"Bakayaro!" DBB-C vs LST(A) Jpn AAR: Feb 43 Summary

[RangerJoe]

ORIGINAL: holdwyne

By raising the levels air and sea for certain bases in Japan Home Islands ie.. Fukuoka, Tsushima, Ominato, Takamatsu
there are efficiencies in storage (over 10 levels air/sea combined) and land bridge benefits.. I'm pretty sure anyway.
I like the Ki 102b Randy because you can convert bomber units to fighter units when the planes become available late in the war,
even with restricted upgrades and PDU off.. again I'm pretty sure.
This airframe has decent survivability against Allied Bombers.
I'm surprised to learn refining creates supply in this mod, is it at the same rate as in the stock game?
It may be worth expanding some refineries in occupied bases.

Gasoline and diesel fuel are supplies in this game. So those should be the supplies prouced by refineries besides the lubricating petroleum oils and greases.

No need to expand refineries, you won't get enough oil.

[RangerJoe]

If you fly Bettys and Nells on LoW Naval attack with torpedoes as the armament but with no torpedoes selected, they will attack with a full bomb load.

If you did the same thing bombs selected, you would only get half the bomb load.

[IdahoNYer]

ORIGINAL: RangerJoe

If you fly Bettys and Nells on LoW Naval attack with torpedoes as the armament but with no torpedoes selected, they will attack with a full bomb load.

The problem at this point in the early campaign is that pilots have very, very poor capabilities at low naval - and even now, Allied AA is fearsome in surface task forces. Not worth it to go low....

[IdahoNYer]

2-3 Feb 42

Highlights – B17s hit Norfolk Is with good effect; Java and Moresby Amph operations underway.

Jpn ships sunk: None

Allied ships sunk:
SS: 1 (KIX)
xAKL: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 07
Allied: 06

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attack, 0 ships hit
Allies: 6 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv:
Waingapoe (DEI)

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized:
Bassein (Burma)
Meiktila (Burma – flipped)
Munda (South Pacific)
Palopo (DEI)
Babar (SW Pacific)
Lomblen (SW Pacific)

SIGINT/Intel: Much ground movement south of Soerabaja towards the “diversion” Bn landing conducted at Banjoewangi on the eastern tip of Java.

Japan/Industry: I’ve increased R&D for the Helen factory from 14 to 30. Its already at 14 and producing some R&D, so I figure once it gets to 30, I’ll shift it to armored Helens and get them in sooner – I don’t get many squadrons, but getting a few bombers with armor will really help – if I can get them in ’42.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: A reinforcement convoy with engineers and aviation support will depart Truk next turn for Wake. Perfect opportunity for a well timed Allied CV strike if L_S_T gets a SIGINT hit on this.

South Pacific: Moresby Amph TFs link up at the Torrez St and combine for the final dash to target next turn supported by a CA TF (2CA, CL, DDs) while the KB comes up to support off shore. Another CA TF (2CA, DDs) will depart Rabaul next turn to support as well – probably not needed for Moresby, but the next target, Horn Is – who’s Amph TF will depart Rabaul as well next turn. Hiryu TF has started towards the NW, and will refuel next turn. While the focus is on Moresby, B-17s out of Auckland hit Norfolk Island hard, wrecking the AF and destroying all supply. Nothing was dug in, so the damage was understandable – but I was surprised to see 30 B-17 sorites hit Norfolk; I could think of a few better targets in range in the DEI. Taiyo also begins to journey north as its Claude detachment is due to withdraw shortly.

DEI/SW Pacific: Tjepoe Amph TFs link up with the Mini-KB and supporting Haruna TF (BB, 3CA, DDs) for the final run into target next turn. So far, subs have been kept at bay with even a confirmed kill, but expect continued subs as well as MTB/PTs to attempt to interfere – in addition to air attacks. The landings will be covered by the Mini-KB, and Borneo based Zeros will fly cover over the Mini-KB. Singers based fighters will sweep Palembang for the first time, and I expect it to be bloody.

PI: NSTR.

Malaya/Burma: Minesweepers successfully sweep Singapore without any losses, so the xAPs will come in next turn to begin loading troops. In Burma, Bassein is taken without a fight, and Meiktila flips, but further advance is still on hold for the time being, with the exception of an RTA division closing on Lashio. On the positive side, torpedoes have arrived in Rangoon for the Bettys.

China: Flying Tigers sweep Nanyang again, so I’ve got a squadron of Oscars that will fly LRCAP in hopes they try it again. Not sure how the Oscars will fare against the H81-A3s, but its as good a time as any to find out. On the ground, will launch another attack on Wenchow supported by a BB bombardment run. Fingers crossed!

[RangerJoe]

ORIGINAL: IdahoNYer

ORIGINAL: RangerJoe

If you fly Bettys and Nells on LoW Naval attack with torpedoes as the armament but with no torpedoes selected, they will attack with a full bomb load.

The problem at this point in the early campaign is that pilots have very, very poor capabilities at low naval - and even now, Allied AA is fearsome in surface task forces. Not worth it to go low....

Mine seem to work pretty good - especially the Kates. Maybe the torpedo attack skill is used for them. Very useful when attacking a lot of merchant vessels and it is easier to hit those DDs.

[IdahoNYer]

4-5 Feb 42

Highlights – Java and Moresby Amphs go in; sweeps start against Palembang

Jpn ships sunk:
xAK: 1

Allied ships sunk:
PT: 1
xAKL: 5
AMc: 2

Air loss:
Jpn: 25
Allied: 25

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attack, 0 ships hit
Allies: 2 Attacks, 1 ship hit (xAK sunk)

Jpn Amph Inv:
Tjepoe (DEI)
Alor (SW Pacific)
Taborfane (SW Pacific)
Port Moresby (South Pacific)

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized:
Tsiaotso (China)
Makassar (DEI)
Tambelan-eilanden (DEI – flipped)
Waingapoe (SW Pacific)
Ramree Island (Burma – flipped)

SIGINT/Intel: Still curious why about 10k troops have apparently pulled out of Soerabaja to contest the single IJA IN Bn’s advance from the eastern tip of Java – all too much combat power for such a minimal IJA force – perhaps those level 1 ports at Malang or Probolinggo are where that Allied cruiser force disappeared to – and are now trying to avoid being detected? That’s the only thing I can think of….but recon hasn’t found anything yet….

