::Felix, Ferdinand and FRUPAC:: obvert (A) v Greyjoy (J)

[obvert]

[font="Times New Roman"]June 7 - 12, 1943[/font]

---

About two weeks behind here. Some interesting developments, so I'll try to catch up fast.

[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]SUBS: [/font] Trigger nails Mizuho with two fish on the 9th near Truk. Not sure if she went down though.

[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]INDIA: [/font] The Marines and armor caught up to the Japanese at Imphal and DA on the 12th. They get a 1:4 but the Japanese losses are almost as much as the Allied. Hopefully we can wear them down and run them out of supply, then get a retreat eventually. Even if not, getting to the jungle with no supply and lots of disablements in the monsoon season won't be good for them.

[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]CENT PAC: [/font] Swept Roi Namur with Hellcats getting decent results, then had an escorted PB4Y-1 strike hit the base. I'll try to slowly weaken this base, as it's his only viable striking airbase in the Marshalls.

[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]SW PAC: [/font] Tried some experiments in low ground strikes with Boomerangs at Lae. Not much result even with 70 exp low ground pilots. I'll try these occasionally when I see no AA units present. Made one DA here and the defenders are weakening slightly.

Saw a SCTF at Umboi on the 7th and sent in PTs to try to scout and hit it, but they ran into mines and didn't find the TF.

[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]CHINA: [/font] Lots of bombardments, and the big news is that ALL od the tank divisions now face the besieged Chinese troops at 76,46, plus the tank brigade and several tank regiments. To fill out the hex he has some of the big siege artillery. This has worked previously, but I can get a lot of units moving in and out here, so there is still a chance to hold. I need at least another 2-3 weeks to get the zombie units arriving to move through. After that this hex is less necessary, but it's critical during that period. I don't want Chungking overstacked.

[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]SIGINT:[/font] More gold!!!

The KB looks to be in the DEI from all indications anyway, and this would seem to confirm that with a destination near Western New Guinea. Maybe positioning for a strike to the Pacific?

[font="Trebuchet MS"]CV Akagi is moving to 82,118.
Heavy Volume of Radio transmissions detected at 89,92.[/font]-7th

[font="Trebuchet MS"]--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR June 7, 43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Morning Air attack on 42nd Naval Guard Unit, at 99,126 (Lae)

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 11 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Allied aircraft
Boomerang C-12 x 16
F4F-4 Wildcat x 8

Allied aircraft losses
Boomerang C-12: 1 damaged

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

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x Boomerang C-12 bombing from 100 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR June 11, 43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sub attack near Truk at 112,107

Japanese Ships
CS Mizuho, Torpedo hits 2, heavy damage
CA Kako
DD Hamanami
DD Hatakaze
DD Matsukaze
DD Yayoi
DD Kisaragi

Allied Ships
SS Trigger

SS Trigger launches 4 torpedoes at CS Mizuho
Trigger diving deep ....

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Umboi Island at 100,125

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 21 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Allied aircraft
SBD-3 Dauntless x 15

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
CMc Kurosaki, Bomb hits 3, and is sunk

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring Cmc Kurosaki

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

Ground combat at Lae (99,126)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 3690 troops, 48 guns, 16 vehicles, Assault Value = 118

Defending force 2563 troops, 12 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 54

Allied adjusted assault: 23

Japanese adjusted defense: 25

Allied assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 2)

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

Japanese ground losses:
164 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 11 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Allied ground losses:
37 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 13 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
138th(Sep) Infantry Regiment
2/1 NAOU Det.

Defending units:
42nd Naval Guard Unit
58th Construction Battalion
18th Garrison Unit /3

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR June 12, 43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at Imphal (60,40)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 19825 troops, 223 guns, 929 vehicles, Assault Value = 993

Defending force 33870 troops, 476 guns, 243 vehicles, Assault Value = 857

Allied adjusted assault: 742

Japanese adjusted defense: 3424

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

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

Japanese ground losses:
765 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 56 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 10 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 8 disabled
Guns lost 37 (5 destroyed, 32 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
850 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 72 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 16 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Vehicles lost 55 (5 destroyed, 50 disabled)

Assaulting units:
762nd Tank Battalion
150th RAC Regiment
3rd Marine Division
754th Tank Battalion
194th Tank Battalion
627th Tank Destroyer Battalion
637th Tank Destroyer Battalion
50th Tank Brigade
1st West African AA Regiment

