Back and Better Than Ever Vettim 89(A) vs Greasylake(J)

[vettim89]

IJN is unloading troops at Butuan. AV is in the Filipinos favor for now

IJA attacks a Deliberate Attack and Iba and the Filipinos hold

Ground combat at Iba (78,75)

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 4174 troops, 106 guns, 23 vehicles, Assault Value = 125

Defending force 3292 troops, 69 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 141

Japanese adjusted assault: 46

Allied adjusted defense: 58

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 1)

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), op mode(-), morale(-), experience(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
106 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
68 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 10 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Guns lost 3 (2 destroyed, 1 disabled)

Assaulting units:
47th Infantry Regiment
1st Medium Field Artillery Regiment
47th Field AA Battalion
48th Field Artillery Regiment
36th Const Co
37th Const Co

Defending units:
31st PA Infantry Division
1st PI Base Force


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at Iba (78,75)

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 3093 troops, 64 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 134

Defending force 4810 troops, 130 guns, 23 vehicles, Assault Value = 118

Assaulting units:
31st PA Infantry Division
1st PI Base Force

Defending units:
47th Infantry Regiment
1st Medium Field Artillery Regiment
36th Const Co
48th Field Artillery Regiment
47th Field AA Battalion
37th Const Co

B-17s did not hit Singkaweng despite orders to do so

IJN CVLs spotted north of the Makassar Strait. Will they venture south? I have a lot of small ships moving stuff around

[vettim89]

PoW status

[BBfanboy]

PoW status

That I would send to CT right away - at cruise speed.

[vettim89]

Not a lot going on right now. Panay is now completely under IJA control. IJA troops move to Sambas but lack the AV to finish off the combined Dutch/Commonwealth troops.

On the 25-26 IJN made a brief foray into the Makassar strait but only sank 2 Dutch PT boats for their effort. Oh and dome one hit a mine at Balikpapan

After sending escorted G4M strike at shipping around Rangoon. Larry switched

Zeros over Rangoon.jpg (103.02 KiB) Viewed 447 times

to Sweeps today


Oscars also swept Rangoon. Not a good day for the AVG

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[vettim89]

I tried to send Pow to Cape Town - twice! After both turns she was disbanded back at Colombo. Guess the game engine thinks she is too hurt to go that far. I put her in shipyard at "critical" priority. The estimate is 245 days. I have no intention of letting her stay there that long. Will see what a few weeks of repair accomplishment

[BBfanboy]

Yes, sometimes the game engine tries to overrule your orders - which is when you need to overrule it by setting the Routing Instructions for the TF to "Direct" and Threat Tolerance to "Absolute". I use this setting for the majority of my orders, then add waypoints if there is some area I want to avoid. Waypoints are handy for refueling the short-ranged ships too.

[vettim89]

IJN CVLs are spotted in the Celebes. Suspect they are escorting a AMPH TF to Kendari. Last of troops are approaching Ambon.

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IJN sub went right into the harbor at Batavia and sank one TK and heavily damaged a second. Air search in the AM did not find a sub in the area. Must be secret Japanese cloaking device

IJN has deposited more troops at Kaving. Happy that the small detachment there added at least a week to the IJA conquest of that base.

Sweeps over Rangoon went in piecemealed. First the Oscars which the AVG got a 3:1 kill ratio on. Then a small A6m sweep which came out 1:1. Finally a large A6M sweep that was met with no opposition. Service rating on those H3s is atrocious. Cannot keep this up for much longer.

[vettim89]

Not a lot is going on. Larry is being very deliberate. So the new year comes. IJA has arrived at Manilla and it will likely fall next turn. Georgetown has fallen and IJA is at Taiping and Tegula (sp?) in Malaya. Larry does not have enough AV to dislodge defenders at Iba. That Said, only Manilla, Clark Field, Iba and Batangas remain in Allied hands on Luzon.

Larry has been bombing the bajeepers out of Rangoon. He is sending over 200 a/c a day at the base. I tried to use the AVG to hold the line but they are just not up to it.

Larry sent a SCTF built around four BBs to hit Ambon. It wasn't fun but he really did do that much.

Night Naval bombardment of Ambon at 76,109 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
139WH-3: 2 damaged
PBY-5 Catalina: 1 damaged
B-339D: 1 damaged

3 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
BB Hyuga
BB Ise
BB Fuso
BB Nagato
CA Haguro

Allied Ships
AGP Eridanus, Shell hits 1
AGP Sirius, Shell hits 1
AVP Reiger, Shell hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage

Allied ground losses:
124 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Non Combat: 5 destroyed, 9 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)

Airbase hits 7
Airbase supply hits 8
Runway hits 16
Port hits 8
Port supply hits 2

My PTs did not do anything to stop this but did try.

