From Here to Eternity 1275psi (J) vs Cantona2 (A)

[cantona2]

28th February 1942

The end fo February sees the return of the Japanese to Java to relieve their two trapped divisions. A mixed brigade took back Merak and they were supported by at least 8 battleships that pounded Batavia and Kalidjati. This was after the KNIL PT Squadron had dispruted the initial attempt to land at Merak and the sinking of two transports will landing its forces in a second attempt. Luckily for the PTs their rebasing meant they survived the onslaught. Japan it seems is now taking its invasion of Java seriously.

Slightly to the East Japanese forces are taking the Dutch islands off the Australian coast but it has come at a cost. USS S-37 sank two torpedoes into the Zuikaku off Molu and heavily damaged the light cruiser Kashi off Babar.

Sub attack near Molu at 78,115

Japanese Ships
CV Zuikaku, Torpedo hits 2, heavy damage
BB Mutsu
BB Kirishima
CA Chikuma
CL Abukuma
DD Hamakaze
DD Akigumo
DD Shigure
DD Shiratsuyu
DD Kasumi
DD Tanikaze

Allied Ships
SS S-37

[cantona2]

Herb and I have continued our game though we both stopped our AARs due to lack of time and inspiration.

I am going to pick mine up and the current game date is 3rd December 1942, almost one year in game time. I will provide a synopsis of what has happened and the current state of play theatre by theatre.

[cantona2]

Burma - India Area of Operations

The Japanese occupied most of Burma after a protracted campaign which saw British forces conduct a fighting withdrawal up the Irrawady and through the Arakan. There were no major routs and no major encirclement and destruction of British and Commonwealth forces except for several rear guard units that were slow to retreat. The Indian border was first reached in May 1942 but it was a few weeks later that the Japanese were still mopping up in Eastern Burma. The RAF and USAAF were able to maintain the fight for aerial supremacy and this enbaled most support and AA units to withdraw in good order into India. Indeed RAF fighter squadrons have been crucial in keeping southern Indian skies clear of enemy planes. A short advance by the Japanese 33rd Infantry Division was bloodily sent packing at Imphal and that was the last time the enemy have advacned in the theatre.

August - December has seen intensive aerial action over Cox's Bazzar and Chittaong in particular. The arrival of the Hurricane IIC saw a qualitative advantage over the Oscars Ic the IJAAF was operating over Burmese skies. Losses have been kept to a minimum and an extensive network of supporting airfields have been constructed in the area. At one point the main IJAAF bomber force was employed to suppress our airforces but a disastrous two days in late Septmeber over Chittagong, which saw several squadrons of Sallys decimated, has seen the removal of these mass bomber raids. Indeed, Allied airforces have taken to the offensive to the Japanese especially at night. Targets as far as Haiphong have been struck by Liberators while Blenheims, Wellingtons and Mitchells suppress the advance airfields the Japanese have planes on. Recon is regularly flown over Rangoon, Moulmein and Magwe while on the ground a steady build up of forces has begun.

[cantona2]

Main targets in Burma

[cantona2]

Dutch East Indies

Japanese operations mopped up by late April 1942 with the Dutch putting a spirited fight in the mounatins of central Java. Herb had to reinforce his intial assault and had to employ the full KB to support operations to a successful conclusion. Most of the Dutch navy escaped to Australia and though most Dutch air units fought to the bitter end valuable and experienced naval search planes and crews are now flying from British and Australian bases.

Sumatra fell a month later coinciding with the fall of Singapore, where several Japanese divisions were bled white. A protracted submarine campaign is now in full force targetting Japanese fuelling hubs and areas of oil production. My biggest problem here is the dud rate (soon to fall in January 1943) with subs time and again hitting his shipping lanes but torps not exploding on impact.

Herb has been building a solid line of bases and has dug in considerably. Intel suggests the moving in of many engineer and defence units backed by several line divisons as well. This area has also seen the last two forrays of the KB and the main battleline of the IJN. Darwin has been raided twice but has been defended strongly by the RAAF and the USAAF, the latter is now deployed in great strength in Australia.