Defending units:
33rd Division
55th Division
35th Fld AA Gun Co
2nd Ind.AA Gun Co
2nd RF Gun Battalion
31st Ind.AA Gun Co
32nd Field AA Battalion
34th Ind.AA Gun Co
6th Air Defense AA Regiment
51st Air Defense AA Battalion
18th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
1st Art.Mortar Regiment
41st Air Defense AA Battalion
36th Field AA Battalion
1st RF Gun Battalion
54th Field AA Battalion
2nd Area Army
12th Ind. AA Battalion
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/font]

---

---

[font="Trebuchet MS"]Some of these are heading to Aden and then to the CBI. Really looking forward to getting them in operation! [:)][/font]

[ny59giants]

Erik - last time I was in UK (early 90s), everything was in metrics except speed which was still in MPH. Has that changed??

[obvert]

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

Erik - last time I was in UK (early 90s), everything was in metrics except speed which was still in MPH. Has that changed??

It's the same now. Very interesting head games there too! [:)]

[obvert]

[font="Times New Roman"]June 13 - 18, 1943[/font]

---

[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]SUBS: [/font] Lots of misses.

[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]INDIA: [/font] Another coupe of DAs at Imphal go a bit worse, but still not bad for wearing them out. The Japanese finally pull out of the base and I will pursue and try again. Might get to them before they build forts, and that could be a better day.

[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]CENT PAC: [/font] I try a small invasion of Arawe as I know he's been putting a fragment of one garrison force into quite a few different bases, including this one. He flies in paras and the small Aussie commando unit is crushed. Worth a try, and now I know how he'd lie to respond.

Got three of the old CLs into Roi Namur for a good old smash-up. They did okay with around 12-15 planes destroyed and around 50 hits on the fields in addition to other damage. The Maleolap invasion is heading in on the 19th and I wanted to make sure nothing was going on there, or at least a limited something.

[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]SO PAC: [/font] Lots of ships at Torokina. I keep wanting to pull the trigger on my 5 SCTFs sitting in the lower Solomons, clear it out and land at Buin. I haven't had the right opportunity yet, but maybe soon.

Lae is in Allied hands! The base falls to a shock on the 13th and now a small commando unit has occupied and taken Nadzab. Construction units are on the way. To me this is more important than Buin and Torokina, as it will open up the whole area once Nadzab is built up and holds a few hundred of the best sweepers and 4Es! [:)]

[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]CHINA: [/font] On the 16th at 76,46 the Japanese get a 1:1 but with tough losses in squads, engineers and vehicles. Luckily the Chinese still have some supply and the attack the next day

[font="Trebuchet MS"]--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR June 14, 43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at Imphal (60,40)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 20791 troops, 277 guns, 1066 vehicles, Assault Value = 950

Defending force 32639 troops, 440 guns, 237 vehicles, Assault Value = 789

Allied adjusted assault: 404

Japanese adjusted defense: 3844

Allied assault odds: 1 to 9 (fort level 2)

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

Japanese ground losses:
690 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 38 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 27 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Guns lost 37 (3 destroyed, 34 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
284 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 36 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 25 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Guns lost 8 (5 destroyed, 3 disabled)
Vehicles lost 72 (5 destroyed, 67 disabled)

Assaulting units:
762nd Tank Battalion
194th Tank Battalion
150th RAC Regiment
627th Tank Destroyer Battalion
754th Tank Battalion
3rd Marine Division
637th Tank Destroyer Battalion
50th Tank Brigade
2/1st Med Regiment
183rd Field Artillery Battalion
6th Medium Regiment
1st West African AA Regiment

Defending units:
33rd Division
55th Division
1st Art.Mortar Regiment
41st Air Defense AA Battalion
2nd Area Army
34th Ind.AA Gun Co
18th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
2nd RF Gun Battalion
2nd Ind.AA Gun Co
6th Air Defense AA Regiment
36th Field AA Battalion
54th Field AA Battalion
31st Ind.AA Gun Co
35th Fld AA Gun Co
1st RF Gun Battalion
12th Ind. AA Battalion

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

Ground combat at Arawe (102,126)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 266 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 11

Defending force 804 troops, 3 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 35

Allied adjusted assault: 3

Japanese adjusted defense: 19

Allied assault odds: 1 to 6 (fort level 0)

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

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

Assaulting units:
2/11th Ind Coy

Defending units:
4th Raiding Rgt /1
18th Garrison Unit /6

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR June 16, 43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Naval bombardment of Maloelap at 136,117 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

