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

[CaptHaggard]

Admiral,

We are approximately two weeks from the launch of your offensive into Burma. Perhaps you could summarize how you see the plan unfolding. What are the main points of thrust, the units and material involved? What are some of the variables of operation you anticipate in regards to possible enemy responses? What is your timeline for the capture of various targets, such as Rangoon, etc.?

I for one am quite excited about going on the offensive!

Hag

[Rio Bravo]

[center]Month End Report[/center]
[center]By the Numbers[/center]
[center]September 30, 1942[/center]

The brave Chinese still hold Chungking. However, El Lobo slowly, but surely, tightens the noose.

The Allies still hold Colombo. However, their forces are dwindling. El Lobo has three infantry divisions, two infantry regiments, and one construction unit at Colombo.

The Allies are in position to cross the India-Burma Border into Burma on October 15, 1942. The Land Shark invasion force consists of the following entities:

U. S. Ground Forces: Seven and two-thirds infantry divisions supported with four tank battalions, four tank destroyer battalions, two Headquarter Units, two Combat Engineer Battalions, four CD Units, and numerous Base Forces, Artillery Units, AA Units, and Seabees.

I Australian Corps.

III India Corps.

Eastern Army.

Burma Corps.

ABDA Forces.

The non-USA ground forces are also supported with numerous tanks, Headquarter Units, Artillery Units, AA Units, etc.

The seven Chinese Corps' are remaining behind for a few weeks to protect India One Corps each is at Bangalore, Hyderabad, Warangal, Raipur, and Ranchi. Two Chinese Corps are at Calcutta. Once Burma is conquered, the Chinese will move into Burma as Operation Land Shark forces move into China.

Karachi, Surat, Bombay, Madras, Howrah, Diamond Harbor, Calcutta, and Cormilla each have Assault Values in excess of 450 with supporting CDs and AA units. Some have Artillery Units.

Fighters and Bombers from the 221, 222, 223, and 224 RAF Groups are in place at Chittagong, Cox's Bazar, Akyab, Silchar, and the Imphal-Ledo Line. Two Fighter Squadrons and one Bommber Squadron are at each of those nine locations.

The II U.S. Fighter Squadrons and V U.S. Bomber Squadrons have commenced flying from Hyderabad to Calcutta (approximately 375 aircraft).

The Tenth Air Combat Squadrons will remain at Bangalore to defend India. Eventually, as the II U.S. Fighter Squadrons and V U. S. Bomber Squadrons get whittled-down, the Tenth will fly to the front lines.

Supply is good for all India Land Shark jump-off bases except for Cox's Bazar. Akyab and Kalemyo are also low on supply. Fort Levels are all 3 or above with most being at Level 4. Air Bases are all at 3 or above with most being at Level 4. Chittagong has a Level 5 Fort and a Level 9 Airbase.

It is known that the Japanese have a minimum of 4 Infantry Divisions in Burma; no doubt more.

Anything else you'd like to know?

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

[center]Operation Land Shark

Burma Objectives

Launch Date: October 15, 1942[/center]

The following consists of Jump-Off Locations (i.e., where the troops are presently located), the troops at the Jump-Off locations, their individual Burma Objectives, and the approximate Assault Values (Assault Values are in parenthesis).



Jessore: III India Corps (768 AV); Objective is Prome
Dacca: Burma Corps (970 AV); Objective is Toungoo
Cormila: Burma Corps (626 AV); Objective is Bassein
Chittagong: I Australian Corps (1,150 AV); Rangoon
Chittagong: I Australia Corps (1,150 AV); Pegu
Cox's Bazar: Eastern Army (900 AV); Ramree Island
Akyab: ABDA Forces (447 AV); Akyab
Tezpur: U.S. 41st Infantry Division (430 AV); Taung Gyi
Silchar: U.S. 40th Infantry Division (390 AV); Magwe
Imphal: U.S. Americal Infantry Division with artillery and tanks (767 AV); Meiktila
Kohima: U.S. 32nd Infantry Division (390 AV); Mandalay
Kohima: U.S. 87th Mountain Brigade (110 AV); Warazap
Dinapur: U.S. 27th Infantry Division (333 AV); Shwebo
Johart: U.S. 24th Infantry Division (388 AV); Myitkyina
Lashio: U.S. 25th Infantry Division (388 AV); Ledo
Kalemyo: U.S. 159th (SEP) Infantry Regiment (114 AV); Kalemyo