A slow Japanese build up has meant that the Allies were able to maintain control over Merauke and this has been developed into a strong base hosting fighters and search planes giving us a good idea of enemy ship movements in the area. During the IJN's last forray the light cruiser Katroi was sunk by Merauke based A-29s. The Allies have complete control over the Torres Strait and both Groote Eylandt and the Wessel Islands are being developed to take the fight to the Japanese in the area.

[cantona2]

The Solomons

Rabaul has been developed into a major base and once secured has served as a hub for a consolidation of the surrounding area. Manus and Kavieng now sport major airfields that have denied the enemy the use of Truk as a forward operating base. In recent weeks several submarines and transports have been sunk there.

The KB has twice tried to disrupt preparations here but a massive concentration of submarines, especially around Japanese bases at Peleliu and Babeldaob, along with several dud hits on his fleet carriers made Herb withdraw. USAAF and RAAF squadrons once again worked well together and the only setback in this theatre was the rebuttal to further develop the abandoned base at Hollandia. Though troops were landed the Japanese hit fiercely with land based bombers and the main battleline meaning the endeavour had to be abandoned and focus was then directed to North East New Guinea.

At the moment Japanese submarines are trying to disrupt operations that are being directed at full force with a mass of engineering and base units flooding in to put pressure on Japanese based in the nort of Dutch New Guinea.

The CV Wasp was hit by two sub launched torpedoes in March 1942 but was safely escorted out of the area and is fully operational at Pearl Harbour alongside the Hornet that supported ops in the Solomons and the Marshalls before heading home for refit and rest. More about US carriers in another post.

[cantona2]

The Marshall Islands

Japanese movements in the area had been at a minimum since the outbreak of hostilties. A tentative attack on Wake Island was repulsed and little else.

When it became clear to the Allied command that the Japanese main effort was going to be made elsewher, the decision was made to move in, attack and occupy the Marshall Islands. US carriers supported the initial assault on Kwajalein and Roi-Namur with elements of the 2nd Marine Division spearheading the attack. Both bases fell in quick order and only light naval units were employed by the enemy in defence.

Both bases were secured and developed while further operations followed to mop up on Jaluit, Wotje, Maleolap and Makin Atoll. Eniwetok has be reconed and is empty of enemy presence while Majuro and Mili will soon fall giving the USN a solid base of operations moving forward.

[cantona2]

The Battle of the North Pacific

As USS Hornet and USS Wasp were off supporting operations in the Solomons and the Marshalls, the Enterprise, the Lexington and Yorktown were completing refits and upgrading their air arms at Pearl Harbour. The aim was to reunite with their sisters and form three carrier divisions with a view to moving either up the Solomons and through the Central Pacific. A chance naval sighting and a radio intercept changed that sometime in mid August 1942. Search planes out of Adak Isalnd reported in the 10th that enemy light carreier units had been spotted on a westerly heading at the extreme range of the Catalinas they were flying. The next day another Catalina unit, this one based in Dutch Harbour, again at its range limit, reported the sighting of a light cruiser leading a gaggle of destroyers. That same afternoon radio intell had identified the call sign of the light carrier Zuiho in the general area where the Catalinas had made their sighting.

Admiral Halsey immediately requested permission to take the three carriers North to intercept and sink the Light Carrier Force (as the sighting was now being referred too). He aruged the point that his three fleet carriers would out match the enemy's light units. He would interpose himself between the Japanese ships and Japan (or any following oilers) while his own ships would be a stones throw away from resupply in the Aleutians. Despite the lack of more solid intelligence the operation was given the go ahead in the hope of a much need morale boosting win. What followed however was fresh out of a horror story.

Halsey shadowed the Japanese fleet for two days. His search planes dodged in and out of the clouds but the weather in the North Pacific can be treacherous, even in the Summer. Sudden squalls of rain and storm clouds obscured the real danger. The Dauntless pilots were so intent on looking for a light carrier that the didnt even think that larger predators were at large, and closer than they thought. The first sign of danger was the shooting down of an enemy B5N2 bomber in a vector where no enemy ships were expected. The second sign followed the next morning when the latest intell put the fleet carrier Kaga and the battleship Kirishima somewhere in the North Pacific. All of a sudden it was no longer a 'Light Carrier Force' at large.

