As per your Magwe question.. I think you should simply accept the blood bath and go head on.
By now you should have enough planes to sustain a sweeping campaign. I don't know how close are you to that base, but either Chittagong or Akyab should be in range, and hopefully at level 9.
You need to close that oil well asap
LST vs. IdahoNYer (DBB-C, A AAR) 6 yrs and done! VJ Day!
Moderators: wdolson, MOD_War-in-the-Pacific-Admirals-Edition
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Jorge_Stanbury
- Posts: 4345
- Joined: Wed Feb 29, 2012 12:57 pm
- Location: Montreal
RE: 16-17 May 43
ORIGINAL: Jorge_Stanbury
As per your Magwe question.. I think you should simply accept the blood bath and go head on.
By now you should have enough planes to sustain a sweeping campaign. I don't know how close are you to that base, but either Chittagong or Akyab should be in range, and hopefully at level 9.
You need to close that oil well asap
I tried that...and even with a positive loss ratio, I gutted my Burma Air force. Took a month to rebuild. I just don't have the replacement a/c to sustain an air offensive. Forget the Brits, the Hurri is hopelessly outclassed now. That leaves the US - yes I can range from Akyab and Cox, even with a couple of USMC squadrons on hand, I can't match 300+ fighters avail to the IJA parked at Magwe.
So I've decided to wait for the P-47 (about 30 days out) before I try anything direct on Magwe again. Am I missing something??
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Jorge_Stanbury
- Posts: 4345
- Joined: Wed Feb 29, 2012 12:57 pm
- Location: Montreal
RE: 16-17 May 43
Maybe it is easier to re-arrange fighters when you have the PDU-on.. as of now I can sustain heavy losses, but of course taking older models (P-39 and P-40E)
have you thought about assaulting somewhere near? like Pt Blair or near islands? stopping the tankers is the same as destroying the oil wells
have you thought about assaulting somewhere near? like Pt Blair or near islands? stopping the tankers is the same as destroying the oil wells
RE: 16-17 May 43
ORIGINAL: Jorge_Stanbury
Maybe it is easier to re-arrange fighters when you have the PDU-on.. as of now I can sustain heavy losses, but of course taking older models (P-39 and P-40E)
have you thought about assaulting somewhere near? like Pt Blair or near islands? stopping the tankers is the same as destroying the oil wells
Yeah, with PDU-Off, I've got more P-38s stateside and the Aleutians than anywhere else. It effects both sides....
As for Magwe, its not going to happen anytime soon. He's got too much air and ground holding Burma. I'm not complaining - it could be somewhere else.
To flank Magwe, I'm thinking more Ramree to unhinge his line along the India-Burma frontier.
18-19 May 43
18-19 May 43
Highlights – More Barge Busting…pretty quiet turn
Jpn ships sunk: None
Allied ships sunk: None
Air loss:
Jpn: 19
Allied: 9
Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 4 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Jpn Amph Inv: None
Allied Amph Inv: None
Bases lost: None
SIGINT/Intel: NSTR
West Coast/Admin: Hornet finally finished out transitioning to the Hellcat. Lex will be next and last CV, so the CV fleet will be ready to sortie before the month is out.
In NOPAC, CL TF (2CL, DDs) returns to Amchitka without issues, refuels, and will set back out to sea next turn to locate and sink the PB picket line in the North Pacific - which has been repeatedly sighted by PBYs, but strike a/c have failed to engage.
In CENPAC, Allinglaplap engineers loaded at Ocean, transports will stage at Mili, then to Allinglaplap. Mili AF now Level2, so C-47s will be flown in next turn and will begin landing Marine Paras once recon confirms no defenders on Allinglaplap. Back up plan is to bring in an Army Regiment.
In SOPAC, While Arleigh Burke’s DDs (4DD) conducts some brief repairs at Tulagi, TBFs out of Rekata Bay do the barge busting, catching a small barge convoy off Buka sinking 6 of 7. Woodlark Is Amph TF completes loading at Noumea, and will depart to stage at Rossel and link up with BB Wash TF which will provide cover. Additional transports will also rendezvous at Rossel to pick up the Kiriwina Is invasion troops. Going to be busy off the coast of New Guinea in the coming days.
In SWPAC, Allied a/c hit the withdrawing IJA ground troops northwest of Daly Waters with good effect; will continue that air attack as recon focuses on Katherine, Fenton and Darwin to see what troops remain. Shipping is going all out to bring in additional troops to Gove - especially elements of the 32nd ID which will march overland toward Katherine, then ultimately Darwin. While I’m still not committing heavy surface units here, DDs will sortie next turn deep into the Arafura Sea to see if they can find and disrupt IJN shipping near Selaroe and Taberfane.
In WAUS, Sallys continue to hit Corunna Downs at night without effect to either side. Shipping continues to push increasing amounts of supply into Carnavon and Exmouth, but supplies at Corunna are still lacking.
In China, the pounding of Chungking continues.
In India/Burma, Allied air forces are finally brought back up to strength, and recon begins probing for IJA satellite AFs - in other words, how can I work to attritt the IJA air force without tackling Magwe head on? Meanwhile, the valiant British Wellington squadrons hit Magwe at night, avoiding the probing Nicks effectively to destroy 4 a/c on the ground. 4 out of over 350 isn’t going to help much of course….
Highlights – More Barge Busting…pretty quiet turn
Jpn ships sunk: None
Allied ships sunk: None
Air loss:
Jpn: 19
Allied: 9
Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 4 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Jpn Amph Inv: None
Allied Amph Inv: None
Bases lost: None
SIGINT/Intel: NSTR
West Coast/Admin: Hornet finally finished out transitioning to the Hellcat. Lex will be next and last CV, so the CV fleet will be ready to sortie before the month is out.
In NOPAC, CL TF (2CL, DDs) returns to Amchitka without issues, refuels, and will set back out to sea next turn to locate and sink the PB picket line in the North Pacific - which has been repeatedly sighted by PBYs, but strike a/c have failed to engage.
