A Japanese Debacle - Sqz (J) vs. fcharton (A)

[SqzMyLemon]

You're both right of course. I don't know why playing Japan stresses me out so much, but it does.

The losses and setbacks do bother me, but it's because they are of my own making. I'm certainly not playing up to my potential and I'm making poor decisions, but I can't seem to stop the process. Nemo would have a field day with me right now.

[pontiouspilot]

Early Jan finds the Aussies lacking in everything. Assuming he knows KB lurking south he won't move much up north to counter-attack. Do you know what the fort level was at Townsville? It will be interesting to see what level they are at for main attack. I know I have been careless and not bothered to fortify some of the southern cities.

Something you will benefit from DBB 28, as I recall it doesn't have independent coastal art. I have had a couple games, (stock), where it was deadly.

We will know soon!

[JocMeister]

There will be losses along the road and you will have to adjust to them. Keep track of the big picture and the the overall goal in mind. Its impossible to do something this big without a couple of smaller hiccups and probably a few big ones as well! [:)]

[SqzMyLemon]

ORIGINAL: pontiouspilot

Do you know what the fort level was at Townsville? It will be interesting to see what level they are at for main attack. I know I have been careless and not bothered to fortify some of the southern cities.

Something you will benefit from DBB 28, as I recall it doesn't have independent coastal art. I have had a couple games, (stock), where it was deadly.

Fort levels in Australia are minimal at start with most bases having zero. I have it written down at home, but I think Sydney starts at level 2.

Newcastle, Port Kembla and Sydney all have CD units, but only Newcastle and Sydney are mined. Starting AV at Sydney is 431 AV, while Newcastle and Port Kembla start with almost 300 AV and 92 AV respectively. A lot depends on whether Francois will reinforce Sydney. Port Kembla is the easiest target of the three, and I've landed the majority of the armour and support units here.

During the Dec. 31st replay there were more reports of Dauntless SBD-3's performing naval search missions, so I am almost certain Francois has deployed the American carrier groups to Australia in a LBA role. KB's mission right now is purely defensive providing CAP to the amphibious landings. Once the Allied dispositions are clear, KB will then be used in an offensive role against Allied air and naval threats.

[SqzMyLemon]

Jan. 1/42:

Australia:

Operation Chaos (seems appropriate)

Coastal gun defences were accurate and effective at both Port Kembla and Newcastle. I am glad I decided against landing directly at Sydney. I don't understand why minesweepers that are embedded within amphibious TF's get singled out by coastal gun fire. I committed five minesweepers in three separate TF's during the landings at Newcastle and three have already been sunk, the remaining two will sink tomorrow. Is it better to not include them during the initial amphibious landings? Otherwise, it seems like a suicide mission to sweep during amphibious assaults. Japanese naval and transport assets took a beating. I'll just post the combat reports rather than try to provide a coherent synopsis. AAR's follow:

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TF 12 encounters mine field at Newcastle (92,166) - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

15 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
DMS W-10, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
DD Shiratsuyu, Mine hits 1

DMS W-10 firing at Newcastle Fortress
Newcastle Fortress firing at DMS W-10
1 mine cleared


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TF 82 encounters mine field at Newcastle (92,166) - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

25 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
DMS W-12, Shell hits 9, heavy fires, heavy damage
DMS W-9, Shell hits 8, heavy fires, heavy damage

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

Newcastle Fortress firing at DMS W-12
DMS W-12 firing at Newcastle Fortress
DMS W-9 firing at Newcastle Fortress
Newcastle Fortress firing at DMS W-9
9 mines cleared


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Pre-Invasion action off Newcastle (92,166) - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

123 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
DD Ariake
DD Shigure
xAP Argentina Maru, Shell hits 2
DD Yugure
xAP Shanghai Maru, Shell hits 1
xAP Ukishima Maru

Japanese ground losses:
69 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
110 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

