Rumble in the Southwest witpqs-A vs Andav-J 2011-11-29 to 2017-02-08

[witpqs]

1944 January 09

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Our subs came up empty but one was was hit pretty hard and Flier (hit previously) sank.

A ground attack on each side in China. First, the Empire finally pushed out that Chinese unit north of the road that runs east from Tsuyung.

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Ground combat at 70,44 (near Tsuyung)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 13797 troops, 92 guns, 17 vehicles, Assault Value = 445

Defending force 3305 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 101

Japanese adjusted assault: 441

Allied adjusted defense: 16

Japanese assault odds: 27 to 1

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

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

Allied ground losses:
1330 casualties reported
Squads: 54 destroyed, 22 disabled
Non Combat: 22 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units retreated 1

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
34th/A Division
60th Infantry Brigade
34th/B Division

Defending units:
55th Prov Chinese Division


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Next, the Chinese attack on one of the isolated Imperial units that pushed onto the road between Paoshan and Tsuyung.

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Ground combat at 67,44 (near Paoshan)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 6842 troops, 8 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 233

Defending force 2234 troops, 3 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 49

Allied adjusted assault: 172

Japanese adjusted defense: 16

Allied assault odds: 10 to 1

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

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

Allied ground losses:
68 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

Assaulting units:
46th Chinese Corps
8th New Chinese Corps
23rd Group Army
29th Group Army

Defending units:
11th Infantry Regiment

Our P-47 group at Paoshan took out quite a few Imperial Helens in the skies above our troops that were later defeated - see air losses below. 4,065 AV at Chungking and one enemy unit seen entering from the west.

Our B-24 groups got a total of 4 supply hits on Rangoon. But the RN cruisers shelling Moulmein really knocked it out of the park with a total of 10 supply hits plus much other damage.

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Night Naval bombardment of Moulmein at 55,55

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-84a Frank: 3 damaged
Ki-84a Frank: 1 destroyed on ground
N1K1-J George: 7 damaged

Allied Ships
CL Newcastle

Japanese ground losses:
146 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 16 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 3 (1 destroyed, 2 disabled)

Manpower hits 1
Fires 127
Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 19
Port hits 11
Port supply hits 4

CL Newcastle firing at Moulmein


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Night Naval bombardment of Moulmein at 55,55

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-84a Frank: 7 damaged
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed on ground
N1K1-J George: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
CA Suffolk

Japanese ground losses:
157 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 5 destroyed, 13 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Vehicles lost 3 (1 destroyed, 2 disabled)

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 9
Port hits 2
Port supply hits 2

CA Suffolk firing at Moulmein


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A Betty raid tried to hit Newcastle on her way home but was trounced by CAP.

The movements of Saipan invasion forces continue. Mili will be the next invasion in the rear areas, in perhaps a week's time. Wotje is repairing and support troops are on the way.

Allied bombardments in the Pacific.

Allied Ships Bombarding Pagan
Allied Ships Bombarding Mili
Allied Ships Bombarding Saipan
Allied Ships Bombarding Saipan
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Peleliu
Allied Ships Bombarding Saipan
Allied Ships Bombarding Yap
Allied Ships Bombarding Saipan
Allied Ships Bombarding Pagan
Allied Ships Bombarding Pagan
Allied Ships Bombarding Mili
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Saipan
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian

A PT boat was sunk by a mine at Kai-eilanden. Meanwhile, the tankers are loading oil at Babo without incident and without being spotted. An APD group has arrived with two boat and shore Bn to help speed things up and begin developing the base.

Here are today's air losses.

[witpqs]

1944 January 10

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Our subs got a TK.

4,075 AV at Chungking. Now 26 enemy units present. Our forces grind away at a trapped IJA unit.

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Ground combat at 67,44 (near Paoshan)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 6889 troops, 8 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 235

Defending force 2072 troops, 3 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 39

Allied adjusted assault: 180

Japanese adjusted defense: 7

Allied assault odds: 25 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
212 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 18 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
20 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
46th Chinese Corps
8th New Chinese Corps
23rd Group Army
29th Group Army

Defending units:
11th Infantry Regiment

One of our Bns in this next attack was found set to reserve. Staff has been disciplined.

