PzB vs Wobbly - Clash of Steel

[PzB74]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/08/42

Surface Combat

Bombardments

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Rangoon, at 29,34 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
Swordfish: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
Vildebeest IV: 9 destroyed, 2 damaged

1 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
CL Yubari
CL Oi
CL Kuma
CA Ashigara
CA Nachi
CA Maya
BB Hyuga
BB Ise
BB Nagato
BB Kirishima


Allied ground losses:
1393 casualties reported [:)] Tomorrow we attack!
Guns lost 25
Vehicles lost 5

Airbase hits 4
Runway hits 54
Port hits 15
Port fuel hits 4
Port supply hits 8
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Invasions

Coastal Guns at Rangoon, 29,34, firing at TF 32
TF 32 troops unloading over beach at Rangoon, 29,34

45 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
PG Chosa Maru
DD Nagatsuki
ML Ikitsushima
AP Kaifuku Maru
PC Shonan Maru #7, Shell hits 2
PG Nikkai Maru
PG Edo Maru

Japanese ground losses:
922 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Rangoon, 29,34, firing at TF 32
TF 32 troops unloading over beach at Rangoon, 29,34

23 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
PG Magan Maru
ML Ikitsushima, Shell hits 1
CA Kumano
AP Shinyo Maru
AP Yamakisan Maru, Shell hits 1

Japanese ground losses:
66 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Rangoon, 29,34, firing at TF 34
TF 34 troops unloading over beach at Rangoon, 29,34

7 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese ground losses:
414 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

Day Air attack on Sian , at 47,29

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27 Nate x 31
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 29 - tomorrow my fighters are all put on LRCAP over Sian to prevent as well as escort bombers.
Ki-51 Sonia x 20
Ki-48 Lily x 35
Ki-49 Helen x 26

Allied aircraft
Hurricane II x 5
I-16c x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 2 destroyed
Ki-51 Sonia: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane II: 4 destroyed, 1 damaged
I-16c: 18 destroyed, 11 damaged [:)]

Allied ground losses:
31 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Airbase hits 10
Airbase supply hits 5
Runway hits 28 - Chinese airfields still not repaired today. Will this slow down the construction of new forts?

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
8 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
11 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 5000 feet
11 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 5000 feet
18 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 5000 feet
2 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
12 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 5000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 5000 feet
3 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 5000 feet
3 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Rangoon , at 29,34

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5
Ki-48 Lily x 39

Allied aircraft
no flights

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Vildebeest IV: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged - got rid of a lot of pests today!
Swordfish: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 46

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 10000 feet
15 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 10000 feet
9 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 10000 feet
3 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 10000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 35th Division, at 47,29 - numerous mini raids against Sian today.

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27 Nate x 2

Allied aircraft
I-153c x 13
SB-2c x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-27 Nate: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
I-153c: 2 destroyed, 4 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x SB-2c bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 37th Division, at 47,29

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27 Nate x 2

Allied aircraft
I-153c x 2
SB-2c x 4

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
I-153c: 2 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x SB-2c bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 37th Division, at 47,29

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27 Nate x 1

Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 9
Blenheim I x 3
IL-4c x 6

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim I: 1 damaged
IL-4c: 2 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x IL-4c bombing at 15000 feet
3 x Blenheim I bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

Ground combat at 30,34

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 1450 troops, 0 guns, 95 vehicles

Defending force 3390 troops, 19 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 4 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
13 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 1

Allied ground losses:
88 casualties reported
Guns lost 4

Defeated Allied Units Retreating! - Yes, the road to the 15th Army has been re-opened!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Sian

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 217574 troops, 2040 guns, 295 vehicles

Defending force 115312 troops, 349 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 0

Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese ground losses:
1608 casualties reported
Guns lost 52
Vehicles lost 1

Allied ground losses:
4824 casualties reported - very heavy chinese losses now as the forts are gone!
Guns lost 66
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Sian - Chinese bombardment is now completely unefficient.

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 85236 troops, 195 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 222703 troops, 2002 guns, 294 vehicles
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 29,33 - the 15th Army has been rested and now as the supply lines are open again, CHARGE!

