PBEM campaign Graham vs Peter
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Capt. Harlock
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Looks like both the Japanese Army and Navy still have teeth. On the other hand, 800 planes per turn is going to be a serious problem. (I once calculated that 180 planes per turn was about the limit of Japanese capacity, but that was an ealier version with much different aircraft costs.)
Civil war? What does that mean? Is there any foreign war? Isn't every war fought between men, between brothers?
--Victor Hugo
--Victor Hugo
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Graham Smith
- Posts: 51
- Joined: Mon Jul 30, 2001 8:00 am
- Location: australia
Aircraft replacement
Yes, Captain, I think your calculation of 180 planes per turn is about right........if you dont have B29s dropping all sort of ordinance on your factories. Allied aircraft now bomb the factories almost unopposed.
In the early defense of Saipan (and other airfields within range of Japan), I was losing up to 1000 aircraft per turn. this has left few to defend the factories when the allies finally did get the airfields....an interesting dilemna, lose them to prevent the allies getting within range, or lose them defending the factories?
Yes, the navy still has some teeth, if it can get within gun range of any allied force, without being bombed to oblivion.The mighty Mushashi took 18 months to repair in India ( because the home ports were all within bomber range). After taking so long to repair, the emporer requires her to take some victims to the bottom when she goes down.....a naval version of a kamikaze I hope. The other remaining Japanese battleships are mostly Kirashima class battle cruisers, which are probably better matched against American cruisers, than against New Jersey class battleships and 1000lb bombs.
The Japanese army does not have just teeth, it has FANGS. It still has many very highly experieced units (lots of divisions still in excess of 80 experience), and I dare to say that it is almost unbeatable, if I can find enough supplies to keep them at 99% readiness.
In the early defense of Saipan (and other airfields within range of Japan), I was losing up to 1000 aircraft per turn. this has left few to defend the factories when the allies finally did get the airfields....an interesting dilemna, lose them to prevent the allies getting within range, or lose them defending the factories?
Yes, the navy still has some teeth, if it can get within gun range of any allied force, without being bombed to oblivion.The mighty Mushashi took 18 months to repair in India ( because the home ports were all within bomber range). After taking so long to repair, the emporer requires her to take some victims to the bottom when she goes down.....a naval version of a kamikaze I hope. The other remaining Japanese battleships are mostly Kirashima class battle cruisers, which are probably better matched against American cruisers, than against New Jersey class battleships and 1000lb bombs.
The Japanese army does not have just teeth, it has FANGS. It still has many very highly experieced units (lots of divisions still in excess of 80 experience), and I dare to say that it is almost unbeatable, if I can find enough supplies to keep them at 99% readiness.
plane production and looses
Your calculation isn't valid in 3.0 version proably Capt. Harlock.
Japanese Air Force lost few thousands of planes last year, but they show no sign of pool exhaustion. Of course some of squadrons are counting 3 or 8 planes, but they still have teeth.
Worse thing is the Japanese flak. Factory bombardement and airfield attacks are consuming tremedous amounts of planes, the same as huge transport task forces. Balancing the game in order to give Japs a chance is proably done too good.
In reality - air attack of 150 planes, (experienced pilots, mostly fighters but many bombers) diving on task force of 200 transport ships MUST kill more than 3 or 4 ships (remember Tanaka on Bismarck Sea ?).
In fact, rockets are totally obsolete, what is sad - even the Avengers tend to use it. Flak is able to down 30% of attackers, so attack is unworthy.
Japs don't have such problems with Kamikazes ... I dream of having at least few of them ...
US command promised a surface battle to the Emperor next week in Brisbane. Hope the fleets won't miss each other.
Japanese Air Force lost few thousands of planes last year, but they show no sign of pool exhaustion. Of course some of squadrons are counting 3 or 8 planes, but they still have teeth.
Worse thing is the Japanese flak. Factory bombardement and airfield attacks are consuming tremedous amounts of planes, the same as huge transport task forces. Balancing the game in order to give Japs a chance is proably done too good.
In reality - air attack of 150 planes, (experienced pilots, mostly fighters but many bombers) diving on task force of 200 transport ships MUST kill more than 3 or 4 ships (remember Tanaka on Bismarck Sea ?).
In fact, rockets are totally obsolete, what is sad - even the Avengers tend to use it. Flak is able to down 30% of attackers, so attack is unworthy.
Japs don't have such problems with Kamikazes ... I dream of having at least few of them ...
