PBEM campaign Graham vs Peter

[deVada]

total japanese looses are now 5/8/2 CV/CVL/CVE
previous state was 4/4/2,

so one big and 4 light carriers have been lost on Japanese side,

not a decisive loose, but surely blowing

Further details tomorrow

[deVada]

The spoken of carrier battle wasn't exactly a carrier battle.
Mitscher (5 CV, 4 CVL, 3 CVE task force) simply attacked nearby enemy carriers, with single halved strike, without formal reaction move.
The attackers made it through defences with nearby 80 bombers, managing to damage all but one big flattops, sink one big and four smaller carriers. Two and a half year of intensive training of bomber groups made a profit.
There was no Japanese counterstrike.
US Navy reports one CVE damaged (20%), one CVL (30%) and Enterprise (25%) damage. The ships remained in line

After the battle Japanese fleet has been withdrawn to Sapporo and Aomori in eastern Japan. No reports yet if US submarines scored.

A joke was born those days:
- which is the simplest way to hit an american submarine ?
- just throw a rock to Japan Sea!

The sad fact was that the remnants of Okinawa resupplying task force were stuck at Okinawa. Japanese kamikazes killed many destroyers, two more CLAA and many AKA. One of taks forces with 25 ships is still on station there, regardless of clear orders to run away.

Allies are keeping the troop strenghtening process. Many more divisions arrived from US. Next offensive is scheduled to start in early june 1944.
US divisions in Kagoshima are feeling well. What is surprising, they are still at 99 readines. When the naval bombing stopped they even started to grow in strenght and size.
This is surely not last word from US Marines.

Cairns is now equipped with 6 air wings, which took the air superiority instantly.

[deVada]

Silent week.

9th Australian division, supported now by elements of 7th Infantry Rgt are fighting in Cairns to kick the 52nd Rgt out, looses were almost equal - 200 men on each side.

Japanese attempt to invade Manokwari was fended off, 3rd Marine division in Sorong fought well against well dug in Mutaguchi's Sasebo 6th Regiment. Althrough having more looses they must take the base at least.

Amami Oshima has now level 6 airfield. This will begin a new era of Allied air supremacy over Japan. Last battles have also shown that Imperial Air Force isn't able to protect homeland anymore.
B29's from Iwo Jima smashed the shipyards and heavy industry in Tokyo and Kagoshima, Ki-46-II factory in Nagasaki was hit well as well by US carriers.
Allied looses were symbolical. Few hundreds of Japanese planes from all bases around Amami tried to attack US carriers, but no Japanese plane was even able to "see the smokes" of allied ships.

Total looses in civilians are around 15000 pcs this week. The US tactic of "surgical strikes" is working well. Fires burning in Nagasaki and Kagoshima, well seen from Amami Oshima, are bringing a lot of fun to US sailors there, making a nice and romantical mood by the way.

Many more US soldiers must die before Japan would be defeated finally, but half way is behind.

[Graham Smith]

Devada talks of "surgical strikes", but it is more like butchery. Carrier aircraft practise free over southern Japan, and B29s down more japanese fighters than the thunderbolts.

Cairn defense collapsed completely, Bonin island fell....another airfield to pound the home land. Supplies successfully delivered to Paramushiro and Palau.

Most of the Japanese airforce now confined to Northern Japan, but still enough fighters to ensure some of the Kamakazes get through any fighter screen.

It is only May 1944, there should be no invaders on the homeland yet.

The allies easily rule the air and sea, but land can still be contested.

[deVada]

Another rather silent week, with fierce land battles only at Bonin Island, Sorong and Rockhampton. No revelations.
Rockhampton fell to Australian troops without much opposition, Japanese regiment escaped from Cairns also. The first stage of Australia reconquer was succesful.

Good thing is also that US divisions in Kagoshima are again at 99% readiness level, fully manned and armed. They must be replenished on the shore.

/ I didn't knew that it is possible, but maybe the friendly air zone from Amami Oshima helps a bit /

What was surprising, Japanese air force has been withdrawn almost completely from Japan, some SIGINT data revealed that some sqadrons count 3 planes. This may mean that Japanese airforce has been finally broken, with no spare planes to fill in empty squadrons.
The effect was a FSNAB in Kagoshima from all available battleships, carriers and planes nearby. Over 1400 (!) japanese soldiers died, many tanks and guns were wrecked also, althrough no land battle occured, proably to PP exhaustion in Central Pacific HQ.
The HQ system surely needs reforming. US command is even thinking about introducing some of British HQ (all evacuated, located on Hawaii now) to the front line, but it's not yet decided.

