Day of Infamy Take 47 - a v3.2 PBEM Hans vs Strawb

[Capt. Harlock]

Yes, I thought the B-26 was a more potent plane in V.3.2. I've never understood why the AI tries to convert them all to B-25's.

[Hans-Brink]

Originally posted by deVada
I do not why but I am happy with all allied victories.
Maybe it's because of knowing the pain to be allies in 1941 and 2.

May this painfull lesson teach these Japans not to capture Hawaii ... The isles are so beautiful ...

Anyway - Hans - You're lucky.
Keep struggling !

I think luck is a pretty accurate term, 1 500lb right down her throat.......a beautiful sight

[Hans-Brink]

Washington Post
April 19, 1942


In the Pacific it has been a quiet week. No engagements took place, apart from the usual exchange of bombing raids throughout the theatre.
Experts predict a forthcoming Japanese offensive somewhere in the central Pacific. However this cannot be cannot be confirmed by intelligence reports currently on hand.


--FLASH--
An article in London Times reveals disagreement
The article goes:
--
A dispute between SEAC and CBI has stalled allied operations in Southeast Asia for almost 3 weeks. Apparently, Lt. General Pownall and Maj. General Stillwell have very different opinions on the long-term strategy in India/Burma. Churchill has expressed his dissatisfaction, and high-ranking officers in Washington expect him to take action, provided things don’t change to the better, very soon.
--
--END FLASH--

--FLASH--
Furious vice president of Boeing criticizes the US navy.
In a letter to the Ministry Of Defence, the vice president of Boeing yesterday strongly condemned, what he calls, the lack of will in the navy, to secure the US west coast against Japanese submarine attack on cargo shipping.
He points out, that if Boing are to fulfil their obligations, as stated in their contract with the Ministry Of Defence. The navy must provide the necessary protection of shipping, carrying vital parts, and materials for the production.
--END FLASH—

[Capt. Harlock]

Hans, if you are referring to an attack on the B-17 factory, the company name is "Boeing". (I just happen to work for them.)

Interestingly, Boeing has merged with McDonell-Douglas and North American, so the B-25 and the P-51 are now part of our company heritage.

[Hans-Brink]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hans, if you are referring to an attack on the B-17 factory, the company name is "Boeing". (I just happen to work for them.)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi Capt.

Post edited
I’ll stand corrected

I wasn’t referring to an attack on the B-17 factory though.
It’s the increase in Jap sub activity at the coast of San Francisco and LA the I had in mind.

[Hans-Brink]

Washington Post
April 26, 1942

--FLASH--
Agreement on strategy in Southeast Asia
The dispute between SEAC and CBI came to an end this week. It seems as if a compromise has been made to satisfy both Pownall and Stillwell. The content of this is classified, but it is known that more fighter squadrons have been transferred to China, within the last couple of days.

Meanwhile the British navy conducted a new bombardment of Dacca. Especially the airfield and supply dumps were targeted.
A British Admiral claims this to be the last in a series of action for some time.
--END FLASH--


--FLASH--
Renewed Japanese offensive in the South Pacific
In a telegram from the Southwest Pacific command, CINPAC is informed on a continued Japanese offensive. This time their target seems to be Fiji.
The Japanese navy has committed 2 fleet carriers and 1 CVL. As support they have deployed a bombardment group comprising 4 battleships and 4 heavy cruisers.
The assault was commenced by bombardment from both carrier planes, accompanied by bombers from Espirtu Santo. Shortly after the battleships covered the island with a heavy barrage, making air operations almost impossible.
Lt. General Emmons has requested immediate reinforcements in order to secure his supply line to Australia.
At present time CINPAC intensions are unclear, but according to a reliable source in Washington, the Japanese attack was expected, and preparations for this has been made a long time ago.
--END FLASH--


--FLASH--
Desperate fighting in northern Australia
Reinforced Japanese army units assaulted the encircled Australian army at Broome. Lt. General Emmons was unable to withstand the onslaught, and after 3 days of fierce combat, he withdrew to the lowlands east of the city.
According to sources in CMF the Australian fleet has been given the task of evacuating the last remaining units in the Broome area.
--END FLASH--

[Hans-Brink]

Washington Post
May 3, 1942


As it has been a relatively quiet week in the Pacific, this week’s edition will concentrate on a single incident, which happened in the south pacific.


