Nothing much happened other than an intel gathering bombardment at Changteh by IJA forces.
Xargun
More Variants - The End of Western Imperialism - No Nomad please (Feb 1944)
Moderators: wdolson, MOD_War-in-the-Pacific-Admirals-Edition
August 15th, 1942
Sub Warfare:
Another Dutch sub, KXV, attacks a returning convoy from Burma in the Straights of Malacca, hitting an xAK with a torpedo staring some small fires. The ship survived and has a good chance of making port to be saved.
China:
Another Zero sweep over Changsha runs into the AVG again and the losses are pretty even between the sides. I thought this unit had higher exp than the other, but after looking its not really the case - maybe by a couple points on average. I should fill one Sentai with mid-70s exp pilots and see what happens then.
Xargun
Another Dutch sub, KXV, attacks a returning convoy from Burma in the Straights of Malacca, hitting an xAK with a torpedo staring some small fires. The ship survived and has a good chance of making port to be saved.
China:
Another Zero sweep over Changsha runs into the AVG again and the losses are pretty even between the sides. I thought this unit had higher exp than the other, but after looking its not really the case - maybe by a couple points on average. I should fill one Sentai with mid-70s exp pilots and see what happens then.
Xargun
August 16th, 1942
Sub Warfare:
North of Kavieng, the SS Porpoise attacks DD Suruyame but misses. The DD returns the favor lightly damaging the sub.
Nothing else happened this turn. We are into the slow turns of the game where the Japanese are working on strengthening their perimeter while the Allies are waiting for more men and ships to arrive to attack the perimeter. I have a couple surprises in my pocket I am working on but the are probably not going to happen until September or so.
On the R&D side of things, the Ki-49-IIb Helene will be coming online right at the end of this month or September 1st. I have four size-30 factories researching it and will begin production as soon as possible to replace the older Sallies the Army has been using. The Helens will be a nice upgrade - they are a hair faster, have 1 more hex range (at both normal and extended) and mostly they have 1 point of armor - which will help them survive fighters and flak better.
Xargun
North of Kavieng, the SS Porpoise attacks DD Suruyame but misses. The DD returns the favor lightly damaging the sub.
Nothing else happened this turn. We are into the slow turns of the game where the Japanese are working on strengthening their perimeter while the Allies are waiting for more men and ships to arrive to attack the perimeter. I have a couple surprises in my pocket I am working on but the are probably not going to happen until September or so.
On the R&D side of things, the Ki-49-IIb Helene will be coming online right at the end of this month or September 1st. I have four size-30 factories researching it and will begin production as soon as possible to replace the older Sallies the Army has been using. The Helens will be a nice upgrade - they are a hair faster, have 1 more hex range (at both normal and extended) and mostly they have 1 point of armor - which will help them survive fighters and flak better.
Xargun
August 17th, 1942
South Pacific:
With the allied DS at Lunga last turn I tried to sneak some ships down to Shortlands to deliver some cargo, but the DS came back. The DS spotted my TF at one of the dot bases north of Shortlands and sent off a small sortie to hit it. Some Zeros were flying CAP.
Morning Air attack on TF, near Buka at 109,128
Weather in hex: Light cloud
Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 15
Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 15
SBD-2 Dauntless x 17
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 2 destroyed
F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 destroyed by flak
SBD-2 Dauntless: 2 destroyed, 3 damaged
SBD-2 Dauntless: 1 destroyed by flak
Japanese Ships
CA Kinugasa, Bomb hits 1
Luckily the bombers fixated on the CA and the one 500lb bomb hit bounced off the armor.
Nothing else happened this turn. I set another Sentai of Betties to Naval Attack with range to cover Woodlark Island - now I have 50+ bombers set to Naval Attack at that range. An Air HQ was delivered to Kavieng enabling me to move the two BFs there to Shortlands. I plan on placing fighters and Vals at Shortlands to play with his shipping in the area. Shortlands has level 6 forts and unfortunately I cannot raise it higher - its red - and I've tried, but its not increasing. It might have to do with level of supplies there though.