19 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
BB Mississippi
BB New Mexico
BB Arizona

Japanese ground losses:
382 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 13 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 19 disabled
Engineers: 4 destroyed, 5 disabled
Guns lost 17 (7 destroyed, 10 disabled)

OS2U-3 Kingfisher acting as spotter for BB Mississippi
Maloelap Naval Fortress firing at BB Mississippi
BB Mississippi firing at Maloelap Naval Fortress
BB New Mexico firing at 1st JNAF AF Unit
BB Arizona firing at Maloelap Naval Fortress

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

Ground combat at 76,46 (near Chungking)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 31377 troops, 541 guns, 2129 vehicles, Assault Value = 1344

Defending force 40768 troops, 95 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1261

Japanese adjusted assault: 895

Allied adjusted defense: 769

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
1975 casualties reported
Squads: 23 destroyed, 83 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 42 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 56 disabled
Guns lost 25 (1 destroyed, 24 disabled)
Vehicles lost 92 (2 destroyed, 90 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
2130 casualties reported
Squads: 8 destroyed, 164 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 15 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 4 (1 destroyed, 3 disabled)

Assaulting units:
7th Ind.Tank Brigade
2nd Tank Division
1st Tank Division
3rd Tank Regiment
3rd Tank Division
Guards Tank Division
Tonei Hvy Gun Regiment
1st Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
6th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
4th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
11th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
5th Medium Field Artillery Regiment

Defending units:
96th Chinese Corps
97th Chinese Corps
49th Chinese Corps
86th Chinese Corps
3rd Prov Chinese Corps
57th AT Gun Regiment


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

Ground combat at Chungking (76,45)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 2478 troops, 176 guns, 136 vehicles, Assault Value = 2146

Defending force 143312 troops, 705 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 3396

Japanese ground losses:
Guns lost 7 (1 destroyed, 6 disabled)
Vehicles lost 7 (6 destroyed, 1 disabled)

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR June 17, 43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at 76,46 (near Chungking)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 30046 troops, 541 guns, 2128 vehicles, Assault Value = 1194

Defending force 39325 troops, 94 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1074

Japanese adjusted assault: 844

Allied adjusted defense: 955

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
829 casualties reported
Squads: 39 destroyed, 59 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 26 disabled
Engineers: 9 destroyed, 6 disabled
Vehicles lost 88 (7 destroyed, 81 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
1579 casualties reported
Squads: 9 destroyed, 161 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 24 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Guns lost 6 (1 destroyed, 5 disabled)

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

Ground combat at Chungking (76,45)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 2454 troops, 175 guns, 130 vehicles, Assault Value = 2146

Defending force 150160 troops, 705 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 3656

Japanese ground losses:
19 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 14 (2 destroyed, 12 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
72 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR June 18, 43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Time Surface Combat, near Kwajalein Island at 132,115, Range 2,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
AMc Shonan Maru #7, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
AMc Tama Maru #3, Shell hits 16, and is sunk

Allied Ships
CL Richmond
CL Detroit
CL Trenton
DD Hammann
DD Mustin
DD Russell
DD Bagley
DD Helm
DD Mugford

Reduced visibility due to Thunderstorms with 100% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Thunderstorms and 100% moonlight: 2,000 yards

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Naval bombardment of Roi-Namur at 132,114

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe: 14 damaged
A6M2-N Rufe: 3 destroyed on ground
B5N2 Kate: 35 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-43-IIIa Oscar: 32 damaged
Ki-43-IIIa Oscar: 1 destroyed on ground
A6M8 Zero: 5 damaged
A6M8 Zero: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied Ships
CL Trenton
CL Detroit
CL Richmond
DD Mugford
DD Helm
DD Bagley
DD Russell
DD Mustin
DD Hammann

Japanese ground losses:
388 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 37 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 6 (1 destroyed, 5 disabled)

Airbase hits 14
Airbase supply hits 6
Runway hits 52
Port hits 8
Port fuel hits 2
Port supply hits 3

CL Trenton firing at Roi-Namur
OS2U-3 Kingfisher acting as spotter for CL Detroit

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

Ground combat at Imphal (60,40)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 20899 troops, 292 guns, 1079 vehicles, Assault Value = 924

Defending force 31671 troops, 402 guns, 206 vehicles, Assault Value = 744

Allied adjusted assault: 349

Japanese adjusted defense: 2230

Allied assault odds: 1 to 6 (fort level 2)