DD Ariake firing at 1st Australian Brigade
Newcastle Fortress firing at DD Shigure
DD Shigure firing at Newcastle Fortress
9.2" CD Gun Battery engaging xAP Argentina Maru at 9,000 yards
DD Yugure firing to suppress enemy battery at 9,000 yards
6" Mk V/VII Gun Battery engaging xAP Shanghai Maru at 9,000 yards
DD Yugure firing to suppress enemy battery at 9,000 yards
9.2" CD Gun Battery engaging xAP Argentina Maru at 9,000 yards
DD Yugure firing to suppress enemy battery at 9,000 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


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Amphibious Assault at Newcastle (92,166)

TF 12 troops unloading over beach at Newcastle, 92,166

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

12 troops of a IJA HMG Section lost in surf during unload of 33rd Div /1
75mm T41 Rgt Gun damaged beyond repair during unload of 33rd Div /2
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad accidentally lost during unload of 33rd Div
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad lost overboard during unload of 33rd Div
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad lost from landing craft during unload of 33rd Div
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad accidentally lost during unload of 33rd Div
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad lost overboard during unload of 33rd Div
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad lost from landing craft during unload of 33rd Div /4
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad lost from landing craft during unload of 33rd Div /4
15 Engineers accidentally lost during unload of 33rd Div /4
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad accidentally lost during unload of 33rd Div /4
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad accidentally lost during unload of 33rd Div /5
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad lost from landing craft during unload of 33rd Div /5
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad lost in surf during unload of 33rd Div /5
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad lost overboard during unload of 33rd Div /5


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Pre-Invasion action off Newcastle (92,166) - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

160 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
CL Tama, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Yukaze
xAK Amagisan Maru, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Nokaze
xAP Suwa Maru, Shell hits 4
DD Hokaze
AK Sakito Maru

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

Allied ground losses:
160 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 10 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Newcastle Fortress firing at CL Tama
CL Tama firing at Newcastle Fortress
Newcastle Fortress firing at DD Yukaze
DD Yukaze firing at Newcastle Fortress
9.2" CD Gun Battery engaging xAK Amagisan Maru at 5,000 yards
DD Nokaze firing to suppress enemy battery at 5,000 yards
9.2" CD Gun Battery engaging xAP Suwa Maru at 5,000 yards
DD Hokaze firing to suppress enemy battery at 5,000 yards
6" Mk V/VII Gun Battery engaging xAP Suwa Maru at 5,000 yards
DD Nokaze firing to suppress enemy battery at 5,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 5,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 1,000 yards


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Amphibious Assault at Newcastle (92,166)

TF 82 troops unloading over beach at Newcastle, 92,166

Japanese ground losses:
258 casualties reported
Squads: 16 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 11 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad lost in surf during unload of 4th Div /4
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad accidentally lost during unload of 4th Div /4
15 Support troops accidentally lost during unload of 4th Div /4
15 Support troops lost from landing craft during unload of 4th Div /4
15 Support troops accidentally lost during unload of 4th Div /5
15 Support troops accidentally lost during unload of 4th Div /5
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad lost overboard during unload of 4th Div /6
15 Support troops lost overboard during unload of 4th Div /6
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad lost overboard during unload of 4th Div /7
15 Support troops lost in surf during unload of 4th Div /7
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad lost in surf during unload of 4th Div /8
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad lost in surf during unload of 4th Div /1
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad lost overboard during unload of 4th Div /1
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad lost in surf during unload of 4th Div /1
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad accidentally lost during unload of 4th Div
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad accidentally lost during unload of 4th Div
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad lost overboard during unload of 4th Div /9
15 Support troops accidentally lost during unload of 4th Div /9
15 Support troops lost overboard during unload of 4th Div /9


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Amphibious Assault at Port Kembla (90,168)

TF 139 troops unloading over beach at Port Kembla, 90,168

Japanese ground losses:
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

75mm/40 T88 AA damaged beyond repair during unload of 16th AA Rgt /1


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Pre-Invasion action off Port Kembla (90,168) - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

164 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
xAK Yamasimo Maru, Shell hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
DD Asagao
AMC Awata Maru

Japanese ground losses:
115 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

