Jorge's(A) crusade to the fabled kingdom of PresterJohn(J) DBB-C --- Allied AAR

[IdahoNYer]

Good to see the AAR back! Been a great read and good strategy guide for my own PBEM - you've got to stay a couple of weeks ahead of me!

BBfanboy beat me to it - fully agree with his analysis. What is the IJA pushing in Burma toward India? That might give you an indicator of what's available for a seaborne invasion of India.

[Jorge_Stanbury]

Thanks,
there are no Japanese troops on Burma!

or better to say, just 2 sneaky LCU's (1 para on Lashio, 1 armour north of Pegu cutting my rail line)
For all purpose Burma is isolated and lost already... however, what he doesn't know is that Burma was evacuated long time ago,
I only left enough LCU (of the worst Burmese quality) to give him the impression it would be defended
I would post a map tomorrow, as I just got the combat replay, but not the turn yet.

I fully agree on Ceylon, but knowing the carriers were coming for the last 3 or 4 turns ago, it is already fully evacuated... there are no Allied ships on the Indian Ocean except the west: the areas of Karachi, Bombay
the RN left.. shame... Adm. Nelson rolling in his grave; however, what else could be done? 2 carrier; one ancient, the other one with Fulmars, 1 old BB, many ancient cruisers

Combat replay news:
The carriers attacked Calcutta; which hints that we will see an invasion soon; either Cox's/ Akyb or Cuttack.. I vote Cox's EDIT: I noticed heavy recon on Akyb, so I believe that is the target

EDIT: I realized he didn't strike Calcutta; instead there was a TF of AKLs escaping there; his naval strike "forced" him to fight my Calcutta CAP

More important, although he sunk those useless AKLs, he got a bloody nose [:D]
I counted: 1 Zero, 11 Vals, 7 Kates shot down
he also spent a lot of torpedoes



Combat report:
I would trade anytime a couple Buffalos/ Hurricanes + 11 AKLs for 19 experienced carrier pilots/planes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Calcutta at 52,37

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 38 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 55
B5N1 Kate x 19
B5N2 Kate x 52
D3A1 Val x 42

Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 48
Hurricane IIb Trop x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed
B5N1 Kate: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 4 destroyed, 11 damaged
D3A1 Val: 7 destroyed, 8 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Buffalo I: 1 destroyed
Hurricane IIb Trop: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
xAKL Jalatarang, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
xAKL Benkoelen, Torpedo hits 4, and is sunk
xAKL Bust, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
xAKL Belawan, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
xAKL Latouche, Torpedo hits 4, and is sunk
xAKL Cebu, Bomb hits 6, and is sunk
xAKL Siberoet, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
xAKL Lepus, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
xAKL Benkalis, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
xAKL Sigli, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
xAKL Sibolga, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x D3A1 Val bombing from 9000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
22 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
22 x D3A1 Val bombing from 9000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
25 x B5N2 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp
17 x B5N1 Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp

CAP engaged:
No.232 (P) Sqn RAF with Hurricane IIb Trop (5 airborne, 11 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
No.243 Sqn RAF with Buffalo I (5 airborne, 11 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
No.453 Sqn RAF with Buffalo I (5 airborne, 11 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
No.488 Sqn RAF with Buffalo I (5 airborne, 11 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes

Massive explosion on xAKL Jalatarang
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAKL Siberoet
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAKL Bust
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAKL Jalatarang
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAKL Cebu

[Jorge_Stanbury]

As requested, this is a map of Burma/ east India:

By looking at how far north the transports are, I am now thinking he will try Cuttack or Diamond Harbor.
As a preventive measure, I will rebase all my planes currently in Diamond as it might be a target for naval bombardment

Invasion force looks small in terms of ships; but of course, he could be using those huge liners capable of carrying 5,000 troops each, as Japanese early war amph bonus allows him to use them as if they were landing craft

[Jorge_Stanbury]

I haven't got the turn; just the combat replay; and things got more interesting than I was expecting them to be; so he ended landing on Diamond Harbor!!