Larry has marched troops overland to Wenchow and even sent a SCTF built around a CL to bombard. He didn't bring enough AV to force an early decision here

My biggest issue is Larry's fairly effective sub campaign against unescorted merchant shipping. He has at least three and possibly four SS parked about 1500 NM SSW of San Diego. They are chewing up MS returning form NZ and Oz. CV Yorktown has just arrived and she is patrolling the area with all her attack a/c set to ASW. In addition I sent two ASW TF with DDs in to hunt. Don't know if I can sink the subs but if I damage them enough they will have to run home. Japanese AMC spotted south of Kodiak two turns ago. Disappeared this turn

[vettim89]

An S-boat puts two torpedoes into an AMC in the Makassar Strait. Then the Dutch light bombers hit her and SINK her!!!!

Larry continues to send 100 plus count raids at Rangoon. I have ceded the air war in Burma. Avg will Repair and retire to China where maybe they can do some more good.

Taiping falls but Temuloh holds. So does Manilla and Iba. Cagayan is holding by a thread as more IJA units have arrive.

Wenchow holds but forts are now at 0.

An I-boat sinks DD sims who was trying to act as an ASW unit. Hmmm.. So Larry has obviously decided to wage a significant sub war against my merchant shipping. He has at least four and as many as six bots in the corridor between the WCUSA and the Society Islands. I am rerouting all unescorted merchies to the HI. They will then be escorted to the WC by USN DDs. This is going to be an inconvenience now but will become a major problem in say six months.

I think I have divined Larry's strategy. He seems to be only acting where he can bring overwhelming force. So instead of multiple small invasions he is doing one big one at a time. Times a wasting but I expect to see an uptick soon. He hasn't moved towards Rabaul, Tarakan, or Balikpapan yet. Brunei is still allied control. Obviously no moves toward Sumatra, Java or the Celebes as of yet.

[vettim89]

Wenchow falls. With this mod there are Chinese Warlord units that are static in SW China. If Larry keeps pushing he will unlock these units which will just make it harder for him to push further.

Amazingly Iba, Manilla, and Temuloh all hold. Larry sends his four BB SCTF to bombard Cagayan. Seems a bit of overkill but the Filipinos hold off another Deliberate Attack.

An IJN sub enters Ambon harbor and sinks an empty xAP. Ambon's AV now stands at 221. I think I am done reinforcing here. Forts are at three and will stay there until the damage is repaired after the IJN BBs stopped by a few turns ago. This should provide a nice speed bump for Larry as he moves into this area.

An IJN sub sneaks in PH!!! None of the 300 plus mines are set off by this interloper. ASW forces score a grand total of one hit

It occurred to me I haven't seen KB in a while. With Wake still in Allied hands I expect there may be lurking in the Marshall Islands. Keep wondering if Larry is trying to set a trap for a Wake relief effort. Not even going to take a nibble at that bait

Rangoon continues to absorb over 100 bomber sorties a day. Like I said Larry either goes big or goes home.

[vettim89]

Iba, Manilla and Temuloh all hold!

The only other thing of note is that IJN CVs are spotted 100 nm due west of Truk. Perhaps on they're way to Rabaul?

Not-Bora Bora is now port level 2 and expanding. CV's Lexington and Saratoga are escorting a Marine REG to Pago Pago and are now just a few turns out.

The game teleports a Port Support unit to Penrang (sp?) Island. Somebody is going to have to pick that unit up now

[vettim89]

Manilla falls. Temuloh falls. Sambas falls. Iba Holds Cagayan holds

CVs Lexington and Saratoga find IJN AMCs wondering the central Pacific.

Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Canton Island at 152,143

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Allied aircraft
F2A-3 Buffalo x 5
F4F-3 Wildcat x 8
SBD-2 Dauntless x 15
SBD-3 Dauntless x 18

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AMC Aikoku Maru, Bomb hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage
AMC Hokoku Maru, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage

Heard ship sinking sounds but one ship remains 100 nm west of Canton Island

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The 18th British Division has almost completed unloading at Madras. It will head to Chittagong to bolster the Indian frontier

[vettim89]

I forgot to mention that CA Canberra was torpedoed east of Townsville last turn. I had her set to move to Townsville but Larry placed a sub in that hex. She'll go to Cairns instead.

An IJN sub sneaks into Titlijap and sinks two small TK. Subs are everywhere.

Somebody hit a mine last turn. I think I heard the submarine sinking sound effect. Perhaps the one that took out the two TK on Sumatra???

[vettim89]

CA Canberra is two hexes out of Cairns. If only I had an AR nearby.