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

Port Kembla Fortress firing at xAK Yamasimo Maru
Massive explosion on xAK Yamasimo Maru
6" Mk XI/XII Gun Battery engaging xAK Yamasimo Maru at 10,000 yards
DD Asagao firing to suppress enemy battery at 10,000 yards
6" Mk XI/XII Gun Battery engaging xAK Yamasimo Maru at 10,000 yards
DD Asagao firing to suppress enemy battery at 10,000 yards
xAK Yamasimo Maru fired at enemy guns
AMC Awata Maru fired at enemy troops
DD Asagao fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 6,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 1,000 yards


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Amphibious Assault at Port Kembla (90,168)

TF 166 troops unloading over beach at Port Kembla, 90,168

15 Support troops accidentally lost during unload of 1st Raiding Rgt /2


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Pre-Invasion action off Port Kembla (90,168) - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

223 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
CL Kiso, Shell hits 1
CL Yura
DD Sawakaze, Shell hits 1
DD Minekaze
xAK Tacoma Maru, Shell hits 1
xAP Palau Maru
DD Yakaze

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

Allied ground losses:
170 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 10 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

Port Kembla Fortress firing at CL Kiso
CL Kiso firing at Port Kembla Fortress
CL Yura firing at 28th Australian Brigade
DD Sawakaze firing at Port Kembla Fortress
Port Kembla Fortress firing at DD Sawakaze
DD Minekaze firing at Port Kembla Fortress
Port Kembla Fortress firing at DD Minekaze
9.2" CD Gun Battery engaging xAK Tacoma Maru at 6,000 yards
CL Yura firing to suppress enemy battery at 6,000 yards
DD Sawakaze fired at enemy troops
DD Minekaze fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 5,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 1,000 yards


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Amphibious Assault at Port Kembla (90,168)

TF 173 troops unloading over beach at Port Kembla, 90,168

Japanese ground losses:
138 casualties reported
Squads: 7 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 5 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

20 troops of a IJA Hy Inf Sqd 41 lost from landing craft during unload of 24th Infantry Rgt
15 Support troops lost in surf during unload of 24th Infantry Rgt
20 troops of a IJA Hy Inf Sqd 41 lost in surf during unload of 24th Infantry Rgt /2
15 Support troops accidentally lost during unload of 24th Infantry Rgt /2
20 troops of a IJA Hy Inf Sqd 41 lost overboard during unload of 24th Infantry Rgt /3
20 troops of a IJA Hy Inf Sqd 41 lost overboard during unload of 24th Infantry Rgt /4
20 troops of a IJA Hy Inf Sqd 41 lost from landing craft during unload of 16th Infantry Rgt /3
15 Support troops accidentally lost during unload of 16th Infantry Rgt /3
15 Support troops lost from landing craft during unload of 16th Infantry Rgt /5


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Invasion Support action off Newcastle (92,166) - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

61 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
DD Yugure, Shell hits 3, on fire
DD Shigure
xAP Ukishima Maru
DD Ariake

Japanese ground losses:
33 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

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

Newcastle Fortress firing at DD Yugure
DD Yugure firing at Newcastle Fortress
Massive explosion on DD Yugure
Newcastle Fortress firing at DD Shigure
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards


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Invasion Support action off Newcastle (92,166)

46 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
xAK Amagisan Maru, on fire
xAP Suwa Maru
AK Sakito Maru
DD Nokaze

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

Allied ground losses:
136 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 10 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

xAK Amagisan Maru firing at 8th Australian Brigade
xAK Amagisan Maru fired at enemy troops
xAP Suwa Maru fired at enemy troops
AK Sakito Maru fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards


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Invasion Support action off Port Kembla (90,168)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

12 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
xAK Hiyoshi Maru, Shell hits 3, on fire
PB Ginyo Maru
xAK Senyo Maru

6" Mk XI/XII Gun Battery engaging xAK Hiyoshi Maru at 7,000 yards
6" Mk XI/XII Gun Battery engaging xAK Hiyoshi Maru at 7,000 yards
9.2" CD Gun Battery engaging xAK Hiyoshi Maru at 7,000 yards
6" Mk XI/XII Gun Battery engaging xAK Hiyoshi Maru at 7,000 yards
PB Ginyo Maru fired at enemy troops


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Invasion Support action off Port Kembla (90,168) - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