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Ground combat at 63,46 (near Lashio)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 1918 troops, 50 guns, 137 vehicles, Assault Value = 134

Defending force 2360 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 49

Allied adjusted assault: 89

Japanese adjusted defense: 4

Allied assault odds: 22 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
64 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
37 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 10 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Assaulting units:
2nd Gordons Battalion
16th Light Cavalry Regiment
2nd King Own YLI Battalion
6th Mixed A/T Mtr Regiment

Defending units:
21st/A Division


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The B-24 swarm achieved 1 supply hit on Rangoon. The troops in the battle hex near Toungoo saw a big drop in disruption today, but at least one more day of rest is needed. The Empire has built up again to 48 fighters at Moulmein, but they remained firmly on the ground while P-47 flights swept overhead.

BB Valiant has begun upgrade at Cape Town and will be tied up for 37 more days.

Allied bombardments in the Pacific.

SHIP CREWS PERFORM DAMAGE CONTROL
Allied Ships Bombarding Pagan
Allied Ships Bombarding Mili
Allied Ships Bombarding Saipan
Allied Ships Bombarding Saipan
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Pagan
Allied Ships Bombarding Peleliu
Allied Ships Bombarding Saipan
Allied Ships Bombarding Yap
Allied Ships Bombarding Saipan
Allied Ships Bombarding Pagan
Allied Ships Bombarding Pagan
Allied Ships Bombarding Mili
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Saipan
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian

Movements of troops and supplies continue. While supplying forward efforts, we have also been stockpiling at Pearl Harbor to allow for quicker movement of some needed materials later in the scenario. Although smaller cargo ships and transports have been drawing from Pearl for some time, Pearl Harbor currently has about 3 million supply and just shy of 5 million fuel. Those stocks continue to grow.

Here is a look at Burma and China.

[witpqs]

1944 January 11

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Our subs got a TK and a PB.

4,050 AV at Chungking. With no more enemy units seen entering the city, the attack might be in offing. 28 Imperial units seen there now. Our P-47 group out of Paoshan caught two flights of Judys without escort SW of Kunming and sent (some of) them home. Our troops continue battering the invaders near Tsuyung-Paoshan.

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Ground combat at 67,44 (near Paoshan)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 6882 troops, 8 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 234

Defending force 1820 troops, 2 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 19

Allied adjusted assault: 94

Japanese adjusted defense: 1

Allied assault odds: 94 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
568 casualties reported
Squads: 35 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

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

Assaulting units:
46th Chinese Corps
8th New Chinese Corps
23rd Group Army
29th Group Army

Defending units:
11th Infantry Regiment

The IJN is back - see the map below. We've got two destroyers heading back to Colombo for upgrade, and a CL TF standing to sea making a false run at Moulmein. I anticipated IJN intervention. The CL group will pull back and naval strike groups will stand ready. Convoys will continue without interruption. The destruction of the trapped unit near Lashio is underway.

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Ground combat at 63,46 (near Lashio)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 3030 troops, 66 guns, 144 vehicles, Assault Value = 128

Defending force 2223 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 39

Allied adjusted assault: 55

Japanese adjusted defense: 1

Allied assault odds: 55 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
182 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 18 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
30 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
16th Light Cavalry Regiment
2nd Gordons Battalion
2nd King Own YLI Battalion
6th Mixed A/T Mtr Regiment

Defending units:
21st/A Division


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The troops near Toungoo are ready to attack tomorrow and are ordered to do so. Meanwhile, another Imperial unit has appeared on the road just south of there. The B-24 squadrons at Diamond Harbor will be detailed to attack that newcomer in hope of delaying it. Other bombers will pile on the battle hex. 2,858 AV there.

Allied bombardments in the Pacific.

