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

[Rio Bravo]

[center]February 13, 2016[/center]

Chinese Commanders are searching for a building in Chengtu and Chungking with a roof; El Lobo continues to bomb both cities into piles of rubble.

Japanese Submarine SS I-34 is one bad dude; even when it is forced to surface it continues to inflict damage on Allied transports.

El Lobo destroys the 88th Chinese Corps.

The Allies bombard Japanese located at Shwebo, Lashio, and the jungle just East of Ramree Island.

225 Allied Warhawks have flown into Burma in preparation to provide cover for Allied bombers that are setting up along the Imphal-Ledo line. The fighters are located at Kalemyo, Myitkynia, and Bhamo.

SS I-34 Submarine Attack Near Lahaina

Allied Destroyer and transports crunch Japanese submarine SS I-34 with 10 hits causing heavy damage.

However, SS I-34 fights back submerged and surfaced and hammers Allied Troop Transport Task Force:

Allied Ships
DD Smith
xAK City of Elwood
xAK Maine
xAK Maliko
xAK Port Orford, Shell hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
xAK Coast Farmer, Shell hits 1
xAK Potter, Shell hits 2
xAK Jeff Davis, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Intelligence advises that Davis sank.

SS I-14 Submarine Attack Near Lahaina

xAK Port Orford takes a torpedo and suffers fires with heavy damage.

Intelligence advises that Orford sank.

Allied ASW Attack Near Pearl Harbor

AMs hit SS I-17 twice.

Japanese Deliberate Attack Near Nanyang

The 88th Chinese Corps takes over 1,800 casualties and is destroyed.

Allies Bombard Shwebo

53 Japanese casualties; 2 squads destroyed.

Allies Bombard Lashio

Only 11 Japanese casualties with only one squad disabled.

Allies Bombard Jungle East of Ramree Island

232 Japanese casualties with 2 squads destroyed and 13 squads disabled.

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

[center]February 14, 1943[/center]

Naturally, El Lobo bombed Chengtu and Chungking as he has just about every single day for several months.

The main news for the day involves numerous submarine combat actions.

The only ground combat today involved Allied shelling of Shwebo, Lashio and the jungle just East of Ramree Island.


Japanese Submarine Attack Near Bombay

Commander Haggard's AM Romney and AM Cromarty dent Japanese submarine SS I-171 twice.


Allied Submarine Attack Near Little Adaman

Commander Haggard's submarine SS KXIV puts a torpedo into Japanese xAK Maru inflicting heavy damage.


Japanese Submarine Attack Near Brisbane

Allied Destroyers DD Hammann and DD Mustin hits Japanese submarine SS I-172 five times.


Allied Submarine Attack Near Trincomalee

Commander Haggard's submarine SS KXV puts a torpedo into Japanese xAK Awajisan Maru inflicting heavy damage and causing 5 troop casualties.


Allied Artillery Bombard Shwebo

35 Japanese casualties; 3 squads disabled.


Allied Artillery Bombard Lashio

No Japanese casualties; the Allies had one vehicle destroyed and two vehicles disabled.


Allied Artillery Bombard Japanese in the Jungle East of Ramree Island

128 Japanese casualties; 1 squad destroyed and 3 squads disabled.

7 Allied casualties; 1 squad disabled.


Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

[center]February 15, 1943[/center]

El Lobo bombers pounded Chengtu and Chungking.

Allied artillery shelled Shwebo, Lashio and the jungle one hex East of Ramree Island inflicting minimal Japanese casualties at each location.

Dauntless Dive Bombers out of Pearl Harbor puts four hits on a Japanese submarine.

The Chindit Brigades reinforced by two U.S. Army Infantry Regiments have stopped El Lobo's push from China toward the Burma Border one hex West of Paoshan.

There wasn't any naval or ground battles.

Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

[center]February 16, 1943[/center]

Yes, El Lobo's bombers hammered Chengtu and Chungking and achieved modest results in terms of Chinese Casualties.

The Allied bombing campaign in Burma commenced.

For the second day in a row, Dauntless Dive Bombers out of Pearl Harbor hit a Japanese submarine twice.

Japanese deliberate attack destroyed the 70th Chinese Corps.

Allied artillery shelled Shwebo, Lashio, and the jungle one hex East of Ramree Island.


Allied Bombers Attack Lashio


3 Liberator Squadrons (36 aircraft) and 2 Fortress Squadrons (19 aircraft) at altitudes ranging from 9,000 feet to 13,000 feet dropped their payloads on Lashio.

