More Variants - The End of Western Imperialism - No Nomad please (Feb 1944)

[Xargun]

Luzon:
A DMS clearing mines at Bataan hits a mine and sinks But I do manage to clear the last of the mines here.


China:
My arty attack at Changsha causes 262 casualties.


KB returns to Truk for refuelling and changing of the air groups. I am upping the contingent of Zeros from 24 to 27 on each CV and lower Kates from 24 to 21.



Xargun

[Xargun]

Java:
DMSs begin clearing mines at Soerabaja and as before one hits a damn mine. Whats the point of clearing mines with specialized ships if they are going to hit them anyways Two minefields - two DMS lost.


China:
My arty attack today was weak only inflicting 62 losses on the defenders at Changsha.

It has started - the Chinese attacked enmass at Siangtan with a Shock Attack. I expected a bad result, but my troops did wonders...

Ground combat at Siangtan (81,52)

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 2942 troops, 12 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2591

Defending force 76608 troops, 818 guns, 126 vehicles, Assault Value = 1894

Allied adjusted assault: 0

Japanese adjusted defense: 1318

Allied assault odds: 1 to 99

Combat modifiers
Defender: preparation(-)
Attacker: shock(+)

Allied ground losses:
3059 casualties reported
Squads: 159 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 117 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 12 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 9 (9 destroyed, 0 disabled)


Not sure how they managed this miracle, but I'm so glad they did. Not a single casualty, while inflicting over 3,000 on the attackers. Only problem is we consumed a lot of supplies. That will be the downfall of these men. I need to move transports within range and begin airlifting supplies.


Xargun

[Mike Solli]

Did you notice their adjusted assault value was 0? Were the attackers destroyed? It sure looks that way.

A comment about carrier load outs. I usually put about half the number of TBs as the number of torpedoes on the carrier (sometimes a third), unless it's really low, like Hosho. Not sure your Hosho is the historical one though. The historical one had 6 torpedoes, so I put only 6 TBs on her. The rest are fighters. As the war progresses, the number of fighters on a carrier increases dramatically, pretty much as it did historically.

Carrier battles are usually short and brutal. Two loads of torpedoes for the torpedo unit is usually sufficient, unless you're cleaning up an area. Then you have to decide whether the TBs should carry torpedoes or bombs. Tough decisions sometimes.

Edit: I like to use the DMS as an escort unless it's the only thing in the area to clear mines. I usually reserve clearing mines to the AMc.

[Xargun]

Did you notice their adjusted assault value was 0? Were the attackers destroyed? It sure looks that way.

A comment about carrier load outs. I usually put about half the number of TBs as the number of torpedoes on the carrier (sometimes a third), unless it's really low, like Hosho. Not sure your Hosho is the historical one though. The historical one had 6 torpedoes, so I put only 6 TBs on her. The rest are fighters. As the war progresses, the number of fighters on a carrier increases dramatically, pretty much as it did historically.

Carrier battles are usually short and brutal. Two loads of torpedoes for the torpedo unit is usually sufficient, unless you're cleaning up an area. Then you have to decide whether the TBs should carry torpedoes or bombs. Tough decisions sometimes.

Edit: I like to use the DMS as an escort unless it's the only thing in the area to clear mines. I usually reserve clearing mines to the AMc.

Nomad moved a regiment (1/3 of a Corps unit) sized unit into Siangtan from the southeast and through the one partial hexside I controlled which is what we think triggered the Shock attack - which is why only 2600 or so enemy troops attacked. The unit was devastated according to Nomad and I believe it. That scenario makes a lot more sense then his 10 Corps attacking and failing so bad.

My CVs carry 45 torps each, so with 21(3) Kates per it gives every Kate 2 torpedoes to use. I plan on decreasing the number of Vals and Kates a little more as time goes on, but for now it should be good.

I don't like using AMcs - don't have very many of them - and they are slow and never where I need them. I use DMS to sweep mines and AMcs to stay in ports to remove mines enemy subs and such lay.

Xargun

[Xargun]

China:
I brought some Zeros into China to deal with the damn AVG and they swept Changsha today and knocked 10+ AVGs out of the air - I lost a total of 6 zeros. I am hoping the appearance of Zeros in china will give him a little pause - they are not the push overs the Nates and Oscars are.

Arty attack at Changsha claim 171 enemy casualties.