This was unexpected, of course, as there are guns there. Moreover, from his email, he was not expecting so many troops there as you can see from the combat report:

Ground combat at Diamond Harbour (52,38)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 12128 troops, 165 guns, 99 vehicles, Assault Value = 360

Defending force 63096 troops, 543 guns, 527 vehicles, Assault Value = 1800

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

Allied ground losses:
93 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Guns lost 11 (1 destroyed, 10 disabled)

Assaulting units:
7th Armoured Brigade
23rd Indian Division
Diamond Harbour Fortress
25th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
1st Bengal Construction Battalion
223 RAF Base Force
225 RAF Base Force

Defending units:
5th Div /2
8th Tank Regiment
2nd Division
Imperial Guards Div /5
18th Div /3
82nd JAAF AF Bn
18th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
25th Army
Southern Army
3rd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
96th JAAF AF Bn


Basically he brought 3 IDs, 1 TK Reg, Art and support
I have 1 ID, 1 TK brigade, Art and support
I have plenty of supply, he will have to keep unloading under challenging conditions (see invasion reports attached at the bottom)
I have the entire British Air Force available... he only have KB-1 which is 2 fleet carriers and CVLs, CVEs

I think I have the upper hand, I am not saying I will defeat him, but if I can hold him for many turns, it will be a big win, as I will keep sending reinforcements to Calcutta


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pre-Invasion action off Diamond Harbour (52,38)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

236 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
xAK Tacoma Maru, Shell hits 2
PC Kaki
AK Tosan Maru
xAP Baikal Maru

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

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

6" Mk V/VII Gun Battery engaging xAK Tacoma Maru at 10,000 yards
PC Kaki fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 5,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Diamond Harbour (52,38)

TF 47 troops unloading over beach at Diamond Harbour, 52,38

Japanese ground losses:
474 casualties reported
Squads: 19 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 3 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 2 (2 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad lost in surf during unload of Imperial Guards Div /1
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad lost from landing craft during unload of Imperial Guards Div /3
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad lost from landing craft during unload of Imperial Guards Div /3
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad accidentally lost during unload of Imperial Guards Div /4
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad lost in surf during unload of Imperial Guards Div /4
15 Support troops accidentally lost during unload of Imperial Guards Div /10
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad lost in surf during unload of 5th Div
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad lost in surf during unload of 5th Div
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad accidentally lost during unload of 5th Div /3
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad accidentally lost during unload of 5th Div /3
70mm T92 Bn Gun lost overboard during unload of 5th Div /3
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad lost in surf during unload of 5th Div /3
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad lost from landing craft during unload of Imperial Guards Div
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad lost from landing craft during unload of Imperial Guards Div /6
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad lost overboard during unload of Imperial Guards Div /6
15 Support troops lost in surf during unload of Imperial Guards Div /6
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad lost from landing craft during unload of 5th Div /4
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad lost in surf during unload of 5th Div /4
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad lost in surf during unload of 5th Div /4
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad lost overboard during unload of 5th Div /5
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad accidentally lost during unload of 5th Div /6
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad lost in surf during unload of 5th Div /7
10cm T91 Howitzer accidentally lost during unload of Imperial Guards Div /7
Motorized Support lost overboard during unload of Imperial Guards Div /7
15 Support troops accidentally lost during unload of Imperial Guards Div /7


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pre-Invasion action off Diamond Harbour (52,38)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

196 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
PB Naruto Maru #3
PB Nako Maru #2
AK Kyushu Maru
xAK Kusuyama Maru

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

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

PB Naruto Maru #3 fired at enemy troops
PB Nako Maru #2 fired at enemy troops
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 Diamond Harbour (52,38)