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

Japanese ground losses:
1112 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 45 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 23 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 10 disabled
Guns lost 87 (12 destroyed, 75 disabled)
Vehicles lost 12 (1 destroyed, 11 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
722 casualties reported
Squads: 8 destroyed, 95 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 44 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Vehicles lost 46 (7 destroyed, 39 disabled)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/font]

---

---

[font="Trebuchet MS"]While I don't plan to use these ships against the IJN counterparts if possible, they're quick and can pack a punch in bombardments, and they can take on the old IJN CLs at least. [/font]

[obvert]

[font="Times New Roman"]June 19 - 20, 1943[/font]

---

[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]SUBS: [/font] The KX hits an AMC with one near Tanjoe.

[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]INDIA: [/font] Now moving to engage the IJA between Imphal and Kalemyo.

[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]CENT PAC: [/font] The Maleolap invasion goes in smoothly, with BBs fighting off the worst of the fort CD guns, but the troops can't overcome level 5 forts and fail to take the base. Lots of disablements so this could be a long one again. I'm going to load up for Wotje soon too, and just see how that goes since the troops are ready.

The IJN takes a stab at the fleet from near Roi Namur with the minor-KB, but weather thwarts the strikes and results in lots of kills for the good guys! [8D]

On the day over 50 IJN strike planes and fighters downed for limited Allied losses. I hightailed it out to Mili the day after but they did not pursue. Now the big wait. Lots of booms will be dropping though as two groups of Venturas have been added to the four groups of B-25s hitting the troops at Maleolap.

[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]SO PAC: [/font] I'll risk a bombardment try at Torokina with five SCTF on the 21st. Fingers crossed.

[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]CHINA: [/font] The IJA strike again only a few days after the last one at 76, 46. Again they get a 1:2 as our troops still have supply.

[font="Trebuchet MS"]--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR June 19, 43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pre-Invasion action off Maloelap (136,117) - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

63 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
BB Pennsylvania
CA Quincy
LSD Belle Grove
CVE Barnes
xAK Sea Snipe
APA La Salle
DD Converse

Japanese ground losses:
193 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 6 disabled
Non Combat: 8 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 12 (6 destroyed, 6 disabled)

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

Maloelap Naval Fortress firing at BB Pennsylvania
BB Pennsylvania firing at Maloelap Naval Fortress
CA Quincy firing at Maloelap Naval Fortress
Maloelap Naval Fortress firing at CA Quincy
12cm 3YT CD Gun Battery engaging LSD Belle Grove at 17,000 yards
BB Pennsylvania firing to suppress enemy battery at 17,000 yards
12cm 3YT CD Gun Battery engaging xAK Sea Snipe at 17,000 yards
BB Pennsylvania firing to suppress enemy battery at 17,000 yards
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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Maloelap at 136,117

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 34 minutes

Japanese aircraft
B5N2 Kate x 20

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 38
F6F-3 Hellcat x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 11 destroyed

No Allied losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Maloelap at 136,117

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 76 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 19 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 21
D4Y1 Judy x 9

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 34
F6F-3 Hellcat x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 4 destroyed
D4Y1 Judy: 5 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
CL Trenton

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000' *
Naval Attack: 1 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Maloelap at 136,117

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 78 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 25 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 30
B6N1 Jill x 12

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 25
F6F-3 Hellcat x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 4 destroyed
B6N1 Jill: 8 damaged
B6N1 Jill: 2 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 4 destroyed

Allied Ships
CL Detroit
CL Trenton
DD Hammann

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x B6N1 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 45cm Type 91 Torp

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

Ground combat at 76,46 (near Chungking)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 29731 troops, 541 guns, 2126 vehicles, Assault Value = 1230

Defending force 46429 troops, 93 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1372

Japanese adjusted assault: 899

Allied adjusted defense: 2638

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
452 casualties reported
Squads: 10 destroyed, 54 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 29 disabled
Engineers: 6 destroyed, 22 disabled
Guns lost 19 (1 destroyed, 18 disabled)
Vehicles lost 85 (6 destroyed, 79 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
513 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 140 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

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

Ground combat at Chungking (76,45)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 2410 troops, 176 guns, 135 vehicles, Assault Value = 2144

Defending force 150357 troops, 705 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 3671

Japanese ground losses:
8 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 13 (1 destroyed, 12 disabled)
Vehicles lost 6 (3 destroyed, 3 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
45 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 8 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