Japan/Industry: CVL Shoho has rendezvoused with the newly repaired CA Suzuya at Hiroshima and will head to Truk with 3 DDs. The first convoy with DEI oil docked at Nagasaki and begins unloading; will turn around with CVE Hosho as an ASW carrier – she has 21 Jeans that have been brought to reasonable ASW training.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: A Mavis out of Paramushiro reported some ships near Bering Island – could be some whales or another raid…subs are deployed and a squadron of Bettys ready to fly on Hokkaido.

Central Pacific: Wake bound convoy still heading in to the atoll, no sign of Allied interference. Will fly a squadron of Zeros to Wake next turn to provide some CAP just in case.

South Pacific: Moresby Amph goes in with one xAK-t being set afire by a single CD round – other than that, no issues. KB found and sunk a few xAKLs at sea from Cooktown to Terapo, but no warships other than subs found. Moresby has about 10k defenders – looks like all the Aussie outposts were brought in to Moresby to make their stand here. So the attacking force of the 65th IN Bde, 144 IN Reg and an SNLF will have their work cut out for them. The KB will move somewhat to the NW to avoid subs and position to cover the next landing at Horn Island; that Amph TF is just clearing the Torrez Strait. B-17s hit Norfolk Island again, but only with a single raid of 17 bombers, inflicting some 250 casualties. CV Hiryu and CVE Taiyo TFs, just refueled, will position nearby to set up a CAP trap, although I’m sure I’ll lose more Zeros than B-17s.

DEI/SW Pacific: Tjepoe Amph goes in without any issue, only a single sub thwarted by ASW screen. No air attacks which is somewhat surprising. Defense is light, a single garrison battalion. The single “diversion” IN Bn was however pushed back from Probilinggo – by about 8k worth of troops. It will be reinforced by an SNLF just landed at Banjoewangi, but the best they can hope for is hold their current positions. Will increase recon efforts to find out why there is so much Allied combat power there – and hit those level 1 ports with Nettys..just in case. Next turn, will reinforce the Tjepoe Amph with an SNLF already at sea, and look to set up the next landing at Kalidjati with its level 4 AF, just east of Batavia – including some 2nd ID troops being loaded at Singers. This will be followed by landings at Merak and then finally at Ooosthaven. To support all this, the first Palembang sweeps went in, and did fairly well, 8 Dutch fighters shot down – no sign of US P-40s which was surprising. Will continue the sweeps with Oscars and a few Zeros. Lastly, Makassar is taken on Celebes, only a few guns remaining, the troops likely pulled out to reinforce Java’s defenses.

PI: A Bde from 38th ID advances onto Bataan – a minimal force to close it down until elements of the 21st ID can be brought over from Singers – still a major force in Manila that could advance out.

Malaya/Burma: 18th ID will begin shuttling troops across from Georgetown to land in Sumatra at Langsa via barge. Langsa reportedly vacant…will see how that goes.

China: The attack on Wenchow reduces forts to zero, but casualties aren’t light – although mostly disabled. Will swap out the badly battered 22nd ID for the 12th Mixed Bde and resume the attack when they complete their relief in place. Flying Tigers are engaged by Oscars over Canton and both lose about 5 a/c.

[IdahoNYer]

6-9 Feb 42

Highlights – Attack on Moresby is held but Horn Island taken; Tjepoe on Java taken while Wenchow in China continues to hold.

Jpn ships sunk:
SSX: 1 (mines off Brisbane)
xAK: 2

Allied ships sunk:
HDML: 3
PC: 1
AS: 1
xAP: 4
xAKL: 2
AMc: 1

Allied ships un-sunk:
DD: 1 (Evertsen)

Air loss:
Jpn: 37
Allied: 39

Subwar:
Jpn: 2 Attacks, 2 ships hit (AS, xAP sunk)
Allies: 4 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv:
Langsa (DEI)
Ndeni (South Pacific)
Reef Is (South Pacific)
Horn Island (South Pacific)
Roti (Southwest Pacific)
Dobo (Southwest Pacific)
Pantar (Southwest Pacific)

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost:
Dobadura (South Pacific)

Bases seized:
Magwe (Burma – flipped!!!)
Ndeni (South Pacific)
Alor (Southwest Pacific)
Taberfane (Southwest Pacific)
Tjepoe (DEI)
Lashio (Burma)
Reef Is (South Pacific)
Horn Is (South Pacific)
Langsa (DEI)
Dobo (Southwest Pacific)
Roti (Southwest Pacific)
Malang (DEI – Airborne landing)

SIGINT/Intel: Still no idea where that cruiser force disappeared near eastern Java, although a CL TF was sighted an engaged near Oosthaven by Netties – pretty sure this was a different TF as no heavies were sighted.

Japan/Industry: The Nakajima Ha-45 R&D efforts have accelerated the production to 8/43.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR

Central Pacific: Wake gets successfully reinforced with engineers and aviation support without issue.