Allied Ships Bombarding Pagan
Allied Ships Bombarding Mili
Allied Ships Bombarding Saipan
Allied Ships Bombarding Saipan
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Pagan
Allied Ships Bombarding Peleliu
Allied Ships Bombarding Saipan
Allied Ships Bombarding Yap
Allied Ships Bombarding Saipan
Allied Ships Bombarding Mili
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian
Allied Ships Bombarding Saipan
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian

Guam airfield should make maximum size tomorrow, and work on the port has now started. Two divisions and various other units are unloading at Rota. The large convoy that brought them will head to Truk for fuel and then on to Kavieng to pick up three divisions for direct transport to the landing beaches. Another convoy is at Ponape to carry one division and one other unit. A third convoy will finish moving one of the three aforementioned divisions to Kavieng, then proceed to Rota (via Truk for fuel). There they will meet up with a number of LST to carry as many of the Saipan units from Rota as possible, making a second trip if necessary. The USA divisions involved continue to upgrade infantry squads one regiment at a time.

Here is that map showing the IJN battle group.

[witpqs]

1944 January 12

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Our subs got a TK and an xAKL.

The first big attack at Chungking came in. Call this one in our favor, even though as we know Chungking will fall. Separately, valiant Chinese forces destroyed the trapped invading unit between Paoshan and Tsuyung. And, an unanticipated attack against our position on the road east of Tsuyung went strongly in our favor.

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Ground combat at Chungking (76,45)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 54820 troops, 513 guns, 811 vehicles, Assault Value = 2033

Defending force 236527 troops, 120 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 4108

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 5

Japanese adjusted assault: 322

Allied adjusted defense: 2679

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 8 (fort level 5)

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

Japanese ground losses:
5578 casualties reported
Squads: 18 destroyed, 501 disabled
Non Combat: 3 destroyed, 137 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 23 disabled
Guns lost 114 (8 destroyed, 106 disabled)
Vehicles lost 237 (9 destroyed, 228 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
2894 casualties reported
Squads: 108 destroyed, 107 disabled
Non Combat: 11 destroyed, 9 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
11th Tank Regiment
3rd Mobile Infantry Regiment
12th Tank Regiment
5th Tank Regiment
31st Engineer Regiment
17th Tank Regiment
14th Tank Regiment
13th/A Division
13th Tank Regiment
19th Ind.Mixed Brigade
13th/C Division
13th RGC Temp. Division
6th Tank Regiment
9th Tank Regiment
51st Engineer Regiment
15th Tank Regiment
17th Ind.Mixed Brigade
10th Tank Regiment
35th Division
27th/C Division
27th/B Division
39th Ind Engineer Regiment
9th Mongol/A Cavalry Division
21st Mortar Battalion
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
2nd Mortar Battalion
31st Mountain Gun Regiment

Defending units:
10th Chinese Corps
29th Chinese Corps
39th Chinese Corps
17th Chinese Corps
1st New Chinese Corps
36th Chinese Corps
84th Chinese Corps
83rd Chinese Corps
81st Chinese Corps
89th Chinese Corps
65th Chinese Corps
47th Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Cavalry Corps
94th Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Cavalry Corps
38th Chinese Corps
8th Prov Chinese Corps
72nd Chinese Corps
44th Chinese Corps
23rd Chinese Corps
66th Chinese Corps Corps
2nd Chinese Corps
59th Chinese Corps
11th Chinese Corps
28th Chinese Corps
41st Chinese Corps
51st Chinese Corps
57th Chinese Corps
96th Chinese Corps
45th Chinese Corps
19th Chinese Corps
71st Chinese Corps
85th Chinese Corps
1st Chinese Cavalry Corps
9th Separate Brigade
18th Chinese Corps
3rd Chinese Cavalry Corps
98th Chinese Corps
26th Chinese Corps
1st Chinese Corps
34th Chinese Corps
88th Chinese Corps
129th Red Chinese Division
40th Chinese Corps
82nd Chinese Corps
27th Chinese Corps
93rd Chinese Corps
92nd Chinese Corps
43rd Chinese Corps
42nd Chinese Corps
33rd Chinese Corps
13th Chinese Corps
69th Chinese Corps
48th Chinese Corps
115th Red Chinese Division
55th Chinese Corps
87th Chinese Corps
8th Chinese Corps
9th Chinese Corps
60th Chinese Corps
22nd Chinese Corps
61st Chinese Corps
52nd Chinese Corps
77th Chinese Corps
4th Chinese/A Corps
2nd Chinese Base Force
25th Group Army
Jingcha War Area
49th Chinese Division
8th War Area
36th Group Army
14th Construction Regiment
34th Group Army
2nd War Area
1st Artillery Regiment
13th Group Army
6th Construction Regiment
China Command
CAF HQ
20th Artillery Regiment
17th Group Army
10th Group Army
1st Chinese Base Force
22nd Group Army
49th AA Regiment
79th Chinese Corps
14th Group Army
33rd Group Army
38th Group Army
8th Construction Regiment
18th Group Army
39th Group Army
37th Group Army
31st Group Army
1st War Area
56th AT Gun Regiment
16th Construction Regiment
15th Chinese Base Force
7th Construction Regiment
7th Chinese Base Force
57th AT Gun Regiment
5th Chinese Base Force
64th Chinese Corps
12th Chinese Base Force
40th Group Army
41st AA Regiment
15th Group Army
7th Group Army
19th Chinese Base Force
80th Chinese Corps
3rd Heavy Mortar Regiment
24th Group Army
8th Chinese Base Force
34th Separate Brigade
13th Construction Regiment
Central Reserve
9th Chinese Base Force
3rd Group Army
32nd Group Army
5th War Area
10th Chinese Base Force
4th Group Army
6th Chinese Base Force
Red Chinese Army
15th Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Base Force
11th Construction Regiment
4th Heavy Mortar Regiment
8th Group Army
3rd Chinese Base Force
12th Group Army
30th Group Army
7th Artillery Regiment
20th Chinese Base Force