48 Warhawks flying out of Bhamo provided LRCAP.

The bombers didn't inflict a single Japanese ground casualty.

The aircraft losses are as follows"

Japan Aircraft Losses

A6M5 Zero: 2 destroyed
KI-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed
KI-44-IIc Tojo: 1 destroyed
KI-46-KAI Dinah: 1 destroyed

Allied Aircraft Losses

P-40K Warhawk: 1 destroyed
B-24D Liberator: 2 Destroyed, 8 damaged
B-17F Fortress: 5 damaged


Japanese Deliberate Attack Near Chungking

The 70th Chinese Corps is destroyed.


Allied Bombardment of Shwebo, One Hex East of Ramree Island, and Lashio


Shwebo:

81 Japanese casualties, 2 squads destroyed and 8 squads disabled.

10 Allied casualties, 7 guns destroyed and 3 guns disabled.


Ramree Island

190 Japanese casualties, 2 squads destroyed and 16 squads disabled.

8 Allied casualties, 1 squad destroyed and 7 squads disabled.


Lashio

Zero casualties for either side.


Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

[center]February 17, 1943[/center]

The Valiant has 35 Systems damage and 88 Flotation damage and refuses to sink. It is now 44 days out of Cape Town and so far has cost over 700 Political Points. I wish it had been that tough during the surface engagement with a Japanese Surface Combat Task Force.

El Lobo bombed Chengtu and Chungking.

The Allies bombed Lashio.

The Allies shelled Shwebo, Lashio, and one hex East of Ramree Island.

There weren't any deliberate nor shock attacks today.


Japanese Bomb Chengtu

1 damaged (Ki-21-IIa Sally).

73 Allied casualties with 8 squads disabled.
8 hits (Airbase).
6 hits (Airbase Supply).
24 hits (Runway)


Japanese Bomb Chungking

1 destroyed and 3 damaged (Ki-21-IIa Sally).
1 damaged (Ki-49-Ic Helen).

1 destroyed and 10 damaged (P-66 Vanguard).
5 Allied casualties with 1 squad disabled.
13 hits (Airbase).
6 hits (Airbase Supply).
12 hits (Runway).


Allies Bomb Lashio

3 destroyed (A6M5 Zero).
5 Japanese casualties with 1 squad disabled.

4 destroyed and 10 damaged (B-17F Fortress).
1 destroyed and 1 damaged (B-24D Liberator).
1 destroyed (P-40K Warhawk).

Allies Shell Shwebo

81 Japanese casualties with 2 squads destroyed and 7 squads disabled.

2 Allied guns destroyed and 2 guns disabled.
1 Allied vehicle destroyed.


Allies Shell One Hex East of Ramree Island

144 Japanese casualties with 18 squads disabled.

1 Allied vehicle destroyed.


Allies Shell Lashio

13 Japanese casualties with one squad disabled.


Best Regards,

-Terry

[Bif1961]

You can always scuttled the ship and save the PPs and pay the VPs for the lost/sunk BB.

[BBfanboy]

Typically a ship has to have 90+ damage in some category or fire level before the scuttle button activates.

[Bif1961]

Then you can run it at full speed until it gets to that level and then scuttle it.

[Anachro]

I really hate how the pol point/withdrawal system works in regards to damaged ships...

[Bif1961]

I am sure it was designed in mind to make sure those forces which was sent back to the ETO were sent back or pay a huge penalty, not to punish players for using ships that might be withdrawn weeks or months later. That's why I don't consider it gamey to run heavily damaged vessels until I can scuttle them. I am still paying the VP sunk points and not being unrealistically dinged by compounding PPs.

[CaptHaggard]

ORIGINAL: Bif1961

I am sure it was designed in mind to make sure those forces which was sent back to the ETO were sent back or pay a huge penalty, not to punish players for using ships that might be withdrawn weeks or months later. That's why I don't consider it gamey to run heavily damaged vessels until I can scuttle them. I am still paying the VP sunk points and not being unrealistically dinged by compounding PPs.

Running at FS seems like an excellent idea, especially if—as in this case—the ship is already traveling 1 hex per turn...

There has to be a different solution: perhaps the option to pay the sunk costs up front (even if it doesn't sink—you perhaps then have motivation to try and save it), plus a reasonable PP penalty, and then withdraw any other ship in it's class. Yeah, you may get a marginal deal on that end of it, but Atlantic command can't use the battered hulk even if it could withdraw.