21 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
AMC Awata Maru, Shell hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
xAK Yamasimo Maru, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Asagao

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

Port Kembla Fortress firing at AMC Awata Maru
AMC Awata Maru firing at Port Kembla Fortress
9.2" CD Gun Battery engaging xAK Yamasimo Maru at 5,000 yards
9.2" CD Gun Battery engaging xAK Yamasimo Maru at 5,000 yards
9.2" CD Gun battery firing at AMC Awata Maru


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Invasion Support action off Port Kembla (90,168) - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

53 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
CL Kiso, Shell hits 3
CL Yura
DD Yakaze
DD Okikaze, Shell hits 1
xAP Palau Maru

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

Port Kembla Fortress firing at CL Kiso
CL Kiso firing at Port Kembla Fortress
Port Kembla Fortress firing at CL Yura
CL Yura firing at Port Kembla Fortress
DD Yakaze firing at 28th Australian Brigade
Port Kembla Fortress firing at DD Okikaze
DD Okikaze firing at Port Kembla Fortress


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TF 123 encounters mine field at Newcastle (92,166) - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

8 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
DMS W-19, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DMS W-11, Shell hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Kuretake

DMS W-19 firing at Newcastle Fortress
Newcastle Fortress firing at DMS W-19
Newcastle Fortress firing at DMS W-11
DMS W-11 firing at Newcastle Fortress
17 mines cleared


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Invasion Support action off Newcastle (92,166)

33 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
xAP Ukishima Maru
DD Ariake

Japanese ground losses:
44 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

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


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Pre-Invasion action off Port Kembla (90,168) - Coastal Guns Fire Back!
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

135 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
xAK Kyusyu Maru, Shell hits 3, on fire
xAK Shinanogawa Maru
xAP Kokuryu Maru
AMC Asaka Maru
CM Okinoshima

Japanese ground losses:
110 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 22 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
67 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Port Kembla Fortress firing at xAK Kyusyu Maru
xAK Kyusyu Maru fired at enemy troops
xAK Shinanogawa Maru fired at enemy troops
xAP Kokuryu Maru fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 5,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards


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Amphibious Assault at Port Kembla (90,168)

TF 20 troops unloading over beach at Port Kembla, 90,168

Japanese ground losses:
Vehicles lost 2 (2 destroyed, 0 disabled)

15 Support troops lost overboard during unload of 16th Army /4
Motorized Support lost from landing craft during unload of 16th Army /4
Motorized Support lost from landing craft during unload of 16th Army /5
15 Support troops lost in surf during unload of 16th Army /5
15 Support troops lost overboard during unload of 16th Army /5


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Invasion Support action off Newcastle (92,166)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

5 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
xAP Suwa Maru, Shell hits 1, on fire
CL Tama
DD Hokaze
xAP Buenos Aires Maru
xAP Huzi Maru
AK Sakito Maru

Allied ground losses:
74 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

6" Mk V/VII Gun Battery engaging xAP Suwa Maru at 9,000 yards
DD Hokaze firing to suppress enemy battery at 9,000 yards
xAP Buenos Aires Maru fired at enemy troops
xAP Huzi Maru fired at enemy troops
AK Sakito Maru fired at enemy troops


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Pre-Invasion action off Port Kembla (90,168)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

125 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
PB Yodozo Maru
PB Taiko Maru
xAK Daisin Maru

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

PB Yodozo Maru fired at enemy troops
PB Taiko Maru fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 6,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 1,000 yards


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Amphibious Assault at Port Kembla (90,168)

TF 88 troops unloading over beach at Port Kembla, 90,168

Japanese ground losses:
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Type 95 Light Tank dropped into water during unload of 7th Tank Rgt
75mm/40 T88 AA dropped into water during unload of 48th Fld AA Bn


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Pre-Invasion action off Port Kembla (90,168)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

147 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
PB Keiko Maru
PB Busho Maru
xAP Takatiho Maru

Japanese ground losses:
120 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

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

PB Keiko Maru fired at enemy troops
PB Busho Maru fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 5,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards


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Amphibious Assault at Port Kembla (90,168)