South Pacific: Moresby turns out to be well fortified (level 3) and holds off the first attack inflicting almost 1000 casualties (although mostly disabled) against only 500 defenders. Moresby will require reinforcements to take, especially engineers – and will take time…just what L_S_T intended. Better news, although relatively minor, is that the very modern AS Fulton is sunk off Brisbane by I-22, which was there to launch an SSX to the harbor – which when launched, confirmed that Brisbane was protected by mines. The landings against Horn Island, preceded by a CA TF (2CA, DDs) bombardment and a small KB Kate sortie, eliminated the small base force and secured the island – where Jake air search is now established and recon will begin flying against Aussie bases in North Australia. The KB and supporting CA TF will now retire to Rabaul to rearm and refuel, CV Hiryu and CVE Taiyo still loitering near Norfolk Is for a few more days. May send Taiyo south into the Tasman Sea, but Hiryu will rejoin the KB.

DEI/SW Pacific: Tjepoe taken easily, and the landing forces will now advance on Soerabaja as well as due south to cut the island in half. Also, a small detachment of Paras secured Malang, cutting off about 6000 troops that were blocking that IJA Bn on the eastern tip. Will reinforce Malang by both air and sea to keep those troops bottled up. Nells sink 3 Dutch xAPs south of Batavia at Buitenzorg; not sure whether they were there to bring troops out or to reinforce – in any case, they weren’t loaded. Bettys and a few Mini-KB Kates attacked, but failed to score on a CL TF (5CL, DDs) at Oosthaven – probably brought up in anticipation of a landing. So, a naval threat still certainly exists. Amph convoys headed for Kalidjati rendezvoused with the Mini KB off the north Java coast, and will land next turn. The Kalidjati landing will secure the AF necessary to support landings at both Merak and Oosthaven, and troops will march on Batavia as well – which appears to be weakly held as L_S_T has begun moving troops to the interior mountain redoubt of Bandoeng. Sweeps continue against Palembang, and do well enough – 13 Oscars lost against 22 Dutch fighters. Still no P-40s in the mix. Will look to use Sallys for the first time to hit the AF next turn. B-17s finally show up again, this time hitting Tjepoe oil with good effect – fighters I had on CAP were pulled to sweep/LRCAP against Palembang. Grrr…

PI: NSTR

Malaya/Burma: 18th ID troops are successfully barged over the Malacca Strait and land at an empty base of Langsa on the north coast of Sumatra. With the base secured, will continue to bring over additional elements of the division (less the engineers and one IN Reg, heading to Moresby) The bigger news is that Magwe in Burma flipped – despite no IJA units within 2 hexes! While I’m glad to gain the base without a fight, its now a prime target for Allied bombers, with little if anything to prevent it. I fly in about 20 Oscars out of China, which will attempt to provide both day and night CAP, and ground support troops will be brought up from Rangoon as quickly as possible.

China: Wenchow continues to befuddle the 13th Army, holding another attack at a cost of 2000 casualties to only 800 Chinese despite no fortifications and another BB bombardment by Nagato and Mutsu. Will recover and rest a bit, as well as bring up another In Bde. At least this “delay” should allow a few units to move into position to block a withdrawal.

[IdahoNYer]

10-11 Feb 42

Highlights – Kalidjati Amph goes in, but troops fail to take the unoccupied base; Magwe hit by Brit bombers despite Oscar CAP.

Jpn ships sunk: None

Allied ships sunk:
SS: 2 (Cachalot, KXIV)

Allied ships un-sunk:
SS: 1 (KVIII)

Air loss:
Jpn: 22
Allied: 40

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 4 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv:
Kalidjati (DEI)
Duff Islands (South Pacific)
Endeh (Southwest Pacific)

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized:
Dobadura (South Pacific)
Duff Islands (South Pacific)
Madioen (DEI)
Pantar (Southwest Pacific)

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.

Japan/Industry: Buying out the first IJA IN Division from Manchuria – the 14th ID. Will be bought out in thirds, the first Bde heading to Port Arthur for transport to Southeast Pacific – Port Moresby if necessary. The remainder of the division will be bought out as PP become avail, all to head to Southeast Pacific.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: I-174 misses AMC Prince Robert west of Kiska – another sign that the outer Aleutians are being occupied. I could send a CL TF out to reconnoiter or raid, but the necessary DDs are right now more effectively employed on ASW work off Sakhalin.

Central Pacific: NSTR.

South Pacific: B-17s target Norfolk Is again, this time met by 7 Hiryu Zeros which lose one for perhaps some bombers damaged. At least it might give L_S_T pause to send bombers in again. Hiryu will change location a bit, but continue to provide LRCAP next turn while CVE Taiyo heads SSW into the Tasman Sea to disrupt shipping. Meanwhile, two CA TFs bombard Moresby inflicting a total of about 100 casualties as the KB crosses through the Torrez Strait enroute to Rabaul.

DEI/SW Pacific: About a division worth of troops come ashore at an undefended Kalidjati, but fail to take the base in any sort of attack, so its airfield isn’t secured. Troops advancing from Tjepoe are harassed by Dutch bombers which inflict only minor casualties, but take the formations out of march mode delaying the advance. The first Sally raid on Palembang did fair, 7 fighters destroyed on the ground with no friendly losses – minimal CAP was easily brushed aside. Unfortunately, the daily Sally raids and Oscar sweeps will be on hold next turn due to a lack of supply in Singers – no gas for the Oscar’s drop tanks until inbound supply convoys make port. Will look to raid Merak and Oosthaven with a CL TF (CL,DDs,DMS) next turn to hopefully clear MTBs and identify minefields prior to upcoming landings as the Mini KB continues to provide cover. On the eastern end, a BB TF (BB, 2CA, CL, DDs) will bombard withdrawing Dutch troops at Probolinggo before they reach Malang which will be reinforced by an SNLF unit coming in by sea and a slow trickle of infantry reinforcements coming in by air.