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

Ground combat at Maloelap (136,117)

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 6664 troops, 61 guns, 86 vehicles, Assault Value = 160

Defending force 3898 troops, 42 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 67

Allied adjusted assault: 82

Japanese adjusted defense: 207

Allied assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 5)

Combat modifiers
Defender: disruption(-), experience(-)
Attacker: shock(+), fatigue(-)

Japanese ground losses:
120 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 11 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 8 (1 destroyed, 7 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
1214 casualties reported
Squads: 6 destroyed, 63 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 18 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 36 disabled
Vehicles lost 16 (1 destroyed, 15 disabled)

Assaulting units:
21st Infantry Regiment
6th USN Naval Construction Regiment

Defending units:
88th Naval Guard Unit
Maloelap Naval Fortress
Maloelap Base Force
1st JNAF AF Unit

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR June 20, 43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Submarine attack near Tandjoengbalai at 48,78

Japanese Ships
AMC Kinryu Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS KX

AMC Kinryu Maru is sighted by SS KX
SS KX launches 4 torpedoes

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

Ground combat at Chungking (76,45)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 2392 troops, 176 guns, 133 vehicles, Assault Value = 2145

Defending force 150447 troops, 705 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 3676

Japanese ground losses:
47 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 13 (1 destroyed, 12 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
7 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/font]

---

---

[font="Trebuchet MS"]I stupidly set my Hellcats to 25k thinking of sweeps, but of course he can't sweep his own base, and they were out of play for most of the battles here. The Kittens did alright though and flak took care of the rest. [/font]

[crsutton]

I had a lot of success using the old CLs as destroyer leaders. The last campaign they were among my most successful ships in surface combat. They just tear Japanese CLs up.

[obvert]

ORIGINAL: crsutton

I had a lot of success using the old CLs as destroyer leaders. The last campaign they were among my most successful ships in surface combat. They just tear Japanese CLs up.

Good to know. I still have all but Marblehead left of these.

[obvert]

[font="Times New Roman"]Disaster for the USN!!: June 21, 1943[/font]

---

[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]SUBS: [/font]None of our subs spotted or engaged the massive IJN fleets moving to Torokina.

[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]SO PAC: [/font] We sent in five SCTFs and right away they engaged a strong IJN fleet. The three CA and 6 DD that are the front runners suffer at the hands of IJN BBs. Two DDs and a CA are sunk for one IJN DD. Not a good trade.

Then three CL and four DD avoid combat once with the Musashi and company before finally getting reeled in and crushed. In successive battles the BBs sink two more CL and a few DDs. I think we got 2-3 IJN DDs total. Not good.

Three of the SCTFs we sent did not engage. I got messages they were retreating due to enemy presence or whatever that message is. One was two BBs and 8 DDs that was the core of the move, and had Ching Lee commanding.

[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]CHINA: [/font] Another battle in 76,46 that leads to heavy IJA casualties. The AV for four tank divisions, a tank brigade and a few tank regiments is quickly approaching only 1,000.

The Chinese at Chungking seem to be losing a lot of guns too. Really a lot like when I was bombarding Madras. I don't trust the numbers, but they must be losing some to get this high of a CR estimate.

[font="Trebuchet MS"]--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR June 1, 43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night Time Surface Combat, near Torokina at 109,130, Range 5,000 Yards

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
SOC-1 Seagull: 2 destroyed

Japanese Ships
BB Ise, Shell hits 2
BB Hyuga, Shell hits 1
DD Amatsukaze, Shell hits 8, and is sunk
DD Urakaze
DD Hamakaze, Shell hits 1
DD Arashi
DD Hagikaze
DD Murasame, Shell hits 2
DD Samidare, Shell hits 1
DD Yamakaze
DD Umikaze, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Nenohi

Allied Ships
CA Louisville, Shell hits 2
CA Chicago, Shell hits 2, on fire
CA San Francisco, Shell hits 13, and is sunk
DD Lansdowne
DD Woodworth
DD Bailey, Shell hits 15, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Bancroft, Shell hits 4, heavy fires
DD Hughes, Shell hits 1
DD Anderson, Shell hits 1, and is sunk

Poor visibility due to Rain with 85% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Rain and 85% moonlight: 6,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 5,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 5,000 yards
BB Hyuga engages CA San Francisco at 5,000 yards