My troops caught up with the fleeing Chinese troops from Wenchow again in the jungle and shock attacked. Almost 4,000 chinese casualties were reported as the units fled deeper into china.


Xargun

[Xargun]

China:
My Zeros in china swept over some chinese troops and caught more AVG planes in the air downing them - this time with no losses !!

My arty attack at Changsha reports 197 enemy casualties.


South Pacific:
Allied troops land at Lunga. From the number of casualties on the landing I am guessing at least a regiment if not more.



Xargun

[Xargun]

Java:
Mines are clear from Soerabaja opening the base for use.


China:
My arty attack at Changsha reports 131 enemy casualties.


Slow turn - nothing else happened.


Xargun

[Xargun]

What I have been excited for and dreading has happened... But first, some simple things.

Java:
DMSs clear the mines at Banjoewangi freeing the port.



China:
LR Naval Bombers hit fleeing Chinese troops from Wenchow some more inflicting 211 casualties.


South Pacific:
The big news is here !! CV battle in South Pacific near Russel Islands !!!

KB was heading south after refueling / changing some aircraft at Truk - escorting another resupply attempt. About 6 hexes south of Truk, long-range Mavis patrol planes picked up some allied ships near Rennell Island - they listed several BBs in the enemy fleets. I figured they were either invading Rennell or Tulagi - both locations where I have a Naval Guard unit. So KB was ordered to abandon escorting the supply convoy and head south at full speed.

The next turn - allied troops landed at Lunga and I showed multiple enemy TFs there. Anticipation and Dread began to build. I knew he wouldn't come this far north without CVs.

I cut through the Northern Solomons and came down the Solomon Sea side. And it happened... I was excited and dreading the encounter and I still have mixed feelings over it. It was brutal for both sides... Unfortunately I had 50+ bombers attack by themselves in waves of 10 -- apparently they got lost on the way there and they were wiped out by enemy CAP after the main attack went through. Not sure if Japan always attacks first due to programming, but my planes came in on the allied CVs first... I was very shocked - of the 90 Zeros assigned to escort, only 30 decided to make the flight The enemy ships detected my inbound on radar and had plenty of time to put everything in the air to meet me...

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 30
B5N2 Kate x 87
D3A1 Val x 108

Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane Ib x 15
P-40B Warhawk x 11
F4F-3A Wildcat x 90
F4F-4 Wildcat x 60


175 enemy fighters versus my 30 - I was praying some bombers would make it through... And they did !! The zeros did their jobs and laid into the enemy fighters keeping them off the bombers. I only lost 7 Zeros, 7 Vals and no Kates to enemy fighters !! The rest made it through and it was a target rich environment.

7 enemy CVs, 6 BBs and multiple CAs and DDs were spotted and my bombers went right for the heavies... The first hit was a baby 250kg bomb against BB Mississippi - which might have left a burnt mark on the paint !! In all, the enemy flak was horrendous and 85 bombers were lost directly to flak. My pilot's performance was not good. Out of 87 Kates and 108 Vals, I scored only 6 Torpedo and 8 Bomb hits - not even 10% success.

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 7 destroyed
B5N2 Kate: 40 damaged
B5N2 Kate: 17 destroyed by flak
D3A1 Val: 7 destroyed, 28 damaged
D3A1 Val: 15 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
CV Hornet, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
BB Royal Sovereign
CV Formidable
CV Yorktown
CV Saratoga
BB Mississippi, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1
CV Enterprise, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
CV Indomitable, Bomb hits 4
BB Revenge
BB New Mexico, Torpedo hits 1
CA Louisville
BB Resolution
BB Idaho
CV Lexington, Torpedo hits 1

CV Hornet had an ammo explosion and CV Enterprise was overwhelmed.. Half the bombs hitting CV Idomitable bounced off the deck armor.


I was not happy with my results and started to dread the allied counter strike.

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 134

Allied aircraft
Albacore I x 56
Martlet II x 27
F4F-3A Wildcat x 90
F4F-3 Wildcat x 90
SBD-3 Dauntless x 165

The allied bombers took heavy cap losses but plowed on attacking all six CVs, both BBs and several DDs. The BBs did their job and took the brunt of the attack catching multiple bomb and torpedoes each. Unfortunately my CVs caught some too...

Japanese Ships
CV Akagi
BB Hyuga, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
CV Soryu, Bomb hits 2, on fire
CV Kaga
BB Fuso, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
CV Hiryu, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CV Shokaku, Bomb hits 4, on fire
CV Zuikaku, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Arare
DD Tanikaze
DD Oite, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage


After these attacks my 'lost' bombers attack piecemeal and were wiped out.

