THE WAR COLLEGE-Rio Bravo (A) v. El Lobo (J)

[CaptHaggard]

Dear Hans and witpqs,

Thank you so much for the information.

I keep a file on my desktop: "AAR Notes". These are clarifications and pointers by experts in these pages. Your pointers above are now a part of it.

UN-fortunately, I'm like a kid taking notes on driving a car—even though I'm like three years shy of getting my permit.

To wit, I now own the game—at least I THINK I own the game—I saw a package of proper dimensions arrive at my doorstep—but I have to wait 6 days, 12 hours and... 46 minutes, in order to unwrap aforementioned package during my BD celebration. Which I now propose to Mrs. Hag kicks off 4 AM sharp.

(My earlier proposal to remove just the rules booklet ahead of time was met with an impervious glare.)

I introduced Rio to SPI's "USN" 42 years ago, and so he is graciously allowing me to run his sub ops, using my "WitP" maps (circa 1976) and my dwindling supply of Scotch.

In 6 days, 12 hours and 39 minutes that will change, and I will be able to actually see what fine pointers you have given me.

Thanks again, it is much appreciated,

Hag

[Rio Bravo]

[center]Combat Report[/center]
[center]for[/center]
[center]August 28, 1942[/center]

El Lobo launched several airstrikes in China and Northern Burma today. The Japanese had some success in China, but no success in Burma. There wasn't any other combat action today.

Morning Air attack on 56th Chinese Corps, at 78,46 , near Chungking

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 22 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 15

Allied aircraft
P-66 Vanguard x 1

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
P-66 Vanguard: 1 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x Ki-44-IIa Tojo sweeping at 15000 feet

CAP engaged:
5th FG/17th FS CAF with P-66 Vanguard (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 1 minutes

Morning Air attack on 99th Chinese Corps, at 80,40 , near Kienko

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 3
Ki-51 Sonia x 9

No Japanese losses

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

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing from 3000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 50 kg GP Bomb
3 x Ki-45 KAIa Nick bombing from 3000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Also attacking 80th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 16th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 99th Chinese Corps ...

Morning Air attack on 99th Chinese Corps, at 80,40 , near Kienko

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 21

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
44 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
21 x Ki-45 KAIa Nick bombing from 3000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Morning Air attack on 49th Chinese Corps, at 78,48 , near Chihkiang

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 1 damaged

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

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 4000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
4 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 4000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Morning Air attack on 56th Chinese Corps, at 78,46 , near Chungking

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 13

No Japanese losses

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

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 5000 feet *
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Morning Air attack on 56th Chinese Corps, at 78,46 , near Chungking

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 2

No Japanese losses

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Ki-44-IIa Tojo sweeping at 15000 feet

Morning Air attack on 107th RAF Base Force, at 54,45 (Akyab)

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 34 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 6
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 4 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 12000 feet *
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Morning Air attack on B Sqn 3rd Hussars Regiment, at 54,45 (Akyab)

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 35 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 3
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 12000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Morning Air attack on 205th Coast AA Regiment, at 59,42 (Kalemyo)

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 13 NM, estimated altitude 3,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 4 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Ki-45 KAIa Nick bombing from 100 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Afternoon Air attack on 1st RNZAF Base Force, at 54,45 (Akyab)

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 8 damaged
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 1 destroyed by flak

Aircraft Attacking:
14 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 12000 feet *
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

[center]Combat Report[/center]
[center]for[/center]
[center]August 29, 1942[/center]

Japanese Continue to Push Toward Chungking:

Ground combat at 77,47 (near Chungking)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 71288 troops, 598 guns, 116 vehicles, Assault Value = 2315

Defending force 29148 troops, 133 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 634

Japanese adjusted assault: 1750

Allied adjusted defense: 829

Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
2659 casualties reported
Squads: 10 destroyed, 159 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 14 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 23 disabled