TF 107 troops unloading over beach at Port Kembla, 90,168

Japanese ground losses:
70 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 5 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

15 Support troops lost from landing craft during unload of 20th Infantry Rgt
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad lost from landing craft during unload of 9th Infantry Rgt
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad lost overboard during unload of 9th Infantry Rgt /2
15 Support troops accidentally lost during unload of 9th Infantry Rgt /2
Motorized Support dropped into water during unload of 16th Recon Rgt /4
15 Support troops lost from landing craft during unload of 20th Infantry Rgt /4
15 Support troops lost from landing craft during unload of 9th Infantry Rgt /3
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad lost in surf during unload of 9th Infantry Rgt /5


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Pre-Invasion action off Port Kembla (90,168)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

123 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
xAKL Kosho Maru, Shell hits 1, on fire
PB Kamitsu Maru
AO Iro
xAK Shinwa Maru

Japanese ground losses:
99 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 20 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

9.2" CD Gun Battery engaging xAKL Kosho Maru at 5,000 yards
PB Kamitsu Maru firing to suppress enemy battery at 5,000 yards
9.2" CD Gun Battery engaging xAKL Kosho Maru at 5,000 yards
AO Iro firing to suppress enemy battery at 5,000 yards
PB Kamitsu Maru fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 5,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 1,000 yards


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Amphibious Assault at Port Kembla (90,168)

TF 113 troops unloading over beach at Port Kembla, 90,168

15 Aviation Support troops lost in surf during unload of 23rd Air Flotilla
15 Support troops accidentally lost during unload of 23rd Air Flotilla
15 Support troops lost in surf during unload of 23rd Air Flotilla /4


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Pre-Invasion action off Newcastle (92,166) - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

115 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
CL Kinu
DD Kuretake, Shell hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Wakatake
xAKL Jokuja Maru, Shell hits 1
AS Nagoya Maru
xAKL Kaisho Maru
xAK Nihonka Maru
DD Sanae

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

Allied ground losses:
174 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 12 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 27 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled

CL Kinu firing at 8th Australian Brigade
Newcastle Fortress firing at DD Kuretake
DD Kuretake firing at Newcastle Fortress
DD Wakatake firing at Newcastle Fortress
Newcastle Fortress firing at DD Wakatake
6" Mk V/VII Gun Battery engaging xAKL Jokuja Maru at 6,000 yards
CL Kinu firing to suppress enemy battery at 6,000 yards
9.2" CD Gun Battery engaging xAKL Kaisho Maru at 6,000 yards
CL Kinu firing to suppress enemy battery at 6,000 yards
AS Nagoya Maru firing to suppress enemy battery at 6,000 yards
CL Kinu firing to suppress enemy battery at 6,000 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


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Amphibious Assault at Newcastle (92,166)

TF 123 troops unloading over beach at Newcastle, 92,166

Japanese ground losses:
227 casualties reported
Squads: 14 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad lost from landing craft during unload of 148th Infantry Rgt
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad accidentally lost during unload of 148th Infantry Rgt
15 Support troops lost overboard during unload of 148th Infantry Rgt
12 troops of a IJA HMG Section lost in surf during unload of 113th Infantry Rgt
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad lost overboard during unload of 113th Infantry Rgt /2
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad lost in surf during unload of 113th Infantry Rgt /2
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad lost in surf during unload of 113th Infantry Rgt /2
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad lost from landing craft during unload of 113th Infantry Rgt /3
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad lost from landing craft during unload of 148th Infantry Rgt /2
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad accidentally lost during unload of 148th Infantry Rgt /3
17 troops of a IJA Engineer Squad lost overboard during unload of 56th Engr Rgt


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Invasion Support action off Port Kembla (90,168)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

9 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
xAK Hiyoshi Maru, Shell hits 2
PB Ginyo Maru
xAK Senyo Maru

9.2" CD Gun Battery engaging xAK Hiyoshi Maru at 11,000 yards
9.2" CD Gun Battery engaging xAK Hiyoshi Maru at 11,000 yards
PB Ginyo Maru fired at enemy troops


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Invasion Support action off Port Kembla (90,168)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