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 27593 troops, 274 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 59679 troops, 596 guns, 20 vehicles

Japanese ground losses:
57 casualties reported
Guns lost 3
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Situation Report

Today was certainly a much better day than the last 2-3 ones.
Rangoon was hit heavily and an entire division landed. Tomorrow we will attack!

My tank regiment chased the indian bde off the road east of Rangoon, and I'm now going to move in a bde of my own to reinforce my position.

A fast transport group is ordered to Akyab to pick up an SNLF unit. 3 fast msw will escort the group. The place will receive more attention when Hangover commences.

My intel tells about ~10000 Allied troops at Rangoon, and I'm uncertain whether these are all support or combat formations. Tomorrow we'll know! I expect there to be heavy fortifications, so it could take some time to capture it.

In China the forts are gone and I will continue to attack - still 2 more divisions on their way. Wobbly is also reinforcing the place, so I will not give him any breaks.

[PzB74]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/09/42

Surface Combat

Bombardments

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Rangoon, at 29,34 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
No Allied losses

3 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
CL Yubari
CL Oi
CL Kuma
CA Ashigara
CA Nachi, Shell hits 1
CA Maya
BB Hyuga
BB Ise
BB Nagato
BB Kirishima

Allied ground losses:
84 casualties reported

Runway hits 45
Port hits 6

Invasions

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Rangoon, 29,34, firing at TF 34
TF 34 troops unloading over beach at Rangoon, 29,34

8 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
AP Tainichi Maru

Japanese ground losses:
341 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Rangoon, 29,34, firing at TF 34
TF 34 troops unloading over beach at Rangoon, 29,34

2 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese ground losses:
14 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 9 troops unloading over beach at Makin, 85,89

Japanese ground losses:
115 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

Day Air attack on Sian , at 47,29

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27 Nate x 12
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 8
Ki-51 Sonia x 17
Ki-48 Lily x 35
Ki-49 Helen x 25

Allied aircraft
Hurricane II x 6
I-16c x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-27 Nate: 2 destroyed
Ki-51 Sonia: 2 destroyed
Ki-48 Lily: 2 destroyed
Ki-49 Helen: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane II: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged
I-16c: 7 destroyed, 3 damaged

Allied ground losses:
10 casualties reported

Airbase hits 8
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 24

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
7 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
19 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 5000 feet
13 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 5000 feet
6 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 5000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 5000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 5000 feet
3 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 5000 feet
3 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 5000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 5000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 5000 feet
3 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Sasebo 8th SNLF, at 30,29

Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 7
Blenheim I x 9
Blenheim IV x 27

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
49 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Blenheim IV bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Blenheim I bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Blenheim I bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 6000 feet
6 x Blenheim IV bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Blenheim I bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

Ground combat at Banjarmasin - still working on the Dutch remnants on Borneo.

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 4872 troops, 24 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 1175 troops, 11 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 6 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
2 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
23 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Sian

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 215904 troops, 1988 guns, 294 vehicles

Defending force 110246 troops, 243 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 0

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 0) - improvement! Almost there....

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

Japanese ground losses:
2209 casualties reported
Guns lost 58
Vehicles lost 2

Allied ground losses:
5219 casualties reported
Guns lost 102
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 29,33

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 58786 troops, 563 guns, 19 vehicles

Defending force 37703 troops, 335 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
3224 casualties reported - ouch! The Allied army that camped north of Rangoon is certainly not one to be fooled around with!
Guns lost 101
Vehicles lost 4

Allied ground losses:
387 casualties reported
Guns lost 7
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Changsha

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 28111 troops, 274 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 3239 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 260 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
64 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
317 casualties reported

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Rangoon

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 29961 troops, 250 guns, 11 vehicles

Defending force 6174 troops, 8 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 3

Japanese assault odds: 15 to 1 (fort level 3)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Rangoon base !!! [8D]

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
Swordfish: 2 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed
Vildebeest IV: 6 destroyed

Japanese ground losses:
122 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Allied ground losses:
3878 casualties reported
Guns lost 4
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Makin

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 2134 troops, 15 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 66 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Makin base !!! - just north of Tarawa with a size 3 port.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Situation Report

Things are proceeding according to plans! The falls of Rangoon was expected - but nevertheless welcome news.
The 15th Army will be reinforced with the division that has been landed and try to force the enemy army north of Rangoon to retreat and thereby open the railroad south to Malaya. This may be a long and ardous task, but I'd like to bind up the Allied troops here - that will make Operation Hangover easier.