US command promised a surface battle to the Emperor next week in Brisbane. Hope the fleets won't miss each other.
the more You play - the less You understand ... :p
action forecast
Battleship clash wasn't possible. IJN is withdrawing its battleships to Sydney. Too far to follow while "Japanese planes are falling from the sky". They lack fuel it seems. 
Due to heavy Japanese presence in Brisbane and Sydney area US carrier forces have been withrawn from the first line of combat. Japanese kamikaze crews from Brisbane are too dangerous while merged with some navy elements. Heavy land based air attacks are scheduled anyway, 80 Boeings 29 are ordered to intercept shipping in the Brisbane area. The heavies proved to be succesfull when used in large amounts.
A carrier raid will target Saipan again as japanese airforce reappeared there in large amount of betties, hiryus and hayabusas. It will be supported by air attacks from all nearby allied bases.
3rd Marine division together with second US division is surrounded by overwhelming Japanese troops in Sorong area after fall of Manokwari.
Another attempts will be made to take Nagasaki and Osaka. Last battle in Osaka shown more killed japs than allies so there is a chance.
Major battleship force reorganization is in progress. The fast task force will now compound of 3 Iowa class BB's accompanied by all South Dakota and Washington class ones. They'll support south pacific operations.
Oldies will spend their ammo on Japanese homeland, eventually trying to intercept shipping.
Results soon.
Due to heavy Japanese presence in Brisbane and Sydney area US carrier forces have been withrawn from the first line of combat. Japanese kamikaze crews from Brisbane are too dangerous while merged with some navy elements. Heavy land based air attacks are scheduled anyway, 80 Boeings 29 are ordered to intercept shipping in the Brisbane area. The heavies proved to be succesfull when used in large amounts.
A carrier raid will target Saipan again as japanese airforce reappeared there in large amount of betties, hiryus and hayabusas. It will be supported by air attacks from all nearby allied bases.
3rd Marine division together with second US division is surrounded by overwhelming Japanese troops in Sorong area after fall of Manokwari.
Another attempts will be made to take Nagasaki and Osaka. Last battle in Osaka shown more killed japs than allies so there is a chance.
Major battleship force reorganization is in progress. The fast task force will now compound of 3 Iowa class BB's accompanied by all South Dakota and Washington class ones. They'll support south pacific operations.
Oldies will spend their ammo on Japanese homeland, eventually trying to intercept shipping.
Results soon.
the more You play - the less You understand ... :p
09-10-1944
Lot of action on all theatres.
In Japan, 1st Australian Armored Division elements landed in Osaka with over 120 tanks, giving a decisive reason for Japs to withraw their forces from the city area. The base is now under US control, huge airfield awaits incoming planes. Looses have been heavy anyway.
Now, with two bases in Japan, and with Nagasaki almost captured the eastern Japan air force is finally disabled and the strategical situation has been cleared. The war in Japan is proably over.
If major surface combatants and carrier forces will remain in southern Australia - there is no way to defend Tokyo.
In Australian theatre of operations:
B29's from Rockhampton intercepted enemy carriers west of Sydney. Despite over 70 Zekes on cap, many bombers managed to get over the ships. Unfortunately, in three strikes they failed to score a single hit. Most of cap fighers were downed so withdrawing US carrier task force from the area was a mistake. Who knows the wages of war ?
Nothing important in other areas, usual air raids.
In Japan, 1st Australian Armored Division elements landed in Osaka with over 120 tanks, giving a decisive reason for Japs to withraw their forces from the city area. The base is now under US control, huge airfield awaits incoming planes. Looses have been heavy anyway.
Now, with two bases in Japan, and with Nagasaki almost captured the eastern Japan air force is finally disabled and the strategical situation has been cleared. The war in Japan is proably over.
If major surface combatants and carrier forces will remain in southern Australia - there is no way to defend Tokyo.
In Australian theatre of operations:
B29's from Rockhampton intercepted enemy carriers west of Sydney. Despite over 70 Zekes on cap, many bombers managed to get over the ships. Unfortunately, in three strikes they failed to score a single hit. Most of cap fighers were downed so withdrawing US carrier task force from the area was a mistake. Who knows the wages of war ?
Nothing important in other areas, usual air raids.
the more You play - the less You understand ... :p
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Capt. Harlock
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Capture of Osaka
Check the score: if the manual is correct, Peter should now have 5,000 bonus victory points.
Civil war? What does that mean? Is there any foreign war? Isn't every war fought between men, between brothers?