--FLASH--
First carrier battle of the war
According to The South Pacific Command, Allied and IJN carriers clashed in a minor engagement 2 days ago, a little northeast of Fiji.
The background for the battle was the continued Japanese attack on Fiji, which started a week ago. This week, the Japanese carrier force and the battle group continued their bombardments, while amphibious vessels approached the island.
Combined British and US naval forces launched their counter attack, shortly before the amphibious landing could be commenced. From east, Halsey’s Task Force 59, comprising 4 carriers, attacked the 3 IJN carriers located northeast of Fiji. At the same time Task Force 50, with 3 British carriers, commanded by Boyd, approached from southwest in order to engage the 4 battleships
Halsey’s first air strike was met by a strong CAP over the target. However, 24 Dauntless and 6 Devastator made it through. 1 CVL, assumingly the Zuiho, was sunk and a CV light damaged.
The Japanese immediately, launched a counter strike. Some 36 Vals and Kates participated in the attack, but all of them were repelled either by CAP or flak. Halsey launched his next strike a soon as his planes could be refuelled and rearmed. This time 40 dive-bombers and torpedo planes got through to the ships. Several hits were scored on both remaining CVs. When leaving the scene, pilots reported heavy fire from both carriers. They were still floating though.
Meanwhile, Boyd’s Task Force stumbled into a Japanese supply convoy, several hundred miles southwest of Fiji. A strike was launched, sinking 1 CL and damaging 2.
Nevertheless, Boyd’s convoy hunt allowed the Japanese battleships to continue their shelling of Fiji. Another consequence was the few Dauntless left on Fiji airfield, now had to fight alone against both battleships and the amphibious force.
Not surprisingly, the Japanese amphibious force got through to the beach, where it landed 2 divisions and 2 brigades. It was more a surprise to experience the tenacity, demonstrated by the NZ brigade during the following assault. 285 Japanese soldiers were killed and 11 guns were captured. Friendly losses have been estimated to 200 men.
Naval officials in Washington predict heavy fighting around Fiji for the next 2 weeks.
--END FLASH--

[deVada]

Splendid battle ... Very entertaining.
This confirms that especially Japanese player should avoid sending his carrier divisions in historical way - in small groups of two.

This battle may be decisive in this stage of conflict. Without 2 big flattops (which carrier division were they?) Japanese assault on Hawaiian Islands may be impossible if the airfields there can be upgraded to level 4 at least.

How did You managed to get British carriers that far ?
Didn't they disappeared from the theatre ?

Good luck to both of You guys !



/proably another paradox/

[strawb]

Sorry for slow response, been getting over shock and have been busy with the welding torch and rivet gun.....

Alround kudos to Hans for last two turns (but having 7 CVs available does help....) excellent use of the RN CVs

I deliberately trailed the Fiji assault to Hans. I hoped that US would react and then my big CVs (last seen being sunk of Johnston in rubbish decoy raid...) would react from (XXXX) island and get first strike on Halsey. Hence the split force - bait and trap. I would normally NEVER split them.

But I faced FOUR USN CVs and have had the INDIGNITY of my Trans TF being shot up by RN BIPLANES!


And NOW my mighty surface force BBs are getting beaten to punch as well - see attached for surface battle off Fiji - started well but went down hil once we got down to 2000 yards! At least one DD on each side were sunk when the finishing shot/critical hit was from the AA autocannon.... an allied CA sunk from damage later on. Post this battle the two allied CVs TF flew multiple mission to annoy my BBs and sink transports.

AND did my other CV TF react ? NO! Aggresive leader, and the area is so covered in H6K patrols you could walk dry foot to NZ
on their wings.

BUT Fiji is mine now and Allies about to loose a division and more of troops I think - and Auntie Betty will be wearing her grass skirt asap so Halsey better get out of town.

Battle info attached, more maps etc in next post.

