air attack on Magwe , at 57,47

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 17 NM, estimated altitude 41,270 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-84r Frank x 42

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIc Trop x 3
Spitfire VIII x 1
P-40N1 Warhawk x 7
P-51A Mustang x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIc Trop: 1 destroyed
Spitfire VIII: 1 destroyed
P-40N1 Warhawk: 2 destroyed
P-51A Mustang: 2 destroyed

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

Aircraft Attacking:
38 x Ki-84r Frank sweeping at 38270 feet

Morning Air attack on Magwe , at 57,47

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 12 NM, estimated altitude 41,270 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-84r Frank x 16 less that half of sentai fly

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIc Trop x 8
Spitfire VIII x 16
P-39D Airacobra x 15
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 13
F4U-1 Corsair x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-84r Frank: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIc Trop: 2 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra: 2 destroyed
F4U-1 Corsair: 1 destroyed



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

Morning Air attack on Magwe , at 57,47

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 32 NM, estimated altitude 41,270 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-84r Frank x 20 again less that half of sentai fly

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIc Trop x 5
Spitfire VIII x 14
P-39D Airacobra x 12
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 13
F4U-1 Corsair x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-84r Frank: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIc Trop: 1 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra: 4 destroyed
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 1 destroyed
F4U-1 Corsair: 1 destroyed


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

Morning Air attack on Magwe , at 57,47

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 12 NM, estimated altitude 42,270 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-84r Frank x 21 and again

Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIc Trop x 4
Spitfire VIII x 14
P-39D Airacobra x 5
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 9
F4U-1 Corsair x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-84r Frank: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane IIc Trop: 1 destroyed
Spitfire VIII: 1 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra: 1 destroyed
P-47D2 Thunderbolt: 1 destroyed
F4U-1 Corsair: 1 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Ki-84r Frank sweeping at 38270 feet

[koniu]

I must confess that i realy have no plan for Burma.
Should i stick in my positions or maybe retreat more south and use troops to protect Thailand coast line.

One i worst things Japanese player can do wrong is not knowing when signal retreat to new positions. I am already longer in Burma than planed.

As addon i would say that i am almost sure that Docup retreat some troops back to India from Burma

[Lowpe]

Flanking the Burma line is a solid Allied tactic and one that you are rightly concerned about. To me your troops look exposed, but I am no expert. [:)]

[obvert]

ORIGINAL: koniu

I must confess that i realy have no plan for Burma.
Should i stick in my positions or maybe retreat more south and use troops to protect Thailand coast line.

One i worst things Japanese player can do wrong is not knowing when signal retreat to new positions. I am already longer in Burma than planed.

As addon i would say that i am almost sure that Docup retreat some troops back to India from Burma

If you can defend in spots were he takes big losses for attacking, it can be worth it to hang out for a while there. Where you are now was my favorite defensive line there, where I held much longer than I thought possible. Just make sure you can defend the Tavoy area well and that there is some reserve around Moulmein.

Then about mid-44 move back to Rangoon/Moulmein and jungle areas on that line. Remember that once he gets the B-29 Rangoon is a great base to start knocking out some of your oil/fuel bases, and other industry.

I'd say be in Thailand by 1/45 though. Sooner if there is a breakdown in the defenses of the DEI and oil/fuel are in danger, and the Indochinese/Chinese coasts are threatened.

[koniu]

3 Feb 1944

DEI
Australian troops (ID) landing on Lautem.
Total surprise. I dont see them coming. Search planes dont show any important TF in area.
Only usual PT boats and small SAG in Darwin hex. Damn.

It is bad news as he can have there two lvl 9 AF in no time. Troops are almost without supplies with high disruption

Details later. Short story Tanaka with BBs and second CA TF will try to intercept invasion at night. During day over 1000 planes( with KB) will try also

[koniu]

Sorry for lack of updates. I promised them but i think i am to lazy.


I want to start debate:
Topic: Japanese air tactic: sweep vs CAP

As You all known i start producing Ki-84r. So far i can tell it is great offensive plane. No defensive actions so far. I start thinking what is better tactic for Japan in February `44
And i close to confirm that with Frank on-line For Japan it is better to be aggressive.
When allies sweep. Usually with P-47 and F4U i happy when i lose 3 planes for one enemy.
Average it is 1:4. So to shot down 100 enemy fighters i will lose 400 my own and probably ~150 (KIA, WIA) pilots.

With Frank "r" in last sweeps i achieve average 3:2 kill ratio. (Against P-47, Spits VIII and F4U) So to kill 100 enemy planes i lose ~60 own fighters and it will cost me something like 50 KIA pilots.

So i think answer is simple sweep, sweep, sweep.


I am waiting for Your opinions.

[JocMeister]

Yep, sweep, sweep and sweep and his best fighters will be gone in a month or two if he doesn´t pull back before. You can take the losses but he can´t. With the Frank "R" he won´t have anything to match you until the P47N in 4/45. But those only comes at 100 per month. With your HR most of the allied planes are pretty much useless.

[obvert]

Change HR. Limit to either 2nd best with no restriction on CAP or set 32k max. No reason to play with silly results.