PI: NSTR

Malaya/Burma: Brit Blenheims hit Magwe oil, and although the 10 or so Oscars down 15 without loss, a few get through to inflict 9 hits. Will double the number of Oscars, but if L_S_T is willing to risk the bombers, some will continue to get through. What is needed is AA units, and they’ll have to be shipped out of Singers once I can free up some xAKs. 55th ID ground troops have reached Magwe, and with the RTA troops will look to push the Allied rear guard out of Mandalay. It does appear that Allies aren’t going to contest Burma at all, and their main force is now along the Indian frontier. So much for an amphib “end around” near Chittagong to cut off anything….oh well…

China: Flying Tigers sweep Canton in force against 8 Oscars on CAP; 4 H81s shot down in exchange for 6 Oscars. Will reinforce both Canton and Hong Kong with more Oscars currently at Hankow. Looks like I’m going to have to ramp up Oscar production…something I’ve been resisting to do to garner that magic 500 Ha-35 engine bonus, but I need more Oscar Ic models with an active air game in China.

[IdahoNYer]

12-13 Feb 42

Highlights – Zuiho sunk off Kalidjati!

Jpn ships sunk:
CVL: 1 (Zuiho)
PB: 1
CM: 1

Allied ships sunk:
CL: 1 (Sumatra)
SS: 1 (KVIII)
CM: 1
AVP: 1
AG: 2
AMc: 4

Allied ships un-sunk:
SS: 1 (O19)

Air loss:
Jpn: 45
Allied: 35

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 4 Attacks, 2 ships hit (CVL, PB sunk)

Jpn Amph Inv:
Larantoeka (Southwest Pacific)
Vanikoro (South Pacific)

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized:
Kalidjati (DEI)
Endeh (Southwest Pacific)
Sansapor (Southwest Pacific – flipped)
Tabar Is (South Pacific – flipped)

SIGINT/Intel: The “Sir Robin” withdrawals have done the Allies well; still no idea of major naval combatant locations or intent while subs, mines and a/c continue to attrit and slow the Japanese advance.

Japan/Industry: CA Mogami completed repairs at Kobe from her torpedo damage, and will head towards the Fleet once a pair of Mutsuki class DDs finish refit at Tokyo in a few days.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: NSTR.

South Pacific: KB arrives in Rabaul without issues; squadrons are brought up to full strength and a number of ships will have some minor repairs. Figure to leave the KB in Rabaul until I’m ready for the reinforcement of Pt. Moresby – an IN Reg of the 18th ID will begin loading shortly at Singers, joining its EN reg approaching Kendari. Hopefully that will be enough, along with routine cruiser bombardment runs. Hiryu remains loitering near Norfolk Is while Taiyo moves SW further into the Tasman Sea to interdict New Zealand to Aus shipping.

DEI/SW Pacific: Bottom line up front – Zuiho is torpedoed with 4 of 4 torpedoes from KXII which avoided the dedicated ASW TF and numerous other DDs theoretically protecting the carriers and other warships; the sub got away clean. Figured I had enough ASW ships plus ASW dedicated a/c to remain in the same hex – all because of Kalidjati not flipping when troops came ashore. Still should have shifted a hex or so – that seems to help avoid subs….usually. In any case, with Zuiho’s loss, taking with it the assigned LRCAP, Allied a/c were able to make numerous low level attacks on the CL TF (CL, 4DD, 2DMS) sent to hunt MTBs near Merak and Oosthaven. Fortunately no bombs hit out of over 50 separate attacks. The CL TF didn’t find any MTBs, or mines, but did sink a small support ship convoy apparently evacuating the area. Nells did a bit better, sinking CL Sumatra fleeing Java. Merak Amph will go in next turn, supported by LRCAP at the newly captured Kalidjati AF as troops already on the ground continue to fan out across Java. The long awaited Oosthaven Amph begins loading at Singers – two divisions plus support as 10 B-17s penetrate Singers CAP without loss to hit the port, sinking a small CM and planting a bomb into CL Kuma – only 3 sys dam, so apparently it was a dud. Lastly, the Mini KB will pull off the Java coast toward Billiton Is – hopefully avoiding subs and still in position to strike any Allied cruiser TFs that may still come up.

PI: The first echelon of the 21st ID arrives in Luzon and will move down to Clark as soon as they complete offloading.

Malaya/Burma: The Oscars at Magwe appear to be somewhat of deterrent as no raids come in. As some 55ID elements come up to reinforce the Thai units already forward, will look to clear Mandalay and see what is across the river at Shwebo.

China: NSTR.

[IdahoNYer]

14-15 Feb 42

Highlights – Merak landing goes in with numerous, but ineffective Allied Air response.

Jpn ships sunk: None

Allied ships sunk:
MTB: 1 (old)

Air loss:
Jpn: 17
Allied: 49

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit
Allies: 4 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv:
Merak (DEI)

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized:
Vanikoro (South Pacific)
Djokjakarta (DEI)
Probolinggo (DEI)
Semarang (DEI)
Larantoeka (Southwest Pacific)

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.

Japan/Industry: NSTR.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: NSTR.

South Pacific: CL Tenryu with 5 Mutsuki and one Kamikaze DDs will depart Rabaul next turn for Japan for refit – Tenryu will get the 4/42 upgrade and then convert to a CLAA. Tatsuta will follow once she returns from a fast transport run. With the KB doing minor repairs, pretty quiet right now. No sign of Allied activity.

DEI/SW Pacific: Merak Amphib draws 9 separate air attacks by Dutch LBA, all with no escort and savaged by LRCAP out of Kalidjati. Zeros and Oscars down about 40 bombers of all types at a cost of a Zero, and no bombs managed a hit. Subs also are pretty thick but fail to score, and a number of DDs are now of out of DCs. Will send the Amph TF back to Singers next turn with a number of DDs needing resupply of DCs, while the other supporting TFs withdraw to rendezvous with Mini-KB south of Billiton Island. The just loaded Oosthaven Amph TF will also rendezvous there before making the final run into to target in 3 days. 2+ Divisions will land to begin the drive to Palembang. The troops landed at undefended Merak will advance on Batavia to join troops advancing from Kalidjati. This will leave probably about 15k defenders remaining at Bandoeng. The fight in Eastern Java is also progressing well - an Allied counterattack at Malang with over 6000 troops was held, with about 600 Allied losses to only 60 IJA. It does appear that the majority of Allied defenders are now trapped at Malang, and will try a quick capture of Soerabaja next turn by the 21st Mixed Bde.