--Victor Hugo
--Victor Hugo
16-10-1944
US forces launched a full scale attack on Sorong, where 24th infantry and 3rd Marine divisions are struggling against reinforced Japanese army, under heavy bombardment of enemy planes from Ambon Island and Kendari in the Celebes.
Two separate carrier task forces (totally 10 CVs + 5 CVLs) wiped out all nearby aerial opposition, two task forces, first of 3 Iowa class battleships plus all available "baltimores" and the second with all South Dakota class ships accompanied by older type heavy cruisiers disabled many soldiers while solid bombardment. Then, a division and a brigade landed in Sorong, but as always they have forgotten to fire, only 2 squads attacked, so the attack ended with another bloodbath.
In Japan, no land battles ex. Nagasaki (looses in favor of US). Japanese air wings didn't even tried to attack Osaka so all bombers have been used to pound enemy troops and factories.
Japanese production points are now around 1550 so the 1.5 killpoint multiplier is gone. Scores soon.
In Australia, two B29 wings from Rockhampton intercepted enemy heavy cruisiers at anchor in Sydney, but only one hit was given to a CL. Do details known how much damage it caused. Enemy carriers weren't active, no land battles though.
Two new aircraft carriers have became available at San Francisco. They have left the base together with USS Alaska this morning.
Next weeks will see final offensive in Northern tip of New Guinea and proably another leap in Japan. Nagasaki should fall any moment.
As intelligence revealed, Japanese navy will try to take Port Moresby (a huge pack transports with land units and supply is scheduled there), also the New Zealand will be targetted by all IJN remnants.
Regarding to dead routine convoy system, the allied will now concentrate on destroying as many AKA's as possible, to defeat mighty Japanese Land Forces by hunger.
Two separate carrier task forces (totally 10 CVs + 5 CVLs) wiped out all nearby aerial opposition, two task forces, first of 3 Iowa class battleships plus all available "baltimores" and the second with all South Dakota class ships accompanied by older type heavy cruisiers disabled many soldiers while solid bombardment. Then, a division and a brigade landed in Sorong, but as always they have forgotten to fire, only 2 squads attacked, so the attack ended with another bloodbath.
In Japan, no land battles ex. Nagasaki (looses in favor of US). Japanese air wings didn't even tried to attack Osaka so all bombers have been used to pound enemy troops and factories.
Japanese production points are now around 1550 so the 1.5 killpoint multiplier is gone. Scores soon.
In Australia, two B29 wings from Rockhampton intercepted enemy heavy cruisiers at anchor in Sydney, but only one hit was given to a CL. Do details known how much damage it caused. Enemy carriers weren't active, no land battles though.
Two new aircraft carriers have became available at San Francisco. They have left the base together with USS Alaska this morning.
Next weeks will see final offensive in Northern tip of New Guinea and proably another leap in Japan. Nagasaki should fall any moment.
As intelligence revealed, Japanese navy will try to take Port Moresby (a huge pack transports with land units and supply is scheduled there), also the New Zealand will be targetted by all IJN remnants.
Regarding to dead routine convoy system, the allied will now concentrate on destroying as many AKA's as possible, to defeat mighty Japanese Land Forces by hunger.
the more You play - the less You understand ... :p
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Graham Smith
- Posts: 51
- Joined: Mon Jul 30, 2001 8:00 am
- Location: australia
New Zealand
Entire Japanese Navy (two battlefleets of 15 heavies each, plus a carrier force with 4CV, plus a heavy transport force with 30 AP and numerous AKA)) attempted to invade New Zealand.
The both battlefleets entered Auckland harbour, but failled to fire a single round at the airfields, leaving the carrier's fighters to get slaughtered by land based CAP .
Did somebody say the Japanese are not supposed to be in the South Pacific in late 44?
Another transport group tried to sneak into Port Moresby, but was turned back by the air zone.
The both battlefleets entered Auckland harbour, but failled to fire a single round at the airfields, leaving the carrier's fighters to get slaughtered by land based CAP .
Did somebody say the Japanese are not supposed to be in the South Pacific in late 44?
Another transport group tried to sneak into Port Moresby, but was turned back by the air zone.
latest reports
IJN transports have been withdrawn from New Zealand area. Battleship and heavy cruisier forces bombarded the airbase in order to protect withdrawal of carriers. Heavy allied air forces from Auckland took 1 CL and 2 DD. Heavy looses were reported.