Xargun
With the allied DS at Lunga last turn I tried to sneak some ships down to Shortlands to deliver some cargo, but the DS came back. The DS spotted my TF at one of the dot bases north of Shortlands and sent off a small sortie to hit it. Some Zeros were flying CAP.
Morning Air attack on TF, near Buka at 109,128
Weather in hex: Light cloud
Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 15
Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 15
SBD-2 Dauntless x 17
No Japanese losses
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 2 destroyed
F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 destroyed by flak
SBD-2 Dauntless: 2 destroyed, 3 damaged
SBD-2 Dauntless: 1 destroyed by flak
Japanese Ships
CA Kinugasa, Bomb hits 1
Luckily the bombers fixated on the CA and the one 500lb bomb hit bounced off the armor.
Nothing else happened this turn. I set another Sentai of Betties to Naval Attack with range to cover Woodlark Island - now I have 50+ bombers set to Naval Attack at that range. An Air HQ was delivered to Kavieng enabling me to move the two BFs there to Shortlands. I plan on placing fighters and Vals at Shortlands to play with his shipping in the area. Shortlands has level 6 forts and unfortunately I cannot raise it higher - its red - and I've tried, but its not increasing. It might have to do with level of supplies there though.
Xargun
August 18th, 1942
Sub Warfare:
RO-66 was on its way to its new patrol area in the southern Solomon Sea when some allied DDs found her and attacked. Luckily no damage was taken. Then a moment later RO-66 came across a lumbering US CV and fired a measly two torpedoes at her and as usual both missed. The CV escorts pounced and now RO-66 is heading back to Truk for repairs... again...
China:
LR Naval Bombers attacked ground troops at Nanning to supporting the IJA troops crossing the river to attack the city. The attack achieved 1:1 odds and lowered the forts to 4 but did not capture the city.
Xargun
RO-66 was on its way to its new patrol area in the southern Solomon Sea when some allied DDs found her and attacked. Luckily no damage was taken. Then a moment later RO-66 came across a lumbering US CV and fired a measly two torpedoes at her and as usual both missed. The CV escorts pounced and now RO-66 is heading back to Truk for repairs... again...
China:
LR Naval Bombers attacked ground troops at Nanning to supporting the IJA troops crossing the river to attack the city. The attack achieved 1:1 odds and lowered the forts to 4 but did not capture the city.
Xargun
August 19th, 1942
China:
With the attack at Nanning I figured Nomad would provide some CAP over the city so I set some Zeros to sweep and they caught the AVG and shot down about half a dozen of them for no losses on our side. Nomad has plenty of P-40Bs, but the AVG has good experienced pilots which are worth killing.
South Pacific:
With the allied DS back at Lunga I am moving troops and supplies forward carefully.
Xargun
With the attack at Nanning I figured Nomad would provide some CAP over the city so I set some Zeros to sweep and they caught the AVG and shot down about half a dozen of them for no losses on our side. Nomad has plenty of P-40Bs, but the AVG has good experienced pilots which are worth killing.
South Pacific:
With the allied DS back at Lunga I am moving troops and supplies forward carefully.
Xargun
August 20th, 1942
Sub Warfare:
Some useless sub and ASW action this turn. DD Helm locates I-26 and attacks but fails to inflict any damage. And I-26 turns around and attacks DD Blue, and misses, but luckily avoids any damage in return.
China:
I ordered another attack at Nanning and my troops lowered the forts to 3, but only achieved 1:2 odds. We suffered twice the losses they did.
SRA:
I unloaded a bunch of fragments on dot bases in the Ceram Sea so I can flip them to stop giving free intel to the enemy as my ships move near them.
South Pacific:
Nomad has been using PFs in the Solomon Sea to harass my subs so I moved some Zeros to Shortlands and set them to Naval attack. They found, attacked and sank PF Absaroka.