TF 213 troops unloading over beach at Diamond Harbour, 52,38

Japanese ground losses:
224 casualties reported
Squads: 9 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 11 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 3 (3 destroyed, 0 disabled)

17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad lost from landing craft during unload of 18th Div /2
15 Support troops lost from landing craft during unload of Southern Army /2
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad lost overboard during unload of 18th Div
17 troops of a IJA Cavalry Squad lost in surf during unload of 18th Div
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad lost overboard during unload of 18th Div
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad lost from landing craft during unload of 18th Div /4
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad lost overboard during unload of 18th Div /4
Motorized Support dropped into water during unload of Southern Army /3
15 Support troops lost overboard during unload of Southern Army /3
15 Support troops lost overboard during unload of 25th Army
15 Support troops accidentally lost during unload of Southern Army
Motorized Support lost from landing craft during unload of Southern Army /5
15 Support troops lost from landing craft during unload of Southern Army /5
15 Support troops lost in surf during unload of 25th Army /3
15 Support troops accidentally lost during unload of 25th Army /4
15 Support troops lost from landing craft during unload of 18th Div /6
15 Support troops lost from landing craft during unload of 18th Div /7
Motorized Support dropped into water during unload of 25th Army /5
15 Support troops accidentally lost during unload of 25th Army /5
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad accidentally lost during unload of 18th Div /5
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad accidentally lost during unload of 18th Div /5
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad lost overboard during unload of 18th Div /5


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pre-Invasion action off Diamond Harbour (52,38)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

224 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
xAK Teiyo Maru
AV Sanyo Maru
PB Kyo Maru #8
xAK Kano Maru
xAK Nissyu Maru
PB Kohuku Maru
AMC Asaka Maru

Japanese ground losses:
158 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

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

6" Mk V/VII Gun Battery engaging xAK Teiyo Maru at 13,000 yards
PB Kyo Maru #8 firing to suppress enemy battery at 13,000 yards
6" Mk V/VII Gun Battery engaging xAK Kano Maru at 13,000 yards
PB Kyo Maru #8 firing to suppress enemy battery at 13,000 yards
6" Mk V/VII Gun Battery engaging xAK Nissyu Maru at 13,000 yards
PB Kyo Maru #8 firing to suppress enemy battery at 13,000 yards
PB Kyo Maru #8 fired at enemy troops
PB Kohuku Maru fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 5,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 1,000 yards


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Diamond Harbour (52,38)

TF 270 troops unloading over beach at Diamond Harbour, 52,38

Japanese ground losses:
105 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 6 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

20 troops of a IJA Hy Inf Sqd 41 lost overboard during unload of 2nd Div /2
15 Support troops lost from landing craft during unload of 2nd Div /4
12 troops of a IJA HMG Section accidentally lost during unload of 2nd Div /6
75mm T90 Field Gun damaged beyond repair during unload of 2nd Div /6
15 Support troops lost in surf during unload of 2nd Div /8
15 Support troops lost from landing craft during unload of 2nd Div /9
15 Support troops accidentally lost during unload of 2nd Div /11
20 troops of a IJA Hy Inf Sqd 41 lost in surf during unload of 2nd Div /14
15 Support troops lost from landing craft during unload of 2nd Div /14
20 troops of a IJA Hy Inf Sqd 41 lost from landing craft during unload of 2nd Div /15
15 Support troops accidentally lost during unload of 2nd Div /18


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Diamond Harbour (52,38)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

117 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
xAK Hakkai Maru, Shell hits 3, heavy fires
xAK Kagu Maru, Shell hits 3, heavy fires
xAK Tacoma Maru
PC Kaki
AK Tosan Maru

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

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

6" Mk V/VII Gun Battery engaging xAK Hakkai Maru at 12,000 yards
6" Mk V/VII Gun Battery engaging xAK Kagu Maru at 12,000 yards
6" Mk V/VII Gun Battery engaging xAK Tacoma Maru at 12,000 yards
PC Kaki fired at enemy guns
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Diamond Harbour (52,38)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