Early next morning Halsey's worst fears were realised as his search planes reported the sighting of 6 enemy fleet carriers and attendant battleships and cruisers some 85 miles offto the South West, behind him! He immediately ordered a strike aloft from all three ships leaving behind a substantial CAP over his ships. 35 minutes after the planes left the sky darkened. Hundred of enemy carrier planes filled the air as thety began to dive onto the American carriers. The Wildcats put up a brave but forlon defence as they were swarmed by plane after plane. Suffice to say the cream of the US Navy was soon on the bottom of the North Pacific with only the heavily damaged USS Northampton able to limp back to Seattle to report the defeat.

The most damning post script however was that the US strike did find the enemy fleet and did punch 60 or so Dauntlesses and Avengers through the CAP. Not one bomb or torpedo hit was recored on any enemy ship. A disastrous operation that left the Navy hamstrung for the immediate future.

[PaxMondo]

Cantona,

Thanks for the update, have missed both you and Herb in the forums; 2 of our best AAR writers.

NP: Well, clearly Herb has not lost his touch for air ops. Dropping 3 USN CV's without a scratch? Ouch. how bad were his pilot losses?

My other comment is how atypical of Herb; he isn't really pushing the frontier at all in this game. A new strategy from him ... going to be a VERY interesting '44.

[cantona2]

ORIGINAL: PaxMondo

Cantona,

Thanks for the update, have missed both you and Herb in the forums; 2 of our best AAR writers.

NP: Well, clearly Herb has not lost his touch for air ops. Dropping 3 USN CV's without a scratch? Ouch. how bad were his pilot losses?

My other comment is how atypical of Herb; he isn't really pushing the frontier at all in this game. A new strategy from him ... going to be a VERY interesting '44.

Hi Pax

thanks for the comments. Yes i think Herb is going for a limited permieter and solid defence this time around. Lets see if I can poke the hornets nest and force his hand here and there. More updates to come soon.

His pilot losses if I recall were manageable. When the KB appeared in the Darwin area after the NoPac action though he didnt bring it in close to engage so maybe he has lost his top echelon pilots. He did suffer horrendous Zero losses in the PH attack as well.

[Q-Ball]

Unusual opening.....you've lost 3 USN CVs, but fully control the Solomons, which went unoccupied. I don't think I've ever seen a Japanese player just not occupy Rabaul. Interesting gambit.....

I will say that the Solomons are overrated, IMO, in terms of strategic importance, but that's my opinion.

[cantona2]

December 5th 1942

[PaxMondo]

ORIGINAL: Q-Ball

Unusual opening.....you've lost 3 USN CVs, but fully control the Solomons, which went unoccupied. I don't think I've ever seen a Japanese player just not occupy Rabaul. Interesting gambit.....

I will say that the Solomons are overrated, IMO, in terms of strategic importance, but that's my opinion.

I would agree with you ...

[cantona2]

6th December 1942

As planned and as expected the 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment conducted the first Allied airborne operation of the Pacific War. In the early hours of the 6th December, almost a year to the day of the opening of hostilities they dropped out of C-47s of the 19th TCS based at Roi-Namur and descended on the atoll of Eniwetok. Recon had suggested an unopposed drop and so it was. This last action consolidated the American hold on the Marshall Islands and the mopping up of Majuro and Mili would be completed in the folowing weeks. The task was now to build up the bases and turn them into a bulwark from which to project American power into the Central Pacific.

[cantona2]

Radio intell had suggested that the enemy's heavy surface units had raised steam (Herbs last email [:)]). Allied commanders suspected another forray into Northern Australia as the units building up the bases in the Gulf of Carpentaria and the Arafura Sea were reporting the sightings of Japanese recon aircraft.

Submarines patrolling the Makassar Strait reported two contacts and action against heavy cruisers of the IJN. Both the SS Seadragon and the Dutch KXVIII both reported being dpeth charged by destroyers escorting heavy cruisers on a South Westerly heading through the Strait.

[Bif1961]

Well come back always enjoy your excellent AARs. My war is about 10 months behind your own and we are both Allies and as mentioned earlier your opponent has been going for a smaller more combat defensive area than historical. Don't beat yourself up too badly I lost the Enterprise and Lexington in the Coral Sea for nothing in the first 3 weeks of the war.