Xargun
Some useless sub and ASW action this turn. DD Helm locates I-26 and attacks but fails to inflict any damage. And I-26 turns around and attacks DD Blue, and misses, but luckily avoids any damage in return.
China:
I ordered another attack at Nanning and my troops lowered the forts to 3, but only achieved 1:2 odds. We suffered twice the losses they did.
SRA:
I unloaded a bunch of fragments on dot bases in the Ceram Sea so I can flip them to stop giving free intel to the enemy as my ships move near them.
South Pacific:
Nomad has been using PFs in the Solomon Sea to harass my subs so I moved some Zeros to Shortlands and set them to Naval attack. They found, attacked and sank PF Absaroka.
Xargun
August 21st, 1942
Sub Warfare:
SS Seal attacked a supply convoy heading for Rabaul but the torpedo failed to explode. My escorts attacked but inflicted no damage.
South Pacific:
My LR CAP failed to fly and the allied DS air strike caught another TF without air cover, landing 3 1000lb bombs on CA Kinugasa. I'm glad they focused on the CA, but mad my CAP didn't fly - I could have picked off some more CV aircraft.
SRA:
My troops capture all four dot-bases in the Ceram Sea; two more to go I believe.
Xargun
SS Seal attacked a supply convoy heading for Rabaul but the torpedo failed to explode. My escorts attacked but inflicted no damage.
South Pacific:
My LR CAP failed to fly and the allied DS air strike caught another TF without air cover, landing 3 1000lb bombs on CA Kinugasa. I'm glad they focused on the CA, but mad my CAP didn't fly - I could have picked off some more CV aircraft.
SRA:
My troops capture all four dot-bases in the Ceram Sea; two more to go I believe.
Xargun
August 22, 1942
South Pacific:
Spotting ships in port at Tulagi, I ordered my Betties to conduct some nighttime raids. About half of them attacked the port, but unfortunately no hits where reported.
The allied DS moved up the eastern coast of the Solomons and launched raids at Rabaul - targetting the supply TF that just made port and started to unload. Over the course of two raids, allied bombers sunk 4 xAKs full of supply and set another one on fire. My Zeros on cap got jumped on the first raid and didn't shoot down any attackers, but the second attack they did better, shooting down several Wildcats.
Xargun
Spotting ships in port at Tulagi, I ordered my Betties to conduct some nighttime raids. About half of them attacked the port, but unfortunately no hits where reported.
The allied DS moved up the eastern coast of the Solomons and launched raids at Rabaul - targetting the supply TF that just made port and started to unload. Over the course of two raids, allied bombers sunk 4 xAKs full of supply and set another one on fire. My Zeros on cap got jumped on the first raid and didn't shoot down any attackers, but the second attack they did better, shooting down several Wildcats.
Xargun
August 23rd, 1942
South Pacific:
Enemy DMS swept a few mines at Shortlands as two enemy TFs came in and bombarded. You would think with 100+ mines something with have hit a mine - but guess not. The bombardments did some damage - destroying a pair of zeros on the airfield and damaging a bunch more.
My night visit to Tulagi port scored a pair of bomb hits on CA Houston. I didn't notice the attack, so I didn't see what damage was done, but they probably bounced off the armor.
Nomad has let me know he is having an issue with getting his bombers to fly from his CV DS. Only a single squadron ever flies on attacks - always the same one. He is going to try disbanding the TF and rebuilding it, but this could be a game ender. If anyone reading this has a solution, please hop over to his AAR and let him know.
Xargun
Enemy DMS swept a few mines at Shortlands as two enemy TFs came in and bombarded. You would think with 100+ mines something with have hit a mine - but guess not. The bombardments did some damage - destroying a pair of zeros on the airfield and damaging a bunch more.
My night visit to Tulagi port scored a pair of bomb hits on CA Houston. I didn't notice the attack, so I didn't see what damage was done, but they probably bounced off the armor.