All of the above units are prepped for their objectives, however, once inside Burma, various units may converge to help conquer difficult locations.

One Indian Infantry Battalion will remain at each of the following Jump-Off locations: Silchar, Imphal, Kohima, Dinapur, Johart, and Ledo.

With the Chinese, India Northern, Eastern, and Southern Commands, and the Tenth Air Groups remaining behind in India, India should be able to defend itself from any Japanese attempt to invade while Operation Land Shark moves forward.

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

ORIGINAL: CaptHaggard

Admiral,

We are approximately two weeks from the launch of your offensive into Burma. Perhaps you could summarize how you see the plan unfolding. What are the main points of thrust, the units and material involved? What are some of the variables of operation you anticipate in regards to possible enemy responses? What is your timeline for the capture of various targets, such as Rangoon, etc.?

I for one am quite excited about going on the offensive!

Hag

CaptHaggard-

We have been patiently building-up Operation Land Shark for the launch date of October 15, 1942.

It should be fun!

Now, we continue to be patient and continue to build-up for Operation Sea Shark scheduled for lift-Off on June 1, 1943.

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

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

The Japanese launched several attacks by the air against the Chinese today and only inflicted a total of 34 casualties.

Japanese Inflict Heavy Casualties on the 9th, 86th, and 92nd Chinese Corps' Near Chungking:

Ground combat at 79,44 (near Chungking)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 7598 troops, 42 guns, 176 vehicles, Assault Value = 302

Defending force 6621 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 128

Japanese adjusted assault: 159

Allied adjusted defense: 15

Japanese assault odds: 10 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
145 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 15 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
3425 casualties reported
Squads: 220 destroyed, 39 disabled
Non Combat: 124 destroyed, 18 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units retreated 3

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

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

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

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

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

El Lobo's ground forces in China had a good day and edge ever closer to Chungking.

Japanese Big Guns Harvest Fruitful Results for the Second Day in a Row Near Kienko:

Ground combat at 80,40 (near Kienko)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 147693 troops, 1958 guns, 1108 vehicles, Assault Value = 5151

Defending force 102524 troops, 167 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2982

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

Allied ground losses:
584 casualties reported
Squads: 19 destroyed, 42 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Assaulting units:
4th Ind.Mixed Brigade
24th Division
36th Division
27th Electric Engineer Regiment
5th Armored Car Co
12th Division
23rd Tank Regiment
1st Engineer Regiment
10th Division
41st Division
12th Tank Regiment
110th/A Division
23rd Division
28th Engineer Regiment
59th Infantry Brigade
14th Division
37th Division
1st Ind.Mixed Brigade
110th/B Division
7th Ind.Mixed Brigade
110th/C Division
9th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
10th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
1st Mobile Field Artillery Regiment
49th Const Co
6th Army
5th Army
6th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
51st Road Const Co
12th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
24th Ind. Engineer Regiment
6th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
46th Const Co
48th Road Const Co
11th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
2nd Hvy.Artillery Regiment
3rd Army
4th Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
7th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
4th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
9th Ind. Engineer Regiment
Tonei Hvy Gun Regiment
Korea Army
2nd Ind. Mountain Gun Regiment
52nd Road Const Co
5th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
3rd Hvy.Artillery Regiment
22nd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
4th RF Gun Battalion
47th Road Const Co
1st Field Artillery Regiment
7th RF Gun Battalion
13th Ind.Art.Mortar Battalion
Botanko Hvy Gun Regiment
Mongol Garrison Army
56th JAAF AF Bn
15th Ind.Medium Field Artillery Regiment
1st Mortar Battalion
3rd RF Gun Battalion
46th Road Const Co
12th Army
4th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
12th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
7th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
7th Ind. Engineer Regiment
45th Road Const Co
14th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
8th Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
1st Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
20th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
22nd Ind. Engineer Regiment
45th Const Co
2nd Medium Field Artillery Regiment
51st Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
5th Ind.Hvy.Art Battalion
15th Medium Field Artillery Regiment
1st Army
6th RF Gun Battalion
52nd Ind.Mtn.Gun Battalion
68th JAAF AF Coy

