Bottlenecks? Oh those bottlenecks! SierraJuliet (J) vs Mundy (A)

[SierraJuliet]

1 January 1943

HOME ISLANDS

SS Sunfish launches 2 torpedoes and misses at 108,75 near Haha-jima.

Japanese Ships

xAK Nitiren Maru
PB Hakkaisan Maru
xAK Yosida Maru #3
xAK Unyo Maru #2
xAK Toei Maru
xAK Kureha Maru #3
xAK Taikei Maru
PB Ginyo Maru
PB Kinsyo Maru #2

SS Porpoise is sighted by escort at 107,65 near Ise.

Japanese Ships

xAKL Minami Maru
xAKL Nissen Maru
xAKL Iwashiro Maru
xAKL Awajisan Maru
PB Hirotama Maru

SS Porpoise launches 2 torpedoes and misses at 107,65 near Ise.

Japanese Ships

xAKL Nisshun Maru (1 dud torpedo fails to activate)
xAKL Nissen Maru
xAKL Iwashiro Maru
xAKL Awajisan Maru
PB Hirotama Maru

DEI

SS Scorpion launches 2 torpedoes and misses at 56,103 near Soerabaja.

Japanese Ships

DD Mutsuki
xAK Unkai Maru #3
xAK Josho Maru
xAKL Yulin Maru

Allied Ships

SS Scorpion, hits 1

Japanese deliberate attack at 68,104 near Kolaka.

Attacking force 552 troops, 3 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 22
Defending force 80 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1

Japanese adjusted assault: 11
Allied adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 11 to 1

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

Assaulting units:
II/81st Naval Guard Unit

Defending units:
Kendari Cdo

NORTH BORNEO

Japanese bombardment at Weston/Beaufort.
Attacking force 868 troops, 12 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 47
Defending force 1922 troops, 26 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 39

BURMA

55/47 is occupied by the Japanese.




Repairs completed on E Shirataka at Yokohama=+, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on PB-32 (Aoi) at Kobe=, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on PB-33 (Hagi) at Kobe=, ship returned to service

G4M1 Betty-Rikko from Kanoya Ku K-1'/C has spotted a CG 75' class ML at 91,132
a CG 75' class ML is reported HIT

Temporary flotation repairs failing aboard CA Nachi – Bad news. Flotation damage has increased from 50 to 61 over the course of 1 day of sailing. Nachi, which has made it to Dumanquilas, is ordered to immediately disband. If the flooding is controlled 57 days will pass before flotation damage is back down to 50. A port unit en route to Makassar is diverted to render assistance.

Task Force 71 lays defensive minefield at Saipan

Victoria Point expands fortifications to size 1
83/59 expands fortifications to size 3

CL Katori beginning refit in shipyard at Hiroshima/Kure+
CL Kashima beginning refit in shipyard at Hiroshima/Kure+
CL Jintsu beginning refit in shipyard at Hiroshima/Kure+
DD Hatsuzuki beginning refit in shipyard at Nagoya
DD Usugumo beginning refit in shipyard at Yokohama=+
DD Uranami beginning refit in shipyard at Singapore
DD Sagiri beginning refit in shipyard at Singapore
PB-32 (Aoi) beginning refit in shipyard at Kobe=
PB-33 (Hagi) beginning refit in shipyard at Kobe=

All the above DDs and PBs upgrade from the Type 95DC to Type 95 Mod-2DC. Improved depth from 200 to 300, better effect 300 to 324 and marginal improvement on accuracy 6 to 7. Small improvements which may lead to better results against the Allied submarines. And for good measure DD Hatsuzuki also receives the Type 21 Air Search Radar – our first destroyer so equipped.

Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Suchow (91, 47)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Kuching (58, 88)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at 85/56 (85, 56)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at 77/56 (77, 56)!

108th Sentai arrives at Nagasaki/Sasebo=+

[SierraJuliet]

With 1942 coming to an end let us have a look at the major Allied vessels I am certain to call as sunk. All on the following list have been reported as sunk. The number preceeding the name is the victory value and where there is no victory value the ships name is yet to appear on the list of sunk ships. A little room yet, then, for uncertainty. For the transports, tankers and oilers I have only listed ships with a victory value of 10 and above. There are far too many 1 and 2 point VP ships to make for worthwhile reading. If I am on my game come January ’44 I will add the reported Allied ships sunk during ’43. It will be a far shorter list for sure.