PI: NSTR.

Malaya/Burma: Hurricanes sweep Magwe at 15k, catching the Oscars on fairly low staggered CAP, downing 6 for a single Hurri. Will put about 1/3 on high CAP, and will have to bring the Yamada Zero squadron over from Singers once they get replacements. Magwe will be a bullseye for the foreseeable future until defenses can be built up – do forts help reduce industry hits??

China: NSTR.

[RangerJoe]

Forts plus airfields and ports built up after a certain level gives you balloons.

[IdahoNYer]

ORIGINAL: RangerJoe

Forts plus airfields and ports built up after a certain level gives you balloons.

any idea what fort level triggers that? In any case, I've got some engineers on site digging away!

thx!

[IdahoNYer]

16-19 Feb 42

Highlights – Merak seized as landings go in at Oosthaven while initial attack on Soerabaja is held.

Jpn ships sunk: None

Allied ships sunk:
xAP: 1
xAKL: 2

Air loss:
Jpn: 11
Allied: 13

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit
Allies: 13 Attacks, 0 ships hit (I should probably change this from "hit" to damaged, as quite a few ships were hit by duds!)

Jpn Amph Inv:
Maumere (Southwest Pacific)
Merauke (Southwest Pacific)
Torres Is (South Pacific)
Oosthaven (DEI)
Mataram (DEI)
Sabang (DEI – airborne landing)

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost:
Djokjakarta (DEI)

Bases seized:
Feni Is (South Pacific – flipped)
Merak (DEI)
Cheribon (DEI)
Mandalay (Burma)
Sabang (DEI)
Loemagjang (DEI)
Merauke (Southwest Pacific)
Maumere (Southwest Pacific)
Torres Is (South Pacific)

SIGINT/Intel: Intel reports that the Allies have completed a level 1 AF on the Cocos Is in the Indian Ocean. A bit surprised that L_S_T looks to be developing this island as a fwd base, but will need to deal with this before it becomes a threat.

Japan/Industry: My first Rufe R&D effort reached 30, and am switching it to Zero A6M5 R&D. I also swapped my Jack J2M5 to Zero A6M3 – I’m realizing that any R&D effort this early for a plane not slated to arrive in mid to late 44 or beyond is just a waste of time.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: NSTR.

South Pacific: Remaining pretty quiet as the KB finishes out minor repairs at Rabaul and the occasional CA TF bombardment runs to Pt. Moresby accomplish little, but so far have avoided the subs.

DEI/SW Pacific: Undefended Merak is seized as troops also advance to Batavia from Kalidjati. The initial attack on Soerabaja is held, although just barely – will try again next turn after some reinforcements arrive. Will also attack Batavia next turn as defenders seem slim. The reduction of Java is progressing beyond expectations with the minimal forces involved – 2 IN Bdes and 4 IN Reg of IJA and a half dozen SNLF for the most part. And most of those troops will pull out before the end of the month to leave mop up to the 2nd ID (two of those regiments are from 2ID) No air attacks on shipping for a change, although subs are still thick, but fortunately haven’t created havoc since sinking Zuiho. Oosthaven Amph went in without any major issues and defense looks to be weak, so hopefully this 2+ Div effort can rapidly advance inland toward Palembang. A second Amphib with the 5th ID, to land on Sumatra’s southern coast at Benkoelen, begins loading at Singapore. Lastly, the IJN looks to begin operations in the IO, south of the DEI. This starts with a CL TF (CL, 3DD, DMS) departing Oosthaven area, and will raid any shipping at the Cocos Islands. Hope to follow this up with a bombardment, and may bring the Mini-KB around after they refuel and rearm at Kendari. Just not sure where the US CVs are at the moment…always possible they are lurking in the IO.

PI: The first Bde of the 21st ID finishes offloading at Laoag while the first 18th ID regiment from Mindanao begins offloading at Naga. Once fully assembled, these two divisions arrival on Luzon will allow the siege of Manila to begin.

Malaya/Burma: Was surprised that the Hurris haven’t swept Magwe again. Recon shows that they are likely coming out of Imphal, but for the time being, I have no means of hitting that base. A squadron of Zeros are brought in, and some Oscars are placed on night CAP. An AA unit is loading at Singers bound for Rangoon, but its going to be a few weeks until they’ll get up to Magwe. On the ground, Mandalay was taken in an Allied rearguard action.

China: Wenchow holds yet another attack, despite forts at zero. This is becoming a very frustrating assault! Will take some time to shift some forces around and continue to bludgeon the defenders down.

[RangerJoe]

ORIGINAL: IdahoNYer

16-19 Feb 42

Subwar:
Jpn: 1 Attack, 0 ships hit
Allies: 13 Attacks, 0 ships hit (I should probably change this from "hit" to damaged, as quite a few ships were hit by duds!)

I hear you knocking but you can't come in!


Japan/Industry: My first Rufe R&D effort reached 30, and am switching it to Zero A6M5 R&D. I also swapped my Jack J2M5 to Zero A6M3 – I’m realizing that any R&D effort this early for a plane not slated to arrive in mid to late 44 or beyond is just a waste of time.

But you need the Jacks to escort the Jills. [;)]

As far as the balloons go, I do not know where they start appearing. They may have been added later so they would not show up in the manual but in a note for the update.