Uruppu saw also a dramatic airbattle. 55 B24's from Attu tried to destroy some planes on the ground. Only few of them returned to base, 138 Japanese fighters messed the expedition.
Japanese airforce tried to make some counter-attacks, but only in Sorong area they have something to say (no allied air bases nearby). Japs seem to relocate exhausted squadrons to Philipines. They gonna need them there also.


Next turn may be interesting, intelligence reports say that large Japanese TF, proably consisting also of carriers, is half way on course for Midway. Maybe it is a distraction and a decoy only.
TBM's there would have a chance to prove their worthness.

Results tomorrow.

[Aussie]

DeVada - Surgical strikes with B-29s dropping incendiary bombs over cities with buildings predominantly made of wood - I think you have been watching the current war news too much. God help Graham when you switch to carpet bombing.

[deVada]

is in progress, wish I have enough place for all my B29's ...

Carpet bombing is special kind of surgical strike, instead of primitive bombing on all Pacific theatre, US forces are hitting the Japan directly with much precision ...

Japs are surely out of Ki-67 Hiryu, Ki-48 dive bombers ... It may mean that their aircraft industry is insufficient. Oil level is near zero for years, production must suffer ...

This week US Marines would make antother attempt to capture Kagoshima. 5 full size divisions, althrough inexperienced, have a chance. Geiger is in command, whole fleet will support the attack from Amami Oshima.

Japs are trying to replenish or withdraw forces in/from Bonin I.
A huge Japanese transport TF is on it's way there. Oldendorf from Iwo Jima would try to intercept it with all old type heavy cruisiers, the same as Spruance with all escort carriers in his task force.

Attack on Midway would be repulsed with 4 squadrons there, and 1BB & 3 or 4 Baltimore class CA from tf on way from San Fran.
A surface battle with carriers would be delicious ...

The threat is, that two troop transport task forces are nearby to Midway, wish Yamaguchi overlook them ...

[deVada]

No land battles, ex. bloody mess in Bonin Island.
US troops in Japan are surely playing with Geishas instead of attacking ... I understand.

Japanese carrier raid proved to be fake, no interceptions though.

A big replenishment task force was hit hardly both from Iwo Jima and Bonin, as well as by Spruance's carriers. No more than 7 ships sunk, but they failed to accomplish their task. Japanese soldiers stuck on Bonin are out of supplies.

Kagoshima seen another pounding by all available battleships and Mitscher's carriers. Japanese divisions are decerasing in their size, looses were half of those last week. Japanese fleet scheduled a 4 DE task force to protect the Kagoshima, but surprisingly they had sunk after 134 hits from Scott's battleforce of six modernest battleships (incl. Iowa).

US bombers are still able to bomb Japanese cities at will ... Not a single figter appeared to fight. Ki-61 factory and oil industry suffered heavily.

Instead, Japanese airforce was very active in Australia.
Huge groups of G4M Betties have smashed two allied troop transports going to Cairns, few AP were sunk, sharks had fun.
Japanese troops haven't returned to Townswille (it was not Rockhampton captured) so they are on defense.

Many allied air attacks on all fronts. Few planes lost.

Allied troops from second line have reached the front, so in two weeks another phase of 'froggy leaps' is before us.

USS Hancock joined US fleet last week, we may see it in action within a month. Wasp, Lexington and Cowpens are almost finished in shipyards right now, so they'll surely go together.
It means more carrier offensive actions.

5th Marine division appeared few days ago, becaming instantly the most experienced land US unit. They are already on course for action (of course). The guys at Kagoshima are also learning how to fire a gun etc.

Amami Oshima is now level 7 airfield, weird thing for 'junglastic' base but that's a fact. It doesn't seem to need carrier cover anymore so Mitscher can go somewhere else. He will surely do so.

Squadrons from Amami attacked some transport task forces, but greatest success was to sink two escort destroyers. Within few days some TBM Avengers or SB2C Helldivers will be stationed there to cut Japan off at least.

War is almost over, but Japan isn't defeated yet.
Their cautiosity shown during entire campaign showed to be excellent tactic. I'm gonna need 50 type "A" bombs to make all those fierce divisions killed.

[Capt. Harlock]

I've been thinking a little more about why the American troops at Kagoshima keep their readiness at 99. There is supposed to be some code in the game that keeps LCU's at a minimum readiness level if they are on mainland Japan or the United States. (Morale boost from fighting on home soil.) It sounds like a bug extends that benefit to enemy LCU's as well. But it's not supposed to be that big a boost--only about 4 points intead of all the way to 99.