Carriers fleed unspotted. A victory !
Nagasaki fell to US Marines finally. Allies have now 3 level 9 airfields in Japan.
Manokwari fell undefended to 82nd (WA) division, a division and a brigade landed in Sorong covered by all available battleships and carriers. No effect.
Tokyo suffered heavily from naval bombardment by all older type battleships and planes from all nearby bases. Over 30000 civilians killed.
Scores now: 160000 vs 130000 in favour of Japan. Production of Japanese industry reached 1500 so the multipliers are gone.
Graham went for a defense inspection, he'll be back in a week.
Carriers fleed unspotted. A victory !
Nagasaki fell to US Marines finally. Allies have now 3 level 9 airfields in Japan.
Manokwari fell undefended to 82nd (WA) division, a division and a brigade landed in Sorong covered by all available battleships and carriers. No effect.
Tokyo suffered heavily from naval bombardment by all older type battleships and planes from all nearby bases. Over 30000 civilians killed.
Scores now: 160000 vs 130000 in favour of Japan. Production of Japanese industry reached 1500 so the multipliers are gone.
Graham went for a defense inspection, he'll be back in a week.
the more You play - the less You understand ... :p
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Graham Smith
- Posts: 51
- Joined: Mon Jul 30, 2001 8:00 am
- Location: australia
November 1944
It is now November 1944.
The Allies have at least three impregnable carrier task forces, which the Japanese have no hope of hitting. Still averaging 300 to 400 aircraft per week loses, (most defending against the carriers) and not matching with production.
Japanese battle fleet is trying to make a nuisance of itself in the South Pacific and is prepared to fight any allied surface force, but the trick is to initiate a surface kamikaze battle, without being wiped out by one of the three carrier groups.
Routine convoy system has miraculously sprung back into life....not sure why. No escorts sailing with the routine convoys, so losses are high.....but the oil appears to be giving me badly needed preparation points and keeping resources up.
PBY mariners are deadly to subs.....almost 100 Japanese subs sunk to date. Just wish some of those Japanese patrol planes would hit an Allied sub oocasionally. I hate those subs.
The only bright spot is the strong defense being put up by the imperial army....no bases have fallen in the last few weeks (since nagasak), despite strong attacks every week.
The Allies have at least three impregnable carrier task forces, which the Japanese have no hope of hitting. Still averaging 300 to 400 aircraft per week loses, (most defending against the carriers) and not matching with production.
Japanese battle fleet is trying to make a nuisance of itself in the South Pacific and is prepared to fight any allied surface force, but the trick is to initiate a surface kamikaze battle, without being wiped out by one of the three carrier groups.
Routine convoy system has miraculously sprung back into life....not sure why. No escorts sailing with the routine convoys, so losses are high.....but the oil appears to be giving me badly needed preparation points and keeping resources up.
PBY mariners are deadly to subs.....almost 100 Japanese subs sunk to date. Just wish some of those Japanese patrol planes would hit an Allied sub oocasionally. I hate those subs.
The only bright spot is the strong defense being put up by the imperial army....no bases have fallen in the last few weeks (since nagasak), despite strong attacks every week.
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Graham Smith
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- Joined: Mon Jul 30, 2001 8:00 am
- Location: australia
The Allies have finally taken Sorong, after a seige lasting about 4 months......the defenders were all deaf from the continuous bombardment and didnt hear the order to counter attack.
Allies also landed unopposed in Moratai....at least 2 engineer unit landed there, so we can expect major airfield construction to begin immediately.
Imperial Japanese Army counter attacked in Osaka.....odds not enough to take it back yet, but enough to say a successfull counter attack is possible.
Tanaka bombarded Rockhampton, and when that didn't achieve anything he gave his sailors shore leave there.....heavy allied casualties reported from brawls to defend the gold coast whore houses.
Japanese also successfull invaded Canton island......yes, Canton Island in the far South Pacific....has Yamamoto gone mad?
Allies also landed unopposed in Moratai....at least 2 engineer unit landed there, so we can expect major airfield construction to begin immediately.
Imperial Japanese Army counter attacked in Osaka.....odds not enough to take it back yet, but enough to say a successfull counter attack is possible.
Tanaka bombarded Rockhampton, and when that didn't achieve anything he gave his sailors shore leave there.....heavy allied casualties reported from brawls to defend the gold coast whore houses.
Japanese also successfull invaded Canton island......yes, Canton Island in the far South Pacific....has Yamamoto gone mad?
