Ein Bisschen Grieg: Cannonfodder (Allies) vs Chris H (Japan)

[zuluhour]

positively geographic! I like it.

[KenchiSulla]

11th of August, 1942 / 20th of August, 1942
CBI

[BBfanboy]

ORIGINAL: Cannonfodder
... One Japanese division is wrecked for almost no Chinese losses in the last sock attack ...

[:D] I guess the Chinese socks were a lot more stinky than the clean ones the Japanese were throwing. Maybe they should
throw their boots next time!

Re: the river line at Akyab, if the Japanese have already crossed some troops over the river and their reinforcements
come through the same hex side when they cross, they do not necessarily shock attack. There is a check on the AV of the
troops already across vs. the troops crossing and if the ratio is below a certain threshold (40% ??) they do not shock attack.
Even if the reinforcements do SA, the Japanese could coordinate with the troops already across so that they all SA. Still,
in that terrain they will have a hard time against the tough Aussies.

[KenchiSulla]

Typical typo, woops[8D]

The hex line is not Japanese so they would have to shock attack. The 33rd came from Akyab and the hex is owned by me. It does not matter though. Looks like Chris realized the risk and rerouted the troops into Akyab. It will take him days to get there so the 6th and 7th Australian will kick back the 33rd IJA infantry and pursue to recapture Akyab..

[KenchiSulla]

21st of August, 1942 / 6th of September, 1942
CBI


33rd division and 15th army are pushed into and out of Akyab taking heavy casualties. The Australians are stuck there for now as it looks like at least two divisions + remnants are covering the crossing. Can't shock attack that. 18th UK is moving up to guard the link between Cox and Akyab. Lashio takes an attack and forts drop to two. The Japanese take casualties and withdraw battered troops to prevent to much overstacking. The air is controlled by the Japanese, supply is difficult (I do manage to sneak in two squadrons after IJA sweeps stand down and shoot down a dozen Helens). An armored division (not guards, but one reformed from Manchuria) reinforces the area and my bet is more infantry is coming.

South and Southwest Pacific

Troops and aircraft are moved around. I'm working on getting 3 full heavy bomber groups operational with 72 B17Es, 24 B17Fs and 48 B24Ds... I've got a NF squadron operational flying radar equipped HAVOCs, soon to be combat tested against countless Japanese nightly bomber strikes.. A lot of G4M bombers are being used in that role. A waste if you ask me...

KB is spotted moving in and out of allied search range.. What purpose?

Allied options

In my opinion, the best area for the allies to advance is one where many (air)bases are available to capture in close proximity. The Japanese did not have time yet to build them all up and with all the reinforcing going on in Burma (he needs Lashio ofcourse) I wonder what he has available in other places. The black arrows show where I am thinking about pushing. The white are optional.. DEI is a bit harder to attack as the IJN is still very strong compared to the allied navy and there are many good ports with enough fuel production close by.



Operation Avocatio is underway! Details to be revealed next update

[KenchiSulla]

Submarine war:

So far it has not been a great war for the silent service.. Biggest prize was the crippled Fuso..
Can't say I am surprised, I use most boats as scouts and screens. When 1943 comes, I'll think about how best to use the subs..

[KenchiSulla]

7th of September / 10th of September, 1942
North Pacific

OPERATION AVOCATIO

[KenchiSulla]

Phase I

[BBfanboy]

Did someone already mention that invasion of PJ triggers reinforcement of the main islands with Depot divisions and perhaps some air
and naval units? That is not an issue if you do not intend to invade the main islands and will increase IJA supply usage there.

[KenchiSulla]

In DBB the national code is 101, means no reinforcements, but thanks for the heads-up!