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Ground combat at 67,44 (near Paoshan)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 6883 troops, 8 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 234

Defending force 1437 troops, 1 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 4

Allied adjusted assault: 170

Japanese adjusted defense: 1

Allied assault odds: 170 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
1308 casualties reported
Squads: 35 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 114 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units destroyed 1

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

Assaulting units:
46th Chinese Corps
8th New Chinese Corps
23rd Group Army
29th Group Army

Defending units:
11th Infantry Regiment


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Ground combat at 69,45 (near Tsuyung)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 18519 troops, 122 guns, 83 vehicles, Assault Value = 613

Defending force 21359 troops, 310 guns, 158 vehicles, Assault Value = 564

Japanese adjusted assault: 15

Allied adjusted defense: 3058

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 203

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

Japanese ground losses:
901 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 86 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Vehicles lost 15 (5 destroyed, 10 disabled)

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

Assaulting units:
1st Ind.Mixed Brigade
3rd Tank Regiment
57th Infantry Brigade
116th/C Division

Defending units:
11th (East African) Division
3rd Prov Chinese Corps
7th War Area


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Our P-47 group at Paoshan took a break from LRCAP duty and swept the skies over the enemy fighter and DB base at Lao Cai, taking a reported 6 versus 2, which is likely a lot more. Hard to tell with the air battles that took place in Burma. The group at Paoshan lost most of the P-47D2 that went down today.

The trapped unit near Lashio was eliminated. The attack near Toungoo was tough again. Three of our regiments are hors de combat and will pull back to Toungoo to rebuild. A Bn and two Rgt will move up from Toungoo, bringing about 130 AV.

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Ground combat at 63,46 (near Lashio)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 3012 troops, 66 guns, 144 vehicles, Assault Value = 127

Defending force 2050 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 25

Allied adjusted assault: 96

Japanese adjusted defense: 1

Allied assault odds: 96 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
2501 casualties reported
Squads: 81 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 128 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units destroyed 1

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

Assaulting units:
16th Light Cavalry Regiment
2nd Gordons Battalion
2nd King Own YLI Battalion
6th Mixed A/T Mtr Regiment

Defending units:
21st/A Division


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Ground combat at 56,51 (near Toungoo)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 121215 troops, 1985 guns, 2800 vehicles, Assault Value = 2892

Defending force 52523 troops, 486 guns, 154 vehicles, Assault Value = 1200

Allied adjusted assault: 1132

Japanese adjusted defense: 1909

Allied assault odds: 1 to 2

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
975 casualties reported
Squads: 8 destroyed, 101 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 18 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Allied ground losses:
8000 casualties reported
Squads: 238 destroyed, 87 disabled
Non Combat: 176 destroyed, 62 disabled
Engineers: 95 destroyed, 46 disabled
Guns lost 143 (79 destroyed, 64 disabled)
Vehicles lost 181 (90 destroyed, 91 disabled)