Allied ground losses:
5440 casualties reported
Squads: 166 destroyed, 164 disabled
Non Combat: 257 destroyed, 60 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 7 disabled
Guns lost 18 (2 destroyed, 16 disabled)
Units retreated 5

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
116th Division
34th Division
61st Infantry Brigade
13th Division
35th Division
56th Infantry Brigade
12th Ind.Mixed Brigade
32nd Division
11th Army
2nd Ind. Engineer Regiment
8th Ind. Engineer Regiment

Defending units:
28th Chinese Corps
14th Chinese Corps
37th Chinese Corps
46th Chinese Corps
10th Group Army
22nd Group Army
33rd Group Army

Morning Air attack on 4th Chinese Corps, at 80,40 , near Kienko

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 24
Ki-51 Sonia x 9

No Japanese losses

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

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing from 3000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 50 kg GP Bomb
24 x Ki-45 KAIa Nick bombing from 3000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Also attacking 99th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 2nd Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 4th Chinese Corps

Morning Air attack on 49th Chinese Corps, at 78,48 , near Chihkiang

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

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

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 1 damaged

Allied ground losses:
73 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 9 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 4000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
6 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 4000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Morning Air attack on 56th Chinese Corps, at 78,46 , near Chungking

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 11 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 12

No Japanese losses

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

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 5000 feet *
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Morning Air attack on 1st RNZAF Base Force, at 54,45 (Akyab)

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 28 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 4 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 12000 feet *
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Morning Air attack on B Sqn 3rd Hussars Regiment, at 54,45 (Akyab)

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 45 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 2 damaged
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 1 destroyed by flak

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 12000 feet *
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Afternoon Air attack on 2nd Indian Coastal Artillery Regiment, at 54,45 (Akyab)

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 2 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 12000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Best Regards,

-Terry

[pontiouspilot]

What next? Did your opponent ever do anything about Rabaul? If he hasn't it is my respectful suggestion that it's time to grab it yourself. You can upload fairly quickly...if he reacts I suspect it will be to chase ships not to keep Rabaul.

[Rio Bravo]

[center]Combat Report[/center]
[center]for[/center]
[center]August 30, 1942[/center]

The only action of significance other than El Lobo's Amphibious Assaults was the Japanese air strikes on Akyab.

The Evil Red Sun Empire Greedily Amphibious Assaults Larantoeka and Lomblen:

Amphibious Assault at Larantoeka: (67,113)

TF 47 troops unloading over beach at Larantoeka, 67,113

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

17 troops of a SNLF Squad lost from landing craft during unload of 51st Nav Gd /5

Amphibious Assault at Lomblen: (68,113)

TF 127 troops unloading over beach at Lomblen, 68,113

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

17 troops of a SNLF Squad lost from landing craft during unload of 51st Nav Gd /1

Japanese Air Strikes on Akyab!

Morning Air attack on B Sqn 3rd Hussars Regiment, at 54,45 (Akyab)

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 66 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 20 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 3
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 6
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 2 damaged
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 2 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 12000 feet *
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
3 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 12000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Also attacking 2nd Indian Coastal Artillery Regiment ...
Also attacking B Sqn 3rd Hussars Regiment ...

Morning Air attack on 107th RAF Base Force, at 54,45 (Akyab)

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid detected at 33 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 3 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 12000 feet *
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

ORIGINAL: pontiouspilot

What next? Did your opponent ever do anything about Rabaul? If he hasn't it is my respectful suggestion that it's time to grab it yourself. You can upload fairly quickly...if he reacts I suspect it will be to chase ships not to keep Rabaul.

pontiouspilot-

El Lobo has not moved on Rabaul.

I am considering the possibility of moving a U. S. Army Base Force and Infantry Regiment to Rabaul and to Port Moresby along with supporting fighter squadrons from Australia. Should I decide to reinforce Rabaul and Port Moresby, I will probably, on a temporary basis, move the 1st Marine Division to New Caledonia and the 3rd Marine Division to Fiji along with fighter squadrons from Australia. At this point, I remain undecided.