Carriers

68 CVE Long Island

Battleships and Battlecruisers

157 Oklahoma
202 Repulse
180 Arizona
West Virginia

Cruisers

35 Louisville
38 Australia
38 Canberra
40 Dorsetshire
39 Devonshire
40 Indianapolis
Portland
40 Hawkins
34 Exeter

Light Cruisers

23 Danae
40 Boise
Achilles
28 Leander
23 Dragon
15 Tromp
20 Caledon
24 Adelaide
34 Gambia
24 Java
34 Mauritius
36 Newcastle
28 Detroit
40 Helena
27 De Ruyter
23 Durban
28 Perth
22 Ceres
28 Hobart
22 Capetown

Destroyers

8 Arunta
6 Decoy
5 Voyager
7 Meredith
Thanet
7 Jupiter
6 Electra
Express
6 Sims
5 John D Edwards
7 Norman
7 Tjerk Hiddes
Flusser
Nepal
6 Inconstant
5 Active
6 Cassin
Barker
Encounter
5 John D Ford
Arrow
8 Lightning
Laforey


Submarines

S- 41
Grouper
6 S-27
9 Dolphin

Transports

17 President Madison
16 Rochambeau
15 Kota Gede
15 Kota Inten
20 Rangitata
12 Tairea
12 Takliwa
18 Tabinta
12 Lycaon
12 Donmer
12 Amra
12 Chilka
12 +Op ten Noort
20 Tjinegura
12 Ormiston
12 Mildura
12 Sarpendonia
20 Rangitiki
12 Katoomba
12 Indora
18 Heywood
12 Mungama
14 Glenarthney
20 W A Holbrook
20 Tasker H Bliss
12 Macdhui 12
12 Zealandia
14 Kota Tjandi
12 Koolinda
12 Montoro
12 Koolama
18 Boschfontein
16 Australia Star
17 President Grant
12 Malda
12 Raranga
12 Muranda
20 Tjitjalengka
18 Tanimbar
18 Poelau Bras
12 Marella

Tankers

20 Pat Doherty
15 Gulfdawn
15 Manatawny
12 Havfru
20 Gulf Breeze
20 Victoria G G Henry
15 Gulfland
18 British Sailor
20 Montebello
15 Hagood
20 Egero
20 Norfold
18 Solor
23 Saidja
28 Athelduke
28 Juge Maersk
20 British Architect
20 British Commodore
23 British Destiny
20 British Energy
15 Thorshaven
15 Vivi
20 Clydefield
20 British Aviator
20 British Colonel
20 British Merchant
23 British Unity
18 British Sergeant
18 Goldmouth
18 Spondilus
18 Saroena
29 Beau
23 Ambo

Oilers

19 Neches
19 Pecos
19 Brazos

[SierraJuliet]

2 January 1943

CHINA

Japanese morning Air attacks on Chengchow – 7 airbase hits and 47 runway hits.

AUSTRALIA

Allied afternoon Air attack on TF near Buin at 109,131

Japanese aircraft

A6M2 Zero-Reisen x 19
A6M3a Zero-Reisen x 2
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 40

Allied aircraft

SBD-3 Dauntless x 16

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses

SBD-3 Dauntless: 11 destroyed

BURMA

Allied afternoon Air attack on Magwe – 8 Oil hits.

Japanese aircraft

A6M3 Zero-Reisen x 31
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 42
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 30

Allied aircraft

Liberator II x 9
Wellington Ic x 17
B-24D Liberator x 33

Japanese aircraft losses

A6M3 Zero-Reisen: 1 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses

Liberator II: 9 damaged
Liberator II: 1 destroyed by flak
Wellington Ic: 2 destroyed, 11 damaged
Wellington Ic: 1 destroyed by flak
B-24D Liberator: 25 damaged

Allied afternoon Air attack on Magwe – 4 Oil hits.

Japanese aircraft

A6M3 Zero-Reisen x 9
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 21
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 17

Allied aircraft

B-25C Mitchell x 2
B-25C Mitchell x 16
P-38F Lightning x 13

Japanese aircraft losses

Ki-43-IIa Oscar: 1 destroyed
Ki-45 KAIa Nick: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses

B-25C Mitchell: 1 damaged
B-25C Mitchell: 1 destroyed, 6 damaged
B-25C Mitchell: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied afternoon Air attack on Magwe – 11 Oil hits.

Japanese aircraft

A6M3 Zero-Reisen x 4
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 7
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 9

Allied aircraft

Wellington Ic x 16
B-17F Fortress x 12
B-24D Liberator x 12

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses

Wellington Ic: 3 damaged
Wellington Ic: 1 destroyed by flak
B-17F Fortress: 7 damaged
B-17F Fortress: 1 destroyed by flak
B-24D Liberator: 5 damaged

Allied afternoon Air attack on Magwe – 1 Oil hit.

Japanese aircraft

A6M3 Zero-Reisen x 2
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 6
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 2

Allied aircraft

Blenheim IV x 16

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses

Blenheim IV: 1 destroyed
Blenheim IV: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied afternoon Air attack on Magwe – 2 Oil hits.

Japanese aircraft

Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 5
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 2

Allied aircraft

Wellington Ic x 14

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses

Wellington Ic: 7 damaged
Wellington Ic: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied afternoon Air attack on Magwe – 9 Oil hits.

Japanese aircraft

Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 1
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 1

Allied aircraft

B-17F Fortress x 10

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses

B-17F Fortress: 5 damaged

Allied afternoon Air attack on Magwe – 5 Oil hits.