[IdahoNYer]

20-21 Feb 42

Highlights – Soerabaja, Batavia, Oosthaven and Port Blair all seized with minimal cost.

Jpn ships sunk: None

Allied ships sunk:
xAK: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 09
Allied: 02

Subwar:
Jpn: 2 Attacks, 2 ships hit (xAK sunk, xAK dam)
Allies: 3 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv:
Komodo (DEI)
Utupua (South Pacific)

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized:
Sibuyan (PI – flipped)
Port Blair (IO)
Oosthaven (DEI)
Batavia (DEI)
Soerabaja (DEI)
Soerakarta (DEI)
Mataram (DEI)

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.

Japan/Industry: I converted three late arriving plane R&D factories (2xRandy c, Tsurugi) to Oscar IIa, A6M3 Zero and Tojo IIa which will cost some additional 21k plus supply for the change…should have done it from the start. That gives me 10x30 R&D factories working on the Zero line (including one on the Sen Baku, 8x30 on the Oscars and 4x30 on the Tojos. Probably spending too much supply in a/c R&D…..

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: NSTR.

South Pacific: CVE Taiyo finally finds some targets, and its Vals hit a CM and a PG repeatedly SE of Canberra. Was hoping for a bigger haul, but its something to perhaps give L_S_T pause – some carrier is out there in the Tasman Sea. Taiyo will now head back to Rabaul. Otherwise, pretty quiet as another CA bombardment run to Moresby will depart Rabaul next turn. It will get a bit busier shortly as the 18th ID elements are heading from Kendari to reinforce Moresby and hopefully resolve that issue. Will also look to land an SNLF at Portland Roads on Australia’s NE coast – the official start (albeit a small, slow one) to the campaign for Northern Australia.

DEI/SW Pacific: A very solid two days in the DEI, especially on Java with both Batavia and Soerabaja being taken without much cost. Of course, that’s because they were minimally defended – most of eastern Java’s defenders are bottled up at the IJA base of Malang, while most of western Java’s remaining defenders (about 14k) are now at the usual Bandoeng fortress. Java now becomes a mop up, with troops moving to siege Bandoeng and clear out the remaining occupied bases. Going forward, the goal is to have 2nd ID troops lay siege to Bandoeng, most other IJA troops to transit to Sumatra, while the freed up SNLF (after garrisons) can be used to begin landings against northern Australia to isolate Darwin. On Sumatra, Oosthaven was taken easily, the 1000 defenders surrendering. 25th Army troops will now advance inland towards Palembang. The cruiser raid to Cocos Island failed to engage anything last turn, so they’ll turn around and attempt to engage the reported pair of ships sighted by Mavis' out of Java, and a BB TF (BB, 2CA, CL, DDs) will depart Oostahaven to bombard. The 5th ID Amph Convoy will depart Singers next turn, and then move through the Sunda Strait to land troops at Benkoelen in the coming days.

PI: NSTR.

Burma/IO: Paras secure an undefended Port Blair in the Andaman Islands as mines are cleared from Rangoon by a single coastal minesweeper. Will establish Jakes at Port Blair before risking a major TK convoy going into Rangoon, despite having Bettys based there. Off Karachi, one of the first IJN subs in the IO, I-9, sinks on xAK and damages another while I-121 lays mines in the shallows off Columbo. On the ground in Burma, troops begin to move on Shwebo.

China: NSTR.

[IdahoNYer]

24-25 Feb 42

Highlights – Cocos bombardment costs a DD; troops land unopposed at Benkoelen.

Jpn ships sunk:
DD: 2 (Minegumo, Shirayuki)

Allied ships sunk:
CM: 1
TK: 1
xAKL: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 22
Allied: 33

Subwar:
Jpn: 2 Attacks, 2 ships hit (CM, TK sunk) Finally got a TK off Karachi!
Allies: 6 Attacks, 2 ships hit (CL, AK dam)

Jpn Amph Inv:
Benkoelen (DEI)
Tandjoengbali (DEI)
Vanua Lava (South Pacific)

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized:
Benkoelen (DEI)
Sibolga (DEI – airborne assault)
Tijilap (DEI)
Sepadjang (DEI)
Buitenzorg (DEI)
Terapo (South Pacific)
Milne Bay (South Pacific)

SIGINT/Intel: Subs remain thick at usual choke points and remain the primary threat.

Japan/Industry: CL Tenryu begins her 6 month conversion to a CLAA at Yokohama.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: NSTR.

South Pacific: CL Yubari, as part of a Fast Transport amphib to Milne Bay finds a mine the hard way, and while limping back north, SS Gudgeon finds her off Woodlark Is and puts a working fish into her. She’s in a bad way (31/79(43)/34(30)), and will attempt to limp into Gasmata. CA TF (2CA, DDs) bombardment run against Port Moresby does little as the Amph TF carrying 18th ID IN Reg and Engineers will begin landing next turn, supported by another CA TF (4CA, CL, DDs) bombardment. Subs are the greatest threat, as they remain thick between Rabaul and Port Moresby despite ASW TFs and Jakes flying ASW patrols. To give L_S_T something besides Moresby to worry about, an SNLF will land at Portland Roads next turn. KB remains largely disbanded at Rabaul.