What's next?

On September 1, 1942, the remaining six U. S. Infantry Divisions along with their support forces will move from the interior of Southern India to the Southwestern India-Burma Border in preparation for the scheduled Burma invasion set for October 15, 1942. The Americal Division is presently at Imphal.

The seven Chinese Corps' will move from Hyderabad (Sindh) to garrison the bases evacuated by the U. S. Army Divisions.

Additionally, fighter and bomber squadrons will fly to those Southern India bases; a minimum of two fighter squadrons and one bomber squadron at each of ten Indian bases.

Upon all Operation Land Shark forces being in position, I will provide a detailed report as to exactly what is where and is ready for the launch of Operation Land Shark.

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

[center]Question[/center]
[center]for[/center]
[center]The War College[/center]

The Situation

It is August 30, 1942. Accordingly, it remains the Monsoon Season along the India-Burma Border.

The Allied bases just above the India-Burma Border each have a minimum fort and aircraft capacity of level 3 or higher.

The supply level at all of these bases except Chittagong and Imphal are low.

I have tried to transport supply by sea, but El Lobo's bombers at Prome and Rangoon take too heavy of a toll on the supply transport ships.

I presently have 6 TR transport aircraft at Calcutta moving supply to these bases, but as you are no doubt aware, not much supply is transported. The Allies have six more TRs on the way to India.

The Question

What else can the Allies do to get ample supply to the Southwestern India bases and eventually into Burma?

Would moving "Resources" to the coastal bases help draw more supply?

If all these bases were fort level 5 or above, would that help draw more supply?

If I raised the required Supply Level at each base, would that draw more supply?

End Note

I assume the supply level will naturally increase somewhat after the Monsoon Season.

And, at some point, the Allies will be able to transport supply by sea to places like Akyab, Ramree Island, etc.

As always, your advice will be appreciated.

Best Regards,

-Terry

[pontiouspilot]

I will defer on India/Burma supply question to a logistics expert. All I know is that you want to shove lots into Bombay and Karachi and up the draw setting on the other end of the pipe ie. Calcutta, Dacca etc.

Rabaul: I wouldn't worry so much about Caledonia or Suva if you have Rabaul. I see little chance of him making that play if you have Rabaul in strength. I would start with a small Aussie BF so you can run scout planes quickly. Then, you may well move to step 2 with what you propose but for step 3 you should shortly ramp up to 3 x regiments, Const Engs and a HQ.

I'm not getting any sleep knowing Rabaul sitting there empty!!!

[Rio Bravo]

[center]Combat Report[/center]
[center]for[/center]
[center]August 31, 1942[/center]

El Lobo's War Mongering Red Sun Enthusiasts Push the Chinese Back Near Ankang:

Ground combat at 80,43 (near Ankang)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 8588 troops, 46 guns, 176 vehicles, Assault Value = 339

Defending force 8413 troops, 8 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 293

Japanese adjusted assault: 278

Allied adjusted defense: 136

Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
414 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 41 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

Allied ground losses:
3303 casualties reported
Squads: 106 destroyed, 55 disabled
Non Combat: 82 destroyed, 14 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 2
Units destroyed 1

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
9th Armored Car Co
1st Recon Regiment
9th Tank Regiment
8th Ind.Mixed Brigade
6th Manchukuo Cav Brigade

Defending units:
9th Chinese Corps
86th Chinese Corps
4th Group Army

Allies Mow Down Japanese at Colombo!