Nomad has let me know he is having an issue with getting his bombers to fly from his CV DS. Only a single squadron ever flies on attacks - always the same one. He is going to try disbanding the TF and rebuilding it, but this could be a game ender. If anyone reading this has a solution, please hop over to his AAR and let him know.
Xargun
August 24th, 1942
South Pacific:
Allied troops come ashore at Munda.
F4U-1 Marine Fighters sweep Shortlands again finding nothing in the air.
Nothing else happened this turn. Nomad is redeploying his CV DS (at Tulagi I think) to see if its just a bug in the TF and then I'm sure he'll be back up by Rabaul. I am taking the lull to deliver as many supplies as I can but am risking the xAKs to do so as he might jump forward and be within 7 hexes of Rabaul to attack. The Zeros at Rabaul are on CAP duty.
My Fighter research is going good - better than last game I believe. I expect to have Ki-44-IIc Tojos and A6M5c Zeros in November 42. Tojos will come early November, with the Zeros coming mid November.
Xargun
Allied troops come ashore at Munda.
F4U-1 Marine Fighters sweep Shortlands again finding nothing in the air.
Nothing else happened this turn. Nomad is redeploying his CV DS (at Tulagi I think) to see if its just a bug in the TF and then I'm sure he'll be back up by Rabaul. I am taking the lull to deliver as many supplies as I can but am risking the xAKs to do so as he might jump forward and be within 7 hexes of Rabaul to attack. The Zeros at Rabaul are on CAP duty.
My Fighter research is going good - better than last game I believe. I expect to have Ki-44-IIc Tojos and A6M5c Zeros in November 42. Tojos will come early November, with the Zeros coming mid November.
Xargun
August 25th, 1942
South Pacific:
An allied DMS cleared more mines at Shortlands - I need a dedicated CD unit there to stop this crap. I'm sure my 15cm howitzers can reach but they won't fire until fired on I believe. Following up the mine sweeping a CA-heavy TF came in and bombarded effectively shutting down the airfield.
As daylight came B-25Bs attacked the port and airfield adding more damage. They did destroy 1 zero on the field.
SRA:
IJN troops landed at Timoeka, a dot base on the southern side of New Guinea.
Xargun
An allied DMS cleared more mines at Shortlands - I need a dedicated CD unit there to stop this crap. I'm sure my 15cm howitzers can reach but they won't fire until fired on I believe. Following up the mine sweeping a CA-heavy TF came in and bombarded effectively shutting down the airfield.
As daylight came B-25Bs attacked the port and airfield adding more damage. They did destroy 1 zero on the field.
SRA:
IJN troops landed at Timoeka, a dot base on the southern side of New Guinea.
Xargun
August 26th, 1942
Sub Warfare:
A PB Fast Transport TF heading back to Truk is attacked by an allied sub, but they avoid the attack and fail to damage the enemy sub in return.
The allied DS was last seen heading Southwest towards Australia so I'm not sure whats up with that. He may be heading to the SRA to raise some havoc there - I need to shift some forces that way to be prepared in case he shows up there.
Xargun
A PB Fast Transport TF heading back to Truk is attacked by an allied sub, but they avoid the attack and fail to damage the enemy sub in return.
The allied DS was last seen heading Southwest towards Australia so I'm not sure whats up with that. He may be heading to the SRA to raise some havoc there - I need to shift some forces that way to be prepared in case he shows up there.
Xargun
August 27th, 1942
South Pacific:
Allied DMSs clear more mines at Shortlands - but this time when the bombardment TF came in the CA Minneapolis hit a mine !!!!
My Betties from Rabaul made several night attacks against the bombardment TF before they bombarded but unfortunately they all missed. It is odd see bomb splashes from them, but the combat report says they are using torps - and torps are being expended from the Air HQ. Won't know for sure until one finally hits.
Xargun
Allied DMSs clear more mines at Shortlands - but this time when the bombardment TF came in the CA Minneapolis hit a mine !!!!