DEI/SW Pacific: Bombardment run against the Cocos has some bad luck, despite minimal opposition. First, the TF (BB, 2CA, CL, DDs) encounter a single xAKL sinking her, but not before CA Maya and DD Shirayuki collide! This slows the departure somewhat and the TF is attacked by Dutch seaplanes, which of course manage to hit the damaged DD Shirayuki sinking her with two bombs! The bombardment did fairly well though, inflicting 340 casualties, destroying 12 planes on the ground and damaging two AVPs in the port. The level 1 AF is damaged, but remains in operation. Mini-KB enters the Indian Ocean and will initially sail between Aus and the Cocos to intercept any Allied effort heading to the Cocos. BB Ise TF (BB, 2CA, CL, DDs) will follow, and will head to bombard, and will look to use the Mini-KB to provide air cover as the situation develops. Although isolated from Allied support, a defense of the Cocos will be challenging to overcome if it is allowed to develop – nearest AF is 17 hexes away at Batavia! On Java, progress is made with Tijilajap secured, providing a port of refuge for the damaged Isuzu and Hibiki. They’re only moderately damaged, but I don’t want to risk a run with damaged ships through the Sunda strait with the Dutch subs prowling. The IJA’s 5th ID lands unopposed at Benkoelen and secures the base. From there, they will drive on Palembang to isolate the base from Djambi. 18th ID’s campaign in western Sumatra continues with the support of Paras securing Sibolga and its recon regiment landing at Trandjoengbalai, leaving remaining Dutch resistance isolated at Medan.

PI: With the 21st ID’s second Bde about to come ashore at Laoag to reinforce, the last brigade of the 38th ID begins moving to Bataan with plenty of artillery in support to begin the fight to secure the base before focusing 14th Army on Manila.

Burma/IO: The RTA Bde that secured Lashio has continued to advance toward the Chinese border where it met an unknown Chinese forces just west of Paoshan. The 55th ID(-) main effort, an infantry regiment with its recon regiment in support will attack Shwebo next turn. Will look to continue a recon in force toward both Akyab on the coast and Myitkyina towards the interior, but if a Chinese threat develops near Paoshan, that may need to be the focus – Forces currently committed to Burma are minimal, and very much over extended.

China: Flying Tigers make a series of sweeps against Canton, covered by about 20 Oscars. CAP gives a good account, downing 16 H81-A3s for 15 Oscar Ic.

[IdahoNYer]

22-23 Feb 42 (forgot to post this one!)

Highlights – Inconclusive naval battle off the Cocos

Jpn ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Yomogi)
DMS: 2
CM: 1

Allied ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Le Triomphant)
PG: 1
xAP: 1
xAKL: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 25
Allied: 21

Subwar:
Jpn: 3 Attacks, 2 ships hit (PG, xAP sunk)
Allies: 6 Attacks, 2 ships hit (DD, CM sunk)

Jpn Amph Inv:
Milne Bay (South Pacific)
Sepandjang (DEI)
Terapo (South Pacific)

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized:
Bhamo (Bhamo)
Utupua (South Pacific)
Komodo (DEI)

SIGINT/Intel: Was surprised to see a cruiser TF (6CL, DDs) off Cocos – probably heading to raid the Oosthaven landings is my best guess. Still perplexed by the Allied buildup in the Cocos.

Japan/Industry: Another Rufe R&D factory reaches 30/30 and is shifted to A6M5 research. Also of note, the Ha-35 engine pool reaches 300.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: SS Perch gets the better of an ASW TF and sinks DD Yomogi off Toyohara. ASW efforts continue to be lack luster for the IJN.

Central Pacific: NSTR.

South Pacific: NSTR.

DEI/SW Pacific: Well, I was surprised to see an Allied CL TF conduct a mid-ocean intercept of the IJN CL TF (CL, 2DD, TB, DMS) enroute to raid reported Allied shipping at Cocos. I-164 sighted the TF, but failed to penetrate the screen SE of the Cocos, and was damaged by DD Nizam for the effort – she’ll have to head to Singers for repairs. Based on this sighting, I’m betting Allied TF apparently came from Perth, and was heading to raid Oosthaven as the IJN TF ran into it some 120m NW of the Cocos. Despite having Tanaka commanding, IJN gunnery was very poor and torpedoes failed to hit a single ship. Tanaka was lucky to come off with only one DD heavily damaged (will be surprised if she makes a friendly port) and a DMS sunk for, at best, a couple of Allied ships moderately damaged. However, the Allied TF did expend much ammo, and has likely aborted its mission – which should allow the incoming IJN BB TF (That remained off Oosthaven as I neglected to remove its “patrol” order) an uninterrupted bombardment run of the Cocos. The Benkoelen Amph TF will depart Oosthaven for its target next turn, supported by a CA TF (2CA, CL, DDs). I’m also laying a small minefield in the Sunda Strait, hoping to catch subs departing the Java Sea. Mini-KB has taken on fuel at Kendari, and will also sortie into the IO – staying east of the Cocos to interdict any further traffic to/from Australia.

PI: NSTR.

Burma/IO: Magwe receives another heavy fighter sweep of Hurricanes, which is met by Zeros and Oscar Ics at staggered altitude. Each side lost about 16 fighters which is NOT a good exchange. AA units are enroute, having just departed Singers, but will take a while to arrive. In the meantime, will do the best with what’s available, and that means a staggered CAP just in case bombers come in along with the sweeps.

China: NSTR.

[IdahoNYer]

26-27 Feb 42

Highlights – Portland Roads secured and reinforcements landed at Moresby as BB Warspite TF bombards Norfolk Is.

Jpn ships sunk:
DD: 1 (Fuyo)
DMS: 1
PB: 1

Allied ships sunk:
xAP: 1

Air loss:
Jpn: 05
Allied: 08

Subwar:
Jpn: 0 Attacks, 0 ships hit
Allies: 11 Attacks, 4 ships hit (DD, DMS, PB sunk; DD dam)

Jpn Amph Inv:
Great Nicobar Is (IO)
Portland Roads (South Pacific)

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized:
Portland Roads (South Pacific)
Emirau Is (South Pacific)
Tandjoengbalai (DEI)
Vanua Lava (South Pacific)
Shwebo (Burma)

SIGINT/Intel: Allied Fleet activity with the Warspite bombardment shows some Allied naval strength in South Pacific region.