Defending units:
4th Chinese Corps
40th Chinese Corps
60th Chinese Corps
80th Chinese Corps
3rd Chinese Corps
76th Chinese Corps
50th Chinese Corps
16th Chinese Corps
45th Chinese Corps
99th Chinese Corps
75th Chinese Corps
100th Chinese Corps
57th Chinese Corps
55th Chinese Corps
2nd Chinese Corps
1st Chinese Cavalry Corps
36th Chinese Corps
23rd Group Army
13th Chinese Corps
26th Group Army
15th Group Army
18th Group Army
71st Chinese Corps
6th War Area
79th Chinese Corps

Chinese Retreat Near Chungking:

Ground combat at 76,47 (near Chungking)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 151252 troops, 1290 guns, 198 vehicles, Assault Value = 4918

Defending force 19385 troops, 37 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 671

Japanese adjusted assault: 4015

Allied adjusted defense: 223

Japanese assault odds: 18 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
4465 casualties reported
Squads: 7 destroyed, 285 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 23 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 48 disabled

Allied ground losses:
6022 casualties reported
Squads: 477 destroyed, 131 disabled
Non Combat: 287 destroyed, 102 disabled
Engineers: 10 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 4 (4 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 3

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
34th Division
12th Ind.Mixed Brigade
13th Division
22nd Division
39th Division
52nd Infantry Brigade
40th Division
51st Infantry Brigade
3rd Division
56th Infantry Brigade
104th Division
102nd Infantry Regiment
61st Infantry Brigade
6th Division
35th Division
116th Division
19th Ind.Mixed Brigade
138th Infantry Regiment
RGC Army
23rd Army
2nd Ind. Engineer Regiment
11th Army
8th Ind. Engineer Regiment

Defending units:
46th Chinese Corps
87th Chinese Corps
2nd Prov Chinese Corps

Chinese Hold Their Ground Near Chungking!


Ground combat at 75,46 (near Chungking)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 17679 troops, 204 guns, 518 vehicles, Assault Value = 729

Defending force 21621 troops, 79 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 712

Japanese adjusted assault: 319

Allied adjusted defense: 445

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
586 casualties reported
Squads: 2 destroyed, 45 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled

Allied ground losses:
723 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 44 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 12 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 4 disabled

Assaulting units:
63rd Division
2nd Tank Division

Defending units:
58th Chinese Corps
41st Chinese Corps
35th Chinese Corps
31st Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Cavalry Corps
Lusu War Area
48th Chinese Corps

Chinese Hold Their Turf Near Kienko!

Ground combat at 79,41 (near Kienko)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 7795 troops, 37 guns, 299 vehicles, Assault Value = 375

Defending force 15546 troops, 40 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 500

Japanese adjusted assault: 283

Allied adjusted defense: 241

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
512 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 48 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Vehicles lost 10 (1 destroyed, 9 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
743 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 114 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 12 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled

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

Defending units:
26th Chinese Corps
90th Chinese Corps
95th Chinese Corps
34th Group Army

Best Regards,

-Terry

[HansBolter]

You should seriously consider playing with stacking limits in your next game.

The kind of silly gamesmanship strategy of creating death stars like the one that attacked hex 80,40 would simply go away.