Ground combat at Colombo (29,48)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 27564 troops, 297 guns, 95 vehicles, Assault Value = 910

Defending force 17383 troops, 360 guns, 336 vehicles, Assault Value = 275

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 3

Japanese adjusted assault: 315

Allied adjusted defense: 444

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 3)

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

Japanese ground losses:
2325 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 123 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 10 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 19 disabled

Allied ground losses:
276 casualties reported
Squads: 15 destroyed, 13 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 40 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 5 disabled
Guns lost 18 (7 destroyed, 11 disabled)
Vehicles lost 3 (1 destroyed, 2 disabled)

Assaulting units:
41st Infantry Regiment
38th Division
5th Guards Division

Defending units:
6/16th Punjab Battalion
99th Indian Brigade
Colombo Fortress
100th Indian Brigade
6/15th Punjab Battalion
1st RM Heavy AA Regiment
22nd Light AA Regiment
Ceylon Base Force
23rd AA Bde
2nd Ceylon H AA Regiment
222 Group RAF
Ceylon Command
13th Indian Light AA Regiment

Once Again, El Lobo's Air Force Takes a Beating in Burma!

Morning Air attack on B Sqn 3rd Hussars Regiment, at 54,45 (Akyab)

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 34 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 12000 feet *
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Morning Air attack on 106th RAF Base Force, at 54,45 (Akyab)

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 47 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 3 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 12000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Morning Air attack on 107th RAF Base Force, at 54,45 (Akyab)

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 39 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 12000 feet *
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Morning Air attack on 205th Coast AA Regiment, at 59,42 (Kalemyo)

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 11 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 11
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 2 damaged
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 1 destroyed by flak

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Ki-45 KAIa Nick bombing from 100 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

ORIGINAL: pontiouspilot

I will defer on India/Burma supply question to a logistics expert. All I know is that you want to shove lots into Bombay and Karachi and up the draw setting on the other end of the pipe ie. Calcutta, Dacca etc.

Rabaul: I wouldn't worry so much about Caledonia or Suva if you have Rabaul. I see little chance of him making that play if you have Rabaul in strength. I would start with a small Aussie BF so you can run scout planes quickly. Then, you may well move to step 2 with what you propose but for step 3 you should shortly ramp up to 3 x regiments, Const Engs and a HQ.

I'm not getting any sleep knowing Rabaul sitting there empty!!!

pontiouspilot-

I have lots of supply at Karachi, Bombay, Madras, and Calcutta. I have tried raising the draw at all locations South of Calcutta, but it hasn't seemed to have helped. Only Chittagong looks somewhat good with over 23,000 supply.

*chuckling at you losing sleep over an empty Rabaul*

Ok, ok. Just for you, I will find a Base Force and send it to Rabaul!

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

[center]Month End Report[/center]
[center]as of August 31, 1942[/center]

August has been an interesting month.

The Allies took Marcus Island on August 2nd. El Lobo took Marcus Island back on August 24th.

During the last week or so, El Lobo launched airstrikes against the Allies in Burma (Akyab and Kalemyo). So far, Japanese aircraft haven't delivered any damage to the Allied ground forces. However, well over 30 Japanese aircraft have been damaged and four or five have been destroyed.

The fighting on Ceylon continues with the Japanese attacking the last Allied held base: Colombo.

The brave Chinese have held-out longer than I had expected. However, El Lobo's noose is tightening. The Japanese edge closer and closer to Chungking!

El Lobo also shut down the Allied shipping route from Australia to India. Presently, 13 ground force units and six aircraft squadrons are at Perth trying to figure out a way to get to India.

6 U.S. Army Infantry Divisions and 2 U. S. Army Infantry Regiments of the 41st U. S. Army Division are in India. The last regiment of the 41st Division is at sea, 240 miles from Bombay. Also, numerous other supporting units and aircraft are in India. And, another 13 Allied units and about another 10 aircraft squadrons (mostly bought-out Flying Fortress') are at Cape Town. Slowly, but mostly surely, these units will make their way to India via a high Northern route.

Lastly, this is the first month wherein aggregate aircraft losses tipped in favor of the Allies.

For those of you that like numbers, "By the Numbers" is below:

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

[center]Combat Report[/center]
[center]for[/center]
[center]September 1, 1942[/center]

El Lobo kicked the Chinese out of another forest near Chungking and launched more airstrikes against Akyab.