116 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
xAK Aobasan Maru, Shell hits 4, heavy fires
PB Nako Maru #2
xAK Teihoku Maru, Shell hits 2, on fire
PB Naruto Maru #3
AK Kyushu Maru
xAK Ikuta Maru

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

6" Mk V/VII Gun Battery engaging xAK Aobasan Maru at 7,000 yards
PB Nako Maru #2 firing to suppress enemy battery at 7,000 yards
6" Mk V/VII Gun Battery engaging xAK Aobasan Maru at 7,000 yards
PB Nako Maru #2 firing to suppress enemy battery at 7,000 yards
6" Mk V/VII Gun Battery engaging xAK Teihoku Maru at 7,000 yards
PB Nako Maru #2 firing to suppress enemy battery at 7,000 yards
PB Naruto Maru #3 fired at enemy troops
PB Nako Maru #2 fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Diamond Harbour (52,38) - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

239 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
AMC Asaka Maru, Shell hits 3, on fire
APD Nadakaze, Shell hits 1, on fire
APD Shimakaze, Shell hits 1, on fire
xAK Kenyo Maru, Shell hits 2
PB Kohuku Maru
AV Sanyo Maru
PB Kyo Maru #8

Japanese ground losses:
45 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 19 (6 destroyed, 13 disabled)

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

Diamond Harbour Fortress firing at AMC Asaka Maru
AMC Asaka Maru firing at Diamond Harbour Fortress
Diamond Harbour Fortress firing at APD Nadakaze
APD Nadakaze firing at Diamond Harbour Fortress
Diamond Harbour Fortress firing at APD Shimakaze
6" Mk V/VII Gun Battery engaging xAK Kenyo Maru at 7,000 yards
AV Sanyo Maru firing to suppress enemy battery at 7,000 yards
PB Kyo Maru #8 fired at enemy guns
PB Kohuku Maru fired at enemy troops
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



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Diamond Harbour (52,38)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

110 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
xAK Kinugawa Maru
PC Kaki
AK Tosan Maru

Japanese ground losses:
199 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 17 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

6" Mk V/VII Gun Battery engaging xAK Kinugawa Maru at 14,000 yards
PC Kaki fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Diamond Harbour (52,38)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

140 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
xAK Teihoku Maru
PB Naruto Maru #3
PB Nako Maru #2
AK Kyushu Maru

Japanese ground losses:
141 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 12 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

6" Mk V/VII Gun Battery engaging xAK Teihoku Maru at 12,000 yards
PB Naruto Maru #3 fired at enemy troops
PB Nako Maru #2 fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Diamond Harbour (52,38)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

40 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
xAK Kenyo Maru, Shell hits 3
APD Nadakaze
AV Sanyo Maru
xAK Kogyo Maru, Shell hits 1
xAK Kano Maru, Shell hits 4
PB Kyo Maru #8
PB Kohuku Maru
AMC Asaka Maru, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

6" Mk V/VII Gun Battery engaging xAK Kenyo Maru at 6,000 yards
AV Sanyo Maru firing to suppress enemy battery at 6,000 yards
6" Mk V/VII Gun Battery engaging xAK Kogyo Maru at 6,000 yards
AV Sanyo Maru firing to suppress enemy battery at 6,000 yards
6" Mk V/VII Gun Battery engaging xAK Kano Maru at 6,000 yards
AV Sanyo Maru firing to suppress enemy battery at 6,000 yards
PB Kyo Maru #8 fired at enemy troops
PB Kohuku Maru fired at enemy troops
25-prd Mk II Gun battery firing at AMC Asaka Maru
40mm M1 Bofors (L) battery firing at AMC Asaka Maru
40mm M1 Bofors (L) battery firing at AMC Asaka Maru
6" Mk V/VII Gun battery firing at AMC Asaka Maru

[Jorge_Stanbury]

My plans are:

- Air: attack with everything that I have... and I have a lot now [;)] try to keep hitting his transports to reduce his supply. KB is all what he have and eventually they will need to withdraw

- Land: Strat move to Calcutta as many troops as I can. I have some troops at Chittagong and under this scenario, I prefer they leave for Calcutta ASAP, Chittagong is worthless without Calcutta.