[Rio Bravo]

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

Commander Haggard will find this day interesting, but non-rewarding. An Allied submarine launched four torpedoes at a Japanese Carrier. Apparently, all four torpedoes either missed or were duds or were a combination of both. In any case, it appears that the Japanese Carrier was not hit.

The II U.S. Fighter Squadrons and V U.S. Bomber Squadrons have landed at Calcutta. The squadrons flew from Hyderabad to Calcutta without mishap. The Tenth USAAF Fighter and Bomber Squadrons have flown from Bangalore to Hyderabad. The Tenth USAAF Headquarters and RAF 222 Group Base Force will now board the train to Chittagong.

On a side note: The Warspite safely made its way from Melbourne to Cape Town and is now in route to Socotra and then on to Bombay to join the Prince of Wales and Repulse.

SS S-37 Misses CV Junyo Near Hachinoche!

Sub attack near Hachinohe at 119,57

Japanese Ships
CV Junyo
BB Yamashiro
BB Mutsu
DD Makigumo
DD Urakaze
DD Natsushio
DD Naganami

Allied Ships
SS S-37

SS S-37 launches 4 torpedoes at CV Junyo
S-37 diving deep ....
DD Urakaze fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Natsushio fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Naganami attacking submerged sub ....
DD Urakaze fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Naganami fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Naganami fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Naganami fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Naganami attacking submerged sub ....
Escort abandons search for sub

What Remains of the Chinese Aircraft are Ineffective as Japanese Aircraft Attack Chungking:

Morning Air attack on Chungking, at 76,45

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

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

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 12

Allied aircraft
P-66 Vanguard x 2

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
P-66 Vanguard: 1 destroyed

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

CAP engaged:
3rd FG/7th FS CAF with P-66 Vanguard (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 15000.
Raid is overhead
3rd FG/8th FS CAF with P-66 Vanguard (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 2 minutes

Sallys Waste Gas Near Chungking!

Morning Air attack on 35th Chinese Corps, at 75,46 , near Chungking

Weather in hex: Overcast

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

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 13

No Japanese losses

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

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 3000 feet *
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Also attacking 4th Chinese Cavalry Corps ...
Also attacking 35th Chinese Corps ...

Sally Damaged Near Kienko!

Afternoon Air attack on 26th Chinese Corps, at 79,41 , near Kienko

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 9 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 2 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 12

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

Allied ground losses:
17 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 3000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Oscars Damaged Near Kumming!

Afternoon Air attack on 73rd Chinese Corps, at 70,48 , near Kunming

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 10 NM, estimated altitude 1,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 37

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 2 damaged

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

Aircraft Attacking:
37 x Ki-43-Ic Oscar bombing from 100 feet

Chinese Hurtle Rocks to Bash-Back Japanese Near Kienko!

Ground combat at 79,41 (near Kienko)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 7400 troops, 37 guns, 298 vehicles, Assault Value = 336

Defending force 14802 troops, 39 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 415

Japanese adjusted assault: 128

Allied adjusted defense: 187

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2

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

Japanese ground losses:
651 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 33 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 10 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled

Allied ground losses:
489 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 72 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 20 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Guns lost 3 (1 destroyed, 2 disabled)

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

Defending units:
26th Chinese Corps
90th Chinese Corps
95th Chinese Corps
34th Group Army

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

ORIGINAL: HansBolter

You should seriously consider playing with stacking limits in your next game.

The kind of silly gamesmanship strategy of creating death stars like the one that attacked hex 80,40 would simply go away.

Hans-

El Lobo and I both wanted a game free from restrictions other than the built-in mechanics of the game.

Should El Lobo and I ever complete this game and decide to play another game to bash each other around once again, I am sure that we will have a few house rules, including but limited too, stacking restrictions.

Both El Lobo and I are having lots of fun trash-talking each other and slaughtering each other. For both of us, the most important aspect of the game is to have fun.

Your pal,

-Terry

[HansBolter]

Stacking limits in all hexes isn't implemented by house rule.