[Macclan5]

Just picked up on this discussion.

I will be a bit of a contrarian [;)]

Rather than ship to Capetown - I presume you could have disbanded in Columbo Ceylon and placed into shipyard repair mode ?

If placed in Columbo it would have taken the shipyard overlimit (likely), caused other issues such as prioritization troubles, etc.

If my memory is correct when a withdrawing ship is in shipyard repair mode - it is removed from the withdrawing ship lists and no further point penalties are incurred.... (??)

<<we might need a Game veteran to confirm that; but that was my impression>>


But travelling to Capetown was the Admirals choice. "Paying the cost" to ship to Capetown" rather than using the nearest best base.

Incidentally it could have been placed on lowest priority, and then when "repaired enough" activated and withdrawn all from Columbo...

So I would argue its the Admirals fault for placing a ship "urgently needed in another theater" in such grave danger so close to the date it was required and /or not using the base closest to meet the Admiralty orders ?

[CaptHaggard]

Actually, I think Bombay was closer.

If it is true what you say about shipyard mode & PP penalties, that is of such blockbuster import as never to be forgotten... though the "??" at the end of the statement gives me pause...

Speaking for myself, I confess I have experienced confusion as to what constitutes a "national base"... and now the question of the condition of the withdrawing ship looms.

[Rio Bravo]

[center]February 18, 1943[/center]

HMS Valiant reached 37 Systems, 94 Flotation, and 1 Engine damages and has been scuttled.

Japan bombed Chengtu and Chungking several times (each location).

The Allies Bombed Lashio several times.

Allied artillery shelled Shwebo, the hex just East of Ramree Island, and Lashio.

I am not happy about Allied aircraft losses over Lashio. Nor am I pleased about the minimal Japanese ground casualties inflicted from Allied bombing and bombardment of Lashio. However, a ways back in this AAR, I recall being advised to continue bombing and bombardment as it effects Japanese supply and prolongs the time it takes the Japanese to repair disabled squads.

There weren't any deliberate attacks nor any significant naval action this date.


Japan Bombs Chengtu

1 damaged (Ki-21-IIa Sally).

102 Allied casualties with 14 squads disabled.


Chungking

3 damaged (Ki-49-Ia Helen).
5 damaged (Ki-21-IIa Sally).

29 Allied casualties with with 4 squads disabled.
4 hits (Airbase).
4 hits (Airbase Supply).
25 hits (Runway).


Allies Bomb Lashio (*cringes*)

Not one damn Japanese aircraft destroyed nor damaged.
15 Japanese casualties with 2 squads disabled.

1 destroyed and 8 damaged (B-17E Fortress).
1 destroyed and 3 damaged (B-17F Fortress).
6 destroyed (P-40K Warhawk).


Allied Artillery Shells Shwebo

11 Japanese casualties with 1 gun destroyed and 3 squads disabled.

The Allies had 1 gun destroyed and 7 guns disabled and had 2 vehicles destroyed and 8 vehicles disabled.


Allied Artillery Shells the Hex Just East of Ramree Island

147 Japanese casualties with 1 vehicle destroyed, 1 squad destroyed, and 17 squads disabled.

5 Allied casualties with 1 squad disabled.


Allied Artillery Shells Lashio

Nada Japanese casualties.

Nada Allied casualties.


Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

[center]Withdrawal[/center]
[center]of[/center]
[center]HMS Valiant[/center]
[center]February 18, 1943[/center]

The HMS Valiant reached 37 Systems, 94 Flotation, and 1 Engine damages today which finally enabled the Allies to scuttle the Japanese shredded iron tub. The ship was overdue to be withdrawn and cost the Allies 780 Political Points (65 Political Points per day). 780 Political Points is approximately how many Political Points it costs the Allies to change the command of one U.S. Army Infantry Regiment.


BBfanboy-

I think you are correct as when the HMS Valiant reached 94 Flotation damage the "Scuttle" option was enabled.


bif1961-

I had previously been advised that running the HMS Valiant at "full speed" would speed up her damage so that hopefully she would sink sooner than running at "Cruise" speed.

She had been running at "Full" speed for approximately two months and though damages did increase, she just would not sink.

*chuckling*


Anachro-

I honestly don't have a problem with the game mechanics regarding automatic withdrawals of ships, aircraft, and ground forces. I understand the reasoning behind the mechanics.