[KenchiSulla]

10th of September, Paramushiro-jima landing

Looks like we find only very light resistance, as expected. The island should fall next turn. The battleships embedded in the amphibious TFs suppressed the coastal guns sufficiently.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Sep 10, 42
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Paramushiro-jima at 137,47

Allied Ships
BB Warspite
BB Colorado

Japanese ground losses:
58 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 2
Port hits 4

Walrus II acting as spotter for BB Warspite
BB Warspite firing at Paramushiro-jima
OS2U-3 Kingfisher acting as spotter for BB Colorado
BB Colorado firing at Kitachishima Fortress





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Pre-Invasion action off Paramushiro-jima (137,47) - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

41 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
BB Idaho
CL Concord
AP Crescent City
DE Gilmer

Japanese ground losses:
294 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 9 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 10 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

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

BB Idaho firing at Kitachishima Fortress
Kitachishima Fortress firing at BB Idaho
CL Concord firing at Kitachishima Fortress
Kitachishima Fortress firing at CL Concord
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 4,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 1,000 yards


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Paramushiro-jima (137,47)

TF 266 troops unloading over beach at Paramushiro-jima, 137,47

Allied ground losses:
17 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 1 (0 destroyed, 1 disabled)



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pre-Invasion action off Paramushiro-jima (137,47)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

10 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
DE Sands
DE Ward
KV Wetaskiwin
KV Quesnel
AK Castor

DE Sands fired at enemy guns
DE Ward fired at enemy guns
KV Wetaskiwin fired at enemy guns
KV Quesnel fired at enemy guns
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 1,000 yards


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Paramushiro-jima (137,47)

TF 301 troops unloading over beach at Paramushiro-jima, 137,47

Allied ground losses:
Vehicles lost 4 (0 destroyed, 4 disabled)



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Paramushiro-jima (137,47)

7 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
AP Crescent City
DE Gilmer

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

Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 1,000 yards


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Paramushiro-jima (137,47)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

5 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
DE Sands
DE Ward
KV Wetaskiwin
KV Quesnel
AK Castor

DE Sands fired at enemy guns
DE Ward fired at enemy guns
KV Wetaskiwin fired at enemy guns
KV Quesnel fired at enemy guns
24cm T45 Howitzer battery firing at AK Castor


RELEVANT, POSITION KB

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Ponape at 118,121

Japanese Ships
DD Kazegumo
BB Kirishima
BB Haruna
CL Abukuma
CS Chitose
DD Makinami
DD Oboro
DD Amagiri
DD Yugiri

Allied Ships
SS Cachalot

SS Cachalot launches 4 torpedoes at DD Kazegumo
Cachalot diving deep ....
DD Oboro attacking submerged sub ....
SS Cachalot eludes ASW attack from DD Oboro
DD Amagiri fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Yugiri fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Oboro fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Yugiri fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Yugiri fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Yugiri fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Yugiri fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Paramushiro-jima (137,47)

6 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
AP Crescent City
DE Gilmer

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


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pre-Invasion action off Paramushiro-jima (137,47) - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

41 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
BB Mississippi, Shell hits 2
CL Raleigh
AP William Ward Burrows
DE Humphreys

Japanese ground losses:
358 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 24 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)

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

BB Mississippi firing at Kitachishima Fortress
Kitachishima Fortress firing at BB Mississippi
CL Raleigh firing at Kitachishima Fortress
Kitachishima Fortress firing at CL Raleigh
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 6,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 1,000 yards


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Paramushiro-jima (137,47)

TF 275 troops unloading over beach at Paramushiro-jima, 137,47

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



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Paramushiro-jima (137,47)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

2 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
DE Sands
DE Ward
KV Wetaskiwin
KV Quesnel
AK Castor

DE Sands fired at enemy guns
DE Ward fired at enemy guns
KV Wetaskiwin fired at enemy guns
KV Quesnel fired at enemy guns

[BBfanboy]

Nice landing results - all your troop "losses" were disablements which will recover. Pretty good for icy waters!
You must have had full prep on all of them. The embedded BBs were also highly effective. I predict a cakewalk conquest.