It's implemented by replacing the map hexdata file with a new one created for that purpose.

It's kind of an unofficial game upgrade created by some of the devs who continued to work on the game post release.

Full stacking limits hexdata files have been created for both the stock and extended maps (another unofficial game upgrade necessary for certain player made scenarios).

Full stacking everywhere imparts a huge amount of realism into the game eliminating mile high stacks.

I strongly recommend it.

[CaptHaggard]

Dang it—that was a BIG tug at the end of my pole!

Happened at the end of my sweep and on the outer rung—though we may still get lucky if Junyo's heading TO Ominato / Sapporo, rather than FROM one of those.

Well, Admiral, these operations are hopefully going to teach me what areas work and, just as essential, what areas don't. To me it's interesting that this contact was deep water when the shallow stuff is right next door; from what I know, if I was the Japanese commander, I'd be transiting in friendly shallows as much as possible, knowing those are naturally intimidating for subs.

Re stacking limits: I see above that the Japanese attacked Chungking with 151K troops. If the game-system was strategic—e.g., no forces represented less than a corps, 3 corps per hex, weekly moves—I could see it, a simplification over time. But on a daily basis, that's absurd. 1) There's not the frontal capacity to employ all those troops into a single attack, and 2) logistically, no force contained in a 40-mile hex could mobilize that number for a single daily attack.

There should be some sort of limitation of effective firepower from such a force through a hex-aperture; whether a 40-mile terrain-friendly hex can contain such a force is debatable. Then again, something would have to modify defensive figures too.

Anyway, even for a guy right off the turnip truck like myself, it does appear that—for a simulation that boasts such detail in certain areas—this issue needs fine-tuning. But stacking limits seems a good start. Next game.

[pontiouspilot]

Sorry but I've been AAR surfing to find some action! Did you ever end up back in Rabaul? Can we get a screen shot of the SPac? (If you know how you a hell of a lot smarter than me!!) Is anything going on in south or central PAC? You are needing to distract your opponent while you proceed in Ind/Burma. The time is not yet ripe to try to take on KB straight up but it is time to lure them out and start attriting them. Lure them with hope of easy pickings and within range of some land based air and subs. You can now afford to lose some bait.

[Rio Bravo]

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

The Chinese moved behind enemy lines and into Ankang. Ankang was unoccupied by Japanese. However, considering supply is at zero, the Chinese have been unable to deliberately attack Ankang to capture the city.

El Lobo took his third beating at Colombo.

Sallys and Sonias Attack 26th Chinese Corps Near Kienko:

Morning Air attack on 26th, 90th, and 95th Chinese Corps', at 79,41 , near Kienko

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 15
Ki-51 Sonia x 9

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

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

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing from 3000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 50 kg GP Bomb
15 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 3000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Also attacking 90th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 95th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 26th Chinese Corps ...

Oscars Waste Gas Near Kunming!

Morning Air attack on 73rd Chinese Corps, at 70,48 , near Kunming

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 3,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 41

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ic Oscar: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
41 x Ki-43-Ic Oscar bombing from 100 feet


Japanese Ground Forces Take a Beating at Colombo!

Ground combat at Colombo (29,48)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 41255 troops, 434 guns, 169 vehicles, Assault Value = 1231

Defending force 18085 troops, 366 guns, 352 vehicles, Assault Value = 270

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 1

Japanese adjusted assault: 633

Allied adjusted defense: 355

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender:
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
3409 casualties reported
Squads: 46 destroyed, 130 disabled
Non Combat: 3 destroyed, 19 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 27 disabled
Guns lost 54 (2 destroyed, 52 disabled)
Vehicles lost 5 (1 destroyed, 4 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
612 casualties reported
Squads: 8 destroyed, 59 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 32 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 12 disabled
Guns lost 18 (1 destroyed, 17 disabled)

Assaulting units:
143rd Infantry Regiment
21st Division
1st Mobile Engineer Regiment
41st Infantry Regiment
38th Division
5th Guards Division

Defending units:
99th Indian Brigade
6/16th Punjab Battalion
100th Indian Brigade
Colombo Fortress
6/15th Punjab Battalion
9/8th Punjab Battalion
Ceylon Command
222 Group RAF
22nd Light AA Regiment
23rd AA Bde
1st RM Heavy AA Regiment
2nd Ceylon H AA Regiment
Ceylon Base Force
13th Indian Light AA Regiment

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

ORIGINAL: HansBolter

Stacking limits in all hexes isn't implemented by house rule.