Japanese aircraft

Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 1

Allied aircraft

B-17F Fortress x 8

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses

B-17F Fortress: 2 damaged

I did say I was expecting them. They are hard beasts to knock around in this mod. I’ve copied a shot from the aircraft losses screen. The number for the SBD 3 Dauntless look a tad high but if the figures are near correct I’m happy with todays return. Pilot losses very acceptable too. 1 pilot killed and 3 WIA. As for the oil wells….not so good. Damage from just one day of Allied air power flexing some muscle is (98) x 202.

Taung Gyi is occupied by the Japanese.

NORTH BORNEO

Japanese bombardment attack at Weston/Beaufort.
Attacking force 868 troops, 12 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 47
Defending force 1922 troops, 26 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 39

DEI

Japanese deliberate attack at 68,104 near Kolaka.

Attacking force 552 troops, 3 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 22
Defending force 85 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1

Japanese adjusted assault: 11
Allied adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 11 to 1

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

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

Assaulting units:
II/81st Naval Guard Unit

Defending units:
Kendari Cdo





G4M1 Betty-Rikko from Yokosuka Ku K-1 attacking a Narwhal class SS at 106,124
an Allied SS is reported HIT

Repairs completed on DD Tokitsukaze at Singapore, ship returned to service

Fusan expands airfield to size 5
Luganville expands airfield to size 3
57/53 expands fortifications to size 2

Device Mitsubishi Ha-43 advances R&D

APD PB-1 (Shimakaze) beginning refit in shipyard at Hiroshima/Kure+
SC Ch-4 beginning refit in shipyard at Hiroshima/Kure+
SC Ch-5 beginning refit in shipyard at Hiroshima/Kure+

More ships picking up the Type 95-Mod2 DC improvement.

Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Clark Field (79, 76)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Kuching (58, 88)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Kukong (79, 57)!

xAP Maori is reported to have been sunk near Rossel Island on Jan 15, 1942

The flotation damage on CA Nachi has stabilized. Let’s hope for some slow but steady progress to bring that damage back down to 50.

[SierraJuliet]

Search plane find of the day. The TF to the left is reported as 9 ships heading west with 4 xAP sighted. The TF to the right is reported as 10 ships heading west with 6 xAP sighted. The sighting was made in heavy rain so who knows exactly what is out there. Quite likely the best part of all of the USN Pacific Fleet.

The 5 remaining carriers of KB just happen to be stationed just to the north east of Marcus Island (2 days easy steaming from Wake Island). KB will be ordered to move into a position to the west of Wake Island and we shall see what eventuates during the next day of searches.

[RangerJoe]

The easiest way to knock out the heavy bombers is to drive Japanese tanks through them . . .

For the Nachi, as well as any crippled ship, put a bunch of vessels with it in an escort group and proceed at cruise speed. If you want to be extra careful, have the escort task force disband every day.

[SierraJuliet]

ORIGINAL: RangerJoe

The easiest way to knock out the heavy bombers is to drive Japanese tanks through them . . .

For the Nachi, as well as any crippled ship, put a bunch of vessels with it in an escort group and proceed at cruise speed. If you want to be extra careful, have the escort task force disband every day.

I would love to have my tanks and friends surrounding Calcutta to encourage those bombers to move further away but for now that will not be happening. Shall have to be content with seeing the odd 4 engine beastie drop out of the sky over Magwe.

Nachi has a gaggle of ships making the run with her - apart from any assistance they might actually be throwing her way the threat from submarines is simply way too high.

[SierraJuliet]

Calling on sage advice to assist with formulating a response to the developing situation east of Wake Island. At the cost of 1 Mavis scout plane (no prizes for guessing that American carriers are afoot) the size of the American presence becomes more apparent. Their fleets have moved westward 6 hexes since the previous day. If they stay on this course their transports should be 1 hex off Wake in 2 days time.

KB (Akagi, Shokaku, Zuikaku, Hiryu and Soryu + Kirishima, Hiei, Chiyoda, Chitose and 6 destroyers) is currently at Marcus Island. Had to make an unexpected stop over to fetch an Admiral to run things. Some one neglected to have the Admiral go on board at Yokohama before the fleet sailed. If KB does a 12-hex run it will be to the west of Wake and in position. Must do some checking on how far KB gets to Eniwetok – don’t want search planes from there getting a whiff. KB is stocked with 22 A6M5, 57 A6M3a, 81 A6M2, 133 Val and 80 Kate. Missing Kaga now without a doubt. Slightly overstocked with fighters but that will hopefully help with my game plan. Way too many A6M2 still on hand but it is what I have a present. Zuikaku and Shokaku have air radar although my plan is not to face the might of the Amierican air power. If I do it will be curtains.

As for Wake Island – it won’t last long once Americans hit the beaches. We have a paltry 33 supply left but all forces (134 AV behind level 4 forts are fully supplied – at present). The Americans will not be impeded by mines. I have search planes here but will only keep them here for one day more before pulling them out.

All available subs have been vectored here to help with spotting Allied vessels and maybe get lucky.