In CENPAC, Allinglaplap engineers loaded at Ocean, transports will stage at Mili, then to Allinglaplap. Mili AF now Level2, so C-47s will be flown in next turn and will begin landing Marine Paras once recon confirms no defenders on Allinglaplap. Back up plan is to bring in an Army Regiment.
In SOPAC, While Arleigh Burke’s DDs (4DD) conducts some brief repairs at Tulagi, TBFs out of Rekata Bay do the barge busting, catching a small barge convoy off Buka sinking 6 of 7. Woodlark Is Amph TF completes loading at Noumea, and will depart to stage at Rossel and link up with BB Wash TF which will provide cover. Additional transports will also rendezvous at Rossel to pick up the Kiriwina Is invasion troops. Going to be busy off the coast of New Guinea in the coming days.
In SWPAC, Allied a/c hit the withdrawing IJA ground troops northwest of Daly Waters with good effect; will continue that air attack as recon focuses on Katherine, Fenton and Darwin to see what troops remain. Shipping is going all out to bring in additional troops to Gove - especially elements of the 32nd ID which will march overland toward Katherine, then ultimately Darwin. While I’m still not committing heavy surface units here, DDs will sortie next turn deep into the Arafura Sea to see if they can find and disrupt IJN shipping near Selaroe and Taberfane.
In WAUS, Sallys continue to hit Corunna Downs at night without effect to either side. Shipping continues to push increasing amounts of supply into Carnavon and Exmouth, but supplies at Corunna are still lacking.
In China, the pounding of Chungking continues.
In India/Burma, Allied air forces are finally brought back up to strength, and recon begins probing for IJA satellite AFs - in other words, how can I work to attritt the IJA air force without tackling Magwe head on? Meanwhile, the valiant British Wellington squadrons hit Magwe at night, avoiding the probing Nicks effectively to destroy 4 a/c on the ground. 4 out of over 350 isn’t going to help much of course….
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Jorge_Stanbury
- Posts: 4345
- Joined: Wed Feb 29, 2012 12:57 pm
- Location: Montreal
RE: 18-19 May 43
Will be nice to see those Hellcats in action
20-21 May 43
20-21 May 43
Highlights – Heavy Jpn sweeps in Burma and Corunna Downs; more barge busting in the Solomons
Jpn ships sunk:
PB: 1
Allied ships sunk: None
Air loss:
Jpn: 52
Allied: 60
Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 4 Attacks, 1 ship hit (PB dam)
Jpn Amph Inv: None
Allied Amph Inv: None
Bases lost: None
Bases Liberated:
Normanby Is (SOPAC - flipped)
SIGINT/Intel: George used in sweeps for first time - and it’s a difference maker.
West Coast/Admin: NSTR.
In NOPAC, CL TF (2CL, DDs) continues to search for the picket line PBs in the North Pacific SW of the Aleutians. Will continue to patrol to see if the TF can find and engage mid-ocean.
In CENPAC, Allinglaplap found to be occupied by latest recon flights. Probably an SNLF or Naval Guard unit. Glad I spent “one more turn” doing recons - otherwise this would have been painful. So, Plan B in effect. Engineer laden transports will head to Makin and await developments - recon now looking at other likely undefended “rocks” in the western Marshalls which gives troops prepping for Maloelap and Alinglaplap a little more time. LBA continues to hit Wotje AF, and will continue to hit AFs at Wotje, Roi and Maloelap in the coming days to keep them shut down.
In SOPAC, Arleigh Burke’s DDs (4DD) head back up towards Feni Islands, engaged and sinking 10 barges off Torokina, a PB off Green Is, and 5 barges off Feni. These DD sorties should be drying up supply on Bougainville, and that’s the goal. I’m estimated L_S_T has over 20k troops on the island, and they got to be getting hungry! Meanwhile, Woodlark Is Amph TF should close on its staging area at Rossel Is next turn, linking up with the surface forces before heading to Woodlard. F6Fs brought into Rossel Is for CAP, and P-39s flown into Deboyne AF as well.
In SWPAC, Continued Allied a/c hit the withdrawing IJA ground troops northwest of Daly Waters and recon is showing no troops at Katherine or Fenton and only a single unit at Darwin. Will continue reconning to confirm, and then launch airborne attacks if possible to secure the road to Darwin. Supply will still be the limiting factor on the ‘Road to Darwin”. Although shipping continues full bore bringing troops into Gove, if L_S_T has in fact pulled the plug on Darwin, Gove will be too far to the rear shortly. At sea, my DD sortie into the Arafura Sea has come up empty, but PBYs have sighted a convoy heading NE in the Timor Sea - likely pulling troops off from Derby or Wyndam. Will try and intercept with the DDs near Babar.
In WAUS, I’m a bit surprised by heavy Zero/Oscar sweeps over Corunna Downs. The one P-39 squadron is torn up, losing 16 P-39s for only 3 enemy fighters. Normally, the P-39s has given a good account, but not today. The sweeps had a good altitude advantage, but even so, the tallys shouldn’t have been that far off. At least no IJA bombers flew - that’s probably next turn. Needless to say, two more fighter squadrons are brought in to replace the P-39s, F4Fs and Spitfires. They’ll still be ground down with the multiple sweeps, but they should do better than the P-39s. Supplies still limiting any and all operations against Port Hedland.
Highlights – Heavy Jpn sweeps in Burma and Corunna Downs; more barge busting in the Solomons
Jpn ships sunk:
PB: 1
Allied ships sunk: None
Air loss:
Jpn: 52
Allied: 60
Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 4 Attacks, 1 ship hit (PB dam)
Jpn Amph Inv: None
Allied Amph Inv: None
Bases lost: None
Bases Liberated:
Normanby Is (SOPAC - flipped)
SIGINT/Intel: George used in sweeps for first time - and it’s a difference maker.
West Coast/Admin: NSTR.
In NOPAC, CL TF (2CL, DDs) continues to search for the picket line PBs in the North Pacific SW of the Aleutians. Will continue to patrol to see if the TF can find and engage mid-ocean.