Back to the riveting..
S

[strawb]

whoops

[strawb]

BTW all those IJN TFs on the map are bent ships heading north

As you will see from losses he has NOT hit my big CVs bar the Johnson disaster. BUT I do wish the La Regia Marina and Keeselring would get on with threatening Malta so those Swordfish will go away.

[Capt. Harlock]

In answer to the question of how the British CV's got to Fiji, Version 3.2 does not start withdrawing any British ships from Eastern Fleet until Jan. 1943 instead of 1942. Apparently Hans has been able to put this change to good use.

(And it is somewhat reasonable. From what I've able to find out, HMS Warspite was actually in Seattle undergoing repairs in Jan. 1942. Also, the British lent at least one of their CV's to the South Pacific after the US ran low on serviceable carriers during the Guadalcanal campaign.)

[strawb]

Delayed withdrawl is absolutely right - after all I am threatening Sydney and approach NZ at high speed! As indeed most Japenaese players should be able to do. Withdrawing the RN to go save Malta (mildly vital) and keep the short cut to Alexandria open (rather than going round South Afirca) would NOT play well with the Colonials I think!

I know USN asked about a RN CV but I think it never actually got there? Or rather it was positioned as a 'Reserve' if further US CV were taken out of action, but the high speed repairs being done on damaged US CVs reduced that need.

Besides - I would not fancy fulmars and swordsfish vs IJNAF? But the smaller bombs on eg Betties at long range, would have a hard time getting through those armoured deck of RN CVs.

[Hans-Brink]

Washington Post
May 10, 1942


--FLASH--
British forces launch offensive in India
For 3 weeks British air forces have bombed Japanese positions outside Calcutta. From the outset of the week, British ground forces, commanded by Lt. General Slim, launched a series of attacks on the Japanese positions.
After a few days with of fierce fighting Slim ceased his advance, in recognition of a well entrenched and prepared, Japanese defence.
Vice Admiral Phillips battleships were called in, and several days of joint preliminary bombardments from the air and sea were commenced.
Slim then renewed his attack, but the result was equally successful as his first attempt.
--END FLASH--


--FLASH--
Extended fighting’s in the South Pacific
Already from the start of the week, Japanese ground forces conducted heavy attacks on the garrison at Fiji. The defending NZ brigade continued offering stiff resistance, and several times the attacks were rebuffed.
4 Japanese battleships arrived at the coast of American Samoa, and started shelling the island. A few Hudsons from the local airbase got airborne before the runway was put of action, and made a strike on the battleships, without results though.
At Fiji Halsey closed in on the island from northeast, and attacked a northbound Japanese convoy, assumingly the transports which landed the Japanese army units on the island in the previous week. 1 Large AP was sunk.
Shortly after sunset, Vice Admiral Grace’s Australian cruiser squadron arrived, and a heavy night surface action with the IJN bombardment force followed. Though Grace displayed good skills during the engagement, he was forced to retire at dawn the following morning. Both sides were inflicted heavy damage. Australian losses were reported to be: 1 light cruiser and 2 destroyers. Japanese losses: 2 destroyers.
Later that day, Boyd’s carriers arrived south of Fiji; immediately conducting a strike on an inbound convoy. The convoy was also spotted by Halsey’s patrols, and several air strikes were conducted from both US- and British carriers. Also, dauntless from Fiji attacked made several sorties on transports
Even though receiving several 1000lb bomb and torpedo hits, the convoy made it through to the island. Here it unloaded several hundreds tonnes of supply. In the process a heavy cruiser was severely damaged, and 2 MCS was sunk.
Having received new supplies, the Japanese assaulted the garrison. The defenders were forced to retreat to the southern part of the island.