The weather may play a role. At present the conditions do look perfect but there is some foul weather to the south. Will keep an eye out and see if it changes in the next day or two. Moonlight is down to 3% so if Ed has timed his run for a moonless night, he has got it right.

My thinking (I’d call it a plan, but it is more contemplation of possibilities) then, if I can keep KB under wraps, is to keep KB in the wings and awaiting the Americans. Strongly thinking of detaching Kirishima, Hiei and a couple of destroyers to intercept the bombardment force and chance their luck. Then if KB is still unsighted look at a massed strike to hit the transports as they are dropping troops on the shore. Given the high number of Allied fleets about the danger of dispersal will high if I go after the carriers so hitting the landing ships might work best.

Then again, I could just call it a day and leave Wake to flounder and keep KB for another day. So, in a nutshell is it worth attempting a surprise or is the danger of losing KB without really achieving anything too high. Early ’43 and my chances of being competitive with KB will dwindle quickly as the year rolls on.

Any comments most appreciated. Can someone through me some stats on how far the American/British ship board search planes can fly before they hit the limit of their search?

[SierraJuliet]

3 January 1943

HOME ISLANDS

SS O21 launches 2 torpedoes and misses at 104,56 nea Fukuoka.

Japanese Ships

DD Hibiki
DD Hatsuyuki

SS Sunfish is sighted by escort at 108,76 near Iwo-jima.

Japanese Ships

SC Ch-6
AK Sakura Maru
SC Ch-9

SS Sunfish is sighted by escort at 109,76 near Iwo-jima.

Japanese Ships

SC Ch-6
AK Ayatosan Maru
AK Sasako Maru
AK Sakura Maru
SC Ch-9

SS Pompano launches 2 torpedoes and misses at 115,62 near Chiba.

Japanese Ships

PB Tonon Maru
xAK Tyuwa Maru
xAK Toyotu Maru
xAK Tokati Maru
xAK Nagato Maru
xAK Marei Maru

CHINA

Japanese morning Air attacks on Chengchow – 7 airbase hits, 2 airbase supply hits and 38 runway hits.

BURMA

Allied afternoon Air attack on Magwe – 39 Oil hits.

Japanese aircraft

A6M3 Zero-Reisen x 10
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 31
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 10

Allied aircraft

Wellington Ic x 13
B-25C Mitchell x 2
B-17F Fortress x 17
B-24D Liberator x 24

Japanese aircraft losses

A6M3 Zero-Reisen: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses

Wellington Ic: 8 damaged
B-25C Mitchell: 2 damaged
B-17F Fortress: 1 destroyed, 7 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 1 destroyed, 12 damaged

Allied afternoon Air attack on Magwe.

Japanese aircraft

A6M3 Zero-Reisen x 5
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 16
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 5

Allied aircraft

Blenheim IV x 13

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses

Blenheim IV: 3 destroyed

Allied afternoon Air attack on Magwe - 4 Oil hits.

Japanese aircraft

A6M3 Zero-Reisen x 4
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 7
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 4

Allied aircraft

Wellington Ic x 8
B-17F Fortress x 10
B-24D Liberator x 6

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses

B-17F Fortress: 6 damaged
B-24D Liberator: 5 damaged

Allied afternoon Air attack on Magwe.

Japanese aircraft

A6M3 Zero-Reisen x 4
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 4
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 2

Allied aircraft

Wellington Ic x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses

Wellington Ic: 1 destroyed

Allied afternoon Air attack on Magwe - 1 Oil hit.

Japanese aircraft

A6M3 Zero-Reisen x 2
Ki-43-IIa Oscar x 2
Ki-45 KAIa Nick x 1

Allied aircraft

B-25C Mitchell x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses

B-25C Mitchell: 2 damaged
B-25C Mitchell: 1 destroyed by flak

59 oil points lost today to bring the well damage to (157) x 143. On the bright side no pilots killed or injured today in the skies over Magwe and a goodly number of bombers cut down. The planes are feeling the effects of damage but lucky, apart from the Ki-45 NAIa Nick, they have a service rating of 1 so most of them will be ready to jump back into the air tomorrow. I was wondering how well the Allied bombers would back up after the first day of bombing. It seems they back up very well. Best be ready for the bombers to return tomorrow. Copy of reported aircraft losses follows.

Japanese forces CAPTURE Mandalay!!!
Japanese forces CAPTURE Ramree Island!!!
56/48 is occupied by the Japanese.

DEI

Japanese deliberate attack at 68,104 near Kolaka.