In preparation for the anticipated Launch of Operation Land Shark (the offensive to take back Burma, push through China, and into Manchukuo and Korea), all U. S. ground forces within the interior of India were ordered to board trains for points Southwest.

The seven U. S. Army Infantry Divisions (along with supporting ground forces) will garrison the following bases until they cross the Burma Border presently scheduled for October 15, 1942.

Imphal: Americal Infantry Division (already at Imphal)

Kohima: 32nd Infantry Division

Dimapur: 37th Infantry Division

Jorhart: 24th Infantry Division

Ledo: 25th Infantry Division

Silchar: 40th Infantry Division

Tezpur: 41st Infantry Division

As soon as all U. S. Ground Forces are in position, I will provide a more detailed report as to which units (Base Forces, Construction Regiments, Anti-Aircraft Units, Tank Battalions, Anti-Tank Battalions, etc.) are at which base. At that time, I will also set forth which fighter squadrons and which bomber squadrons are at which base. [/color]

Japanese Force Chinese to Retreat Toward Chungking:

Ground combat at 77,47 (near Chungking)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 70271 troops, 598 guns, 116 vehicles, Assault Value = 2206

Defending force 14681 troops, 131 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 294

Japanese adjusted assault: 1813

Allied adjusted defense: 187

Japanese assault odds: 9 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
1003 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 68 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Guns lost 14 (1 destroyed, 13 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
5526 casualties reported
Squads: 192 destroyed, 85 disabled
Non Combat: 114 destroyed, 27 disabled
Engineers: 22 destroyed, 17 disabled
Guns lost 50 (21 destroyed, 29 disabled)
Units retreated 2

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
56th Infantry Brigade
35th Division
13th Division
61st Infantry Brigade
34th Division
116th Division
12th Ind.Mixed Brigade
32nd Division
11th Army
2nd Ind. Engineer Regiment
8th Ind. Engineer Regiment

Defending units:
14th Chinese Corps
28th Chinese Corps

Japanese PB Hits the Porpoise Near Kunashiri:

ASW attack near Kunashiri at 126,52

Japanese Ships
PB Tokati Maru

Allied Ships
SS Porpoise, hits 1

SS Porpoise is sighted by escort
PB Tokati Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Tokati Maru attacking submerged sub ....
PB Tokati Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Tokati Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Tokati Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

Allies Trash Japanese Planes Above Akyab!

Morning Air attack on 106th RAF Base Force, at 54,45 (Akyab)

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 19 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 12000 feet *
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Morning Air attack on 2nd Indian Coastal Artillery Regiment, at 54,45 (Akyab)

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 107 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 31 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 3 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 12000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
13 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 12000 feet *
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Also attacking 106th RAF Base Force ...

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

[center]Combat Report[/center]
[center]for[/center]
[center]September 2, 1942[/center]

The only combat action today was bombardments by Japanese aircraft.

Japanese Aircraft Bombard Kalemyo:

Morning Air attack on 159th(Sep) Infantry Regiment, at 59,42 (Kalemyo)

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 33 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 13

No Japanese losses

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

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 12000 feet *
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Japanese Aircraft Bombard Akyab!

Morning Air attack on 107th RAF Base Force, at 54,45 (Akyab)

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid detected at 108 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 31 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 4 damaged

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

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 12000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Japanese Aircraft Bombard Colombo!

Morning Air attack on Colombo Fortress, at 29,48 (Colombo)

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 28 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 8 damaged
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 1 destroyed by flak

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

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Best Regards,

-Terry

[CaptHaggard]

ORIGINAL: pontiouspilot

I'm not getting any sleep knowing Rabaul sitting there empty!!!

Dear Rio,

You do realize that when I get soused and rant to you about Rabaul, that I'm not getting any sleep either, right?