My Betties from Rabaul made several night attacks against the bombardment TF before they bombarded but unfortunately they all missed. It is odd see bomb splashes from them, but the combat report says they are using torps - and torps are being expended from the Air HQ. Won't know for sure until one finally hits.
Xargun
August 28th, 1942
South Pacific:
More mines are cleared from Shortlands.
F4U-1 Corsairs are sweeping the skies above Shortlands and today B-25Bs returned attacking the port for minimal damage.
The allied DS seems to be hanging back at Tulagi for unknown reasons.
Xargun
More mines are cleared from Shortlands.
F4U-1 Corsairs are sweeping the skies above Shortlands and today B-25Bs returned attacking the port for minimal damage.
The allied DS seems to be hanging back at Tulagi for unknown reasons.
Xargun
August 29th, 1942
South Pacific:
Allied DMS Hopkins clears more mines from Shortlands. I would love to send in some warships to say hi, but with the allied DS around it would be suicide.
Four squadrons of B-25B Mitchells bomb Shortland Port - small units of 16 planes each. I wonder if he is gunning for CD guns that I don't have there yet?
Xargun
Allied DMS Hopkins clears more mines from Shortlands. I would love to send in some warships to say hi, but with the allied DS around it would be suicide.
Four squadrons of B-25B Mitchells bomb Shortland Port - small units of 16 planes each. I wonder if he is gunning for CD guns that I don't have there yet?
Xargun
August 30th, 1942
Burma:
Some B-25Bs attacked my ground troops at Toungoo and ran into the Zeros on cap. We shot down 5 or 6 and another one was lost on the way home. A nice little experience boost for my pilots there.
South Pacific:
Well I sent in some more Minelayers to add another field at Shortlands and they got caught as the allied DS moved forward near Shortlands.
Morning Air attack on TF, near Torokina at 109,130
Weather in hex: Light cloud
Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes
Allied aircraft
Martlet II x 46
F4F-3 Wildcat x 90
SBD-3 Dauntless x 98
Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed by flak
Japanese Ships
CM Natsushima, Bomb hits 3, and is sunk
DD Hatsukaze, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage (Sunk afterwards)
DD Oyashio, Bomb hits 1
CM Takashima, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk
CM Sarushima, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk
DD Kuroshio, Bomb hits 5, and is sunk
Bad news is almost the entire TF was lost. Good news is they did lay their mines first and that it seems Nomad has fixed his CV problem of only 1 squadron launching - which is good for the longevity of the game - but not good for my ships.
Shortlands is critically low on supplies - around 1500 tons I believe. I am going to try to move in a Fast Transport TF carrying 3000 tons - Nomad has seemed very reluctant to let his fighters attack naval targets so they might be able to get in, drop the supplies, and get back out. I will provide some fighter cover just in case.
I don't think I can wait any longer for my pilots at Truk to train up - I'm going to swap them out for higher skilled pilots from the pool and move them to the front.
Xargun
Some B-25Bs attacked my ground troops at Toungoo and ran into the Zeros on cap. We shot down 5 or 6 and another one was lost on the way home. A nice little experience boost for my pilots there.
South Pacific:
Well I sent in some more Minelayers to add another field at Shortlands and they got caught as the allied DS moved forward near Shortlands.
Morning Air attack on TF, near Torokina at 109,130
Weather in hex: Light cloud
Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes
Allied aircraft
Martlet II x 46
F4F-3 Wildcat x 90
SBD-3 Dauntless x 98
Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 destroyed by flak
Japanese Ships
CM Natsushima, Bomb hits 3, and is sunk
DD Hatsukaze, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage (Sunk afterwards)
DD Oyashio, Bomb hits 1
CM Takashima, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk
CM Sarushima, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk
DD Kuroshio, Bomb hits 5, and is sunk
Bad news is almost the entire TF was lost. Good news is they did lay their mines first and that it seems Nomad has fixed his CV problem of only 1 squadron launching - which is good for the longevity of the game - but not good for my ships.