Attacking force 547 troops, 3 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 22
Defending force 90 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1

Japanese adjusted assault: 6
Allied adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 6 to 1

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

Assaulting units:
II/81st Naval Guard Unit

Defending units:
Kendari Cdo





xAK Izan Maru collides with xAK Yamayuri Maru at 104, 57

D3A1 Val-Kanbaku from Kaga-2 attacking an Allied SS at 109,93
an Allied SS is reported HIT
D3A1 Val-Kanbaku from Kaga-2 attacking a Grampus class SS at 109,92
D3A1 Val-Kanbaku from Kaga-2 attacking an Allied SS at 109,93
a O19 Class class SS is reported HIT

Search H6K4 Mavis-Taitei destroyed by CAP at (149,98)

88/43 expands port to size 3

DD Akatsuki beginning refit in shipyard at Yokohama=+
DD Yugiri beginning refit in shipyard at Yokohama=+
E Shimushu beginning refit in shipyard at Yokohama=+

Previous report of sinking of DD Barton incorrect. Intelligence reports ship is still in service

Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Clark Field (79, 76)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Kuching (58, 88)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at 88/38 (88, 38)!

23rd Ind.Mixed Brigade arrives at Canton

[RangerJoe]

Two Destroyer task forces with aggression sent to low might help. They go in, spot the enemy, launch torpedoes and skedaddle. Hopefully before any major damage occurs. Light cruisers could also be used but the are not as maneuverable.

MTBs moving with other ships in an Escort TF could also work. The other ships would refuel the MTBs, then the MTBs would be released in 2 ship task forces for their ride to glory . . . I actually did have a PT boat torpedo the Kaga in one game.

It is probably too late but the next time, have some subs loaded with mines. Even a floating minefield at sea laid that turn or before could mess some ships up. Sub transports from 1 hex away sending minisubs could also help. Anything to delay and increase damage.

Depending upon how good your Kate pilots are, you might want to sandbox this, but if they have very high experience and torpedo skills, a night torpedo attack on the invasion site might work. The transports should not be moving and AAA is halved. You might get lucky against the carriers but loaded transports are easier to sink. That might also help the defenders a lot more. You could also arrange it so you can be too far away from his carriers for them to strike you.

[Bif1961]

It depends what he has on his carriers, if he is using standard SBDs then 8 would be maximum. If he is using Vindicators with drop tanks on then they have a range of 10. If he is using F4F7Ps then you will run the risk of being spotted very far away as they have a range of 2,650 miles, with an operational range of 21. The good news is they made only 21 of them but did have one on some carriers, so they are carrier capable. If I were him I would have some if not all of them split up among my carriers to provide long range recon and naval search. What you didn't say was if any recon has been noticed over Guam. If the answer is yes how far away was the nearest American TF at the time. If no then you might have a way of answering the question as he would use some of them to recon Wake from long distance as he approached.

[LargeSlowTarget]

ORIGINAL: SierraJuliet

Calling on sage advice to assist with formulating a response to the developing situation east of Wake Island. At the cost of 1 Mavis scout plane (no prizes for guessing that American carriers are afoot) the size of the American presence becomes more apparent. Their fleets have moved westward 6 hexes since the previous day. If they stay on this course their transports should be 1 hex off Wake in 2 days time.

KB (Akagi, Shokaku, Zuikaku, Hiryu and Soryu + Kirishima, Hiei, Chiyoda, Chitose and 6 destroyers) is currently at Marcus Island. Had to make an unexpected stop over to fetch an Admiral to run things. Some one neglected to have the Admiral go on board at Yokohama before the fleet sailed. If KB does a 12-hex run it will be to the west of Wake and in position. Must do some checking on how far KB gets to Eniwetok – don’t want search planes from there getting a whiff. KB is stocked with 22 A6M5, 57 A6M3a, 81 A6M2, 133 Val and 80 Kate. Missing Kaga now without a doubt. Slightly overstocked with fighters but that will hopefully help with my game plan. Way too many A6M2 still on hand but it is what I have a present. Zuikaku and Shokaku have air radar although my plan is not to face the might of the Amierican air power. If I do it will be curtains.

As for Wake Island – it won’t last long once Americans hit the beaches. We have a paltry 33 supply left but all forces (134 AV behind level 4 forts are fully supplied – at present). The Americans will not be impeded by mines. I have search planes here but will only keep them here for one day more before pulling them out.

All available subs have been vectored here to help with spotting Allied vessels and maybe get lucky.

The weather may play a role. At present the conditions do look perfect but there is some foul weather to the south. Will keep an eye out and see if it changes in the next day or two. Moonlight is down to 3% so if Ed has timed his run for a moonless night, he has got it right.

My thinking (I’d call it a plan, but it is more contemplation of possibilities) then, if I can keep KB under wraps, is to keep KB in the wings and awaiting the Americans. Strongly thinking of detaching Kirishima, Hiei and a couple of destroyers to intercept the bombardment force and chance their luck. Then if KB is still unsighted look at a massed strike to hit the transports as they are dropping troops on the shore. Given the high number of Allied fleets about the danger of dispersal will high if I go after the carriers so hitting the landing ships might work best.

Then again, I could just call it a day and leave Wake to flounder and keep KB for another day. So, in a nutshell is it worth attempting a surprise or is the danger of losing KB without really achieving anything too high. Early ’43 and my chances of being competitive with KB will dwindle quickly as the year rolls on.

Any comments most appreciated. Can someone through me some stats on how far the American/British ship board search planes can fly before they hit the limit of their search?