Assaulting units:
8th Indian Brigade
4th Marine Division
150th RAC Regiment
3rd Carabiniers Regiment
Gardner's Horse Regiment
50th Tank Brigade
7th Indian Division
19th Indian Division
I Aus Corps Engineer Battalion
255th Armoured Brigade
192nd Tank Battalion
29th British Brigade
Provisionl Tank Brigade
2nd British Division
22nd (East African) Brigade
1st Garrison Brigade
17th Indian Division
23rd Indian Division
14th Indian Division
75th Indian Brigade
637th Tank Destroyer Battalion
268th Motorised Brigade
20th Indian Division
254th Armoured Brigade
26th Indian Division
27th Indian Field Artillery Battalion
48th Light AA Regiment
2/1st Med Regiment
78th Light AA Regiment
2/11th Field Regiment
77th Heavy AA Regiment
2/9th Field Regiment
IV Indian Corps
22nd Indian Mountain Gun Regiment

Defending units:
40th Inf Group Brigade
56th Infantry Regiment
53rd Division
1st Mobile Infantry Regiment
29th Division
14th Division
77th Infantry Regiment
55th Mountain Gun Regiment

As a prelude to the ground attack there was of course heavy bombing. Also, though, the P-47 groups (now 4 of them) swept the skies over that advancing Imperial unit to keep it from making the battle hex in time. The B-24 groups from Diamond Harbor accomplished the latter after the P-47 boys slew dragons in the sky. The reports were 20 versus 4. The bomber crews luckily captured airborne unit colors identifying the 40th Division. Tomorrow all B-24 groups will hit them along with two B-17E groups at Jorhat. Four B-25C groups have transferred from Ledo to Chittagong and will also join in. They have some elite pilots and should prove devastating. Likewise the groups that have been bombing the battle hex only on days of attack - due to losses from their low altitude runs - will also hit the 40th (3x A-20G groups, 1x P-40N5, 2x P-39N1, 1 P-39D - but the F/FB groups have less bombing skill). With the losses our P-47 fliers inflicted on the 40th Div's cover fighters today, the swarms of strikers tomorrow should have an easy approach.

Allied bombardments in the Pacific.

Allied Ships Bombarding Mili
Allied Ships Bombarding Saipan
Allied Ships Bombarding Saipan
Allied Ships Bombarding Peleliu
Allied Ships Bombarding Saipan
Allied Ships Bombarding Yap
Allied Ships Bombarding Saipan
Allied Ships Bombarding Pagan
Allied Ships Bombarding Mili
Allied Ships Bombarding Saipan
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian

The Mili invasion force will arrive at Ocean Island tomorrow to begin loading assault troops. Guam airfield has maxed out. The Saipan ships continue moving and the Saipan units continue upgrading squads.

The P-47D2 pool is down to '2'. Here are today's air losses.

[witpqs]

Here is a look at that IJN incursion into the Indian Ocean. As far as I can tell, the Repulse TF has still not been sighted at Ramree Island, although most others have.

[witpqs]

1944 January 13

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Our subs took the day off.

The bombing in China was as usual, with a corps being destroyed on this day. Imperial forces at Mengtze conducted a reconnaissance.

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Ground combat at Mengtze (68,50)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 4212 troops, 36 guns, 14 vehicles, Assault Value = 521

Defending force 30200 troops, 76 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 871

Assaulting units:
22nd/A Division
104th/B Division
55th Engineer Regiment
113th Infantry Regiment
116th/B Division

Defending units:
100th Chinese Corps
63rd Chinese Corps
7th Chinese Corps
99th Chinese Corps
4th Chinese/B Corps
1st Construction Regiment
2nd Construction Regiment
18th Chinese Base Force

Our P-47 groups assigned to sweep ahead of the bombers hitting the 40th Division had their calendar turned to the wrong page and thought it was "Sunday, 1940" and so didn't show up. It was tough on the bombers. Some of them did some good damage anyway, but it was rough. Luckily the 40th is still no the road and will be hit again tomorrow. Hopefully with fighters sweeping ahead. Rain is forecast for tomorrow, so results might be hard to come by. Today's results were a total of 39 combat squads disabled, 52 non-combat squads disabled and 1 destroyed, and 1 engineer squad disabled and 1 destroyed. See the day's air losses below.