Diamond Harbour: Put everything on artillery bombardment, again just to make them spend supply

- Sea: Submarines, that is all I have

By the way, Diamond Harbor is at level 3 fort... I think I have a good chance of holding for some time

Should I move some LCUs from Calcutta to try to hold Diamond Harbor?
the longer it holds, the worst his supply situation will become... 63,000 engaged troops will certainly spend a lot every turn

[BBfanboy]

ORIGINAL: Jorge_Stanbury

My plans are:

- Air: attack with everything that I have... and I have a lot now [;)] try to keep hitting his transports to reduce his supply. KB is all what he have and eventually they will need to withdraw

- Land: Strat move to Calcutta as many troops as I can. I have some troops at Chittagong and under this scenario, I prefer they leave for Calcutta ASAP, Chittagong is worthless without Calcutta.

Diamond Harbour: Put everything on artillery bombardment, again just to make them spend supply

- Sea: Submarines, that is all I have

By the way, Diamond Harbor is at level 3 fort... I think I have a good chance of holding for some time

Should I move some LCUs from Calcutta to try to hold Diamond Harbor?
the longer it holds, the worst his supply situation will become... 63,000 engaged troops will certainly spend a lot every turn

That one is a tough call because of two things - the quality of your troops and the shallow replacement pools for them.
Your Indian units that start out with very low morale and maybe 15% TOE should have filled out to about 30% by now (if you turned on replacements) and their morale should have increased from dismal to just "low". That is not good enough to stand in a battle with high experienced, confident IJA units, which also have more heavy weapons.
The Australian and British units are good and have some heavy weapons, mostly lacking artillery to match the Japanese 155mm and larger guns. Stuart Tanks are good but Marmon-Harringtons and tankettes don't help much. And as I mentioned, getting replacements for lost Australian and British devices is slow.

So I see it as a gamble - putting your best troops at Diamond Harbour to take advantage of the level 3 forts will hold him up and cause him some grief, but once he breaks through he has a clear run to Bombay. Keep in mind that he can flank you by landing some troops at Cuttack and marching to Calcutta. You would need to have some other good units on their way from Capetown or Aden to cover Bombay and Karachi.

[Jorge_Stanbury]

THanks for the advice

I took a look at my last turn, and I really don't have enough troops on Calcutta to spare; mostly 2nd line support + around 250 AV

my best troops, if we can call them that [8|], are in Chittagong, this include all the Burma evacs as I was specting him to attack there before trying anything on Calcutta. They will all Strat move ASAP to Calcutta. Then we will see what is next

I don't think he was expecting resistance on Diamond Harbor, thus I don't see him landing on Cuttack very soon; unless of course he divert his existing Diamond Harbor invasion.

My greatest advantage is that his closest air base is L2 Lashio which was taken by paratroops recently, thus not the greatest. His closest port is Singapore; and that is a long way. His carriers don't have infinite endurance.
If he run out of supply, then even the best IJA troops are useless

I have just enough PP to buy one USA brigade; or I can wait another twenty something days to buy a full division. I think I will go for the brigade now. I have them in the East coast, with fast transports ready (including Queen E).
The division is preparing for Calcutta, the brigades for: Diego Garcia, Trincomale, Colombo and Perth I believe

[BBfanboy]

I just hope Diamond Harbour's guns can fry a few more of his transports - even if they have finished unloading the troops, if you sink their supply he has a problem. Shooting down a few more KB planes would be good too, except he is likely to sweep with his Zeros now rather than escort only as they were when your fighters got past them. Even if you lose 2:1, it is worth it to kill KB pilots over your bases.
Keep in mind the 1-3 days packing time required to strat move out of Calcutta. Have a reserve of throwaway troops to shove into Diamond Harbour while your other troops move to Calcutta and then strat move to Bombay/Karachi.