In CENPAC, Allinglaplap found to be occupied by latest recon flights. Probably an SNLF or Naval Guard unit. Glad I spent “one more turn” doing recons - otherwise this would have been painful. So, Plan B in effect. Engineer laden transports will head to Makin and await developments - recon now looking at other likely undefended “rocks” in the western Marshalls which gives troops prepping for Maloelap and Alinglaplap a little more time. LBA continues to hit Wotje AF, and will continue to hit AFs at Wotje, Roi and Maloelap in the coming days to keep them shut down.
In SOPAC, Arleigh Burke’s DDs (4DD) head back up towards Feni Islands, engaged and sinking 10 barges off Torokina, a PB off Green Is, and 5 barges off Feni. These DD sorties should be drying up supply on Bougainville, and that’s the goal. I’m estimated L_S_T has over 20k troops on the island, and they got to be getting hungry! Meanwhile, Woodlark Is Amph TF should close on its staging area at Rossel Is next turn, linking up with the surface forces before heading to Woodlard. F6Fs brought into Rossel Is for CAP, and P-39s flown into Deboyne AF as well.
In SWPAC, Continued Allied a/c hit the withdrawing IJA ground troops northwest of Daly Waters and recon is showing no troops at Katherine or Fenton and only a single unit at Darwin. Will continue reconning to confirm, and then launch airborne attacks if possible to secure the road to Darwin. Supply will still be the limiting factor on the ‘Road to Darwin”. Although shipping continues full bore bringing troops into Gove, if L_S_T has in fact pulled the plug on Darwin, Gove will be too far to the rear shortly. At sea, my DD sortie into the Arafura Sea has come up empty, but PBYs have sighted a convoy heading NE in the Timor Sea - likely pulling troops off from Derby or Wyndam. Will try and intercept with the DDs near Babar.
In WAUS, I’m a bit surprised by heavy Zero/Oscar sweeps over Corunna Downs. The one P-39 squadron is torn up, losing 16 P-39s for only 3 enemy fighters. Normally, the P-39s has given a good account, but not today. The sweeps had a good altitude advantage, but even so, the tallys shouldn’t have been that far off. At least no IJA bombers flew - that’s probably next turn. Needless to say, two more fighter squadrons are brought in to replace the P-39s, F4Fs and Spitfires. They’ll still be ground down with the multiple sweeps, but they should do better than the P-39s. Supplies still limiting any and all operations against Port Hedland.
RE: 20-21 May 43
ORIGINAL: IdahoNYer
In WAUS, I’m a bit surprised by heavy Zero/Oscar sweeps over Corunna Downs. The one P-39 squadron is torn up, losing 16 P-39s for only 3 enemy fighters. Normally, the P-39s has given a good account, but not today. The sweeps had a good altitude advantage, but even so, the tallys shouldn’t have been that far off. At least no IJA bombers flew - that’s probably next turn. Needless to say, two more fighter squadrons are brought in to replace the P-39s, F4Fs and Spitfires. They’ll still be ground down with the multiple sweeps, but they should do better than the P-39s. Supplies still limiting any and all operations against Port Hedland.
Great coincidence.
Question : as I recall you severely damaged a carrier out that way - WAUS ? Is my memory correct ?
Are those Zeke pilots now land trapped in WAUS ? No flattop to fly from ? Are you facing the cream of the IJN Air arm ?
--
The P39 remains a bit of an enigma to me; perhaps it was in real life as we discover through this game.
I posted for advice in other forums about its "best use and role". I have had my best success in using it as a naval barge buster - low alt. Naval attack in the Coral Sea but its relative performance as a CAP or air superiority fighter... well it seems over matched even with great pilots. Further I never had much or any success in ground attack (although terrain defense could be a factor).
There are differing opinions of course but the P39 seems to require P40/Kittyhawks above it in tiered CAP. Its highest maneuver rating as I recall in in the 10000 Alt range... it more than any other Allied Airframe requires that tiered support. Even British Hurri's (B and C models) are more competitive as "stand alone" defenders.
A People that values its privileges above it's principles will soon loose both. Dwight D Eisenhower.
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Jorge_Stanbury
- Posts: 4345
- Joined: Wed Feb 29, 2012 12:57 pm
- Location: Montreal
RE: 20-21 May 43
By now P-39s should be plentiful, so really not a big issue,
Australian Spitfires should be by now the best CAP plane available, even more because of its fearsome reputation, my opponent would stop bombing as soon as he sees them
Australian Spitfires should be by now the best CAP plane available, even more because of its fearsome reputation, my opponent would stop bombing as soon as he sees them
RE: 20-21 May 43
Mcclan5 - yes, you are correct. Hiyo was confirmed sunk. Its likely its air component is operating out of Broome, along with land based Sentais - both Navy and Army. I'm a fan of the P-39 in DBB-C as a fighter. Better than the P-40E anyway at 15K and under. And I'm always short fighters, so I try to refrain from using it as a barge buster. P-39 has just gone out of production in my game, and it has served very well as a fighter against the Oscar and A6M2 and A6M3 Zero. Not as much against the Tojo or A6M5 Zero, especially if they're over 15k. And that's the key - and why I like the HR on 2nd Maneuver band - keeping the Oscars at 15k.
Jorge - my P-39 pools are dry. With 25 a month coming in, was just able to keep the squadrons at full strength. The P-39N1 will be coming in Jun at 35 a month will help, but I have three P-39 squadrons that took some heavy losses in May, and they'll take a while to bring back up to strength. That PDU-Off thing again...
Spits are great, but a bit fragile - and I don't have many. The P-40K and KittyIII have done yeoman service as a fighter - again at 15K. The Tojo has been the tough opposition, but with PDU-Off, not as numerous, so against the Oscar and Zero, the P-40K/P-39/Wildcat can hold its own - usually. The game changers are the Corsair and P-38G for the Allies, and now the George for the IJA. But all are in short supply and have lousy serviceability. Will see about the Hellcat. So in mid '43, think we have a fair balance. L_S_T has a quantitative edge in fighters, but until he gets the Frank, I think I'm starting to get a qualitative edge....especially with the P-47 next month!