By the way, do I understand correctly that no fighting happened at Kagoshima even though Peter landed reinforcements?

[deVada]

sending them with Japanese homeland equipped with two thousands of fighters and kamikazes was stupid idea, now when they are gone I simply don't have enough free transports in the area,
next week althrough, I'll try to send a small unit there, it would surely trigger some bloody battles ...

bug may be serious, my troops in Japan haven't seen supply ship since landing two months ago or so.

[Capt. Harlock]

Wow--you're willing to let Graham see what you've got? I admire your honesty.

Now what is an Indian division doing there? I wonder if it's part of the reason that your troops won't attack? You should check to see what HQ it belongs to.

You also seem to have a problem with the two brigades. I'm guessing they were made by breaking divisions in half. Remember that such units do not receive reinforcements until they get really low in squads. (A full strength brigade has 108 squads in the 3.X versions of Pacific War.)

[deVada]

Well, Graham can see my fighting troops anyway during the combat phase. All units on Japanese homeland are under Central Pacific command so there are no problems with leadership. The only one is low experience, but while heavy resistance there's no way to make it higher.

Last week, two more divisions were transported to Kagoshima, which caused a land battle in second phase, looses were almost equal, 500 men on each side.
This turn, two more divisions will be delivered there, usual FSNAB is also scheduled both from carriers and battlefleet, so the base must fall.
Japanese airforce still avoids Japan.

Offensive in Australia is going further, more and more troops are scheduled there. Japanese airforce suffered on the ground from P47s from Cairns and Townsville, almost 100 planes wrecked.
The slaughtered troop transport finally made in onto Cairns, but divisions were halved. War is brutal.

Lexington, Wasp, Hancock and Cowpens plus few escort carriers are on their way from western coast to the frontline.
Many more B29 squadrons appeared, production is luckily rising still.

Japanese navy has been withdrawn to Karafuto, showing no will to fight further. They have now 6 BB's in line.

[Graham Smith]

The bombardment on Koashoma is horrendous....the fourth Armoured Division had 206 Tanks when it arived in Kogashima, it is now essentially an infantry division with no tanks. But the boys are still holding.....just. Odds were four to one last turn.

I dont like my chances of surviving another round in Kogashima, but a level 9 airfeild in Allied hands is too terrible to conttemplate

The japanese fighters could handle the mitchells reasonably well, but the B29 now roam freely and laugh at any attempted interception.

[deVada]

Another unconclusive week.
Imperial Top Command revealed that heavy battles took place in Kagoshima, but US sources cannot confirm those information.
/there is no clue in battle report ?????????/
Only standard FullServiceNaval&AirBombing (FSNAB), which isn't killing as many Japs as the first ones. Thery are proably decerasing in number or hiding in the shell holes.

No land battles on other areas, allies surely have a serious problem with land battle initiation. Only at Bonin Island some fighting occured, giving Japanese side good results, althrough it cannot change the fact that Japanese troops could only surrender there. Only matter of time.

Next week will see some more divisions on Kagoshima (up to 8 or 9 is planned, 7 now) and small effort to capture Saipan - the favourite amphibous landing area for the allies. This invasion would be sixth. Dried out of Sake and other strategical supples, Japanese soldiers may loose the spirit finally. The landing would be supported by two medium heavy cruisier forces from Tinian and Iwo Jima, as well as by all available bombers in the area.

The rest of the fleet would give FSNAB to Kagoshima.

Japanese fleet has ceased all major activities, their location is proably Karafuto still. A carrier raid would surely be taken after Wasp, Lexie and Hancock arrival. Such TF needs speed, which cannot be given if CVE's are between the big flattops, as it is now.

Some air squadrons have returned to Japan, but in my opinion they can be only slaughtered. Anyway, it is better than allowing allies do do what they want over Japan.

Small steps and more and more troops fighting to liberate Australian people from Japanese occupation.

Results to follow.

[deVada]

heavy battle occured, 29-06-1944
Japanese airforce had lost over 1000 planes in Japan.
IJN Battleships have returned, but failed to make it to Kagoshima.

Some first reports say that Kagoshima fell.

[Capt. Harlock]

Well done, Peter! (And applause to Graham as well, for putting up such a long-lasting defense.) I note that the Japanese lost more men and guns than they defended with--in other words, it looks like they took over 50% casualties.