To reply with a classic quote - “ATTACK. REPEAT. ATTACK.”

Although Wake is not important enough to risk losing KB, it is an opportunity to inflict damage with a hit-and-run strike.

KB is not spotted yet so you may suprise your opponent.

The enemy Death Star and its CAP and AA will only grow stronger from 1943 onwards - so the odds will get worse, better to strike now when there still is a chance to inflict damage.

Too bad Wake has no supplies, otherwise you could move some LBA fighters to Wake for CAP. Your opponent probably knows that his forces have been spotted and surprise is off, so he may launch preliminary airstrikes a day before the invasion. Fighter opposition on Wake may prompt your opponent to assign more escorts for D-Day - that would be the day to strike at the Allied carries from the flank against weakened CAP.

But as it is, your plan for a stand-off air strike at the transports followed by a rush of the BBs looks like the best option to me. Then get out and hope a sub gets a lucky shot.

Good luck.

[SierraJuliet]

ORIGINAL: RangerJoe

Two Destroyer task forces with aggression sent to low might help. They go in, spot the enemy, launch torpedoes and skedaddle. Hopefully before any major damage occurs. Light cruisers could also be used but the are not as maneuverable.

MTBs moving with other ships in an Escort TF could also work. The other ships would refuel the MTBs, then the MTBs would be released in 2 ship task forces for their ride to glory . . . I actually did have a PT boat torpedo the Kaga in one game.

It is probably too late but the next time, have some subs loaded with mines. Even a floating minefield at sea laid that turn or before could mess some ships up. Sub transports from 1 hex away sending minisubs could also help. Anything to delay and increase damage.

Depending upon how good your Kate pilots are, you might want to sandbox this, but if they have very high experience and torpedo skills, a night torpedo attack on the invasion site might work. The transports should not be moving and AAA is halved. You might get lucky against the carriers but loaded transports are easier to sink. That might also help the defenders a lot more. You could also arrange it so you can be too far away from his carriers for them to strike you.

Well I have a grand total of 6 destroyers available. Probably not as topped up on fuel as I would like them to be and it would be stripping KB of destroyer escort. Haven't noticed any American subs (yet) as they seem to be fairly well placed all over the map trying to cause mayhem. No light cruisers within cooee I'm afraid. Same for MTBs. Wake is such a long hop from anywhere, kind of like going to retrieve the ball from long off at the MCG.

Subs with mines... something for later in the game. They would have worked a treat here as Ed has picked a dead straight line for the run in course to Wake.

I have contemplated the very thought of night torpedo attacks and have always came to the same conclusion that their ex and torp skills were never enough. Then again that didn't seem to be a problem for the pilots over Taranto or the brave souls Ark Royal sent out in weather most foul to hunt down Bismarck. You do at least have me looking through the skill levels of my Kate pilots. I might be surprised.

[SierraJuliet]

ORIGINAL: Bif1961

It depends what he has on his carriers, if he is using standard SBDs then 8 would be maximum. If he is using Vindicators with drop tanks on then they have a range of 10. If he is using F4F7Ps then you will run the risk of being spotted very far away as they have a range of 2,650 miles, with an operational range of 21. The good news is they made only 21 of them but did have one on some carriers, so they are carrier capable. If I were him I would have some if not all of them split up among my carriers to provide long range recon and naval search. What you didn't say was if any recon has been noticed over Guam. If the answer is yes how far away was the nearest American TF at the time. If no then you might have a way of answering the question as he would use some of them to recon Wake from long distance as he approached.

Thanks Bif. I would have thought the Vindicators would be long gone from his main strike carriers by now. 8 range is bad enough but 10... I should head for home now. 8 is a problem if I want to use those Vals with a max only of 7. This helps me think that saying hidden and going for the beaches is my best shot. F4F7Ps.... guess where I shall soon be going to find out what this nasty is. I will have a look a search reports for Guam and company. They certainly have some range. How far can the stock standard float planes carried on the BBs and CAs go.

[SierraJuliet]

ORIGINAL: LargeSlowTarget

ORIGINAL: SierraJuliet

Calling on sage advice to assist with formulating a response to the developing situation east of Wake Island. At the cost of 1 Mavis scout plane (no prizes for guessing that American carriers are afoot) the size of the American presence becomes more apparent. Their fleets have moved westward 6 hexes since the previous day. If they stay on this course their transports should be 1 hex off Wake in 2 days time.

KB (Akagi, Shokaku, Zuikaku, Hiryu and Soryu + Kirishima, Hiei, Chiyoda, Chitose and 6 destroyers) is currently at Marcus Island. Had to make an unexpected stop over to fetch an Admiral to run things. Some one neglected to have the Admiral go on board at Yokohama before the fleet sailed. If KB does a 12-hex run it will be to the west of Wake and in position. Must do some checking on how far KB gets to Eniwetok – don’t want search planes from there getting a whiff. KB is stocked with 22 A6M5, 57 A6M3a, 81 A6M2, 133 Val and 80 Kate. Missing Kaga now without a doubt. Slightly overstocked with fighters but that will hopefully help with my game plan. Way too many A6M2 still on hand but it is what I have a present. Zuikaku and Shokaku have air radar although my plan is not to face the might of the Amierican air power. If I do it will be curtains.