Allied bombardments in the Pacific.

Allied Ships Bombarding Mili
Allied Ships Bombarding Saipan
Allied Ships Bombarding Saipan
Allied Ships Bombarding Peleliu
Allied Ships Bombarding Saipan
Allied Ships Bombarding Yap
Allied Ships Bombarding Saipan
Allied Ships Bombarding Pagan
Allied Ships Bombarding Mili
Allied Ships Bombarding Saipan
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian

An IJN convoy has been spotted at Chichi Jima. Our fleet carriers are about 9 hexes SSW of Iwo Jima and will move northeast in case it stays within strike range. SigInt says this:

7/3rd South Seas Gsn is loaded on xAP Asama Maru moving to Chichi-jima.

The Mili invasion force is loading at Ocean Island and will stop at Makin for some additional supplies. Movement by convoys for the Saipan invasion continues, and now a second USA division has completed infantry squad upgrades. Guam has made size 3 port.

The tankers at Babo are still peacefully loading oil, unseen by evil Imperial spybots.

The day's air losses.

[princep01]

Ouch! That was a tough day for the bombers!

Your game is a PDU "on" game, right?

[witpqs]

Yes, it is.

[witpqs]

I should add that the A-20G crews/pilots were pretty inexperienced, so in that sense it's less of a loss. Too, it illustrates an observation I've had. I know that PDU=ON is a net gain for IJ, but I still prefer it when playing as Allies. The difficulty in training adequate numbers of pilots/crews is a IMO a greater problem for the Allies. I'm sure I could have done better in that department, but I do plenty of training and still feel a big pinch. Bomber pilots, and even more so low level bomber pilots are the most significant deficiency. I have no low level bomber pilots in the pools. I do have some high level bomber pilots, but I need more to be ready for B-29 arrivals.

[princep01]

Yes, from what I have read, the B-29s come in with pilots trained in LoNav or some such drivel. You are wise to train up bomber pilots with high altitude skills. And, while they might come in with pilots trained in the wrong skill set, they will come in soon enough. And oh what a sad and painful thing that will be for Admiral Wa and his cronies.

I have never reached the stage of the game wherein the B-29s arrive, but I look forward to that day:). It is almost as much fun as getting Allied torpedoes that explode frequently!

[witpqs]

1944 January 14

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Our subs got a CL, a TK, and a PB. The CL was also an Intel find.

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Sub attack near Torishima at 107,70

Japanese Ships
CL Agano, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
CA Kumano
CA Takao
CL Yura
CL Noshiro
DD Suzunami
DD Sazanami
DD Amagiri
DD Yugiri

Allied Ships
SS Plunger, hits 4

SS Plunger launches 4 torpedoes at CL Agano
DD Sazanami fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Amagiri fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Yugiri fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Amagiri fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Yugiri fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Yugiri attacking submerged sub ....
DD Yugiri fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Yugiri fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


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

They appear to be part of the escort for at least two IJN carrier groups. See the map in the next post. We had a number of dive bombers destroyed by CAP.

No attack at Chungking, but another bombardment at Mengtze. Now 3,846 AV at Chungking.

The IJA 40th Division is still charging to the trumpet sounds, but was hit hard today. By running tally, roughly 88 combat squads were disabled and another 3 destroyed. I didn't count other hits. The air battles went heavily in our favor, see below. The 40th is still on the road and in the open, so we get a shot at them tomorrow.

There is also increased IJN activity north of Sumatra and a convoy scouted as 1x AK + 2x E just SW of Little Andaman Island. Although I suppose a gambit invasion of Ceylon is possible more likely is either an evacuation of Port Blair or a resupply of same.

Allied bombardments in the Pacific.