I just hate being stupid three times. I have lost Political points for an aircraft squadron (worthless French kite); a submarine, and most recently the riddled HMS Valiant.


Macclan5-

I think that you are correct that the HMS Valiant could have been repaired and withdrawn at Colombo. However, at the time, Japanese forces shared occupation with the Allies at Colombo. Further, HMS Valiant was so badly damaged I estimated that it would take over three months to repair her to the point that she could be withdrawn. Accordingly, I selected the option to run her at "Full" speed with the hopes that she would sinker sooner than three months (which she eventually did).

I don't think that loss of Political Points is put on hold if a ship in is the shipyard. I am not positive of this, however, I seem to recall that my damaged submarine was in a shipyard and continued to cost Political Points while being repaired to the point that it could be withdrawn.

*hanging my head low* Yep, stupid Admiral Bravo should not have sent the HMS Valiant into a surface engagement approximately a month before it was due to head to the European Theater of War. Damn him!

*laughing*


Commander Haggard-

You're fired and have been reassigned to Latrine Detail at Attu Island.

I told you to order submarines to chase down the HMS Valiant and sink her!

*cracking up*


Best Regards,

-Terry

[CaptHaggard]

Gotcha, Chief!

Just let me know in plenty of time when these latrines are due for withdrawal.

[Bif1961]

I hope you don't damage them.

[Rio Bravo]

[center]February 19, 1943[/center]

The Allied airwar in Burma sucks!

The Allies give the Japanese the boot at Colombo.

El Lobo bombs Chengtu and Chungking.

The Allies strafe Shwebo and bomb Lashio.

Allied artillery shells Shwebo, one hex East of Ramree Island, and Lashio.


Japanese Bomb Chengtu

1 damaged (Ki-21-IIa Sally).

77 Allied casualties with 2 squads destroyed and 9 squads disabled.
4 hits (Airbase).
4 hits (Airbase Supply).
27 hits (Runway).


Japanese Bomb Chungking

3 damaged (Ki-21-IIa Sally).

5 Allied casualties with 1 squad disabled.
8 hits (Airbase)
2 hits (Airbase Supply).
45 hits (Runway).


Allies Bomb Lashio

The Japanese did not lose a single aircraft nor did they have a single ground force casualty.

2 destroyed and 10 damaged (B-17E Fortress).
1 destroyed (B-17F Fortress).
3 damaged (B-24D Liberator).


Allies Strafe Shwebo

The Japanese did not have a single ground force casualty.
1 destroyed (A6M5 Zero).
1 destroyed (Ki-44-IIa Tojo).
1 destroyed (Ki-45-KAIc).

13 destroyed and 10 damaged (P-40K Warhawk).


Allied Artillery Shells Shwebo

56 Japanese casualties with 6 disabled squads.

The Allies suffered 2 guns destroyed and 1 gun disabled.


Allied Artillery Shells One Hex East of Ramree Island

95 Japanese casualties with 9 disabled squads.


Allied Artillery Shells Lashio

No Japanese casualties.

No Allied casualties.


Allied Deliberate Attack at Colombo

Ground combat at Colombo (29,48)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 14996 troops, 146 guns, 136 vehicles, Assault Value = 411

Defending force 4829 troops, 48 guns, 13 vehicles, Assault Value = 168

Allied adjusted assault: 649

Japanese adjusted defense: 122

Allied assault odds: 5 to 1

Combat modifiers
Defender:
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
1610 casualties reported
Squads: 29 destroyed, 46 disabled
Non Combat: 33 destroyed, 13 disabled
Engineers: 6 destroyed, 11 disabled
Guns lost 15 (5 destroyed, 10 disabled)
Vehicles lost 2 (2 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units retreated 1

Allied ground losses:
230 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 38 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled

Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

Assaulting units:
100th Indian Brigade
Colombo Fortress
99th Indian Brigade
98th Indian Brigade
1st RM Heavy AA Regiment
23rd AA Bde
2nd Ceylon H AA Regiment
Ceylon Base Force
22nd Light AA Regiment
Ceylon Command
222 Group RAF
13th Indian Light AA Regiment

Defending units:
5th Guards/C Division


Best Regards,

-Terry

[Rio Bravo]

ORIGINAL: CaptHaggard

Gotcha, Chief!

Just let me know in plenty of time when these latrines are due for withdrawal.

Hag-

Sometime in '46.

-Chief Squatting Bull

[Rio Bravo]

ORIGINAL: Bif1961

I hope you don't damage them.

*laughing*