It's implemented by replacing the map hexdata file with a new one created for that purpose.

It's kind of an unofficial game upgrade created by some of the devs who continued to work on the game post release.

Full stacking limits hexdata files have been created for both the stock and extended maps (another unofficial game upgrade necessary for certain player made scenarios).

Full stacking everywhere imparts a huge amount of realism into the game eliminating mile high stacks.

I strongly recommend it.

Hans-

Thank you for the valuable information in regards to "Stacking Limits."

As always, your comments are appreciated.

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

ORIGINAL: CaptHaggard

Dang it—that was a BIG tug at the end of my pole!

Happened at the end of my sweep and on the outer rung—though we may still get lucky if Junyo's heading TO Ominato / Sapporo, rather than FROM one of those.

Well, Admiral, these operations are hopefully going to teach me what areas work and, just as essential, what areas don't. To me it's interesting that this contact was deep water when the shallow stuff is right next door; from what I know, if I was the Japanese commander, I'd be transiting in friendly shallows as much as possible, knowing those are naturally intimidating for subs.

Re stacking limits: I see above that the Japanese attacked Chungking with 151K troops. If the game-system was strategic—e.g., no forces represented less than a corps, 3 corps per hex, weekly moves—I could see it, a simplification over time. But on a daily basis, that's absurd. 1) There's not the frontal capacity to employ all those troops into a single attack, and 2) logistically, no force contained in a 40-mile hex could mobilize that number for a single daily attack.

There should be some sort of limitation of effective firepower from such a force through a hex-aperture; whether a 40-mile terrain-friendly hex can contain such a force is debatable. Then again, something would have to modify defensive figures too.

Anyway, even for a guy right off the turnip truck like myself, it does appear that—for a simulation that boasts such detail in certain areas—this issue needs fine-tuning. But stacking limits seems a good start. Next game.

Commander Haggard-

If I were you, I would seriously consider firing that lizard!

The Japanese haven't mounted a ground attack against Chungking; not yet.

I suspect that it won't take you long to assess tactical concerns and benefits regarding your Submarine Operations. I know, from past experience, you are a quick study. For example, attending less than fifty percent of any given college class, not cracking the book for 9 1/2 weeks, then the night before the final, getting hammered until the "Idle Hour" closed, then studying the balance of the night at Carrows Restaurant, taking the test in the morning, and securing an "A" or a "B." El Lobo has no idea what trouble he is in!

Per pontiouspilot's advice, could you spare some submarines to snoop around Rabaul?

Your pal,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

ORIGINAL: pontiouspilot

Sorry but I've been AAR surfing to find some action! Did you ever end up back in Rabaul? Can we get a screen shot of the SPac? (If you know how you a hell of a lot smarter than me!!) Is anything going on in south or central PAC? You are needing to distract your opponent while you proceed in Ind/Burma. The time is not yet ripe to try to take on KB straight up but it is time to lure them out and start attriting them. Lure them with hope of easy pickings and within range of some land based air and subs. You can now afford to lose some bait.

pontiouspilot-

Welcome back. We've missed you.

As you read this, a Base Force, AA unit, and infantry battalion are boarding transports bound for Rabaul.

Screenshot of Rabaul is below.

As always, thank you for your comments.

Best Regards,

-Terry

[CaptHaggard]

Rio—

Once we manage to rouse those sub boys out of the Snake Pit in Pearl City and launch that southern sweep—a sizable portion of which terminates in Brisbane—we most assuredly will have SS assets available for Rabaul environs.