(Jeez, I'm such a rube I seem to be unable to drop down one of those smiley faces atop, the ones that indicate "I got my point across but you're not to take it seriously anyhow").

I do think El Lobo will go after us for it, though. Ergo I think the OP will need a support chain, starting with Port Moresby. He's not going to sit still for that. I do think the OPS could be simultaneous, no need to dawdle on the climb up.

(Gee—having the instruction book in my hand for the first time has transformed me into a know-it-all... No worries, my comeuppance is due...)

Bonus thought: Hey, how come Devastators can't be used in places like Brisbane, where we primarily fear surface raids?

OK, amateur signing off,

Hag

[pontiouspilot]

If I lived in Sonoma sobriety would be a rarity! I'm not suggesting wagering the family fortune on Rabaul. Since it's still yours why not start by flying in aussie BF so you can get some eyes. Then slowly start the build-up. I don't see that any large commitment of naval resources is needed.

Devastators can be used anywhere. If you want them to carry torpedoes make sure you have a HQ with torps in it.

cheers

[CaptHaggard]

ORIGINAL: pontiouspilot

If I lived in Sonoma sobriety would be a rarity! I'm not suggesting wagering the family fortune on Rabaul. Since it's still yours why not start by flying in aussie BF so you can get some eyes. Then slowly start the build-up. I don't see that any large commitment of naval resources is needed.

Devastators can be used anywhere. If you want them to carry torpedoes make sure you have a HQ with torps in it.

cheers

Yeah, sobriety can be a sadly jeopardized state, especially if you made some grower-type acquaintances. Ten bottle verticals? Yowser. I'm too old.

Funny, when you see local vino luminaries at the Lodge, they're generally drinking beer.

As far as these ops go, I'm kind of teasing Rio. I know he has a very ambitious plan for El Lobo. It's going to be quite exciting once it kicks in. I do not want to try to seriously convince him of anything that messes up his timetable, even if it proves potentially entertaining and gives me a fine reason to bitch at him (which is always fun).

He did get a lot of kicks annoying El Lobo re Marcus, and I have a feeling he'd like to do more of that, so who knows?

Hey, thanks for the tip re Devastators. That's exactly what I'll try re my first AI game!

[Rio Bravo]

[center]Combat Report[/center]
[center]for[/center]
[center]September 3, 1942[/center]

El Lobo launches airstrikes against Colombo, Akyab, and Imphal with minimal damage inflicted upon the Allies.

No other significant action today.

Colombo Big Guns Shred Japanese Sallys!

Morning Air attack on 1st RM Heavy AA Regiment, at 29,48 (Colombo)

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 104 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 30 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 1
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 3 damaged
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 1 destroyed by flak

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Imphal Big Guns Shred Japanese Nicks!

Morning Air attack on Americal Infantry Division, at 60,40 (Imphal)

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 39 NM, estimated altitude 3,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 6 damaged
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 1 destroyed by flak

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

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x Ki-45 KAIa Nick bombing from 100 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Akyab Big Guns Shred Japanese Sallys!

Morning Air attack on 106th RAF Base Force, at 54,45 (Akyab)

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 63 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 18 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 3 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 12000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
13 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 12000 feet *
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

ORIGINAL: pontiouspilot

If I lived in Sonoma sobriety would be a rarity! I'm not suggesting wagering the family fortune on Rabaul. Since it's still yours why not start by flying in aussie BF so you can get some eyes. Then slowly start the build-up. I don't see that any large commitment of naval resources is needed.

Devastators can be used anywhere. If you want them to carry torpedoes make sure you have a HQ with torps in it.

cheers

pontiouspilot-

Australian Base Force is traveling to Sydney to embark transports for Rabaul.

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

[center]Combat Report[/center]
[center]for[/center]
[center]September 4, 1942[/center]

El Lobo launched several airstrikes today in China and at Akyab, Burma. A total of 5 Japanese aircraft were damaged. The Japanese inflicted minimal casualties on some Allied ground forces.