Jorge - my P-39 pools are dry. With 25 a month coming in, was just able to keep the squadrons at full strength. The P-39N1 will be coming in Jun at 35 a month will help, but I have three P-39 squadrons that took some heavy losses in May, and they'll take a while to bring back up to strength. That PDU-Off thing again...
Spits are great, but a bit fragile - and I don't have many. The P-40K and KittyIII have done yeoman service as a fighter - again at 15K. The Tojo has been the tough opposition, but with PDU-Off, not as numerous, so against the Oscar and Zero, the P-40K/P-39/Wildcat can hold its own - usually. The game changers are the Corsair and P-38G for the Allies, and now the George for the IJA. But all are in short supply and have lousy serviceability. Will see about the Hellcat. So in mid '43, think we have a fair balance. L_S_T has a quantitative edge in fighters, but until he gets the Frank, I think I'm starting to get a qualitative edge....especially with the P-47 next month!
RE: 20-21 May 43
SIGINT/Intel: George used in sweeps for first time - and it’s a difference maker.
Safe to assume Georges get the IJ Navy cream pilots.
Safe to assume Georges get the IJ Navy cream pilots.
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Capt. Harlock
- Posts: 5379
- Joined: Sat Sep 15, 2001 8:00 am
- Location: Los Angeles
- Contact:
RE: 20-21 May 43
It's also useful for rear-echelon defense, such as when a target is in range of Betties but not in range of Zero escorts.I posted for advice in other forums about its "best use and role". I have had my best success in using it as a naval barge buster - low alt. Naval attack in the Coral Sea but its relative performance as a CAP or air superiority fighter... well it seems over matched even with great pilots. Further I never had much or any success in ground attack (although terrain defense could be a factor).
Civil war? What does that mean? Is there any foreign war? Isn't every war fought between men, between brothers?
--Victor Hugo
--Victor Hugo
22-23 May 43
22-23 May 43
Highlights – Better results over Burma’s skies but along the coast, a convoy goes down
Jpn ships sunk:
PB: 1
Allied ships sunk:
PC: 2
AM: 1
xAK 4
Air loss:
Jpn: 122
Allied: 35
Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attacks, 1 ship hit (PC sunk)
Allies: 7 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Jpn Amph Inv: None
Allied Amph Inv: None
Bases lost: None
Bases Liberated: None
SIGINT/Intel: NSTR
West Coast/Admin: NSTR.
In NOPAC, CL TF (2CL, DDs) finds and sinks a picket line PB in the North Pacific SW of the Aleutians. Another is sighted to the south (next in the line perhaps?), and the TF will attempt to engage. Just stirring the pot here, nothing dramatic planned. But if the picket line is neutralized, curious to see what L_S_T does to re-establish his early warning net.
In CENPAC, the focus is on adjusting shipping and shuttling troops. And waiting for two APAs just completing refit at PH. The bare rock atoll of Namorik - just west of Jaluit, is in theory anyway after recon, empty of defenders, so USMC Paras will attempt to secure via airborne assault. If successful, will bring in engineers and build up - closest atoll (8hexes) to Kusaie Island which means fighter sweep range. Allinglaplap is still next on the hit parade for amphibious attention, but need the transports from Pearl.
In SOPAC, Arleigh Burke’s DDs (4DD) continue to disrupt barge supply traffic to Bougainville, sinking 10 off Torokina. Will continue to sortie Burke’s squadron and sink barges - kinda curious that L_S_T hasn’t tried a counter with a CA TF. Woodlark Is Amph TF closed on its staging area at Rossel Is, and linked up with BB Washington TF, and will head to Woodlark next turn, supported by fighters out of Deboyne and Rossel. Fully expect a heavy air attack from Rabaul based planes. Lastly, the Kiriwina Amph TF begins loading at Rossel Is, and will sortie to Deboyne once Woodlark is secured.
In SWPAC, no major change here - Allied bombers hitting withdrawing IJA troops NW of Daly Waters. US DDs failed to find any shipping in the Timor Sea, and will head back to base, stopping off at Bathurst Is for a short bombardment. “Heavy Radio Traffic” reported at Koepang is troublesome - perhaps the IJN will sortie.
In WAUS, Corunna Downs is swept again by Zeros and Oscars, and this time the CAP does a bit better with Spits and F4Fs, although enemy numbers gradually wear down the CAP. At the end of two days 19 Jpn a/c are claimed for 16 Allied. Not great, but better. Expect more sweeps and Aussie Kittyhawks are brought in to meet the next wave.
In China, NSTR.
In India/Burma, another busy day over Akyab, but this time the Allies were ready with Corsairs, P-38s and P-40ks stacked up over a few Hurricanes. And the IJA came without the George. Results were very, very good with 37 Tojos and 38 Oscar IIIa lost in exchange for just 2 Corsairs and a P-40. The Corsair was the beast this time with at least 28 kills. Of course, there was a cost…while this aerial furball was going on, Kates and Vals clobbered a small coastal convoy returning from Akyab off Cox’s Bazaar. CAP was a handful of Hurricanes, easily brushed aside by escorting by Oscars. Now if I just had the convoy on “remain on station” at Akyab, those Vals and Kates might not have gotten through. The real question is what happened to the George squadron.
Highlights – Better results over Burma’s skies but along the coast, a convoy goes down
Jpn ships sunk:
PB: 1
Allied ships sunk:
PC: 2
AM: 1
xAK 4
Air loss:
Jpn: 122
Allied: 35
Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attacks, 1 ship hit (PC sunk)
Allies: 7 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Jpn Amph Inv: None
Allied Amph Inv: None
Bases lost: None
Bases Liberated: None
SIGINT/Intel: NSTR
West Coast/Admin: NSTR.
In NOPAC, CL TF (2CL, DDs) finds and sinks a picket line PB in the North Pacific SW of the Aleutians. Another is sighted to the south (next in the line perhaps?), and the TF will attempt to engage. Just stirring the pot here, nothing dramatic planned. But if the picket line is neutralized, curious to see what L_S_T does to re-establish his early warning net.