—Hag

[Rio Bravo]

ORIGINAL: CaptHaggard

Rio—

Once we manage to rouse those sub boys out of the Snake Pit in Pearl City and launch that southern sweep—a sizable portion of which terminates in Brisbane—we most assuredly will have SS assets available for Rabaul environs.

—Hag

Commander Haggard-

Very well, I will slow-walk the loading to coincide with your submarine availablity for Rabaul and vicinity.

Your pal,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

[center]29th Chinese Corps[/center]
[center]Relaxing with Sake at Ankang[/center]
[center]October 4, 1942[/center]

Gentlemen of The War College-

The 29th Chinese Corps has taken back Ankang. They are enjoying Japanese Sake and having full supply. The Corps' Assault Value is presently at 185 and fatigue is at 3. The Corps will fight to the death in an attempt to interdict Japanese supply.

Map of the Battle (including Ankang) is shown below.

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

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

Most of the combat action today was in the air with the Japanese flaming numerous Allied bombers (not sure why the Kittyhawks out of Darwin didn't fight to protect the bombers over Bathurst Island).

What a Disaster:

Morning Air attack on 21st Fld AA Gun Co, at 76,123 (Bathurst Island)

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 36 NM, estimated altitude 4,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 4
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 4

Allied aircraft
DB-7B x 3
Beaufort V x 4
Hudson I x 9
Hudson III (LR) x 24

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
DB-7B: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
Hudson I: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged
Hudson III (LR): 4 destroyed, 2 damaged
Hudson III (LR): 1 destroyed by flak

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Hudson III (LR) bombing from 2000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb
3 x Hudson I bombing from 2000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb
3 x Hudson I bombing from 2000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb
7 x Hudson III (LR) bombing from 2000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb
5 x Hudson III (LR) bombing from 2000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb
4 x Beaufort V bombing from 2000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x DB-7B bombing from 2000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb
2 x Hudson III (LR) bombing from 2000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Tainan Ku S-1/A with A6M2 Zero (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 15000.
Raid is overhead
6th Sentai with Ki-45 KAIa Nick (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 15000.
Raid is overhead

Training flight from Tainan Ku S-1/A has been caught up in attack
Also attacking 26th Fld AA Gun Co ...
Also attacking 6th Base Force ...
Also attacking 21st Fld AA Gun Co ...
Also attacking 9th JAAF AF Coy ...
Also attacking 21st Fld AA Gun Co ...
Also attacking 26th Fld AA Gun Co ...

7th New Chinese Corps Retreats Near Kweiyang:

Ground combat at 75,50 (near Kweiyang)

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 1025 troops, 4 guns, 42 vehicles, Assault Value = 38

Defending force 1014 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 31

Japanese adjusted assault: 56

Allied adjusted defense: 13

Japanese assault odds: 4 to 1

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

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

Allied ground losses:
295 casualties reported
Squads: 14 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 12 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Units retreated 1

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
20th Recon Regiment

Defending units:
7th New Chinese Corps

Chinese Hold Their Turf Near Chungking!

Ground combat at 75,46 (near Chungking)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 17461 troops, 204 guns, 518 vehicles, Assault Value = 707

Defending force 20926 troops, 77 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 640

Japanese adjusted assault: 618

Allied adjusted defense: 520

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1

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

Japanese ground losses:
440 casualties reported
Squads: 4 destroyed, 30 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 6 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 10 disabled

Allied ground losses:
456 casualties reported
Squads: 3 destroyed, 42 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 6 (1 destroyed, 5 disabled)

Assaulting units:
63rd Division
2nd Tank Division

Defending units:
58th Chinese Corps
35th Chinese Corps
31st Chinese Corps
41st Chinese Corps
4th Chinese Cavalry Corps
Lusu War Area
48th Chinese Corps

Best Regards,

-Terry