Notes from a Small Island

[BBfanboy]

I am pretty sure obvert would not lose his strategic focus for the prospect of sinking a few ships, even APAs.
However, if he considers Marcus vital to his defence of the homeland he might react to the threat of invasion.
If he has not yet picked up a DL on your carriers there he may just send a SCTF and light carriers for now. Could work out well for your attrition strategy.

[Canoerebel]

He hasn't had detection on this particular invasion TF; he has caught wind of previous feints and pickets and scouts.

SigInt indicates there's a South Seas Detachment at Marcus, but I don't know how much else. I think he'll have it strongly defended and that he might react strongly.

1st Marine Div. is in three RCT. THe plan was to cycle them, if necessary, to take the island. But if D-Day doesn't go well, I'll probably pull back. At that point, the primary mission of placing something "enticeable" in front of Erik has been served. D-Day in the Kuriles is probably four days off, so it'll mean something if he does detach any carriers towards Marcus.

[Canoerebel]

10/11/44

Marcus: The opening beach assault doesn't drop six forts but the raw AVs for both sides are adjusted down markedly. No sign of enemy carriers, though LBA is present. I'm going to give it one more day, partly because I think there's a chance it will work and partly because I hope to generate enough info to determine if this approach to atoll invasions is a good one. From what I've seen today, it is. This invasion went in without several things I'd ordinarily include and will include in the future (a strong bombardment TF foremost), and I think a full application of this strategy will work.

I don't see signs of enemy carriers approaching, but I'm going to begin pulling back assets that won't be used or that aren't vital to seeing a second day assault implemented. So transports carrying 2nd Marine/B will withdraw, as will the CV Illustrious TF (it's LRCAP did well today).

Thus far I've lost APA Clay. As long as KB doesn't show up, losses tomorrow to LBA shouldn't be acceptable. If KB shows up, losses will be considerable but will benefit the situation in the Kuriles.

[Canoerebel]

10/11/44

Shikuka: A lot going on beneath the hood.

[Canoerebel]

10/12/44

Marcus: Erik reacts to the threat to Marcus. I've achieved one goal but now the question is whether the cost will be acceptable. I have a lot of sheep out here and not a lot of wolves. These wolves claimed four SC just west of Marcus. Uh oh.

[Canoerebel]

10/12/44

Shikuka: Enemy ASW is on the prowl near Hokkaido. Why? I've had a sub line out here for months, and Eric's basically ignored them. He might be hunting points, or he may be trying to clear the way for a future sally into the Pacific.

[Canoerebel]

10/12/44

Marcus: The wolves arrive at Marcus, where Allied transports are loading 1st Marine/A and other troops, and new amphibious TFs are inbound. At this point, I'm thinking, "Bend over, man. This is gonna be ugly."

But a pair of DEs manage a torpedo strike on an enemy cruiser - a marked contribution to the campaign unfolding in NoPac.

[Canoerebel]

10/12/44

Shikuka: A second E-class taken out. Flasher takes 18 hits, but the Combat Report doesn't indicate any fires or heavy damage.

[Canoerebel]

10/12/44

Marcus: Usually this species of wolf would devour this species of shepherd, but the shepherds do a good job. I'll lose Caradoc but I think the enemy TF is going to retire now, just shy of reaching all the merchantmen loading and unloading troops.

[Canoerebel]

10/12/44

Shikuka: The E-class get a USN sub.

[Canoerebel]

10/12/44

Shikuka: Several sweeps and a heavily escorted raid deal with modest CAP and score well vs. Resources. But there's signs of trouble, as I think I've left two small DD TFs out here on "Remain" orders rather than to retire to safety.

[Canoerebel]

10/12/44

Shikuka: These bombers might be coming from enemy carriers at Ominato (sighted yesterday).

[Canoerebel]

10/12/44

Shikuka: Ditto.

[Canoerebel]

10/12/44

Shikuka: The first of several sweeps of Uruppu, which is fairly heavily defended (sweeps vs. Onnecotan and others don't face opposition).

[Canoerebel]

10/12/44

Shikuka: Second sweep does better.

[Canoerebel]

10/12/44

Shikuka: Third sweep.

[Canoerebel]

10/12/44

Shikuka: Fourth sweep does well. There's a fifth, by P-47s, that down two enemy aircraft for no losses.

[Canoerebel]

10/12/44

Marcus: I think these came from Pagan or one of the other Marianas (when I first saw them on the combat report, I thought "carrier" and "uh oh."

[Canoerebel]

10/12/44

Shikuka: Enemy carrier air.

[Canoerebel]

10/12/44

Shikuka: Ditto.