11-12-1944
Last month was quite lazy for both sides.
Yamaguchi's carriers slipping around Canton Island, Tanaka's 9 BB force playing with US intercept attempts, huge Japanese fuel seeking (Canton was captured for it's fuel stores !) - sounds just like Germans in 1945, and US transports browsing the Pacific in search of any land unit that can be taken closer to the enemy.
Japanese factories are pounded regularly also, but they're still producing. At least Japanese airforce shows major weakening. It is hard to find a full size kokutai.
Next weeks should give us a last carrier and battleship battle, all USN modern BBs are now looking for Tanaka, two separate carrier forces are chasing Yamaguchi. They must meet someday.
The theatre will be Australia.
Graham's strategy of disabling India and Australia, althrough left US forces unattacked and "fresh" - has caused severe lacks of cannon-meat for Allies. There is not enough land units to invade seriously anything. I am hoping that some of Australian divisions will come out after capturing Sydney. Without them the game will surely end in a draw. Especially with low experience of all US troops (avg 50).
Japanese tactic of massing AKAs in huge task forces is working fine. Planes cannot do any serious blow to the convoys, even 3 Iowas together with 6 CA and plenty of CLs and DDs weren't able to sink more than 25 AKAs from a convoy of 60 pcs which was intercepted near Sorong last week by Scott.
See the actual scores.
Yamaguchi's carriers slipping around Canton Island, Tanaka's 9 BB force playing with US intercept attempts, huge Japanese fuel seeking (Canton was captured for it's fuel stores !) - sounds just like Germans in 1945, and US transports browsing the Pacific in search of any land unit that can be taken closer to the enemy.
Japanese factories are pounded regularly also, but they're still producing. At least Japanese airforce shows major weakening. It is hard to find a full size kokutai.
Next weeks should give us a last carrier and battleship battle, all USN modern BBs are now looking for Tanaka, two separate carrier forces are chasing Yamaguchi. They must meet someday.
The theatre will be Australia.
Graham's strategy of disabling India and Australia, althrough left US forces unattacked and "fresh" - has caused severe lacks of cannon-meat for Allies. There is not enough land units to invade seriously anything. I am hoping that some of Australian divisions will come out after capturing Sydney. Without them the game will surely end in a draw. Especially with low experience of all US troops (avg 50).
Japanese tactic of massing AKAs in huge task forces is working fine. Planes cannot do any serious blow to the convoys, even 3 Iowas together with 6 CA and plenty of CLs and DDs weren't able to sink more than 25 AKAs from a convoy of 60 pcs which was intercepted near Sorong last week by Scott.
See the actual scores.
the more You play - the less You understand ... :p
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Capt. Harlock
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December 1944
Personally, I would count sinking 25 AKA's in a surface battle a major victory. (Consider the convoy to have "scattered" when the US BB's showed up.)
A piece of bad news for the Allies: the Japanese production points need to go below 500 to eliminate the Kill Point multiplier. I predict that Graham will receive upwards of 40,000 extra points in January.
A piece of bad news for the Allies: the Japanese production points need to go below 500 to eliminate the Kill Point multiplier. I predict that Graham will receive upwards of 40,000 extra points in January.
Civil war? What does that mean? Is there any foreign war? Isn't every war fought between men, between brothers?
--Victor Hugo
--Victor Hugo
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Graham Smith
- Posts: 51
- Joined: Mon Jul 30, 2001 8:00 am
- Location: australia
Akagi sunk
Well, I can't complain..... for four Japanese carriers have survived until December 1944......but sadly, Akagi has meet her doom hunting merchant ships in the south pacific.....and the other three are likely to go down next week.
Canton Island was retaken easily by an allied division...the defending brigade was essentially infantry only and not entrenched.
Attempts to provide supplies Guadalcanal and Sorong ended dismally......the allies only problem was that they had too many turkeys to shoot.,
Allied tactics in Japan seem to have shifted from destruction of the land units, to bombing civilians and wrecked factories.
Canton Island was retaken easily by an allied division...the defending brigade was essentially infantry only and not entrenched.
Attempts to provide supplies Guadalcanal and Sorong ended dismally......the allies only problem was that they had too many turkeys to shoot.,
Allied tactics in Japan seem to have shifted from destruction of the land units, to bombing civilians and wrecked factories.
December 18, 1944
A lot of air&naval interceptions.