In CENPAC, the focus is on adjusting shipping and shuttling troops. And waiting for two APAs just completing refit at PH. The bare rock atoll of Namorik - just west of Jaluit, is in theory anyway after recon, empty of defenders, so USMC Paras will attempt to secure via airborne assault. If successful, will bring in engineers and build up - closest atoll (8hexes) to Kusaie Island which means fighter sweep range. Allinglaplap is still next on the hit parade for amphibious attention, but need the transports from Pearl.
In SOPAC, Arleigh Burke’s DDs (4DD) continue to disrupt barge supply traffic to Bougainville, sinking 10 off Torokina. Will continue to sortie Burke’s squadron and sink barges - kinda curious that L_S_T hasn’t tried a counter with a CA TF. Woodlark Is Amph TF closed on its staging area at Rossel Is, and linked up with BB Washington TF, and will head to Woodlark next turn, supported by fighters out of Deboyne and Rossel. Fully expect a heavy air attack from Rabaul based planes. Lastly, the Kiriwina Amph TF begins loading at Rossel Is, and will sortie to Deboyne once Woodlark is secured.
In SWPAC, no major change here - Allied bombers hitting withdrawing IJA troops NW of Daly Waters. US DDs failed to find any shipping in the Timor Sea, and will head back to base, stopping off at Bathurst Is for a short bombardment. “Heavy Radio Traffic” reported at Koepang is troublesome - perhaps the IJN will sortie.
In WAUS, Corunna Downs is swept again by Zeros and Oscars, and this time the CAP does a bit better with Spits and F4Fs, although enemy numbers gradually wear down the CAP. At the end of two days 19 Jpn a/c are claimed for 16 Allied. Not great, but better. Expect more sweeps and Aussie Kittyhawks are brought in to meet the next wave.
In China, NSTR.
In India/Burma, another busy day over Akyab, but this time the Allies were ready with Corsairs, P-38s and P-40ks stacked up over a few Hurricanes. And the IJA came without the George. Results were very, very good with 37 Tojos and 38 Oscar IIIa lost in exchange for just 2 Corsairs and a P-40. The Corsair was the beast this time with at least 28 kills. Of course, there was a cost…while this aerial furball was going on, Kates and Vals clobbered a small coastal convoy returning from Akyab off Cox’s Bazaar. CAP was a handful of Hurricanes, easily brushed aside by escorting by Oscars. Now if I just had the convoy on “remain on station” at Akyab, those Vals and Kates might not have gotten through. The real question is what happened to the George squadron.
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24-25 May 43
24-25 May 43
Highlights – Troops ashore at Woodlark Is and Paras take Namorik; US Fleet sails
Jpn ships sunk:
PB: 1
xAKL: 1
Jpn ships unsunk:
DD:1 (Yamagumo)
Allied ships sunk: None
Air loss:
Jpn: 50
Allied: 27
Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 6 Attacks, 1 ship hit (xAKL sunk)
Jpn Amph Inv: None
Allied Amph/Airborne Inv:
Woodlark Is (SOPAC)
Namorik (CENPAC)
Bases lost: None
Bases Liberated:
Namorik (CENPAC)
SIGINT/Intel: NSTR
West Coast/Admin: CV Lexington takes on 34 F6Fs without any delays, finishing out the conversion of the Wildcat to the Hellcat on the US CVs. Slow convoy departs LA for Auck.
In NOPAC, CL TF (2CL, DDs) finds and sinks another picket line PB in the North Pacific. With the “eyes” gone, the CL TF will head to disrupt any shipping in the Kuriles. Will be a short raid as the TF has no AO support.
In CENPAC, USMC Paras land unopposed on Namorik and take the base. Two engineer battalions, still loaded on transports for Ailinglaplap, will be brought in to Namorik escorted by the usual CVE and CA TFs. While I don’t expect a major response, this is well within Betty/Zero range out of Kusaie. Once the engineers are brought in, will focus on Ailinglaplap.
In SOPAC, Arleigh Burke’s DDs (5DD) actually missed one of two barge convoys this trip, the 5 barges at Feni Is avoiding the DDs, but did engage and sink 4 barges off Shortlands and a straggler off Buka. Troops put ashore at Woodlark Is, defended only by an SNLF Co. The only response is a night time Betty raid which hit nothing but lose 7 Bettys to Flak. So far, so good. Troops should easily secure the island next turn. The Amph TF cuts loose its empty transports which head back to Luganville with 2DDs. The Flag, CA Minneapolis, along with the minesweepers and other escorts covering an AK, will rendezvous with the Kiriwina Amph TF heading to its target from Rossel Is, as does the BB Washington TF. Like Woodlark, I don’t expect much ground defenses on Kiriwina, but I do expect a more robust air attack. LRCAP again being provided from Deboyne and Rossel. Once troops are ashore at Kiriwina Is, the TFs will retire towards Luganville to replenish and begin preparations for the Bouganville operation. Will rely on landing craft to bring in further engineers to build up Woodlark and Kiriwina.
In SWPAC, recon continues to report no defenders in Katherine or Fenton along the route to Darwin. So while Allied LBA focuses on the IJA in the desert, US Paras will be brought in to take Fenton. Darwin still appears to be heavily garrisoned, the question is whether to try and take it from both land and sea. Still have time to make that decision, and before any troops are brought in by sea, Bathurst Is needs to be secured - and that will be the subject of focused recon in the coming days. I still think L_S_T is waiting with the CVs to crush any Allied troop movement in the Timor Sea.
In WAUS, Corunna Downs is still the focus of fighter sweeps, and again, Allied fighters meet the threat, and are ground down by numbers. The 16 newly arrived Kittyhawks do well, and after two days 17 Zeros and 8 Oscars are lost in exchange for 5 Kittys, 4 Spits and 2 F4Fs. Not much left of the Spit and F4F squadrons, and I pull out the flyable aircraft to refit the squadrons at Meekathara. My last fresh squadron, P-40Ks this time, are brought in to Corunna to meet the next threat. Meanwhile Corunna Downs AF continues to slowly expand towards AF level 2, but supplies are still barely climbing. Carnavon is packed with ships vying for dock space offloading supplies, and somehow this is making its way across the desert to keep the troops fed.