Also look at your arriving land units in the Intel screens. I think you get some British armour and some pretty good Australian troops at Aden in mid February. Lots of air units arrive at Aden too, but many of them are green and need to stay and train for a month or two before deployment.

[Jorge_Stanbury]

Strat move to Bombay/ Karachi?
do you think Calcutta should be abandoned? [X(] I don't like that!!

Last turn I start loading Australian troops; with more coming soon; they will defend Bombay and Karachi
and no more British armor for a long time... the 7th Arm brigade, with around 100 Stuarts; is already in Diamond Harbor. They actually arrived in the last couple turns. I hope they do some good damage


EDIT: I was wrong, there is the 3 Carabiniers reg coming in 20 days; but only 20 Stuarts... they will remain in Karachi

[Jorge_Stanbury]

I will actually move everything that can fight or bombard from Calcutta to Diamond Harbor. Thinking about it; the Chitagong troops might not reach Calcutta unless I can delay him somehow: it takes 3 days to prepare for Strat move, then a couple turns if not more, as the RR is small and it does a very long detour to reach Calcutta, then of course time to bring back to combat mode... so we are talking a week or more.

And other than redundant troops; I will make a stand at Calcutta; it is heavy urban with fort level 3.48

Even if defeated, they will give me some time to organize the defense of Bombay and Karachi.

Attached is the location of all major British/ Indian LCUs
I also have the 18th Australian Bde at Aden; loading for Karachi
The USA 159th Mot Regiment on a convoy near PH; I will be redirected to Sydney-Perth-Diego Garcia-Bombay
The USA 185th Inf Regiment will be purchased tomorrow; then sent from the east coast to CT on the fastest transports available (Queen Elizabeth for troops, other transports for the equipment).
And the 21th and 25th Australian brigades will arrive in Aden in the next 2 and 5 days respectively. Also moving to Karachi

[IdahoNYer]

you can also move US units via strat move from the East Coast to Capetown. No shipping required, and they can move to Cape while still under the restricted West Coast command - it will take a bit (over a month I think), but this is a long game, right? If you start saving PP when it departs, by the time it reaches Capetown, you should have enough saved to release it for shipment to India.

[Jorge_Stanbury]

ORIGINAL: IdahoNYer

you can also move US units via strat move from the East Coast to Capetown. No shipping required, and they can move to Cape while still under the restricted West Coast command - it will take a bit (over a month I think), but this is a long game, right? If you start saving PP when it departs, by the time it reaches Capetown, you should have enough saved to release it for shipment to India.

I know, but I don't like this.
I am not saying it is gamey, just that it is in my personal "restrain" list. I prefer to use my own transports; they will be faster too as the QE can cruise at 30 knots

I got the turn back, and after a quick glance, I think I won't send a full scale air attack... he just got a lot of shipping on Diamond Harbor, including CVLs, CVEs, BBs, etc.
The RAF is a one shot wonder; if I send it now then my bombers will we wipped out by CAP with no chances of recovery for the next months. Moreover, with so many capital ships they will likely avoid transports. As you said, this is a long game, and it will be better to reserve the planes for fighting under much better circumstances; like supply runs

That said, I plan to put some CAP traps to keep mauling the KBs experienced pilots as much as I can

[BBfanboy]

ORIGINAL: Jorge_Stanbury

Strat move to Bombay/ Karachi?
do you think Calcutta should be abandoned? [X(] I don't like that!!