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Torokina at 109,130, Range 29,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Musashi
BB Fuso
BB Yamashiro
DD Shimakaze
DD Akatsuki
DD Inazuma
DD Yugiri
DD Amagiri
DD Akebono
DD Sazanami
DD Ushio
DD Uruyuke
DD Kosugiri

Allied Ships
CL Honolulu
CL Nashville
CL Columbia
DD Chevalier
DD Waller
DD McCall
DD Balch

Reduced visibility due to Rain with 85% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Rain and 85% moonlight: 6,000 yards
Range closes to 27,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 27,000 yards
Range closes to 25,000 yards...
Range closes to 19,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 19,000 yards
Range closes to 6,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 6,000 yards
Allied TF attempts to evade combat
Range increases to 11,000 yards...
Range increases to 16,000 yards...
Range increases to 21,000 yards...
Range increases to 26,000 yards...
Range increases to 29,000 yards...
Allied Surface Combat TF evades combat

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Torokina at 109,130, Range 7,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Musashi, Shell hits 6
BB Fuso
BB Yamashiro
DD Shimakaze
DD Akatsuki, Shell hits 1
DD Inazuma
DD Yugiri, Shell hits 1
DD Amagiri
DD Akebono
DD Sazanami
DD Ushio
DD Uruyuke
DD Kosugiri, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships
CL St. Louis, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
CL Helena, Shell hits 9, heavy fires
DD Fletcher
DD Abbot
DD Ammen
DD DeHaven
DD Radford, Shell hits 6, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
DD Renshaw, Shell hits 1

Reduced visibility due to Rain with 85% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Rain and 85% moonlight: 6,000 yards
Range closes to 23,000 yards...
Range closes to 17,000 yards...
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
Range closes to 7,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 7,000 yards
Allies open fire on surprised Japanese ships at 7,000 yards
CL Helena fires at BB Musashi at 7,000 yards

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Torokina at 109,130, Range 6,000 Yards

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
OS2U-3 Kingfisher: 3 destroyed
Walrus II: 2 destroyed

Japanese Ships
BB Musashi, Shell hits 6
BB Fuso
BB Yamashiro
DD Shimakaze
DD Akatsuki
DD Inazuma
DD Yugiri
DD Amagiri
DD Akebono
DD Sazanami
DD Ushio
DD Uruyuke, Shell hits 2, heavy fires
DD Kosugiri

Allied Ships
CL St. Louis, Shell hits 6, and is sunk
CL Helena, Shell hits 12, and is sunk
DD DeHaven, Shell hits 2
DD Renshaw, Shell hits 1

Reduced visibility due to Rain with 78% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Rain and 78% moonlight: 6,000 yards
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 6,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 6,000 yards
Nishimura, Teiji crosses the 'T'
BB Musashi engages CL Helena at 6,000 yards

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Torokina at 109,130, Range 6,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Ise, Shell hits 2
BB Hyuga, Shell hits 2
DD Urakaze
DD Hamakaze
DD Arashi
DD Hagikaze
DD Murasame
DD Samidare
DD Yamakaze
DD Umikaze, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Nenohi

Allied Ships
DD DeHaven, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Renshaw

Poor visibility due to Rain with 78% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Rain and 78% moonlight: 6,000 yards

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Torokina at 109,130, Range 6,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Musashi, Shell hits 1, on fire
BB Fuso
BB Yamashiro, Shell hits 1
DD Shimakaze
DD Akatsuki
DD Inazuma
DD Yugiri, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Amagiri
DD Akebono
DD Sazanami
DD Ushio

Allied Ships
DD DeHaven, on fire
DD Renshaw, Shell hits 3, heavy fires

Poor visibility due to Rain with 78% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Rain and 78% moonlight: 6,000 yards

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

Ground combat at 76,46 (near Chungking)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 29482 troops, 539 guns, 2265 vehicles, Assault Value = 1182

Defending force 47337 troops, 91 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1493

Japanese adjusted assault: 714

Allied adjusted defense: 1156

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
1885 casualties reported
Squads: 28 destroyed, 84 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 76 disabled
Engineers: 15 destroyed, 20 disabled
Guns lost 63 (1 destroyed, 62 disabled)
Vehicles lost 159 (22 destroyed, 137 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
1191 casualties reported
Squads: 8 destroyed, 130 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 15 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 7 (1 destroyed, 6 disabled)

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

Ground combat at Chungking (76,45)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 2378 troops, 177 guns, 138 vehicles, Assault Value = 2144

Defending force 150568 troops, 704 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 3690

Japanese ground losses:
37 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 30 (2 destroyed, 28 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
62 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/font]

---

---

[font="Trebuchet MS"]This just looks scary when it comes into the combat window. [/font]

[ny59giants]

Like I posted on Lowpe's AAR, your SC TF go in according to TFs number (lowest first) when all things are relatively equal. He lost Yamato by her going in first to Fletchers. I know you have said that you pick aggressive leaders, but in this case did something else go wrong?? I would now go with a TF of 8 Fletchers followed by everybody else and double check the individual DD for great leaders.