Allied Ships Bombarding Mili
Allied Ships Bombarding Saipan
Allied Ships Bombarding Saipan
Allied Ships Bombarding Peleliu
Allied Ships Bombarding Saipan
Allied Ships Bombarding Yap
Allied Ships Bombarding Saipan
Allied Ships Bombarding Pagan
Allied Ships Bombarding Mili
Allied Ships Bombarding Saipan
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian

Our carriers shall retire from the vicinity of Iwo Jima and perhaps make a similar appearance later, again without invasion forces. Ten subs from Truk are being assigned new patrols north of Iwo Jima. They join a number already in place.

The Wotje invasion forces are loaded and will arrive at Makin tomorrow for more supplies. The largest Saipan convoy has refueled at Truk and should arrive at Kavieng for loading within three days.. A smaller convoy, bound for loading at Rota, will refuel at Truk tomorrow. There are five more USA regiments to upgrade squads at Kavieng, so loading there will be held off by a couple of days.

Here are the day's air losses. Although most were over the IJA 40th Division, some were at Ternate where we lost one 4EB to flak and our sweep took out a number of defenders. And even though the numbers were in our favor, the P-47 groups lost one ace KIA and three more MIA. We also do not have enough P-47D in the pool to bring all four of the squadrons at Prome to full strength.

[witpqs]

Here is a look at the IJN forces sighted near Iwo Jima. We will give battle when ready to assault Iwo Jima, but until then inducing IJN assets to run over our sub patrols will do quite nicely.

[witpqs]

And look what circled the house today! Eat your hearts out, city-dwellers. [:D]

[mind_messing]

That's some low cloud cover...

[witpqs]

ORIGINAL: mind_messing

That's some low cloud cover...

A little misleading. I had to shoot the photo through the blinds or I would have spooked the pronghorn and all you would have seen would be a blur.

[witpqs]

1944 January 15

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:
Likiep

There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Our subs came up empty today.

3,771 AV at Chungking. Bombings as usual, bombardment at Mengtze continues.

The P-47 groups - all four - again did not fly, but the escorts scored even with the LRCAP. The IJA 40th Division had about 71 combat squads disabled and 5 destroyed. They are still stuck on that road and the attacks shall continue tomorrow. One P-47 group has been moved from Prome to Toungoo in the hope that not all squadrons sit it out at the same time.

The three smashed Bdes have reached Toungoo and fallen into straw beds to recover. The three units (now ~131 AV) replacing them will reach the battle hex tomorrow.

Infiltrators have been spotted near Taung Gyi! See map below. There is yet no aerial recon on them so they will be looked at tomorrow. At Taung Gyi we have a small base force and the 2/17 Dogra Bn of the Indian Army. The Bn TOE is filled out and up to date: '43 squads, '43 Bren squads, '43 3" mortar sections, 6 pdr AT guns, Bren AAMG, engineers, support, and motorized support. Fortifications are level 3 and will start building further. The 2/3 AIF Pioneer Bn at Shwebo is entraining to speed to Taung Gyi. Likewise, one of the Bns that will march into Lashio tomorrow (fresh from dispatching a trapped force) will also speed to Taung Gyi, as is the 16th Light Cavalry Rgt (Humbers) that is already at Lashio. A small (2-plane) Chinese bomber group will target the encroaching unit to possibly slow its movement. A second fighter squadron that had taken up station at Lashio is transferring to Taung Gyi for additional air assault protection.

The fact that they were not seen until just now makes it likely that they came cross-country from the area north of Chiang Mai. While they could have come down the road across the jungle from Toungoo I think that movement would have been seen. There is the chance that other infiltrators have just emerged onto that road, perhaps making to cross the jungle again and cut the road north of Toungoo. Either way, neither Taung Gyi or Toungoo are on the supply path for China or the rest of Burma. I'm confident that we can hold against anything but an astonishing force (for such a deep, beyond supply penetration). The thing to look for is another force attempting to get in behind Lashio and cut the rail line.

Now the orders from DAW HQ to move trapped units onto the well-protected road into China, ensuring their destruction, makes sense. It was a diversion, as is perhaps the movement of the IJA 40th Division up an open road into the teeth of massed Allied air power. But all Allied bases along or near the supply route have been garrisoned on the ground and afforded their own fighter squadrons as proof against Imperial sky troopers. Only Lashio was, for a short time, left without a dedicated ground combat unit while the trapped Imperial unit next door was reduced. And even then a second fighter squadron was brought in so as to attrite any sir drop to a level that the defenders on the ground could handle. As far as the IJA 40th goes, their movement is too important to ignore, and the opportunity to deal them hard blows is too good to ignore. All air units currently targeting them will continue to do so.