In the beginning Spruance's carriers operating from Morotai engaged large transport task force at Koepang. A task force of numerous AKAs and many APs escorted by two escort carriers was hit for three times. Despite shoting down many US planes, 7 japanese cargo marus and two troop transports became a shipping hazard in the bay. Japanese airforce from Kendari in the Celebes couterattacked with 22 Hiryus but they were all downed before even seeing the smokes of Spruance's carriers.
Just one day after, Halsey sneaked to location of twenty miles south of Guadalcanal's to intercept task force 7. The task force of 4 CA, 1 CL and many APs and AKAs (over 50 pcs) had lost 1 AP and 10 AKA during few attacks (1 AKA was sunk by Avengers operating from Shortland - now under quick upgrade to level 3 field).
The same day - 60 miles south of Tarawa, a PBM Mariner from PW-7 squadron spotted four last Yamaguchi's carriers (Zuikaku, Akagi, Hiryu and one unknown) in a quick task force with twelve light cruisiers and one AA cruisier. 12 P47D's together with 54 Avengers from three USMC torpedo squadrons based in Tarawa managed to find the ships two hours later. Over the target they have been intercepted by 34 Japanese carrier borne fighters. Fierce dogfight took place splashing into water 9 of defenders and six "Jugs" plus about 10 bombers (9 more was downed by flak). Akagi - IJN carrier division 1 flagship was hit badly for three times, two other carrier got 1 weak hit. Later in the evening it has sunk after several hours of firefighting.
His death ends carrier division 1 career, if the rest of carriers will manage it back through allied islands - carriers from 1st div may became the first (Kaga killed by B17 off Cairns in 1942) and the last Japanese carrier sunk in II WW.
Just after the interception Yamaguchi has withdrawn the remnants of Imperial Pride, luckily for him - covered by heavy storm and dense clouds.
As stated already, 37th US Infantry Division (which soldiers feared that they'll spend whole war sitting on Palmyra doing nothing) landed on Canton Island. Barbey leaded them to a quick victory. 500 US kids left on the beach forever, but 650 Japanese wifes won't see their husbands again. What was a confirmation of enemy goal - there was only 1 barrel of oil on the whole island.
The rest was taken by TF18 which is currently in Espritu Santo, healing after last week's aerial attacks from long range bombers and fighters from Fiji. No ships sunk but some badly damaged.
The breach in US defence line is "repaired". The landing was supported by third allied carrier force under Adm. Reeves, it consist of 3 newest carriers plus old Essex (it still has 14 damage) and three CVL's. As an experiment 2 BCs were added to that task force to test their flak abilities but unfortunately not a single japanese plane wanted to check how it works.
In Japan US forces have renewed their attempts to wipe Japanese divisions from Osaka and Nagasaki finally but surprisingly Japs provided stiff resistance. In each battle +1000 Japanese and +1300 US soldiers have lost their lifes. Famous 1st Australian Armored Bde with its tanks gives a real advantage over enemy.
Additionally - US Air Force concentrated its efforts on industry disabling. Tremedous bombings took place in almost every Japanese city leaving many factories damaged and few hundreds of hundreds killed civilians. Japanese airforce in Japan doesn't exist anymore and the industry points factor dropped over 100 points. If it would go further that way - in two months Japs wouldn't be able to produce a fork.
Still - flak batteries mounted on Japanese ships, and on the ground are destroying many more planes than airforce was ever able to. US forces have almost completed the process of switching to long range fighters (P47N and P51D) what instantly decerases bomber looses on long raids.
By the way, intelligence reports Ki-27 Setsu and A5M Claudes operating in Philipines (which are now main aerial shelter) and it is hard to find fully equipped Japanese squadron anywhere. That means the final breakdown of Japanese plane industry.
In Australia, some fighting took place in Cloncurry finally but without much effect, the same as in Sorong. The problem is where to get additional units from, to make another landings?
The last chance to turn the balance - Tanaka's battleforce of 9 BBs is proably going to visit besieged Japanese city of Brisbane next days (they are at full sea somewhere between Brisbane, Auckland and New Caledonia). Scott is waiting in Rockhampton aboard his flagship USS Wisconsin, at anchor together with Massachuettes (:mad: or something like that) and Missouri, accompanied by 5 other post 1942 built BBs plus few Baltimores and some Fletchers. The battle would be more interesting because of Halsey's came back after hitting Guadalcanal.
A small conclusion - such distracting operations as Graham has made (Auckland, Canton and other raids) are helping the Army to maintain its positions unbombed. Some US Generals are pressing the Admirals for leaving the IJN alone and taking the infantry support role to the hearts.