[Lowpe]

I am not sure that your 2BB force would have fared any better against the IJN forces arrayed against you. It is getting late, and Japan most likely won't have many more days like that. It is frustrating when the engine does things you don't expect, but I firmly believe that is what makes the game so neat as the unpredictable can happen.

[obvert]

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

I am not sure that your 2BB force would have fared any better against the IJN forces arrayed against you. It is getting late, and Japan most likely won't have many more days like that. It is frustrating when the engine does things you don't expect, but I firmly believe that is what makes the game so neat as the unpredictable can happen.

They were not slow BBs, they were the Alabama and North Carolina. So I think they would have done quite well based on tests I've made. USN fast BBs tend to clean up, but of course I could be wrong.

To beat IJN BBs it's helpful to have multiple TFs get in there, but I hadn't expected two BB TFs. I think had it been just the one that he'd used before, and ours had all shown up, it could have gone very differently. Luck of the draw and great play to continually mix things up on Nick's part. I've often said it's not what you do but how you can deceive your opponent that will benefit you the most and he wins this one.

It's all made me realize it's time the USN CVs get into things. I'll pick my spot, but they will make an appearance somewhere in the near future now that Hellcats are on board and the Essex is in the fold. He's been keeping forces on a limb for a while, and it's time I go for the limb. [:)]

[Lowpe]

ORIGINAL: obvert
They were not slow BBs,

I thought they were. That would have been fun to watch, pity it didn't happen.

[crsutton]

Just bad luck on the surface combat. I think you did the right thing but it just did not work out. Only thing I note is that moonlight is 85% which allows the heavier Japanese force to engage at a greater range thus giving them some advantage (but not much). Mid 43 is a crap shoot for the Allies as some of their ships are pre 43 arrivals and still have crappy night experience unless they have plenty of prior combat but still I would have done the same thing as you did and expected better results. Usually BBs are not much of a factor in a night fight vs smaller ships and I am willing to trade a CL or two if I can kill a bunch of Japanese DDs in exchange. Problem is that your torpedoes still have a 60% dud rate until late 43. And at longer range they are going to shoot off and miss anyways.

[obvert]

ORIGINAL: crsutton

Just bad luck on the surface combat. I think you did the right thing but it just did not work out. Only thing I note is that moonlight is 85% which allows the heavier Japanese force to engage at a greater range thus giving them some advantage (but not much). Mid 43 is a crap shoot for the Allies as some of their ships are pre 43 arrivals and still have crappy night experience unless they have plenty of prior combat but still I would have done the same thing as you did and expected better results. Usually BBs are not much of a factor in a night fight vs smaller ships and I am willing to trade a CL or two if I can kill a bunch of Japanese DDs in exchange. Problem is that your torpedoes still have a 60% dud rate until late 43. And at longer range they are going to shoot off and miss anyways.

I would have thought the same thing, but these were very close battles. Down to 2k yards. The two main engagements started at 5k and 7k and then went closer.

I've experienced it on the other side, and know that all will change, so I just have to be creative for the time being. Soon I'll have sufficient air groups to challenge his CAP over Torokina, and that will make it harder to post these big TFs so far forward too.

[obvert]

[font="Times New Roman"]June 22 - 23, 1943[/font]

---

[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]SUBS: [/font] It's about time to reorganize subs again. I need to send some clusters forward into the open ocean. I've tried isolated patrols and contacts are there but I need more frequent engagements away from ASW air. I do know there are holes in the coverage now at least.

[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]INDIA: [/font] Getting Chittagong built and sending more base forces forward up into the hills following the Japanese retreat. Still having trouble getting supply to Ledo, Jorhat and Dimapur due to the monsoon. Moving the India Command to Ledo and I'll stop building the airfields at level 7 for now.