If you check the score now, the Production Points should be noticeably lower, since the factories in Kagoshima have been permanently destroyed.

[deVada]

But Kagoshima hasn't fell yet in the reality ...

The photo I posted was only on my video ...

The fact is, that the more we play, the less can I trust to what I see. Last weeks, even my battle reports don't show any land battles at Kagoshima, but Graham is sure that they were happening, I also basing on rising experience.

Real description, will follow after Graham's turn transmission.
He is home now I suppose.

Stay tuned !

[deVada]

Gigantic air battles happened last week, as the Japanese Supreme Command ordered fighters and bombers back to Japan.
Over 1000 Japanese planes were lost in fierce engagements between land based planes and US carriers and Amami squadrons.

Unluckily for US, Mistscher carriers went on reaction close to Takao, attacking huge Japanese transport task force (over 100 ships). Without Kamikazes they failed to sink more than few ships. Smaller TF54 (the remnants have been shown below) with all available escort carriers fought climatic battle with hundreds of Japanese planes, which ended in sinking one or two escort carriers, heavily damaging most of the others. US pilots lacked the support from Mitscher.
In result allies proably cannot have three separate carrier forces in the Japan area still.
Good that a pack of fresh big flattops arrived on the scene this week, so maybe two smaller CV groups could be created anyway, without the risk of being slaughtered by deadly Kamikazes.
I need to count the active CVEs.

Usual very heavy FSNAB happened in Kagoshima, Japanese battleships scheduled to Kago from Uruppu failed to take the distance in time, maybe luckily. The secret is to which side.
US battleforce in Amami Oshima consist of two task forces, one with 6 modernest BB's, the second with the oldies. Both accompanied by modern Baltimore class CA and lots of Fletcher destroyers packs. Flak value well over 4000.
They were attacked by kamikazes also, but fighters crashing into their decks didn't any serious damage to oldies neither the newest type ones.

Silence in Bonin Island and Australia, except some unopposed allied air raids.

Great land battle in Kagoshima, the last one with 500 US and 1800 Japanese soldiers killed. The base should fall any day.
US forces there now consist of 9 full sized divisions (incl. 1st, 2nd, 5th Marines) and a half of famous 1st Australian Panzer division.

Some minor scale bombardment of Japan was conducted. Many heavy bombers flown to Kagoshima in support operation.

Expect capturing of Kagoshima next week.

[deVada]

After the fierce airbattles over Japan, US forces needed a major reconfiguration of carrier forces. The main task force under Mitscher, again haves eight big flattops accompanied by fast light carriers (see file), bound for Kagoshima. The second one with Spruance in command will accompany the first one with all remaining CVE's in number of ten.
The damaged escort carriers departed for healing. Due to possibility of Japanese access on this forum, their destination is a secret.

FSNAB will be again made in Kagoshima.
Also, a amphibous landing in Rockhampton is planned, to make some fighting. Japanese airforce again left Australia.
Some crippled sqadrons are reported in Japan, Amami Oshima is a 8 level airfield now. After replacing the squadrons halved in last week's fights, it has again 250 fighters and 120 bombers, including an experimental wing of B29 assigned to attack shipping in Kagoshima.
Huge Japanese transport groups are walking all around Japan. They are a tasty target, but allies lack 5000 lbs bombs. Without kamikazes it is almost impossible to stop such force at sea.

USS Hornet is reborn, already departed to the Japan.

There is a chance of engaging Japanese battlefleet, if they will appear at Kagoshima. Six big targets ...

US Supreme command is planning to split the carrier forces to smaller groups, which can allow to do more reactions and use the bombers in better way (1/8 strikes s u c k). The condition is to defeat Japanese airforce in Japan definitely, and that requires taking Kagoshima, defended now by proably 10 japanese divisions. This turn it may be archieved at least. Last week the odds were 4 to 1 for allies, and 3:1 in looses, also in favor of coalition forces.

Another elements of 3rd Marine division will appear at Kago this week. Just to trigger fighting.

[strawb]

..."experimental wing of B29 assigned to attack shipping in Kagoshima."

Skip bombing with Superforts - this I've GOT to see!

Makes Mosquitoes using 'High Ball' bouncing bombs (as per Barnes Wallis and the dam raids) vs shipping seem almost sane.

And may be as they fitted 75mm Pack Howitzers into B25s you could like fit 155 Long Toms into the belly of the B29 - ruin Mr Maru's day big time.

All of course.

(the forum is now open for other bizarre aircraft weapon retrofit suggestions....)