[KenchiSulla]

11th of September, Paramushiro-jima conquest

[zuluhour]

Well done, Herr Cannon!

[obvert]

ORIGINAL: Cannonfodder

In DBB the national code is 101, means no reinforcements, but thanks for the heads-up!

Nice work on the landing! That'll at least make him react.

Looked in the editor but I can't find where it mentions which bases are coded to release reinforcements.

[KenchiSulla]

I based myself on information found on the forum. Paramushiro used to be "100" being part of the Japanese Islands, not the Kurile islands. It was field tested that it triggered reinforcements for Japan. In DBB (and maybe also stock) it is changed into 101 so I am assuming nothing is triggered. In the end it does not matter much, I would still have invaded...

[KenchiSulla]

12th of September / 16th of September, 1942

Burma

Night bombing is becoming the new national sport. Chris introduced its use and gradually put more effort into it. If targeting weak defended bases (no FLAK) it is fairly effective at suppressing airbase growth. After a while I decided to commit Burma bombers to the same cause, targeting Tojo airfields. Burma has seen heavy reinforcement by the Japanese. On top of combat divisions we now have spotted CAs bombarding Akyab and G4Ms night bombing RAF airfields. Good, I rather lose a few Blenheims and Albacores here then have the Betty torpedo my transports in the Pacific!

Supply is a constant worry here... but the area serves its purpose. Jap unit magnet...

[KenchiSulla]

Paramushiro-jima

Japanese are testing the defenses of Paramushiro-jima. I-159 hits mines and is presumed lost. A6M2s (probably home defense fighters?) are sweeping running into carrier fighters and local air defenses as they are being built up. The pesky IJN bombers keep the airfield damaged by night. Engineering vehicles are being deployed so at some point I'll start to actually repair the facilities...

Morning Air attack on Paramushiro-jima , at 137,47

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 21,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3

Allied aircraft
Martlet II x 38

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Martlet II: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
No.881 Sqn FAA with Martlet II (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(26 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 12 being recalled, 14 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
No.888 Sqn FAA with Martlet II (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(12 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 8 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes

Morning Air attack on Paramushiro-jima , at 137,47

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 42 NM, estimated altitude 23,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 30

Allied aircraft
Martlet II x 35

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Martlet II: 4 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
18 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 20000 feet *

CAP engaged:
No.881 Sqn FAA with Martlet II (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 8 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 9 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
No.888 Sqn FAA with Martlet II (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 12000 and 27000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes

Morning Air attack on Paramushiro-jima , at 137,47

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 44 NM, estimated altitude 25,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
VMF-112 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 4 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters between 22000 and 23000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes

[KenchiSulla]

17th of September 1942

[KenchiSulla]

18th of September 1942

Battleships vs cruisers at Akyab. The Japanese manage to sink two old destroyers but Myoko is heavily damaged and on fire. Being 500 miles from a friendly port she is doomed.

Night Time Surface Combat, near Akyab at 54,45, Range 5,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CS Nisshin
CA Atago, Shell hits 6, on fire
CA Maya, Shell hits 4, on fire
CA Myoko, Shell hits 13, heavy fires, heavy damage
CL Naka, Shell hits 1
DD Natsushio
DD Tokitsukaze
DD Nowaki
DD Arare
DD Harusame, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Mochizuki

Allied Ships
BB Revenge, Shell hits 4
BB Royal Sovereign, Shell hits 2
BB Ramillies, Shell hits 2
BB Resolution, Shell hits 4
CL Newcastle, Shell hits 6, on fire
DD Tenedos, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Electra, Shell hits 1
DD Express
DD Inconstant, Shell hits 4, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