[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]CENT PAC: [/font] Maleoplap gets crushed daily as the Japanese naval forces move back to the shadows and the USN amphibs head to Tabiteuaea to prepare for the Wotje invasion. The US regiment is at 28 AV on Maleolap, so it'll be a while before it gets back into shape, but I'll drop supply to ensure the squads are able to recover more easily. Sending LSTs with the PC Charleston, the pocket-cruiser. [:)]

[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]SO PAC: [/font] Almost pulled the trigger on sending similar forces back in the very next day to Torokina, and if I had they would have likely had a good result against one cruiser TF there on the 22nd. Oh, well. Should have gone with intuition. There really isn't a hurry here though, as I know this is not the game breaking area, and current movement in SW Pac is actually going well thanks to this diversion in the islands. One more Corsair group is almost ready to roll too.

[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]CHINA: [/font] Nick sneaks two divisions into the 76, 47 hex to try and close down the road away from Chungking one hex onward. The timing was impeccable, just between movements, and he pushes the two smaller Corps there out. I should be able to get enough in from both sides to keep this road open for at least another few weeks which is vital to get zombies moving through and keep Chungking under the limits. After that I can probably let it be closed, but it would be better if it wasn't and if he had to fight hard to do it. If I can get Chungking supply up sufficiently getting supply here would mean he'd have a lot of trouble kicking troops out a second time.

I've been preparing some Indian troops to help at Chungking for the future. I have a few brigades with 43 squads, low stacking limits and AT guns prepping for Chungking at Ledo. I also might fly in some of the otherwise useless mountain gun units as with level 6 forts even the crap Chinese guns are doing well, so I think these would take minimal supply and do some good work. It'll be a few weeks before any of them head over since the main priority is supply and keeping the road open for now.

[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]OZ:[/font] Getting fields built for the eventual move into West Oz. Geraldton is nearing completion but the two closer bases in the desert need another month or so to get ready. Troops are prepping for IO destinations as well as those on West Oz.

[font="Trebuchet MS"]--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR June 22, 43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at 76,47 (near Chungking)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 28559 troops, 237 guns, 56 vehicles, Assault Value = 882

Defending force 22448 troops, 55 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 220

Japanese adjusted assault: 828

Allied adjusted defense: 238

Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
174 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 17 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
7893 casualties reported
Squads: 215 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 309 destroyed, 60 disabled
Engineers: 6 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 10 (10 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 3

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
40th Division
15th Division

Defending units:
49th Chinese Corps
1st New Chinese Corps
Y' Force
Central Reserve

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/font]

---

---

[font="Trebuchet MS"]A look at the big picture. Some obvious directions I'm heading right now. [;)][/font]

[paradigmblue]

How effective is the Japanese presence in the Indian Ocean at preventing your supplies from Cape Town from reaching their destinations? I imagine that Betties stationed there could interdict anything entering the Indian Ocean from off-map, and prevent oil from Abadan from making its way to Australia. Has this been an issue for you, and if so, what alternative routes did you use to ensure that you didn't lose cargo ships?

[obvert]

ORIGINAL: paradigmblue

How effective is the Japanese presence in the Indian Ocean at preventing your supplies from Cape Town from reaching their destinations? I imagine that Betties stationed there could interdict anything entering the Indian Ocean from off-map, and prevent oil from Abadan from making its way to Australia. Has this been an issue for you, and if so, what alternative routes did you use to ensure that you didn't lose cargo ships?

There really aren't any problems as the routes have always gone far from Diego Garcia and Addu. They only enter the map even with Bombay even now, and previously everything went to Karachi. He did use the KB and got a few ships over as far as Karachi early, but not in a long time. On the Pacific side as well all routes go quite far south to avoid any unexpected interlopers. I lost a few ships on the Cape Town to OZ route even as far South as it is now, but after Perth fell again I started using it with a few scouts to warn of action.

[JohnDillworth]

Tough die roll. What did you lose? 3 good Cruisers and some yard time for the others? Have the Baltimore Class CA's started to show up yet?

[paradigmblue]

Thanks for the insight! To ensure your TFs are entering the map in the right hex, do you assign a waypoint at the point you want to exit the off-map zone?

Where is most of the fuel for Australia coming from, the West Coast?

[obvert]

ORIGINAL: JohnDillworth

Tough die roll. What did you lose? 3 good Cruisers and some yard time for the others? Have the Baltimore Class CA's started to show up yet?

Yeah, two CL and one old CA. A few weeks after losing one CL for 2 CA, so if I see it in that perspective it's not quite as bad I guess.

I do have I think two of the Baltimores?