16 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
DD Asagao
AMC Awata Maru, Shell hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage

DD Asagao fired at enemy troops
18-pdr Mk IV Gun battery firing at AMC Awata Maru
9.2" CD Gun battery firing at AMC Awata Maru


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Pre-Invasion action off Port Kembla (90,168)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

133 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
DD Tsuga
xAP Kongo Maru
DD Kuri

Japanese ground losses:
81 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
25 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

DD Tsuga firing at 28th Australian Brigade
DD Tsuga fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 6,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 1,000 yards


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Amphibious Assault at Port Kembla (90,168)

TF 228 troops unloading over beach at Port Kembla, 90,168

Japanese ground losses:
251 casualties reported
Squads: 16 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 7 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

15 Support troops lost from landing craft during unload of 21st Div /9
15 Support troops lost overboard during unload of 21st Div /9
15 Support troops lost from landing craft during unload of 21st Div /10
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad lost overboard during unload of 21st Div /1
12 troops of a IJA HMG Section lost overboard during unload of 21st Div /1
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad lost from landing craft during unload of 21st Div /2
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad lost in surf during unload of 21st Div
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad lost overboard during unload of 21st Div
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad lost overboard during unload of 21st Div /4
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad accidentally lost during unload of 21st Div /4
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad lost from landing craft during unload of 21st Div /5
15 Support troops lost in surf during unload of 21st Div /5
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad lost in surf during unload of 21st Div /6
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad lost from landing craft during unload of 21st Div /7
17 troops of a IJA Inf Squad lost in surf during unload of 21st Div /8
15 Support troops lost from landing craft during unload of 21st Div /11


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pre-Invasion action off Port Kembla (90,168)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

136 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
PB Seki Maru #3
PB Seikai Maru
xAK Hakusika Maru

Japanese ground losses:
60 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

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

PB Seki Maru #3 fired at enemy troops
PB Seikai Maru fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 5,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Port Kembla (90,168)

TF 245 troops unloading over beach at Port Kembla, 90,168

Japanese ground losses:
Vehicles lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Type 95 Light Tank lost from landing craft during unload of 2nd Tank Rgt /1
15 Support troops lost overboard during unload of 8th JAAF AF Bn
15 Support troops lost from landing craft during unload of 1st Base Force
15 Support troops lost in surf during unload of 8th JAAF AF Bn /2


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Newcastle (92,166)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 6365 troops, 110 guns, 72 vehicles, Assault Value = 178

Defending force 32279 troops, 269 guns, 60 vehicles, Assault Value = 1091

Japanese ground losses:
Vehicles lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
181 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 14 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 1 disabled

Assaulting units:
1st Australian Brigade
8th Australian Brigade
Newcastle Fortress

Defending units:
56th Recon Regiment
4th Division
33rd Div /3
148th Infantry Rgt /1
56th Engineer Regiment
113th Infantry Rgt /1
56th Field Artillery Regiment


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Port Kembla (90,168)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 3214 troops, 53 guns, 36 vehicles, Assault Value = 96

Defending force 39142 troops, 308 guns, 388 vehicles, Assault Value = 1107

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

Assaulting units:
28th Australian Brigade
Port Kembla Fortress
4th Aus Lt AA Regiment

Defending units:
16th Recon Regiment
9th Infantry Rgt /1
1st Raiding Regiment
16th Infantry Regiment
7th Tank Regiment
4th Tank Regiment
2nd Tank Regiment
20th Infantry Rgt /1
24th Infantry Regiment
16th Engineer Regiment
21st Div /3
16th Army /1
23rd Air Flotilla
11th Air Fleet
8th JAAF AF Bn
1st Base Force
47th Field AA Battalion
48th Field AA Battalion
16th AA Rgt /3


Things continue to go badly for IJA 144th Rgt. and the amphibious landing force at Rockhampton. AAR's follow:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Mackay at 102,148, Range 11,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
PB Shoei Maru, Shell hits 8, and is sunk
xAK Venice Maru, Shell hits 3, on fire
xAK Cheribon Maru
xAK Daifuku Maru
xAK Daihachikyo Maru, Shell hits 4
xAK Kuraido Maru, Shell hits 7, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Macassar Maru, Shell hits 1, on fire
xAK Shinsei Maru, Shell hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage

Allied Ships
CA Australia
CL Perth

Japanese ground losses:
333 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 13 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 14 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 10 (2 destroyed, 8 disabled)


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Rockhampton at 95,152

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 40 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Allied aircraft
SBD-3 Dauntless x 12

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAK Kamogawa Maru, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires
xAK Yamazato Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
xAK Tatuwa Maru, heavy fires
xAK Asakaze Maru, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
6 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Kamogawa Maru
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Asakaze Maru


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Rockhampton at 95,152

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 39 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 17 minutes

Allied aircraft
SB2U-3 Vindicator x 13

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
xAK Kamogawa Maru, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Yamazato Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires
xAK Tatuwa Maru, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK Asakaze Maru, Bomb hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage


Ok, I'm ashore in Australia and it was costly. In order to avoid further unnecessary damage and loss to enemy coastal guns, Japanese amphibious TF's will halt unloading until both bases are captured. Amphibious TF's assigned to Newcastle will be redirected to unload at Port Kembla rather than risk the minefield.

Deliberate assaults will be conducted at both bases tomorrow. Each should fall, but I won't celebrate until they do. The failure in setting up the air bridge at Rockhampton means KB must stay and support the remaining transports until unloading is complete. Once they do, KB will escort them north until out of harms way. KB will then rendezvous with another amphibious TF assigned to capture Rockhampton and provide escort. Once I can deploy LBA to Australia, KB will be assigned more aggressive missions.

[Lowpe]

You are ashore!

I would think about using a squadron or two of Zeroes to sweep. Start whittling down his fighters.

Also, I would think about detaching a carrier or two to protect what is left of Rockhampton forces if any, and also to destroy those cruisers.

Get a couple of destroyers patrolling, they can generally slug it out pretty well with early cruisers...depleting his ammo. Plus they are pretty good at dodging divebombers this early.

A dozen fighters up at Rockhampton would have saved you from the only bad results of the day I think.

You have got 2000 AV on either side of Sydney on Jan 1. Woohoo! I wonder what the Allies will do? Run away most likely if they can.

What does the troops at Rockhampton look like?

[SqzMyLemon]

Thanks Lowpe, you're always so positive in your attitude.

I thought about detaching two carriers last turn, but fuel is an issue and I didn't think they would be in position to help at Rockhampton. I was actually able to save half the amphibious TF carrying IJA 144th Rgt. and half of the Rockhampton amphibious TF.

I have strong Japanese naval assets on the way to Rabaul, including mini-KB and two battleships that have been rearmed. The priority, as I see it, is to establish a position at Rockhampton to get the air bridge up and running and get LBA down to Port Kembla. Rockhampton will also be ideal for creating a base of operations to provide fuel and supply until Sydney falls (if it does).

As much as I've been whining, I am close to getting some things sorted out that will make operations easier for me. A reorganization of my naval assets will also put me in position to better support my advance in the DEI. It will be great to start dishing out some bombardments and actively hunt down Allied naval assets.

[SqzMyLemon]

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

What does the troops at Rockhampton look like?

I have 35 AV at Rockhampton, I attack tomorrow. If I get wiped out, so be it. I will be coming with the hammer second time around.

[Lowpe]

Can you get any bombers on Rockhampton?

I am a big beliver in multiple small task forces of 3-4 ships (DD). And make sure they have lower TF numbers than the invasion task forces. Tend to move first, react first. I also, unlike most on the forum, tend to really dislike the follow order.

I don't know how the cruisers caught you at Rockhampton, but I would have used a picket TF or two. You are moving thru restricted waters, and you could have set a low numbered TF of 2-3 destroyers to move ahead and patrol the choke point with a generous interception rating. I think that is a great way to advance your invasion fleets thru difficult waters...with flanking, patrolling picket task forces with low numbers.

You also need something giving you lots of night naval search to augment the day search and good commanders (usually not a problem -- double check the Tone's captain).

Iboats also work well in conjunction with the pickets. Think combined arms for ships.