In China, pounding of Chungking continues.
In India/Burma, its quiet over Akyab for a change, and another convoy arrives to drop supply without interference. US night bombing strikes at Rangoon and British night bombing at Magwe, each with two squadrons at 2000ft, do well in largely avoiding CAP and hitting the AFs - destroying 16 a/c of various types from the packed fields. But the big story is the Allied Fleet sortie. Finally, now that the Hellcat is fielded, transports depart Cape Town with the USMC 3rd Div and support elements aboard. Carrier TFs will follow next turn. After linking up with further ships and troops loaded aboard transports out of Ceylon, the combined might of the Allied Fleet (7CV, 7BB, 25+CA/CL, 50+DD) will land troops on the Andaman Islands! The goal here isn’t just to secure the Andamans, but to bring the KB out to battle.
Highlights – Troops ashore at Woodlark Is and Paras take Namorik; US Fleet sails
Jpn ships sunk:
PB: 1
xAKL: 1
Jpn ships unsunk:
DD:1 (Yamagumo)
Allied ships sunk: None
Air loss:
Jpn: 50
Allied: 27
Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 6 Attacks, 1 ship hit (xAKL sunk)
Jpn Amph Inv: None
Allied Amph/Airborne Inv:
Woodlark Is (SOPAC)
Namorik (CENPAC)
Bases lost: None
Bases Liberated:
Namorik (CENPAC)
SIGINT/Intel: NSTR
West Coast/Admin: CV Lexington takes on 34 F6Fs without any delays, finishing out the conversion of the Wildcat to the Hellcat on the US CVs. Slow convoy departs LA for Auck.
In NOPAC, CL TF (2CL, DDs) finds and sinks another picket line PB in the North Pacific. With the “eyes” gone, the CL TF will head to disrupt any shipping in the Kuriles. Will be a short raid as the TF has no AO support.
In CENPAC, USMC Paras land unopposed on Namorik and take the base. Two engineer battalions, still loaded on transports for Ailinglaplap, will be brought in to Namorik escorted by the usual CVE and CA TFs. While I don’t expect a major response, this is well within Betty/Zero range out of Kusaie. Once the engineers are brought in, will focus on Ailinglaplap.
In SOPAC, Arleigh Burke’s DDs (5DD) actually missed one of two barge convoys this trip, the 5 barges at Feni Is avoiding the DDs, but did engage and sink 4 barges off Shortlands and a straggler off Buka. Troops put ashore at Woodlark Is, defended only by an SNLF Co. The only response is a night time Betty raid which hit nothing but lose 7 Bettys to Flak. So far, so good. Troops should easily secure the island next turn. The Amph TF cuts loose its empty transports which head back to Luganville with 2DDs. The Flag, CA Minneapolis, along with the minesweepers and other escorts covering an AK, will rendezvous with the Kiriwina Amph TF heading to its target from Rossel Is, as does the BB Washington TF. Like Woodlark, I don’t expect much ground defenses on Kiriwina, but I do expect a more robust air attack. LRCAP again being provided from Deboyne and Rossel. Once troops are ashore at Kiriwina Is, the TFs will retire towards Luganville to replenish and begin preparations for the Bouganville operation. Will rely on landing craft to bring in further engineers to build up Woodlark and Kiriwina.
In SWPAC, recon continues to report no defenders in Katherine or Fenton along the route to Darwin. So while Allied LBA focuses on the IJA in the desert, US Paras will be brought in to take Fenton. Darwin still appears to be heavily garrisoned, the question is whether to try and take it from both land and sea. Still have time to make that decision, and before any troops are brought in by sea, Bathurst Is needs to be secured - and that will be the subject of focused recon in the coming days. I still think L_S_T is waiting with the CVs to crush any Allied troop movement in the Timor Sea.
In WAUS, Corunna Downs is still the focus of fighter sweeps, and again, Allied fighters meet the threat, and are ground down by numbers. The 16 newly arrived Kittyhawks do well, and after two days 17 Zeros and 8 Oscars are lost in exchange for 5 Kittys, 4 Spits and 2 F4Fs. Not much left of the Spit and F4F squadrons, and I pull out the flyable aircraft to refit the squadrons at Meekathara. My last fresh squadron, P-40Ks this time, are brought in to Corunna to meet the next threat. Meanwhile Corunna Downs AF continues to slowly expand towards AF level 2, but supplies are still barely climbing. Carnavon is packed with ships vying for dock space offloading supplies, and somehow this is making its way across the desert to keep the troops fed.
In China, pounding of Chungking continues.
In India/Burma, its quiet over Akyab for a change, and another convoy arrives to drop supply without interference. US night bombing strikes at Rangoon and British night bombing at Magwe, each with two squadrons at 2000ft, do well in largely avoiding CAP and hitting the AFs - destroying 16 a/c of various types from the packed fields. But the big story is the Allied Fleet sortie. Finally, now that the Hellcat is fielded, transports depart Cape Town with the USMC 3rd Div and support elements aboard. Carrier TFs will follow next turn. After linking up with further ships and troops loaded aboard transports out of Ceylon, the combined might of the Allied Fleet (7CV, 7BB, 25+CA/CL, 50+DD) will land troops on the Andaman Islands! The goal here isn’t just to secure the Andamans, but to bring the KB out to battle.
RE: 24-25 May 43
Port Blair strikes me as an odd choice to force the KB out for a fight. I mean, they might -- and they might not. Is that location so very crucial for the Japanese?