In the afternoon phase we both got off an additional strike. Unfortunately the allied strike inflicted more damage than mine.

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
B5N2 Kate x 26
D3A1 Val x 27

Allied aircraft
Sea Hurricane Ib x 15
F4F-3A Wildcat x 30
F4F-4 Wildcat x 24

Allied Ships
CV Saratoga
CA Chester
CV Formidable, Torpedo hits 1
CV Yorktown
BB Revenge
CV Indomitable


Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 95

Allied aircraft
Albacore I x 48
F4F-3 Wildcat x 81
SBD-3 Dauntless x 42

Japanese Ships
CV Akagi
CV Kaga, Torpedo hits 1
CV Soryu, Torpedo hits 2, on fire
CV Hiryu, on fire
CA Chikuma


Overall the losses on both sides were about even just over 200 planes each. The bulk of my losses were Vals & Kates, where his was more evenly spread between the aircraft types.

98 Vals lost, 91 Kates and 21 Zeros
90 SBD-3s lost, 78 F4F-3As, 36 Albacore and 4 F4F-3s


Xargun

[Xargun]

China:
Arty attack at Changsha nets 231 enemy casualties.



South Pacific:
My ships are limping north in the Solomon Sea. Nomad has sent his BBs into the area to try to catch me and its hard to say if I will escape or not. My escort TF has both my BBs in it and is limping at 1 hex a day. My CV TFS is only moving 4 hexes a day.

I have a ton of damaged aircraft at Shortlands - they are flying to Rabaul / Kavieng as they become operational. And then on to Truk.


Its very likely that Nomad scuttled one of his CVs as allied aircraft showed up in the Ground column this turn. Unfortunately the CV Zuikaku flooded and sank this turn. So if everything escapes we are even at losing 1 CV each.



Xargun

[Mike Solli]

Any friendly subs in the area, Xargun?

[Xargun]

Any friendly subs in the area, Xargun?

No I kept them there too long hoping for the CV battle last time and when it didn't happen I sent them all back to Truk repairing some minor damage and refueling.


Xargun

[Xargun]

South Pacific:
The allied CVs must not be as damaged as previously thought as they came after me. They put a bunch of planes in the air and they attacked my CVs.

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 70

Allied aircraft
Albacore I x 9
Martlet II x 26
F4F-3A Wildcat x 4
F4F-3 Wildcat x 88
SBD-3 Dauntless x 70

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Albacore I: 2 destroyed
Martlet II: 1 destroyed
F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
SBD-3 Dauntless: 16 destroyed, 11 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed by flak

My CAP did a good job but too many got through. And of course they got hits.

Japanese Ships
CV Shokaku, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CV Soryu, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
CV Akagi, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CV Kaga
CV Hiryu
CA Chikuma


Xargun

[Xargun]

May has not turned out to be a good month for the Imperial Navy - someone is going to be sacked over the fiasco in the Solomon Sea... Fortunately it can't be me !!

China:
My arty strikes at Changsha claim another 203 enemy troops.

The Chinese attack at Siangtan !! They only achieve 1:2 odds but manage to inflict over 3,000 casualties, including destroying an armored car unit. My men fought bravely and inflicted over 11,000 casualties on the attackers !!! Two entire corps are devastated (in numbers).

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 94449 troops, 500 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2709

Defending force 78732 troops, 818 guns, 126 vehicles, Assault Value = 2100

Allied adjusted assault: 1199

Japanese adjusted defense: 1610

Allied assault odds: 1 to 2

Combat modifiers
Defender: preparation(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
3030 casualties reported
Squads: 29 destroyed, 217 disabled
Non Combat: 21 destroyed, 60 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 20 disabled
Guns lost 46 (2 destroyed, 44 disabled)
Vehicles lost 29 (18 destroyed, 11 disabled)
Units destroyed 1

Allied ground losses:
11690 casualties reported
Squads: 657 destroyed, 431 disabled
Non Combat: 14 destroyed, 189 disabled
Engineers: 28 destroyed, 57 disabled
Guns lost 96 (17 destroyed, 79 disabled)


Solomon Sea:
The turn starts normal and as the AM phase comes so do the allied bombers They hit both my crippled fleets...