Last turn I start loading Australian troops; with more coming soon; they will defend Bombay and Karachi
and no more British armor for a long time... the 7th Arm brigade, with around 100 Stuarts; is already in Diamond Harbor. They actually arrived in the last couple turns. I hope they do some good damage


EDIT: I was wrong, there is the 3 Carabiniers reg coming in 20 days; but only 20 Stuarts... they will remain in Karachi

Defending forward is OK if it works, but putting all your strength forward leaves the rear vulnerable so you need to be able to move back fast if you can't hold him. As I mentioned, your troops can be surrounded if he marches overland to Calcutta - you can't use strat move once he has troops in the city. If he has brought enough troops he can beat the level 3 forts and your experienced troops. Japanese heavy artillery can be devastating.
I'm not saying you should not give him hell at DH while you can, I'm just saying don't get trapped and leave your really essential bases with inadequate defences. Glad to see you have other troops on the way.
I also think you are right to hold back your bombers right now.
Can Calcutta produce any PT/MT boats?

[Jorge_Stanbury]

Bad news; Diamond Harbor fell on the first attack; so I guess the Japanese are really invincible for the first 6 months; and there is little that can be done to stop them.

I am disappointed a level 3 fort can fall so easily, so quickly. but at the very least it makes things easier; as I will cancel the move of those troops

Also very disappointed that the Japanese don't even sweat to do it; I lost 12,000 troops to 300 !


Ground combat at Diamond Harbour (52,38)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 54926 troops, 543 guns, 330 vehicles, Assault Value = 1808

Defending force 16872 troops, 200 guns, 326 vehicles, Assault Value = 346

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 2

Japanese adjusted assault: 1273

Allied adjusted defense: 262

Japanese assault odds: 4 to 1 (fort level 2)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Diamond Harbour !!!

Combat modifiers
Defender: forts(+), disruption(-), preparation(-), experience(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
314 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 39 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled

Allied ground losses:
12825 casualties reported
Squads: 155 destroyed, 110 disabled
Non Combat: 767 destroyed, 17 disabled
Engineers: 130 destroyed, 4 disabled
Guns lost 165 (155 destroyed, 10 disabled)
Vehicles lost 273 (266 destroyed, 7 disabled)
Units retreated 5
Units destroyed 2

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
Imperial Guards Division
5th Division
18th Division
8th Tank Regiment
2nd Division
3rd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
25th Army
82nd JAAF AF Bn
18th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
Southern Army
96th JAAF AF Bn

Defending units:
23rd Indian Division
7th Armoured Brigade
Diamond Harbour Fortress
1st Bengal Construction Battalion
223 RAF Base Force
25th Indian Mountain Gun Regiment
225 RAF Base Force

[Jorge_Stanbury]

Looking at the bright side; he committed a lot of troops to India; while Java and Bataan still holds.
This means he cannot have a lot more left to try any serious invasion on Australia (excluding the North) or the Pacific (excluding New Caledonia). Can I say Melborne and Suva are now safe??

The Japanese assault bonus will end in 49 days

[BBfanboy]

I am not so sure he cannot muster an attack deep in SOPAC. He would likely have to wait for KB since there are at least three US CVs out there to wreck invasions that are poorly covered, but he has quite a few divisions that are unrestricted and can buy more from Manchukuo. Someone did a very good spreadsheet showing all the IJA divisions and their starting locations and posted it on this forum. Try searching for it - it makes a great checklist to keep track of what he has committed and what units are hidden from you.

Bataan is holding but is isolated and I presume unable to mount any air or naval offence into his lines of communication. Send supply there when you are able so they can tie down some of his units. Maybe march everyone north once to see if he left enough there to keep the siege?

Java is a good prize to hold onto and use. With KB in the Bay of Bengal, you can consider putting some surface raiders at a couple of ports to hit his LOC at places like Balikpapan or Ambon. Depends on where all his Netties are posted. Two DDs in a TF are hard for naval search to spot.