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Jorge_Stanbury
- Posts: 4345
- Joined: Wed Feb 29, 2012 12:57 pm
- Location: Montreal
RE: 24-25 May 43
I don't know if I would bring the KB to fight it.. I mean it is clearly the end of Burma once you land in the Andamans, so goodbye Magwe, but there is no need to bring "mobile airfields", he can still hit you from the many land bases around Andamans
RE: 24-25 May 43
jwolf/Jorge -
I think he'll come out to engage - maybe not right away, but if he sees me hanging around a bit (which I will) I think he'll sail. As Jorge said, securing the Andamans flanks Burma, and L_S_T has put ALOT of effort into holding Burma. I'm not sure he's ready to just throw that away. Plus, if the Allies gain the Andamans, the entire Burma/Thai coast is now threatened. Not that I'll follow up with a landing south of Rangoon any time soon, but it does become possible. And last geographically is that if left uncontested and I can follow up with additional Amphibs - I can threaten Sumatra, and that becomes very dangerous to L_S_T. And without the KB coming out, I don't see LBA being decisive. Painful perhaps - but only Netties will be a threat from mainland bases. Fighters will be at range and likely to suffer serious operational loss. None of the islands have been developed to support strike a/c.
Finally, its Jun '43. We have rough parity in flight decks right now. Allies have 7 CVs (6 US, 1 Brit) deployed for this fight. I figure he also has 7 CVs (only Hiyo is sunk) plus CVL Zuiho. I don't think he's got Taiho yet, but even if he does, we have pretty much parity in carrier air. So if he doesn't come out to challenge this, the odds just get worse later in '43 and in '44.
Of course, once he realizes where my CVs are, he could launch the KB aggressively to disrupt operations in another Theater, that IS a possibility. If he does, I weather the blow and try to attrit with subs and LBA.
At least that's my thinking. Am I missing something?
I think he'll come out to engage - maybe not right away, but if he sees me hanging around a bit (which I will) I think he'll sail. As Jorge said, securing the Andamans flanks Burma, and L_S_T has put ALOT of effort into holding Burma. I'm not sure he's ready to just throw that away. Plus, if the Allies gain the Andamans, the entire Burma/Thai coast is now threatened. Not that I'll follow up with a landing south of Rangoon any time soon, but it does become possible. And last geographically is that if left uncontested and I can follow up with additional Amphibs - I can threaten Sumatra, and that becomes very dangerous to L_S_T. And without the KB coming out, I don't see LBA being decisive. Painful perhaps - but only Netties will be a threat from mainland bases. Fighters will be at range and likely to suffer serious operational loss. None of the islands have been developed to support strike a/c.
Finally, its Jun '43. We have rough parity in flight decks right now. Allies have 7 CVs (6 US, 1 Brit) deployed for this fight. I figure he also has 7 CVs (only Hiyo is sunk) plus CVL Zuiho. I don't think he's got Taiho yet, but even if he does, we have pretty much parity in carrier air. So if he doesn't come out to challenge this, the odds just get worse later in '43 and in '44.
Of course, once he realizes where my CVs are, he could launch the KB aggressively to disrupt operations in another Theater, that IS a possibility. If he does, I weather the blow and try to attrit with subs and LBA.
At least that's my thinking. Am I missing something?
26-27 May 43
26-27 May 43
Highlights – Woodlark and Fenton taken; KB shows itself in the Timor Sea supporting ground troops
Jpn ships sunk:
TK: 1 (sm)
Jpn ships unsunk:
SS: 1 (I-27)
Allied ships sunk: None
Air loss:
Jpn: 102
Allied: 59
Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit
Allies: 3 Attacks, 3 ships hit (TK(sm) sunk, TK(sm), CL Agano Dam)
Jpn Amph Inv: None
Allied Amph/Airborne Assault:
Fenton (SWPAC)
Bases lost: None
Bases Liberated:
Woodlark Is (SOPAC)
Tagula Is (flipped - SOPAC)
Fenton (SWPAC)
SIGINT/Intel: KB shows itself in the Timor Sea supporting troops in OZ.
West Coast/Admin: NSTR.
In NOPAC, CL TF (2CL, DDs) has no joy hunting in the Kuriles and turns to head back to Amchitka.
In CENPAC, Engineers start offloading at Namorik. CVEs and CA TF to remain throughout offload.
In SOPAC, 201st (Sep) IN Reg wipes out the defending 4th SNLF Co on Woodlark Is without much trouble, and only one gun lost. Engineers begin fortifying and working on an airstrip. Kiriwina Amph TF rendezvous at Woodklark, and will move to land troops at Kiriwina next turn. No air or naval response this turn. Will sortie Arleigh Burke’s DDs next turn to raid shipping reported near Kavieng - that tanker convoy attacked by SS Pompon and Tuna in the Bismarck Sea looks to have made port in Kavieng, so will see if the DDs can catch it before if finishes offloading its fuel. Lastly, Allied ASW a/c have a banner day in the upper Solomons, claiming hits on 4 subs as well as a couple of SSXs.
In SWPAC, I’m surprised to find the KB about 80m off Wyndham providing support to ground troops NW of Daly Waters. KB airstrikes hit an advancing TD Bn hard west of Katherine, well over 500 sorties in two days. KB fighters also cover the withdrawing Garrison Unit NW of Daly Waters, effecting a pretty good CAP trap as US bombers come in lightly protected, and the P-38s arrive dead last. Bomber losses weren’t light: 7 F4F, 8 B-25D, 4 DB-7, 4 Mitchell II, 6 B-17E and a P-38 and a B-25C against 11 of the KB’s Zeros. Could have been worse of course…On the bright side, 503rd Para Reg takes undefended Fenton in the first assault; apparently only Darwin is defended. Once the 503rd completes its air movement, C-47s will bring in Aussie Commandos to take Katherine, and then likely Bathurst. On note of Bathurst, it did look like L_S_T was looking to ambush my DDs or even a troop movement off Bathurst, with a CA TF (2CA, CL, DDs) laying off the base just to the east. Fortunately, I didn’t sortie the DDs, and SS Perch found the TF, putting a fish into the CL Agano after two failed attempts to penetrate the screen. While I’ll stand down the bombers against ground targets while the KB is around next turn, a half dozen subs will focus on the KB’s location…so I hope it stays put! Although my bombers took a pasting, its always good to know where the KB is, and that was an acceptable price - and the Timor Sea is a LONG way away from the Andaman Islands where I figure the KB will be heading once the Marines come ashore at Port Blair in about 2 weeks.