[cantona2]

ORIGINAL: Bif1961

Well come back always enjoy your excellent AARs. My war is about 10 months behind your own and we are both Allies and as mentioned earlier your opponent has been going for a smaller more combat defensive area than historical. Don't beat yourself up too badly I lost the Enterprise and Lexington in the Coral Sea for nothing in the first 3 weeks of the war.

Thanks Bif

[cantona2]

9th December 1942

Radio intercepts collected at Colombo had indicated that the Japanese were moving to occupy the island of Trinkat in the Greater Nicobars. RN Eastern Fleet Command had formed a raiding task force headed by HMS Illustrious and HMS Price of Wales to move into an ambush-strike position, with HMS Revenge following as heavy cover. The British ships had held station for a few days remaining undetected by Japanese air search but there was no sign of Japanese ships appraoching Trinkat either. Submarines staking out the island reported the all clear and it seemed that HMS Illustrious would be redeploying back to the Med without seeing any action.

This, however may change with the news received early on the morning of the 9th December. Catalina I's of 240 Squadron flying out of Koggala reported the sighting of a large convoy approaching Port Blair. The report stated it was lightly escorted and RN Eastern Fleet Command suspected it was the convoy engaged by HMS Trusty in the Strait of Malacca three days ago.

As such new orders were transmitted. HMS Revegne, would detach its destroyers and it would merge with the Illustrious task force. Commander Evans would then take a squadron of 6 fast destroyers into Port Blair with the intention of disrputing Japanese intentions there. HMS Illustrious would sail North to a poisiton some 280 NM off the west coast of Port Blair and prep its torpedo planes for a strike.

[BBfanboy]

Nice ambush setup. Here's hoping ...

[cantona2]

10th December 1942

Port Blair

Commander Evans, RN, Officer Commanding HMS Nepal. AAR Report

Sirs,

Following recon report forwarded by No. 240 Squadron I was ordered by Captain Morgan, O/C HMS Revenge, to detached from escorting his ship and lead destroyer squadron into Port Blair to attack enemy transports unloading there. Following ships made up squadron:

HMS Nepal
HMS Norman
HMS Inconstant
HMS Foxhound
HMS Arrow
HMS Hotspur

Port Blair anchorage made by 02:34, low moonlight and heavy weather hid our approach and we surprised the enemy vessels unloading at anchor. 5 small transports were escorted by two enemy destroyers. Squadron ordered to engage and free fire order passed on from my con to all commands. HMS Norman scored a hit on a transport with her first salvo setting target alight. At this enemey escorts began to return fire with HMS Nepal, HMS Inconstant and HMS Hotspur coming under fire from ship suspected to be a Kagero class destroyer. HMS Inconstant was hit by two salvoes which started a fire in her fore deck.

Squadron closed to torpedo range and a full salvo fired, only one hit recored on enemy destroyer that sunk soon after. However, said enemy vessel had severly punished HMS Inconstant that dropped speed and fell out of formation. Rest of squadron opened fire on enemy transports and three were quick alight. Second enemy destroyer (no solid identification possible) tried to shield transports but in vain. One was seen to sink while a second was listing heavily and aflame.

Oreder to disengage was given at 03:56 as several ships were reporting low ammunition on main guns and no more torpedoes left. Full speed ahead order given and HMS Norman detached to escort HMS Inconstant who could not maintain full speed.

Report sent to HMS Illustrious about nature and number of vessels engaged.

Commander D.Evans, RN, Officer Commanding HMS Nepal

Night Time Surface Combat, near Port Blair at 46,58, Range 2,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Kagero, Shell hits 8, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Oyashio, Shell hits 1
xAKL Kanaiyama Maru, Shell hits 14, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAKL Kennichi Maru, Shell hits 2, on fire
xAKL Konsan Maru, Shell hits 21, and is sunk
xAKL Tonegawa Maru, Shell hits 1
xAKL Taiyu Maru

Allied Ships
DD Arrow
DD Foxhound
DD Hotspur, Shell hits 1
DD Inconstant, Shell hits 10, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Nepal
DD Norman