I'm sending more troops to Akyab! The fast transport tf that unloaded the bulk of a bde at Moulmein will move north with 3 msw's. Paras will also be deployed to make sure the place falls. I want a forward base for my Zeros!

The Imperial Guards Div is turned south again and will return to Singapore. The 2 divisions at Java are also being moved to Singapore. I now got 2600 polit points, and I'm planning to release an experienced division from China. That will cost me 3300 polit points.

Still got 3 weeks to prepare for Operation Hangover - just what I need to get everything sorted out. Massive amounts of tankers are currently moving oil from Palembang and other oilfields back to Japan.

The KB has reached Mindanao and is only a short week from Singapore while the Hosho has reached the Marianas and will soon enter Truk. I will try to show the flag in the South Pacific...

In China I got a 1-1 odds - and that's good news! Chinese losses remains high, and I will continue the attacks for another few days as the last reserves are committed. If the base doesn't fall, I will order a shock attack. If the Chinese retreats west, there will only be 50000 troops holding the bases north of Sian. This would be a very tempting target.....

The Zuiho is repairing nicely at Singapore, down to 38 sys damage now. Should be ready for action in a couple of months or so.

[PzB74]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/10/42

Air combat

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Sian , at 47,29

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27 Nate x 10
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 8
Ki-51 Sonia x 18
Ki-48 Lily x 33
Ki-49 Helen x 23

Allied aircraft
no flights

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
I-16c: 1 destroyed
Hurricane II: 1 destroyed

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 5
Runway hits 44

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
7 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
24 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 5000 feet
17 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 5000 feet
6 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 5000 feet
2 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 5000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 5000 feet
3 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Banjarmasin

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 4865 troops, 23 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 1065 troops, 8 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
2 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
13 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Sian

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 221225 troops, 2018 guns, 295 vehicles

Defending force 102579 troops, 117 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

Japanese ground losses:
1046 casualties reported
Guns lost 29
Vehicles lost 1

Allied ground losses:
3909 casualties reported
Guns lost 77
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 29,33

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 48615 troops, 443 guns, 13 vehicles

Defending force 37237 troops, 319 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied ground losses:
17 casualties reported
Guns lost 2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Sian

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 52038 troops, 17 guns, 0 vehicles - only 52000 combat troops left at Sian now.

Defending force 250797 troops, 2274 guns, 293 vehicles
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Situation Report

Been changing some factory settings and prepared more oil and resource convoys today. I've reduced the number of Oscar I, Tabby and Dinahs being produced and
increased production as increased factory size for models like the Emily, Sally and Betties.

Truk, Rabaul and Kwajalein now holds sizeable garrisons and bomber groups. Construction and garrison units are being moved to Tarawa while the expansion of both
Lunga, Shortland, Lae, Hollandia and Wewak is well under way. More garrisons and base force units embarked in Tokyo and is heading for Kendari. It will be difficult to reinforce these areas when I get committed to Operation Hangover - and I want to leave a perimeter defense and work hard on expanding it.

Wobbly tells me that he will not retreat his army north of Rangoon [8D] Thank you Mr. W! I will retreat the 15th Army into Rangoon and expand it with the 38th Division. Then supplies and coastal defensive units will be moved into not only Rangoon, but also Moulmein and Tavoy. While my men rests, mosquitos and bugs will inflict heavy casualties on the allied troops rotting on the railroad outside Rangoon - which is a temperate non malaria zone! When the shit hits the fan in India, my rested troops will spring into action and pursue the allied units werever they may go. Engineers have fixed the runways in Rangoon, but the port and air service facilities are still in shambles. Since weather is bad, air units will not move in until the base has been cleaned up and the weather cleared.

The fast transport loading a bde at Moulmein left without having loaded a single man[:'(] I split the force into 3 and has ordered pick up of all the 3 stranded units at Akyab. I will come back with a more coordinated and better prepared force before Hangover starts. 3 msw's will clear mines before the transports moves in.