In WAUS, Corunna Downs continues to be the focus of fighter sweeps, and yet again, Allied fighters meet the threat. The newly arrived P-40Ks and available Kittyhawks do fairly well, and after two days 22 Zeros/Oscars are lost in exchange for 3 Kittys and 7 P-40Ks, although all but 2 of the remaining P-40s are damaged. Spits are brought back in to bolster the CAP for next turn. F4Fs are brought back up to strength, but remain in Exmouth awaiting their turn back into the fray.
In China, NSTR.
In India/Burma, a banner day for night bombing! Two B-24 squadrons hit Magwe with amazing results despite heavy flak and night fighters. 33 Oscars, 4 George, 7 Tony, and 4 Tojo reportedly destroyed on the ground, along with 31 runway damage from the packed AF. 3 B-24s lost to flak due to the 2000ft altitude attack. A rare “nuclear” bombardment dice roll.
Highlights – Woodlark and Fenton taken; KB shows itself in the Timor Sea supporting ground troops
Jpn ships sunk:
TK: 1 (sm)
Jpn ships unsunk:
SS: 1 (I-27)
Allied ships sunk: None
Air loss:
Jpn: 102
Allied: 59
Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit
Allies: 3 Attacks, 3 ships hit (TK(sm) sunk, TK(sm), CL Agano Dam)
Jpn Amph Inv: None
Allied Amph/Airborne Assault:
Fenton (SWPAC)
Bases lost: None
Bases Liberated:
Woodlark Is (SOPAC)
Tagula Is (flipped - SOPAC)
Fenton (SWPAC)
SIGINT/Intel: KB shows itself in the Timor Sea supporting troops in OZ.
West Coast/Admin: NSTR.
In NOPAC, CL TF (2CL, DDs) has no joy hunting in the Kuriles and turns to head back to Amchitka.
In CENPAC, Engineers start offloading at Namorik. CVEs and CA TF to remain throughout offload.
In SOPAC, 201st (Sep) IN Reg wipes out the defending 4th SNLF Co on Woodlark Is without much trouble, and only one gun lost. Engineers begin fortifying and working on an airstrip. Kiriwina Amph TF rendezvous at Woodklark, and will move to land troops at Kiriwina next turn. No air or naval response this turn. Will sortie Arleigh Burke’s DDs next turn to raid shipping reported near Kavieng - that tanker convoy attacked by SS Pompon and Tuna in the Bismarck Sea looks to have made port in Kavieng, so will see if the DDs can catch it before if finishes offloading its fuel. Lastly, Allied ASW a/c have a banner day in the upper Solomons, claiming hits on 4 subs as well as a couple of SSXs.
In SWPAC, I’m surprised to find the KB about 80m off Wyndham providing support to ground troops NW of Daly Waters. KB airstrikes hit an advancing TD Bn hard west of Katherine, well over 500 sorties in two days. KB fighters also cover the withdrawing Garrison Unit NW of Daly Waters, effecting a pretty good CAP trap as US bombers come in lightly protected, and the P-38s arrive dead last. Bomber losses weren’t light: 7 F4F, 8 B-25D, 4 DB-7, 4 Mitchell II, 6 B-17E and a P-38 and a B-25C against 11 of the KB’s Zeros. Could have been worse of course…On the bright side, 503rd Para Reg takes undefended Fenton in the first assault; apparently only Darwin is defended. Once the 503rd completes its air movement, C-47s will bring in Aussie Commandos to take Katherine, and then likely Bathurst. On note of Bathurst, it did look like L_S_T was looking to ambush my DDs or even a troop movement off Bathurst, with a CA TF (2CA, CL, DDs) laying off the base just to the east. Fortunately, I didn’t sortie the DDs, and SS Perch found the TF, putting a fish into the CL Agano after two failed attempts to penetrate the screen. While I’ll stand down the bombers against ground targets while the KB is around next turn, a half dozen subs will focus on the KB’s location…so I hope it stays put! Although my bombers took a pasting, its always good to know where the KB is, and that was an acceptable price - and the Timor Sea is a LONG way away from the Andaman Islands where I figure the KB will be heading once the Marines come ashore at Port Blair in about 2 weeks.
In WAUS, Corunna Downs continues to be the focus of fighter sweeps, and yet again, Allied fighters meet the threat. The newly arrived P-40Ks and available Kittyhawks do fairly well, and after two days 22 Zeros/Oscars are lost in exchange for 3 Kittys and 7 P-40Ks, although all but 2 of the remaining P-40s are damaged. Spits are brought back in to bolster the CAP for next turn. F4Fs are brought back up to strength, but remain in Exmouth awaiting their turn back into the fray.
In China, NSTR.
In India/Burma, a banner day for night bombing! Two B-24 squadrons hit Magwe with amazing results despite heavy flak and night fighters. 33 Oscars, 4 George, 7 Tony, and 4 Tojo reportedly destroyed on the ground, along with 31 runway damage from the packed AF. 3 B-24s lost to flak due to the 2000ft altitude attack. A rare “nuclear” bombardment dice roll.
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Jorge_Stanbury
- Posts: 4345
- Joined: Wed Feb 29, 2012 12:57 pm
- Location: Montreal
RE: 24-25 May 43
ORIGINAL: IdahoNYer
Allies have 7 CVs (6 US, 1 Brit) deployed for this fight.
Why not 8? are you counting Essex? or did you lose a carrier?
RE: 24-25 May 43
ORIGINAL: Jorge_Stanbury
ORIGINAL: IdahoNYer
Allies have 7 CVs (6 US, 1 Brit) deployed for this fight.
Why not 8? are you counting Essex? or did you lose a carrier?
Not counting Essex or any CVLs - they won't be participating in the IO adventure.