The tactic works fine. Almost all US major ships are hunting a rabbit ...
In the beginning Spruance's carriers operating from Morotai engaged large transport task force at Koepang. A task force of numerous AKAs and many APs escorted by two escort carriers was hit for three times. Despite shoting down many US planes, 7 japanese cargo marus and two troop transports became a shipping hazard in the bay. Japanese airforce from Kendari in the Celebes couterattacked with 22 Hiryus but they were all downed before even seeing the smokes of Spruance's carriers.
Just one day after, Halsey sneaked to location of twenty miles south of Guadalcanal's to intercept task force 7. The task force of 4 CA, 1 CL and many APs and AKAs (over 50 pcs) had lost 1 AP and 10 AKA during few attacks (1 AKA was sunk by Avengers operating from Shortland - now under quick upgrade to level 3 field).
The same day - 60 miles south of Tarawa, a PBM Mariner from PW-7 squadron spotted four last Yamaguchi's carriers (Zuikaku, Akagi, Hiryu and one unknown) in a quick task force with twelve light cruisiers and one AA cruisier. 12 P47D's together with 54 Avengers from three USMC torpedo squadrons based in Tarawa managed to find the ships two hours later. Over the target they have been intercepted by 34 Japanese carrier borne fighters. Fierce dogfight took place splashing into water 9 of defenders and six "Jugs" plus about 10 bombers (9 more was downed by flak). Akagi - IJN carrier division 1 flagship was hit badly for three times, two other carrier got 1 weak hit. Later in the evening it has sunk after several hours of firefighting.
His death ends carrier division 1 career, if the rest of carriers will manage it back through allied islands - carriers from 1st div may became the first (Kaga killed by B17 off Cairns in 1942) and the last Japanese carrier sunk in II WW.
Just after the interception Yamaguchi has withdrawn the remnants of Imperial Pride, luckily for him - covered by heavy storm and dense clouds.
As stated already, 37th US Infantry Division (which soldiers feared that they'll spend whole war sitting on Palmyra doing nothing) landed on Canton Island. Barbey leaded them to a quick victory. 500 US kids left on the beach forever, but 650 Japanese wifes won't see their husbands again. What was a confirmation of enemy goal - there was only 1 barrel of oil on the whole island.
The rest was taken by TF18 which is currently in Espritu Santo, healing after last week's aerial attacks from long range bombers and fighters from Fiji. No ships sunk but some badly damaged.
The breach in US defence line is "repaired". The landing was supported by third allied carrier force under Adm. Reeves, it consist of 3 newest carriers plus old Essex (it still has 14 damage) and three CVL's. As an experiment 2 BCs were added to that task force to test their flak abilities but unfortunately not a single japanese plane wanted to check how it works.
In Japan US forces have renewed their attempts to wipe Japanese divisions from Osaka and Nagasaki finally but surprisingly Japs provided stiff resistance. In each battle +1000 Japanese and +1300 US soldiers have lost their lifes. Famous 1st Australian Armored Bde with its tanks gives a real advantage over enemy.
Additionally - US Air Force concentrated its efforts on industry disabling. Tremedous bombings took place in almost every Japanese city leaving many factories damaged and few hundreds of hundreds killed civilians. Japanese airforce in Japan doesn't exist anymore and the industry points factor dropped over 100 points. If it would go further that way - in two months Japs wouldn't be able to produce a fork.
Still - flak batteries mounted on Japanese ships, and on the ground are destroying many more planes than airforce was ever able to. US forces have almost completed the process of switching to long range fighters (P47N and P51D) what instantly decerases bomber looses on long raids.
By the way, intelligence reports Ki-27 Setsu and A5M Claudes operating in Philipines (which are now main aerial shelter) and it is hard to find fully equipped Japanese squadron anywhere. That means the final breakdown of Japanese plane industry.
In Australia, some fighting took place in Cloncurry finally but without much effect, the same as in Sorong. The problem is where to get additional units from, to make another landings?
The last chance to turn the balance - Tanaka's battleforce of 9 BBs is proably going to visit besieged Japanese city of Brisbane next days (they are at full sea somewhere between Brisbane, Auckland and New Caledonia). Scott is waiting in Rockhampton aboard his flagship USS Wisconsin, at anchor together with Massachuettes (:mad: or something like that) and Missouri, accompanied by 5 other post 1942 built BBs plus few Baltimores and some Fletchers. The battle would be more interesting because of Halsey's came back after hitting Guadalcanal.