Allied aircraft
Albacore I x 19
F4F-3A Wildcat x 15
F4F-3 Wildcat x 55
SBD-3 Dauntless x 32

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Soryu, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
CV Shokaku, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
DD Yukaze
DD Matsukaze

Fuel storage explosion on CV Soryu
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring a Japanese CV
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring a Japanese CVE
Ammo storage explosion on CV Shokaku


Allied aircraft
F4F-3A Wildcat x 15
F4F-3 Wildcat x 29
SBD-3 Dauntless x 23

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Hyuga, Bomb hits 7, on fire, heavy damage
BB Fuso, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage


Despite none of the bombs penetrating the belt armor, BB Fuso sinks - I am guessing the fire got her. So overall I have lost half the KB (3 CVs) and 1 BB so far. The other 3 CVs should make it to safety this turn and its hard to say whether the Hyuga will make it or not. Her damage isn't that bad but the allied CVs are still prowling.

So I had LR Cap set over the crippled CVs and some LR Naval Bombers in the area and of course the weather at both Rabaul and Shortlands are rain and nothing flies I swear this game is out to get me.


Xargun

[Xargun]

China:
My Zeros swept Siangtan knocking more AVG out of the air and making way for my bombers - who proceeded to hammer the Chinese troops there.


Solomon Sea:
My night flying Betties actually flew this time and attacked some allied ships at Woodlark Island. They only carried bombs again and as expected missed with them all. I really need to figure out why they don't always carry torpedoes on night attacks.

A pair of allied heavy cruisers bombarded Woodlark Island on the off chance my CVs sought refuge there. They hammered the engineering unit there but no ships were to be found.

What is left of KB has fled safely into the Bismarck Sea and should be able to make it to Truk now.


Xargun

[Xargun]

China:
My bombers hit enemy troops at Siangtan again inflicting decent losses.

My arty attack at Changsha inflicts 228 losses on the enemy units. Looks like Nomad has moved another Chinese artillery unit to Changsha to try to counter battery my artillery.


South Pacific
A large allied TF bombarded Rennell Island during the night. Not sure if they are looking for disbanded strays or just there so they said hi. The TF was small in firepower terms; 7 CLs and 12 DDs.

My Betties at Rabaul struck ground targets at Lunga, inflicting minor damage to the 54th Coastal Artillery Regiment. They also reveal the Americal Division/B is there as well.

KB is free and should arrive in Truk in two days for repairs. Several DDs will also be arriving separately to Truk as well in the same time frame.


Xargun

[Xargun]

Sub Warfare:
My DDs on their way to Truk run over three allied subs - looks like Nomad has his subs out to catch any cripples I might have heading that way.


China:
My arty strike at Changsha is much less effective today. Not sure if it was just a bad die roll or perhaps he got another level of fortification, making my artillery less effective.


Xargun

[Xargun]

China:
Artillery attack at Changsha only reports 65 enemy casualties today.


South Pacific:
LR Betties attacked an allied TF at Lunga - unfortunately there were some P-40Bs on cap. Pushing through the carnage, the Betties still attacked and manage to land a single torpedo hit on PC Crawford, which obliterated the small ship.

KB has returned to Truk and is entering the repair yards there.


Xargun

[Xargun]

China:
My artillery attack at Changsha did better today - 162 enemy casualties reported.


South Pacific:
An allied combat TF showed up at Woodlark Island and sunk my xAK delivering supplies to the engineers there. It was spotted last turn, but I didn't think they had the speed to reach Woodlark and back in one day -- looks like I was incorrect.

Troops went ashore at Buka today - I am working on cleaning up the enemy dot-bases in the Solomons.


Xargun

[Xargun]

Philippine Islands:
Iloilo falls to my troops with the enemy division there surrendering.


China:
Arty attack at Changsha reports 151 enemy casualties. I am impressed that it seems I am destroying squads with these attacks. Usually 1-2 squads destroyed which is a bit of a surprise for me.



It is time to clean up all the lil islands and dot bases around the map. Starting with those in the Solomons area and the Philippine Islands - the Philippine ones have resources I could use. And the Solomon ones will take away places to move and hide from my patrols.


Xargun

[Xargun]

China
Zeros sweeping at Hengyang find some AVG loitering there and smack them around.

Artillery strike at Changsha reports 106 enemy casualties.


Only a few days until I get my first few upgraded Brigades. These will all go to the South Pacific to setup my perimeter.


Xargun