Japan/Industry: DD Kazegumo arrives in Yokohama as first “accelerated” DD to arrive. Badly needed, as we’ve already lost 16 DDs with very little to show for it.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: NSTR.

South Pacific: CL Yubari (34/80(43)/34(30)) surprisingly makes Gasmata! She’ll sit there for a while. Reinforcements landed at Moresby, and so far subs have picked off a DMS and crippled another DD (Arashio) during an “ASW attack” – go figure! CD guns also damaged an xAP and an xAK, but the troops were landed in good order and will attack. Meanwhile, BB Warspite with 8 DDs bombarded Norfolk Is, avoiding subs, mines and CV Hiryu air search which was loitering to the NW. Norfolk is certainly drawing attention.

DEI/SW Pacific: Mini-KB finds a damaged xAP and duly sinks her, apparently withdrawing from the Cocos. Mini-KB closes to sweep as BB Ise TF bombards.

PI: NSTR.

Burma/IO: Shwebo is taken, abandoned.

China: NSTR.

[IdahoNYer]

28 Feb - 1 Mar 42

Highlights – Pt Moresby holds attacks again!

Jpn ships sunk:
xAP: 1
xAK: 1

Allied ships sunk:
SS: 1 (Triton)
xAP: 1
xAK: 3
xAKL: 1

Allied ships un-sunk:
SS: 1 (S-39)

Air loss:
Jpn: 07
Allied: 11

Subwar:
Jpn: 3 Attacks, 2 ships hit (xAKL sunk, xAKL dam)
Allies: 2 Attacks, 0 ships hit

Jpn Amph Inv:
Tagula Is (South Pacific)

Allied Amph: None

Bases lost: None

Bases seized:
Catanduanes (PI – flipped)
Great Nicobar (IO)
Christmas Is (IO – para drop)
Lahat (DEI)
Djokjakarta (DEI)

SIGINT/Intel: NSTR.

Japan/Industry: CA Maya goes into drydock at Singers to repair collision damage; she’ll spend two weeks in repair.

Kuriles/Aleutians/North Pacific: NSTR.

Central Pacific: NSTR.

South Pacific: Pt. Moresby holds off another deliberate attack, and no forts are reduced despite reinforcing with engineers. This was a costly attack, costing the Empire 2500 men to only 350 Allied, although all but a few casualties were disable squads. Still, will need to reinforce again before making another attempt, and need to cut off all supply runs – such as the xAKLs heading in this turn. Although 3 didn’t make it, two apparently did. Frustrating…..

DEI/SW Pacific: The noose continues to tighten on Java on Dutch remnants, and the two Bdes of 4th ID will move to Sumatra shortly. The Cocos are bombarded with moderate effect, and the bombardment runs sink an xAP and two xAKs. Mini-KB continues to loiter to the SE to interdict any reinforcements or supply runs. Will turn around BB Ise TF for another bombardment run next turn. Subs remain the greatest threat as they remain thick in the Sunda Strait.

PI: NSTR.

Burma/IO: NSTR.

China: Wenchow continues to bedevil the IJA, holding another attack with another 2000 casualties inflicted despite zero forts and the IJA outnumbering the defenders. Will wait till some fresh troops arrive and try again in the next couple of turns.

[IdahoNYer]

Feb 42 Summary

A frustrating month of sorts. Gains made, but speedbumps left behind by L_S_T have proved very effective. For instance, while the DEI is basically secured, Palembang and the Bandoeng fortress on Java will take a while to secure and reduce. Add to that Port Moresby and Manila. So, while the Empire has been duly expanding, and will continue to do so, these stay behinds will limit future plans by diverting much ground troops. In the air and at sea, the Allied “Sir Robin” strategy continues for the most part with few sustained air or naval operations. That has worked as well, as mines and subs continue to take their toll on the IJN. Primary focus for March will be to secure Palembang and Moresby and neutralize the remaining Allied stay behinds. For future major expansion operations, if troops can be assembled, will look to land on NW Australia to begin the isolation of Darwin – not very aggressive at this point. For the month, naval losses heavier than expected considering no major naval engagements – just attritional warfare: the IJN losing CVL, 4 DD and 1 SSX. Allied losses were very light, although Japanese ASW efforts are doing something; only 1CL, 1 PT and 5SS lost. In the air, the loss ratio 246 for Jpn to 286 Allied planes as it was a pretty tame month in the air.

INTEL: As the Japanese defensive perimeter is almost established (less Northern Australia), its obvious that I haven’t triggered landing on a region that warranted the commitment of the Allied Fleet. I doubt that Darwin will trigger anything – so finding and crushing the Allied fleet will now likely come from an Allied initiative – a raid or a premature Allied offensive action. At least in the short term if L_S_T gets bold. No idea where that might take place right now. I do expect probing and nuisance naval raids to pick up across between Rangoon and Canton Is.

SUBWAR: Allied subs have gone from nuisance to serious threat with sinking of the Zuiho. I realize this will only get worse, and other than accelerating DDs and focusing as many air units as I can on ASW patrol, not sure what else can be done. The simple fact is that every time an IJN vessel sets out to sea, there is a very good chance it will stumble on a sub. IJN subs aren’t as numerous and have only found the occasional victim, and not combat ships so far.

Japan/Industry. Well, I haven’t crashed the economy yet, but I fear it coming at some point. I did belatedly realize having a 30 R&D effort to get the Helen IIa with armor earlier than 9/42, doesn’t do me any good if I don’t accelerate the Sally IIb which doesn’t come in until 12/42 – as all but one squadron requires the Sally IIb to get to the Helen. Ugh! So, I’ll now have a small commitment to advance the Sally IIb…so much for limiting my R&D expenditures. Learning by mistakes here….trying to focus on Oscar and Zero fighter R&D for the majority of the effort.