In China I'm getting better combat results for each day and I will wait another few days before launching a shock attack. Tomorrow the last reinforcements will join the battle.

[PzB74]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/11/42

ASW Combat

USS Trout reported hit by asw ac of the northern tip of Java.

Air Combat

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Homan , at 49,30

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
IL-4c x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48 Lily: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
Ki-27 Nate: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
IL-4c: 5 damaged

Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x IL-4c bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Lae , at 54,87

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 3
Beaufort V-IX x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Hudson I bombing at 4000 feet
3 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 4000 feet
7 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 4000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Sian , at 47,29

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27 Nate x 10
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 2
Ki-51 Sonia x 16
Ki-48 Lily x 31
Ki-49 Helen x 27

No Japanese losses

Allied ground losses:
11 casualties reported

Airbase hits 9
Airbase supply hits 7
Runway hits 37

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
7 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
18 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 5000 feet
11 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 5000 feet
7 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 5000 feet
6 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 5000 feet
5 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 5000 feet
3 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 5000 feet
3 x Ki-48 Lily bombing at 5000 feet
3 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 5000 feet
2 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

Ground combat at Banjarmasin

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 4861 troops, 22 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 1021 troops, 7 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 10 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
22 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
13 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Sian

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 244219 troops, 2256 guns, 294 vehicles

Defending force 103135 troops, 112 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Sian base !!! [:)]

Allied aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane II: 1 destroyed
I-16c: 3 destroyed

Japanese ground losses:
1995 casualties reported
Guns lost 44
Vehicles lost 1

Allied ground losses:
6710 casualties reported
Guns lost 33
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 29,33

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 42855 troops, 418 guns, 13 vehicles

Defending force 37269 troops, 320 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied ground losses:
11 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Akyab

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 3776 troops, 32 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 180 troops, 10 guns, 0 vehicles - fast transports evacuated all but some heavy AA guns and their crews!

Allied assault odds: 158 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
124 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

Allied ground losses:
8 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Situation Report

Fast transports managed to evacuate most of the men at Akyab! Only a few 105mm AA guns were left behind.

In China Sian finally fell and I now control the entire railroad *applause*
The chinese army retreated north! This means that I now got 2 options: I can pursue and try to capture northern China. I know that around 40000 troops are defending the base north of Sian. The retreating troops is a spent force - so the question is: Should I march 150000 men north in an attempt to destroy them completely?

Advice anyone?

If I march north, I have to leave the railroad and leave China without a mobile reserve. This is such an disadvantage that I'm seriously considering the second alternative: to go onto the defensive and be satisfied with the current state of affairs.
This would make it possible to withdraw forces out of China to reinforce operations in the Pacific.

Base forces are being shipped out to the outermost bases on Malaya and New Guinea to provide bases for search planes.
I also have to use some warships to protect an invasion of Timor. Will wait until Wobbly got other things on his mind, as this will lessen the chance of meeting enemy warships in the area.

[kaiser73]

my advice, pursue the enemies. when units get beaten, they are distrupted. but if you let them recover, they will get back in shape.

Now it seems easier to go on defensive, but once you kill those units or force them in jungle without supplies, you will have freed up much more units.

[sveint]

Should I march 150000 men north in an attempt to destroy them completely?

I would.

But it might be just as good or better to go on the defensive and send troops to Burma or the Pacific.

Let us know... really enjoy this AAR. Must be hard to gain the level of trust necessary.

[sveint]

Oh and if you do pursue: Leave a small garrison in Sian and send all your consturction units there to get fort levels up fast. That should be enough to hold, it's on the rail and easy to reinforce.

[2ndACR]

I would beware under estimating defenses in India. I invaded Chandpur against Ron when I spotted and reconned 90,000 troops in Mouleim. Those will mainly be Chinese troops. He had one of the Brit divisions and some real good units in Dacca. I got the Imperial Guard and the 18th Divisions butchered over the 3 week battle for Dacca. I saved over half of them though.

I must have missed something. Why do you need to release a division from China? I have roughly 8 divisions free to use after Malaya and the PI are secure and many more brigades and regiments. And these units are all in the 80-90 experience range and full strength.