A small conclusion - such distracting operations as Graham has made (Auckland, Canton and other raids) are helping the Army to maintain its positions unbombed. Some US Generals are pressing the Admirals for leaving the IJN alone and taking the infantry support role to the hearts.
The tactic works fine. Almost all US major ships are hunting a rabbit ...
the more You play - the less You understand ... :p
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Graham Smith
- Posts: 51
- Joined: Mon Jul 30, 2001 8:00 am
- Location: australia
rabbit hunt
....a rabbit hunt.....I am offended....it may be that when you catch that rabbit, you find that you have a tiger by the tail.....or a pussy cat. Even in 1944, nine Japanese battlewagons need to be respected
As for the tactics, you are right....a lot of young sailors have drowned to deflect some of those bombardments.
PS you forgot to mention the two CVEs you got at Koepang.....A6M5 with 95+ experience, but they were just brushed aside by a cloud of the Hellcats
As for the tactics, you are right....a lot of young sailors have drowned to deflect some of those bombardments.
PS you forgot to mention the two CVEs you got at Koepang.....A6M5 with 95+ experience, but they were just brushed aside by a cloud of the Hellcats
rabbits and tigers ...
Sorry Graham - I didn't mentioned to offend You. The analogy to rabbits came from large number of Your task forces running up and down all the sea long ... (and sometimes deep)
If Your battleships are scheduled to Brisbane really this turn - I am hoping for good hunting with my pack. See them in attached file.
If Your battleships are scheduled to Brisbane really this turn - I am hoping for good hunting with my pack. See them in attached file.
the more You play - the less You understand ... :p
Tanaka had to pause ...
and he haven't got to Brisbane to stop pounding his yellow, skew-eyed brothers in arms by Scott's battleforce and Halsey's carriers.
The reason was proably prosaic. Due to safety standards (remember Adm. Lee killed on the bridge of USS Washington?) his flag waves on every battleship for one hour only - and during the fifteenth moving the whole pack of sea maps was lost somewhere. After landing a pinnace on first spotted island they have realised that it was New Caledonia. There was too late then to get into action ...
But as we say in Poland:
"You can't escape what is only postponned"
the last major naval battle must happen soon. Very soon.
On other areas nothing virtually important was occuring - usual tiger hunting on tf7 near Guadalcanal, and some shipbombing in Sorong area.
In Nagasaki - two US land attacks were initiated, but looses were twice as big as Japanese. Astonishing fuct!
Another blows were done to Japanese industry.
A5M Claude is very popular again among the squadrons!
The reason was proably prosaic. Due to safety standards (remember Adm. Lee killed on the bridge of USS Washington?) his flag waves on every battleship for one hour only - and during the fifteenth moving the whole pack of sea maps was lost somewhere. After landing a pinnace on first spotted island they have realised that it was New Caledonia. There was too late then to get into action ...
But as we say in Poland:
"You can't escape what is only postponned"
the last major naval battle must happen soon. Very soon.
On other areas nothing virtually important was occuring - usual tiger hunting on tf7 near Guadalcanal, and some shipbombing in Sorong area.
In Nagasaki - two US land attacks were initiated, but looses were twice as big as Japanese. Astonishing fuct!
Another blows were done to Japanese industry.
A5M Claude is very popular again among the squadrons!
the more You play - the less You understand ... :p
next week won't be hunting rich ...
Cowardly admiral Tanaka is somewhere in the middle of ocean -bound for Auckland again (searching for the maps or what ?).
Despite that, Reeves and Halsey will pound Brisbane defenders, Scott will give them battleship cover. The Japanese for may became an island after the bombardment ...
A change to bombing prorities two weeks ago has again dropped Japanese industrial capacity. As for now they have less than 900 production points so reaching <500 isnt' a matter of month but two weeks.
B29 production is well developed and satisfactory.
Any suggestion should I produce A-26 Invaders ? :rolleyes:
Despite that, Reeves and Halsey will pound Brisbane defenders, Scott will give them battleship cover. The Japanese for may became an island after the bombardment ...
A change to bombing prorities two weeks ago has again dropped Japanese industrial capacity. As for now they have less than 900 production points so reaching <500 isnt' a matter of month but two weeks.
B29 production is well developed and satisfactory.
Any suggestion should I produce A-26 Invaders ? :rolleyes:
the more You play - the less You understand ... :p