[Chickenboy]

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon
Thanks Lowpe, you're always so positive in your attitude.

Well, in order to keep a 'fair and balanced' readership, please allow me to point out that you've screwed the pooch completely.

[;)]

[SqzMyLemon]

ORIGINAL: Chickenboy
Well, in order to keep a 'fair and balanced' readership, please allow me to point out that you've screwed the pooch completely.

How so?

[BBfanboy]

You did something that CB was too ,,,, chicken ,,,,, to try!

[PaxMondo]

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

I don't understand why minesweepers that are embedded within amphibious TF's get singled out by coastal gun fire.

These would be sailing up front to sweep in advance of all of the other ships, so they would be the ones first hit.

[PaxMondo]

Wow, I have to say, the cd batteries are having some of the best shooting I have ever seen. Several of the encounters hat 40% hit rate ... [X(][X(][X(]
That's very hard to plan for ...

[Lowpe]

ORIGINAL: PaxMondo

Wow, I have to say, the cd batteries are having some of the best shooting I have ever seen. Several of the encounters hat 40% hit rate ... [X(][X(][X(]
That's very hard to plan for ...

All those Kates on the KB could have done something. But, I understand why he didn't use them - since he is worried about rearming. If it were me, I would have used them since I highly doubt the KB is going to get into a carrier clash here in Jan of 42.

[PaxMondo]

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

ORIGINAL: PaxMondo

Wow, I have to say, the cd batteries are having some of the best shooting I have ever seen. Several of the encounters hat 40% hit rate ... [X(][X(][X(]
That's very hard to plan for ...

All those Kates on the KB could have done something. But, I understand why he didn't use them - since he is worried about rearming. If it were me, I would have used them since I highly doubt the KB is going to get into a carrier clash here in Jan of 42.

+1

[SqzMyLemon]

ORIGINAL: PaxMondo

Wow, I have to say, the cd batteries are having some of the best shooting I have ever seen. Several of the encounters had 40% hit rate ...
That's very hard to plan for ...

Unfortunately, that's what I've been facing most of the game. I know it comes across as whining, but I am not catching many breaks with the rolls. However, I also went in extremely light and didn't support the landings by naval bombardment with anything more powerful than light cruisers. Those CD guns weren't suppressed. Lowpe nails it though, the rearming issue has me at a temporary disadvantage.

I wanted to use KB as the hammer against the defences, but I wasn't sure what I'd be facing initially. I was also concerned about American naval air based in Australia. I admit it, I'm a little gun shy right now based on my experiences during the first three weeks. I've had some setbacks that have thrown off my timetable, but I'm far better prepared to move forward now.

[SqzMyLemon]

Orders for January 2nd have been issued and the turn is away.

KB will provide another day of cover for the amphibious taskforces. Dive bombers have been ordered to attack the defenders at Newcastle which appear to be withdrawing. Kate's will remain set to naval strike for one more day. I know I am using KB conservatively right now, but the initial landings are just the opening moves in this campaign. There will be months of hard fighting ahead and KB will be called upon time and again to provide direct support. I don't mind taking a few days to get my bearings and get comfortable with my position.

I have a chance to rout almost 10% of the initial AV available to Australian forces with attacks at Newcastle and Port Kembla. I've ordered the support units currently at Rockhampton to shock attack to try and capture the base before Allied reinforcements are railed in. I may have waited too long, but there was no way I could have attacked on the 1st. Regardless of what happens, another amphibious taskforce is being assembled to either reinforce, or capture Rockhampton, and will be provided strong naval support including carriers.

[Chickenboy]

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

ORIGINAL: PaxMondo

Wow, I have to say, the cd batteries are having some of the best shooting I have ever seen. Several of the encounters had 40% hit rate ...
That's very hard to plan for ...

Unfortunately, that's what I've been facing most of the game. I know it comes across as whining, but I am not catching many breaks with the rolls.

Does the version of the game y'all are playing impact CD gun accuracy, as it impacts AAA?

[Rio Bravo]

I can't say much as I have been and continue to also read your adversaries AAR.

However, I can say that this is interesting and damn fun to read!

Thank you for the time and effort you put into updating the latest events.

Best Regards,

-Terry