As for Wake Island – it won’t last long once Americans hit the beaches. We have a paltry 33 supply left but all forces (134 AV behind level 4 forts are fully supplied – at present). The Americans will not be impeded by mines. I have search planes here but will only keep them here for one day more before pulling them out.

All available subs have been vectored here to help with spotting Allied vessels and maybe get lucky.

The weather may play a role. At present the conditions do look perfect but there is some foul weather to the south. Will keep an eye out and see if it changes in the next day or two. Moonlight is down to 3% so if Ed has timed his run for a moonless night, he has got it right.

My thinking (I’d call it a plan, but it is more contemplation of possibilities) then, if I can keep KB under wraps, is to keep KB in the wings and awaiting the Americans. Strongly thinking of detaching Kirishima, Hiei and a couple of destroyers to intercept the bombardment force and chance their luck. Then if KB is still unsighted look at a massed strike to hit the transports as they are dropping troops on the shore. Given the high number of Allied fleets about the danger of dispersal will high if I go after the carriers so hitting the landing ships might work best.

Then again, I could just call it a day and leave Wake to flounder and keep KB for another day. So, in a nutshell is it worth attempting a surprise or is the danger of losing KB without really achieving anything too high. Early ’43 and my chances of being competitive with KB will dwindle quickly as the year rolls on.

Any comments most appreciated. Can someone through me some stats on how far the American/British ship board search planes can fly before they hit the limit of their search?

To reply with a classic quote - “ATTACK. REPEAT. ATTACK.”

Although Wake is not important enough to risk losing KB, it is an opportunity to inflict damage with a hit-and-run strike.

KB is not spotted yet so you may suprise your opponent.

The enemy Death Star and its CAP and AA will only grow stronger from 1943 onwards - so the odds will get worse, better to strike now when there still is a chance to inflict damage.

Too bad Wake has no supplies, otherwise you could move some LBA fighters to Wake for CAP. Your opponent probably knows that his forces have been spotted and surprise is off, so he may launch preliminary airstrikes a day before the invasion. Fighter opposition on Wake may prompt your opponent to assign more escorts for D-Day - that would be the day to strike at the Allied carries from the flank against weakened CAP.

But as it is, your plan for a stand-off air strike at the transports followed by a rush of the BBs looks like the best option to me. Then get out and hope a sub gets a lucky shot.

Good luck.

I like your thinking and wish it was as easy as just sending out that order.

One shot down Mavis certainly should have let Ed know that I know he is on the way. Concur on the death star getting stronger... it is already a monster. Losing KB now will be the green light for a swift Pacific re conquest by the Americans... forget about the sideshow in Burma. If I can dent the Americans and keep KB in the game it should give me a little breathing space. The opportunity is here and it should not be spurned. It won't come around again.

Supply at Wake had been a sleeper for a while. The reason that KB was a sea was to escort a supply convoy to Wake - sounds a bit like overkill using all of KB but my thinking was all or nothing. That convoy will now stop at Marcus and KB will forge on alone. Surprise is my ace if I can maintain it. The other aspect is the weather. It is good now but in a day or so it may have changed and make things very interesting.

[SierraJuliet]

Looks like no search planes reported over Guam, Tinian or Saipan. Checked out the F4F7. What a phenomenal search plane.

New complication when looking through KB. For reasons beyond me half of the strike planes are down for maintenance. Fighters are all good just the Vals and Kates. Max of 5 days to have them all available! Talk about a spanner in the works. Better to know now instead of wondering why only a paltry strike set out.

I have posted the new planned patrol position for KB. It should have KB about 19 hexes away from the next expected waypoint for the Allied fleets. It should also be far enough away from snooping eyes based at Eniwetok. The forecast for Marcus Island is thunderstorms so perhaps the weather in this location may also be inclement enough to hide the fleet.

Checked out the experience values of the Kate pilots. Just a few in the 80s with most in the 70s. From what I have read not anywhere near high enough to contemplate pulling off a successful night strike.

[GetAssista]

ORIGINAL: SierraJuliet
Thanks Bif. I would have thought the Vindicators would be long gone from his main strike carriers by now. 8 range is bad enough but 10... I should head for home now. 8 is a problem if I want to use those Vals with a max only of 7. This helps me think that saying hidden and going for the beaches is my best shot. F4F7Ps.... guess where I shall soon be going to find out what this nasty is. I will have a look a search reports for Guam and company. They certainly have some range. How far can the stock standard float planes carried on the BBs and CAs go.

Just a reminder that carrier naval attacks cannot happen in excess of range 7 for Allies or range 8 for Japan

[RangerJoe]

I am also referring to Bettys and Nells on night torpedo attacks. Check those pilots as well. I have had success using Catalinas also. But Emilys and Mavises use four engines so if lost, that is a lot of HI for replacements.