Shortlands is critically low on supplies - around 1500 tons I believe. I am going to try to move in a Fast Transport TF carrying 3000 tons - Nomad has seemed very reluctant to let his fighters attack naval targets so they might be able to get in, drop the supplies, and get back out. I will provide some fighter cover just in case.
I don't think I can wait any longer for my pilots at Truk to train up - I'm going to swap them out for higher skilled pilots from the pool and move them to the front.
Xargun
August 31st, 1942
South Pacific:
Allied AM Warrnambool is now clearing mines at Shortlands since the last DMS hit a mine there. I really need to get these guys out of there but can't with the allied DS sitting there ready to pounce.
Allied B-25Bs attacked Shortland port again - he is definitely trying to suppress CD guns. Which means he is prepping for invasion.
Xargun
Allied AM Warrnambool is now clearing mines at Shortlands since the last DMS hit a mine there. I really need to get these guys out of there but can't with the allied DS sitting there ready to pounce.
Allied B-25Bs attacked Shortland port again - he is definitely trying to suppress CD guns. Which means he is prepping for invasion.
Xargun
Sept 1st, 1942
Sub Warfare:
RO-67 just got back on station in the Solomon Sea after repairs and stupidly attacks an allied DD - misses of course. The two allied DD pounce on the sub damaging it. She is headed back to Truk for repairs... again.. It takes longer for them to travel to and from Truk than it does to repair them.
South Pacific:
Allied AM is clearing more mines from shortlands.
Allied B-25Bs arrived over Shortlands again and this time they were targetting the airfields and the damaged fighters there picking off several damaged Zeros, destroying them.
Nomad talks about how other games he is in he doesn't invade the Solomons until like 1943 and I'm like how is that possible? How can japanese players get sufficient troops down here, behind forts that quick. Malaya and Luzon are top priority and then all the oil centers before the HI runs out of oil / fuel. I just don't see how you can prevent the allies from landing in the southern Solomons in mid to late 42 - its just sooo far from any real bases. Rabaul is decent - once you build it up.
Xargun
RO-67 just got back on station in the Solomon Sea after repairs and stupidly attacks an allied DD - misses of course. The two allied DD pounce on the sub damaging it. She is headed back to Truk for repairs... again.. It takes longer for them to travel to and from Truk than it does to repair them.
South Pacific:
Allied AM is clearing more mines from shortlands.
Allied B-25Bs arrived over Shortlands again and this time they were targetting the airfields and the damaged fighters there picking off several damaged Zeros, destroying them.
Nomad talks about how other games he is in he doesn't invade the Solomons until like 1943 and I'm like how is that possible? How can japanese players get sufficient troops down here, behind forts that quick. Malaya and Luzon are top priority and then all the oil centers before the HI runs out of oil / fuel. I just don't see how you can prevent the allies from landing in the southern Solomons in mid to late 42 - its just sooo far from any real bases. Rabaul is decent - once you build it up.
Xargun
Sept 2nd, 1942
Burma:
Allied P-38F Lightnings sweep Magwe at 41,000 ft and maul my zeros on CAP.
South Pacific:
Kates, flying night naval attack, flew from Rabaul and attacked the YMS-95 clearing mines at Shortlands. Unfortunately they missed.
B-25Bs attacked Shortlands again but this time I had some LR CAP Zeros there to greet them. In all, we shot down eight of them and a couple more ditched on their way home. Unfortunately multiple waves of B-25s did get through hitting the airfield more, destroying several already crippled zeros on the ground.
Xargun
Allied P-38F Lightnings sweep Magwe at 41,000 ft and maul my zeros on CAP.
South Pacific:
Kates, flying night naval attack, flew from Rabaul and attacked the YMS-95 clearing mines at Shortlands. Unfortunately they missed.
B-25Bs attacked Shortlands again but this time I had some LR CAP Zeros there to greet them. In all, we shot down eight of them and a couple more ditched on their way home. Unfortunately multiple waves of B-25s did get through hitting the airfield more, destroying several already crippled zeros on the ground.
Xargun