I just used PP to buy out 3 Chinese divisions (or corps) and change their leadership. They will be pulled out of China, reducing supply needs there, and upgraded to '43 squads in Burma. They will fight the Imperial menace there. These will be the first Chinese ground units to leave China.

The AK + 2x E IJN TF is still in position just SW of Little Andaman Island - bait, perhaps?

Allied bombardments in the Pacific.

Allied Ships Bombarding Mili
Allied Ships Bombarding Saipan
Allied Ships Bombarding Saipan
Allied Ships Bombarding Peleliu
Allied Ships Bombarding Saipan
Allied Ships Bombarding Yap
Allied Ships Bombarding Saipan
Allied Ships Bombarding Pagan
Allied Ships Bombarding Mili
Allied Ships Bombarding Saipan
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian

Supplies now loading for Wotje invasion force. What is loaded by this time tomorrow will be plenty. Saipan convoys still moving. About 1/3 of the oil at Babo has been loaded, it's slow going.

Here is that situation in Burma.

[witpqs]

1944 January 16

The Empire captured:


The Allies captured:


There were Imperial amphibious operations at:


There were Allied amphibious operations at:


Our subs cam up empty again today.

The bombing on Chungking was very damaging today. 3,703 AV there now.

Alas, the IJA 40th Division has made it to the battle hex near Toungoo. Recon troop strength there has increased by 16 or 17,000. Today's strikes on the marching unit inflicted about 77 combat squads disabled and 7 destroyed, plus numerous other casualties. Presumably they will start out in the hex with 0 forts , so the units striking them will stay with them instead of having orders reset. Tomorrow's results will be greatly hampered by the jungle canopy, but let's see how it goes.

That infiltrating unit near Taung Gyi appears to be Rgt sized based upon recon. The bombers assigned did not get there so no unit placards were lofted into the air for mid-flight capture and examination. One of the reinforcing infantry units will be sent to Meiktila and attempt to get behind the infiltrator to cut off its supply and retreat path.

The AK and E convoy near Little Andaman is now farther south and appears to be withdrawing. They might have made a quick supply drop at Port Blair, in and out during the same turn. The USMC division is pulling back from the battle hex to Toungoo to upgrade infantry squads. The USA Americal Div has already pulled back from Rangoon and is passing through Prome, both to upgrade squads and for use elsewhere. The USA 27th ID is still on its way out of China by road march.

Allied bombardments in the Pacific.

Allied Ships Bombarding Mili
Allied Ships Bombarding Saipan
Allied Ships Bombarding Saipan
Allied Ships Bombarding Peleliu
Allied Ships Bombarding Saipan
Allied Ships Bombarding Yap
Allied Ships Bombarding Saipan
Allied Ships Bombarding Pagan
Allied Ships Bombarding Mili
Allied Ships Bombarding Saipan
Allied Ships Bombarding Tinian

The Mili invasion force will take up station one hex away from Mili tomorrow and land troops the following day. The largest Saipan convoy will arrive at Kavieng tomorrow, and paint over rust spots for two days while a division finishes upgrading infantry squads.

Here is a look at the Intel screen.

[witpqs]

I just added up the combat squads disabled from the IJA over the past few turns, and the total is 275. Obviously many squads get enabled right after combat, so I really have no idea what the division looks like right now.

[netjam99]

Took me a few weeks, but I caught up with you here. Very nice AAR. Thanks for the hard work doing extras like the maps. I work for a contracting company and have been on the road at a new plant that is opening up for weeks now. Your AAR was something to look forward to when I got back to the hotel.

[witpqs]

Very cool! Thanks for piping up. [:)]

Chungking is going to fall, and not terribly long from now. Really it could have fallen a lot sooner if DAW HQ had realized how vulnerable it was to concentrated effort. It does look like I will at least destroy (or just smash) another IJA Bde size unit (at Taung Gyi) in return. The real pay back, if any, will come when and if I break the line in Burma and get to hit major forces in the open with both air and armor.