But now you know to have certain things set up such as subs with mines. Wait for the net attack or when you can catch him. Or even during his withdrawl to catch any damaged ships. But if you can send CVs home on escort status prior to any naval air attacks, it just makes it that much nicer for you. Not to mention flooding his egress path with submarines when his DDs may be damaged.

[Bif1961]

The standard Kingfisher float planes are a range of 6.

[SierraJuliet]

4 January 1943

HOME ISLANDS

SS Tarpon launches 4 torpedoes and misses at 109,63 near Ise.

Japanese Ships

DD Tsuga
TK Toa Maru
TK San Clemente Maru

PACIFIC

SS I-33 is sighted by escort at 143,98 – guessing this constitutes the main landing force.

Japanese Ships

SS I-33^, hits 1

Allied Ships

BB Resolution~
BB Colorado
BB Maryland
CA Houston
DD Mugford
DD Helm
AP Ernest Hinds~+
AP President Taylor
AP President Buchanan~
AP President Tyler~
AP Monterey
AP William Ward Burrows
AP President Monroe
AP McCawley
AP Fuller
AK Procyon
AK Mercury
AK Almaack
AK Carina
DD Balch
DD Phelps
DD Jarvis

SS I-166 launches 4 torpedoes and misses at 143,98 near Wake Island.

Japanese Ships

SS I-166, hits 4

Allied Ships

DD Wilson
BB South Dakota
CA Chicago
CA Chester
CLAA Juneau
CLAA Atlanta
DD Sterett
DD Stack
DD Clark
DD Lang

SS I-33 launches 6 torpedoes and misses at 143,98 near Wake Island.

Japanese Ships

SS I-33^, hits 3

Allied Ships

DD Saufley
DD Nicholas
DD Grayson
DD Gwin

CHINA

Japanese morning Air attacks on Chengchow – 1 airbase hit, 1 airbase supply hit and 19 runway hits.

DEI

Japanese deliberate attack at 68,104 near Kolaka.

Attacking force 547 troops, 3 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 22
Defending force 90 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1

Japanese adjusted assault: 11
Allied adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 11 to 1

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

Assaulting units:
II/81st Naval Guard Unit

Defending units:
Kendari Cdo

BURMA

59/47 is occupied by the Japanese.




Repairs completed on PB Edo Maru at Yokohama=+, ship returned to service
Repairs completed on PB Take at Manila, ship returned to service

B5N1 Kate-Kankoh from Shoho-2 attacking a Electric Boat S-18 class SS at 106,124
a O19 Class class SS is reported HIT
Ki-48-Ib Lily-Sokei from 8th Sentai attacking a Barracuda class SS at 85,71
Ki-51a Sonia_ from 71st I.F.Chutai' attacking a Electric Boat S-18 class SS at 85,71
an Allied SS is reported HIT

Yokohama=+ expands airfield to size 6
Saigon expands fortifications to size 3
Pagan expands fortifications to size 3
Corvallis expands airfield to size 7

Ki-43-IIa Oscar upgrading to Ki-43-IIb Oscar at Maebashi
Ki-43-IIa Oscar upgrading to Ki-43-IIb Oscar at Harbin

DD Isonami beginning refit in shipyard at Manila
PB Take beginning refit in shipyard at Manila

Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Phnom Penh (58, 69)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Clark Field (79, 76)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Kuching (58, 88)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at Pucheng (86, 57)!
Low garrison leads to damage and 1 VP loss from partisan attack at 77/56 (77, 56)!

49th JAAF AF Bn arrives at Sapporo

As expected, the Allied fleet turns up another 6 hexes closer to Wake Island. Time for my aerial recon to bug out from Wake. I have a couple of I-Boats with float planes aboard. I shall employ them to do aerial search over Wake during the night time – should help to keep detection levels up. I have attached the map with weather reports. There is some foul weather around – I do wonder if it might be of assistance. Also wondering if the Allies will park their carriers 1 hex to the east of Wake or will they start moving around. A wondering death star will make a response for me difficult. A stationiary death star would be a big help. The maintenance issues with my strike plans is a drawn-out affair. Those planes that were taken out of service – most were for 4-5 days – too long I expect. Then again it may be good in that it will force me to wait before exposing KB – should it come to that. KB remains unsighted this turn.

[SierraJuliet]

ORIGINAL: RangerJoe

I am also referring to Bettys and Nells on night torpedo attacks. Check those pilots as well. I have had success using Catalinas also. But Emilys and Mavises use four engines so if lost, that is a lot of HI for replacements.

But now you know to have certain things set up such as subs with mines. Wait for the net attack or when you can catch him. Or even during his withdrawl to catch any damaged ships. But if you can send CVs home on escort status prior to any naval air attacks, it just makes it that much nicer for you. Not to mention flooding his egress path with submarines when his DDs may be damaged.

Thanks I shall check them out. Looking now at adding extra enhancements at Saipan, Tinian and Guam.