There wasn't any Naval combat nor ground combat today.

U. S. Army ground forces have boarded trains and are in route to the Southeastern bases just North of the India-Burma Border.

The Eastern Army is at Cox's Bazar.

I Australia Corps is at Chittagong.

III India Corps is at Calcutta.

The Burma Corps is at Dacca and Cormilla.

The seven Chinese Corps are boarding trains at Hyderabad (Sindh) and heading South to garrison the bases evacuated by U. S. Army ground forces. Total Chinese strength is 3,900 AV.

Karachi, Surat, Bombay, and Madras each have an AV exceeding 450.

From the States, 4 Flying Fortress Squadrons have arrive and are standing down at Bombay. Another 6 Flying Fortress Squadrons are in route from New York to Cape Town.

The II U. S. Fighter Squadrons and V U. S. Bomber Squadrons remain at Hyderabad. The Tenth U. S. Fighter Squadrons are at Bangalore.

RAF Groups 221, 222, 223, and 224 Fighter and Bomber Squadrons are flying to the five bases that make up the Inphal-Ledo Line and to Silchar, Chittagong, and Cox's Bazar. Two Fighter Squadrons and one Bomber Squadron will be stationed at each of the above 8 mentioned bases.

All Operation Land Shark forces (Air and ground units) presently in India will soon be at their destination jump-off bases.

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

[center]Combat Report[/center]
[center]for[/center]
[center]September 5, 1942[/center]

The Japanese made three minor ground attacks and launched several airstrikes in China. Additionally, the Japanese launched two airstrikes in Burma today. There wasn't any other significant action.

The Japanese Force the 90th Chinese to Retreat from the Woods Near Kienko:

Ground combat at 80,41 (near Kienko)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 7795 troops, 37 guns, 300 vehicles, Assault Value = 376

Defending force 5749 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 258

Japanese adjusted assault: 340

Allied adjusted defense: 94

Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
96 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 11 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Vehicles lost 2 (1 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
1874 casualties reported
Squads: 58 destroyed, 74 disabled
Non Combat: 50 destroyed, 19 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units retreated 1

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
3rd Tank Regiment
5th Tank Regiment
13th Tank Regiment
9th Ind.Mixed Brigade

Defending units:
90th Chinese Corps

Chinese Hold Their Ground Near Kienko!

Ground combat at 79,43 (near Kienko)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 8482 troops, 46 guns, 176 vehicles, Assault Value = 330

Defending force 11790 troops, 4 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 431

Japanese adjusted assault: 136

Allied adjusted defense: 361

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
464 casualties reported
Squads: 16 destroyed, 28 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
1168 casualties reported
Squads: 35 destroyed, 88 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 16 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
9th Tank Regiment
8th Ind.Mixed Brigade
9th Armored Car Co
1st Recon Regiment
6th Manchukuo Cav Brigade

Defending units:
86th Chinese Corps
9th Chinese Corps
92nd Chinese Corps

Chinese Hold Their Ground Near Kumming!

Ground combat at 70,47 (near Kunming)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 1763 troops, 6 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 81

Defending force 8852 troops, 38 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 310

Japanese adjusted assault: 74

Allied adjusted defense: 133

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2

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

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

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

Assaulting units:
2nd Militia Regiment

Defending units:
73rd Chinese Corps

Allied Big Guns Shred Japanese Nicks Over Kalemyo!

Morning Air attack on 205th Coast AA Regiment, at 59,42 (Kalemyo)

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 29 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 11
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 2 damaged
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 1 destroyed by flak

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Ki-45 KAIa Nick bombing from 100 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Allies Shred Japanese Sallys Over Akyab!

Morning Air attack on 2nd Indian Coastal Artillery Regiment, at 54,45 (Akyab)

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 32 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 1 damaged
Ki-21-IIa Sally: 1 destroyed by flak

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 12000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Best Regards,

-Terry