The map is suddenly very quiet. The IJA is advancing in the PI and down the Malay Peninsula but there is little other action. Even the number of SS sightings is down.

AMs clear mines out of Soerobaja. Perhaps the sub that left them there is the one I heard sinking last turn.

With action so slow I thought I would highlight something about this unit (and it's sisters). So these are the A24 squadrons that were historically sent to the DEI. That said, there experience levels make them about useless, Sometimes I question the ineptness of the early war USAAF pilots. Yes, they were no where near as able as the Japanese pilots they faced but at least some of them had several years in service. They were trained but not blooded. Just a rant

[vettim89]

A cruiser Tf bombards Iba

Night Naval bombardment of Iba at 78,75

Japanese Ships
CA Ashigara
CA Maya
CL Kuma
DD Matsukaze
DD Asakaze
DD Umikaze
DD Kawakaze

Resources hits 1
Airbase hits 3
Runway hits 13
Port hits 1
Port supply hits 1

Iba and Cagayan remain in allied hands.

CA Canberra has reached Cairns and has begun pumping out. My Few DDs in the area are busy right now but after they finish their current mission they will escort Canberra south.

A Marine RGT has arrive at Pago Pago and is now unloading. Their TF is being guarded by Lex and Saratoga. I am concerned that their presence is known after sinking those two AMCs, KB could be on the way. I will divert everyone south before sending them back to WCUSA.

At present I have a total of two IJN TFs spotted on the entire map. Both are at Panay likely picking up the troops that conquered that island.

The constant air bombardment has whittled the supply at Rangoon down to 14k. More inbound but I suspect that is the point of the continued assault.

Only Canton Island has a colored "!" over it at this point. A small TF is on the way but I fear for them. The AMPH TF that dropped the construction regiment at Not-Bora Bora has picked up the Port Service detachment the game dropped at Penryn Island. It will take it to Not-Bora Bora

I bought out a Sep Inf RGT. It is going to Christmas Island (edit) once Some DDs are freed up.

[BBfanboy]

There are a few Allied units that appear at remote islands during the game. Penrhyn Island will get at least one more unit, so will ACTUAL Bora Bora. Best way to see these in advance is to look at the Intel Report on LCU Reinforcements and sort the list by arrival location. Very few arrive at remote places. You can then make notes to send ships to pick them up or just send supplies in advance so you can pick them up later.

[vettim89]

Nothing of note happened on the 12th except Japanese air power is now pounding Moulmein

On the 13th Cruisers bombard Iba

Night Naval bombardment of Iba at 78,75

Japanese Ships
CA Kumano
CA Suzuya
CA Mogami
CA Chokai
CL Kinu
CL Kashii

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

Airbase hits 7
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 36
Port hits 4
Port fuel hits 3
Port supply hits 3

Then BBs join the party

Night Naval bombardment of Iba at 78,75

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
DD Michishio
DD Asashio

Airbase hits 3
Runway hits 9
Port hits 3
Port fuel hits 1

BB Kongo firing at Iba
DD Michishio firing at Iba
DD Asashio firing at Iba

Then....Larry ordered a bombardment attack by the ground units in the hex. Ok, that is a thing I guess

I-121 hits a mine at Palmyra. Take that sea Ninja!

CA Canberra has started pumping. Going to be a long time before that ship is combat ready

[vettim89]

Iba finally falls. Now Just Clark Field and Bataan remain on Luzon. Cagayan is still holding.

IJAF is using ground attack on anything and everything on the Malayan peninsula.

A cargo TF encounters an I-boat while unloading at Midway. No hits for either side

Still wondering what Larry is up to. Perhaps he is just taking his time. but I am concerned that he is massing his forces for something bold.

[vettim89]

Not much to report. Another sub ran afoul of mines. This time at Midway and I heard the sub sinking sound.

The big news of the days is BB Arizona, CA San Francisco and CL Honolulu arrived at Mare Island. The cruisers will be back in it in less than two weeks. Just over 100 days for the BB. I purposely did not mention that this TF was on its way for fear of jinxing it.

[vettim89]

IJA units have arrived at Kuala Lumpur. Still more are one hex to the north. Larry is about on track for a 15 February surrender at Singapore

For the third day in a row an IJN sub has encountered a mine. This time it was at Christmas Island. My ASW forces cannot do squat but mines are taking a toll. Unfortunately I am already running low. Not enough mines to rearm the RNN CMs and coming close for the USN.

Soerobaja increased the AB level to 5, I sent the B-17s to hit Miri

Morning Air attack on Miri , at 64,87

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-17D Fortress x 25

No Allied losses

Oil hits 27

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x B-17D Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x B-17D Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
8 x B-17D Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-17D Fortress bombing from 10000 feet
City Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb

At least I am giving my opponent something to worry about