Overall losses for both sides in the period May 3, to May 10 1942 (Fiji-Samoa area)
Japanese loses:
On the ground 153 men 6 guns and 1 Tank
Naval losses: 3 CL - 7 DD - 2 AP - 8 MCS
Aircraft losses: 0
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Allied losses:
On the ground 254 men 7 guns 3 tanks
Naval losses: 1 CL - 2 DD
Aircraft losses: 124 (of which 63 were abandoned at Fiji airbase)

In addition, 1 Australian heavy CA sank a few miles south of Fiji, due to the damage inflicted the previous night.
It is believed that also a IJN CA were went down in the same manner.
--END FLASH--

[Hans-Brink]

I'm sorry I haven't responded the last couple of days.
Real world events keeps me occupied at the moment, but
I'll be back ASAP

CYA

[Hans-Brink]

Washington Post
May 17, 1942

--FLASH--
New Guinea now Japanese controlled
On May 11, a Japanese engineer unit landed on Noemfoar and took control over the island. Thus, New Guinea is now totally controlled by Japanese forces.
--END FLASH--

--FLASH--
Fierce fighting on Fiji
From Fiji our correspondent reports on the most violent fighting’s he has ever witnessed. For the duration of the week, the totally outnumbered NZ brigade was assaulted without pause.

Estimated Japanese losses: 109 men 3 Tanks
Allied losses: 170 men 4 guns
--END FLASH--

--FLASH--
Allied Carriers on the rampage around Fiji
An executive from CINPAC has announced the withdrawal of Allied naval assets in the Fiji Area. In the announcement it is stated:
--
Early this week CINPAC ordered both Halsey’s and Boyd’s to disengage and withdraw to [censored]. However, both commanders were allowed to engage any Japanese shipping, approaching or leaving, the island of Fiji. Only restriction is that such engagements must be done with caution, and within a timeframe of no longer than 2 days.
Both Halsey and Boyd closed in on the island from east and south. Almost instantly, Halsey’s patrols spotted a Japanese convoy, leaving the island. At the same time Boyd’s patrols located an inbound convoy, a little north of the island. Both Japanese convoys were attacked immediately.
Halsey committed some 185 planes against the northbound convoy, while Boyd launched 50+ aircrafts.
According to the combat records Japanese losses has been estimated to:
1 Myoko class heavy cruiser
1 Light cruiser
1 destroyer
26 6000t MCSs

Allied losses were 2 British torpedo planes
--
The withdrawal has been strongly criticized By high ranking officers in the SW HQ. Lt. General Emmons has requested a continuance in operations around Fiji.
--END FLASH--

--FLASH--
Desperate fighting in northern Australia
After a few weeks pause, Japanese elite forces continued their attacks on the Australian forces west of Broome. Although low on supply, the Australian units offered determined resistance, and after a few days of heavy combat, the Japanese ceased their attacks. Casualties have been reported as very heavy on both sides.
--END FLASH--


--FLASH--
British air strikes on Japanese 2nd Guard and 55th division
A few miles east of Calcutta, the RAF conducted several bombing raids on the 2 IJA divisions entrenched there. The effect has been reported as beeing limited.
--END FLASH--

[Capt. Harlock]

According to Mika (who has done some examination of the source code), there is a "Monsoon effect" in the Burma area. During the months of March, April, and May, attacking LCU readiness is reduced to 25%.

And yes, I know that the actual monsoon season is different from those months--but that's what is coded into the game.

[Hans-Brink]

Originally posted by Capt. Harlock
According to Mika (who has done some examination of the source code), there is a "Monsoon effect" in the Burma area. During the months of March, April, and May, attacking LCU readiness is reduced to 25%.

Thanks for the tip Capt.
That explains some of the things I have been wondering about the latest 3 turns.

Regarding the British fleet
Besides the carriers, how many of the BBs will be transfered to Europe, and when?

Devada!
I transfered the British carriers from Colombo via Perth. That was while Java was still in Dutch controll.
Along with them, I had a replenish TF, to make sure they got there as fast as possible.
They actaully made it to Perth, before being spotted.
I think this would be a hazardous move from the moment Bettys are operating from Java.

[Hans-Brink]

Washington Post
May 24, 1942

--FLASH--
Washington announces reorganisation of senior officers
Shortly after returning from operations in the waters around Fiji, Halsey has been given command of the South Pacific HQ. To replace him, an unknown cruiser skipper named Spruance, has been assigned to command the carrier forces in this region.
--END FLASH--

--FLASH--
Continued fighting in the Fiji area
From Fiji our correspondent on the island, reports that IJA units commanded by Yamashita, commenced a series of attacks on the defending NZ brigade. Though low on supplies, the defenders are still holding their positions, while inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy.