Reduced visibility due to Rain with 57% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Rain and 57% moonlight: 6,000 yards
Range closes to 17,000 yards...
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
Range closes to 5,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 5,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 5,000 yards
Tanaka, Raizo crosses the 'T'
BB Resolution engages CA Myoko at 5,000 yards
CA Myoko engages BB Ramillies at 5,000 yards
CA Atago engages BB Ramillies at 5,000 yards
BB Revenge engages CA Atago at 5,000 yards
CA Myoko engages DD Inconstant at 5,000 yards
CA Myoko engages DD Electra at 5,000 yards
Range closes to 4,000 yards
CA Myoko engages CL Newcastle at 4,000 yards
CA Atago engages CL Newcastle at 4,000 yards
CA Myoko engages BB Revenge at 4,000 yards
DD Inconstant engages CA Myoko at 4,000 yards
DD Harusame engages DD Express at 4,000 yards
DD Arare engages DD Electra at 4,000 yards
DD Electra engages DD Nowaki at 4,000 yards
Range increases to 6,000 yards
CA Myoko engages CL Newcastle at 6,000 yards
CA Maya engages CL Newcastle at 6,000 yards
CA Myoko engages BB Royal Sovereign at 6,000 yards
CL Naka engages CL Newcastle at 6,000 yards
CL Newcastle engages CA Atago at 6,000 yards
DD Arare engages DD Inconstant at 6,000 yards
DD Harusame engages DD Express at 6,000 yards
DD Arare engages DD Inconstant at 6,000 yards
DD Nowaki engages DD Tenedos at 6,000 yards
CL Newcastle engages CA Myoko at 6,000 yards
CA Maya engages CL Newcastle at 6,000 yards
CA Atago engages BB Royal Sovereign at 6,000 yards
CL Naka engages BB Revenge at 6,000 yards
CA Myoko engages CL Newcastle at 6,000 yards
DD Inconstant sunk by DD Mochizuki at 6,000 yards
DD Express engages DD Natsushio at 6,000 yards
Range closes to 5,000 yards
CL Newcastle engages CA Myoko at 5,000 yards
CA Maya engages CL Newcastle at 5,000 yards
CA Atago engages CL Newcastle at 5,000 yards
CA Myoko engages BB Revenge at 5,000 yards
CA Maya engages CL Newcastle at 5,000 yards
DD Electra engages DD Mochizuki at 5,000 yards
DD Arare engages DD Electra at 5,000 yards
DD Arare engages DD Express at 5,000 yards
DD Nowaki engages DD Electra at 5,000 yards
Range increases to 7,000 yards
CA Myoko engages BB Resolution at 7,000 yards
CL Newcastle engages CA Maya at 7,000 yards
BB Royal Sovereign engages CA Maya at 7,000 yards
BB Revenge engages CL Naka at 7,000 yards
CA Maya engages CL Newcastle at 7,000 yards
DD Tenedos sunk by DD Mochizuki at 7,000 yards
DD Harusame engages DD Electra at 7,000 yards
DD Nowaki engages DD Electra at 7,000 yards
Range increases to 11,000 yards
BB Resolution engages CA Myoko at 11,000 yards
BB Resolution engages CA Maya at 11,000 yards
CA Atago engages BB Royal Sovereign at 11,000 yards
CA Myoko engages BB Revenge at 11,000 yards
CA Myoko engages CL Newcastle at 11,000 yards
DD Express engages DD Mochizuki at 11,000 yards
BB Royal Sovereign engages DD Harusame at 11,000 yards
DD Arare engages DD Electra at 11,000 yards
DD Tokitsukaze engages BB Resolution at 11,000 yards
Range increases to 13,000 yards
BB Resolution engages CA Maya at 13,000 yards
CA Maya engages BB Resolution at 13,000 yards
CA Atago engages BB Royal Sovereign at 13,000 yards
CL Naka engages BB Revenge at 13,000 yards
CA Myoko engages CL Newcastle at 13,000 yards
DD Mochizuki engages DD Electra at 13,000 yards
DD Harusame engages DD Electra at 13,000 yards
DD Arare engages DD Electra at 13,000 yards
DD Nowaki engages DD Electra at 13,000 yards
Task forces break off...