[Jorge_Stanbury]

KB is still on the Pacific, or better to say half of it is:

KB-1 is in the Indian Ocean: Kaga, Akagi + miniKB
KB-2 is the 2 Kakus and the 2 Ryus location unknown, but pretty sure it is close to Rabaul/ Truk

I have a TF from Perth just heading north to do precisely what you mentioned; I will split it into groups of 2 ships

And of course, the reinforcement of the Pacific/ Australia has not stopped. It will actually be good if he decides to do another deep push, as then it will mean more over extending his lines. Moreover, a split KB is good enough today to beat my carriers; but that is not going to hold true next year. Eventually he will need to concentrate, and then I could choose where to hit him

I am now thinking on building 2 fortresses in India, Karachi and Bombay, and withdraw everything there. Bombay the strongest as it is urban heavy.

[Jorge_Stanbury]

Well... that was a very quick way of losing India [:@]

so what is next???

I have troops in 3 main areas:
The main bulk is in Bangladesh
These include my most numerous (not to say the best, as they are crap) divisions. I have here most of my Rangoon evacuates too. They will all start moving out of Bangladesh on strat move . All supporting troops (air HQs, Base force, etc) will go to either Bombay and Karachi. They will expedite the building of forts there, so far both are at a very weak level 3, which by recent experiences means nothing against the kind of overwhelming attacks my opponent like to do. The fighting LCUs will move to a position north west of Calcutta. No final destination decided yet, it will depend on how the battle of Calcutta unwinds. if things go poorly, then they will retreat intact; if there is some hope of getting engaged, then I will throw some to sacrifice, the rest will go to Bombay

Western India
I have one division and one tank brigade moving to Calcutta, these two are crappy LCUs, but they can delay Japan a bit, and I am not concerned about losing them. They should be able to get in time before he encircles
Other than enough to garrison, everything else will leave for Bombay or Karachi

Calcutta area
Last turn I started moving in direction NW any non essential troops out, this means all the air HQs, most base forces and even the AA. I decided not to use strat move until they are out of Calcutta; there is a major road so it shouldn't take longer than 3 turns to get them all out
Also leaving is the 7th armored brigade, or better to say, what is left of it. All other Diamond Harbor survivors are too disorganized; they will leave as soon as they come back.


After he conquers Calcutta, then he would had conquered by default, everything South and South East of it. Where would he go from there?

- He will probably go west and grab everything below Bombay
- I doubt he will attempt to cross the line above "Delhi" as this will trigger emergency reinforcements. It would be nice if this happen, but we are playing DBB-C version of scenario 1; he doesn't have that many LCUs

- He might try to grab Bombay, and hopefully I will be then ready to defend. The key here is that although I have lost a lot of territory, with more to come soon. My troops are relatively intact; I only lost around 12,000 so far. Having all the Bangladesh troops, plus Australian reinforcement, plus at least 1 USA regiment on a heavy urban area has to mean something

- THe most frightening scenario: he can go for China, and then it will be completely lost

The key is, I am still undefeated, my forces relatively intact. I am just valiantly running away; a very brave retreat [:D]
More troops will need to be sacrified to hold him for some time until I can build a "national redoubt" at Bombay. Any LCU scheduled for early withdraw will be a strong candidate for "drawing the short straw"

[BBfanboy]

Sir Robin is not running away!
Sir Robin is taking up positions that give a better chance of annihilating the enemy!
(They just happen to be 1500 miles to the northwest)
[:D]

[IdahoNYer]

Surprised to see Diamond Harbor falling so quickly - was hoping to see that more of a fight. Not sure if the Jpn are invincible in the first 6th months, but the sharp tip of his spear certainly is. He's going to take whatever he sets out to accomplish. That said, his LOCs are long and those CL/DD raids that worked effectively for you in the DEI fight can also pay in the Indian Ocean once the KB departs - and he can't keep the KB there forever. If he does, do some counter thrusting in Pacific.

He can't be strong everywhere - find his vulnerabilities and hit 'em where he ain't.