In a attempt to engage the 4 IJN battleships, bombarding the island, Spruacne’s task force, comprising 6 US- and British carriers, were rushed to the area. In the early hours of May 28, He launched a strike against the IJA units on the island. However, Intensive search in the area failed to pinpoint the position of the battleships.
After sunset, 2 IJN battleships arrived on scene, and for the duration of the night, they shelled the island.
At dawn the following day a dauntless from Saratoga spotted a Japanese convoy headed for the island. Spruance decided to divide his air assets, and strike on both the convoy, and the Japanese ground forces at the same time. Thus 64 bomber and torpedo planes attacked the convoy, while a similar wave struck the IJA units. Two large Aps were reported sunk, and casualties on the ground units were minimal.
Cloudy weather hindered further air operations the rest of the day. At noon on May 30, a Wildcat from Yorktown located a fraction of the Japanese convoy, another airstrike was ordered, sinking 6 MCSs.
--END FLASH--

--FLASH--
Situation heats up in India and Burma
Reports from Southeast Asia indicate a new Japanese offensive in this theatre. At Dimapur the Japanese 33rd division probed the British positions northwest of the city. Casualties were limited on both sides, as the IJA ceased their attempts after a few hours.
In addition an official from SEAC informs us about a naval action that took place a few days ago. The HQ of the Eastern Fleet obtained intelligence reports signifying the presence of a high-ranking IJN admiral in Dacca (Kondo). According to the report, Kondo was commanding a minor taskforce, anchored at the port. Vice Admiral Somerville was dispatched with 5 British battleships, in order to eliminate the taskforce, and kill the admiral if possible.
A heavy surface action started on Somerville’s arrival. It lasted most of the night resulting in the destruction of Kondo’s taskforce. Japanese losses were 1 Light cruiser and 7 destroyers.
During the action, Japanese Fubuki destroyers made a torpedo run, and scored 1 hit on Resolution. The battleship also received several hits from light guns and flak. Shortly before dawn she sank. Though Somerville succeeded in destroying the taskforce, he failed to eliminate Kondo. The Japanese admiral escaped on a heavily mauled destroyer.
A few hours after sunset, Japanese bombers from Akyab attacked the retreating British taskforce. Warspite was hit by a 800lb bomb, causing moderate damage on the ship.
--END FLASH--


--FLASH--
Continued fierce fighting at Broome
Also this week, CMF reports on fanatic Japanese assaults on the encircled Australian forces west of Broome. As the defenders were almost out of basic supplies, an Australian convoy made it to the coast, and unloaded several hundred tonnes of food and ammunition.
--END FLASH--

[Hans-Brink]

Washington Post
May 31, 1942


--FLASH--
Fiji Island now fully controlled by the Japanese
IN a telegram from The Southwest Pacific HQ, it is announced that the last defenders on Fiji has surrendered.
On May 26, After 3 weeks of desperate fighting, the NZ brigade decided to lay down their weapons.
The next day, Spruance’s carriers and a 4 BBs strong taskforce, commanded by Rear Admiral Scot, arrived on scene. Several air raids were made against convoys in the harbour, and the airfield. Then Scot’s taskforce moved in on the island and started a 24 hours of heavy shelling.
Only very few Japanese planes were able to coordinate an attack on Spruance’s taskforce, and none of them got through the CAP.
--END FLASH--


--FLASH--
Japanese advance in Burma
At Dimapur, a British colonial division were forced to withdraw. After a few hours under artillery fire, the commanding officer decided to retreat to Ranchi.
At the same time Chinese units commenced an attack on a Japanese brigade at Myitkyina. However the operation came to an end after a few hours, due to heavy rain.
Also Lt. General Slim made an attempt to drive back the Japanese units outside Calcutta, as the Chinese operation at Myitkyina, Slim was forced to cease the attack due to poor weather.
--END FLASH--


--FLASH--
Continued fierce combat outside Broome
Without pause, Japanese units assaulted the isolated Australian positions outside Broome. Thus the Japanese attempts have lasted for 2 weeks by now.
Lt. General Emmons has once again asked for permission to evacuate the positions, but according to CINPAC officials, no naval assets are available for such an operation at present time.
--END FLASH--