[Ron Saueracker]

ORIGINAL: 2ndACR

I would beware under estimating defenses in India. I invaded Chandpur against Ron when I spotted and reconned 90,000 troops in Mouleim. Those will mainly be Chinese troops. He had one of the Brit divisions and some real good units in Dacca. I got the Imperial Guard and the 18th Divisions butchered over the 3 week battle for Dacca. I saved over half of them though.

I must have missed something. Why do you need to release a division from China? I have roughly 8 divisions free to use after Malaya and the PI are secure and many more brigades and regiments. And these units are all in the 80-90 experience range and full strength.

Freeboy, after he assumed our game, started dropping paras based in Chandpur all over the place behind my lines in Burma and India as far as his transports could reach. Got butchered when they landed on bases I'm sure he thought I had left undefended, but the silly invincibility rule for Japan has the wee groups of 80 Japs shock attacking and bouncing off the defenders (3000-4000 men in many cases). Now they are running around India like brats in a shopping centre. Then he hit Ceylon with the biggest assault I've seen in awhile. Trincomalee fell after about two weeks of unending naval and air pummeling. He has paid dearly due to the 9.2" nuclear howitzers, the LCU wonder artillery, a few mine strikes and LBA though. He is causing me some serious grief in India. But......my supply of Javanese coffee beans gets more secure with each day he attempts to get around the high price of Kobe beef by grabbing at the bony excuses for cattle roaming blissfully about in India.

[PzB74]

Thx for the advice and input everyone, appreciate it!

Sveint, it wasn't difficult to trust Al - I've played some UV games with him and I immediately put him on my 'trust' list! Not sure how he decided that he could trust a pragmatic weasel like me though! [;)]

I'm aware of that India could be a hard nut, but I've decided to give it a try. You may ask why I want to get troops from China...and the answer is simply that I don't want to underestimate the potential trouble I may run into. If I have to butcher several of my divisions, it would be sad to know that I could have pulled it off if I only had one more division available.

The 50000 Allied troops that are blocking the road north of Rangoon are all Allied troops - and good ones. They've been giving my crack 15th Army a bloody nose on several occasions.

My plan is simply to land with so many troops that I can overrun the Allied defenses in Dacca and Calcutta. You can rest assured of one thing, when I do something - I prefer to do it properly!

I'm also thinking that Operation Hangover will turn into a honey pot and that Wobbly is going to send in all his carriers and reinforcements to India and the Indian Ocean when the going gets tough. Then it would be nice to have 40000 men ready at Rabaul to invade Port Moresby with.

All these plans are more important than marching north and eliminating another 3 chinese bases - and that's the main reason why I'm not sure I want to commit to major operations in yet another theater. I will have to think about it.
My men at Sian are fatigued and there are a lot of damaged squads. I really need a weeks rest before moving anywhere.
I doubt that the routed chinese will move north that fast either [8D]

[Freddy Fudpucker]

Just caught up with your AAR. Excellent read btw.

I have no idea how strong the allies come back in '43 in WiTP (I don't own the game yet!), but right now I feel really sorry for poor Wobbly!

'Phoenix Islands' is the only thing he's got to shout about.

Does Japan's industry allow you to replace your lost carriers?

[PzB74]

No, the carriers are gone forever...will get 2 converted passenger liners soon: The Hiyo and Junyo - these are 25knots ships with 52 ac each.
They will not be able to replace the lost Hiryu and Soryu - but they will take their place in the line.

For operation hangover the 4 remainig carriers of the KB with 310 ac will be supported by the light carriers and their 105 ac. 415 ac should be enough to
stave of the US carriers if Wobbly gets bold.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/12/42


Surface Combat

Invasions

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 9 troops unloading over beach at Nauru Island, 79,91

Japanese ground losses:
46 casualties reported
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

A quiet day in the air - 0 ac lost on both sides!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Changsha , at 47,36

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 1

Allied aircraft
I-153c x 4
SB-2c x 16

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Heavy Industry hits 4

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x SB-2c bombing at 6000 feet
7 x SB-2c bombing at 6000 feet
3 x SB-2c bombing at 6000 feet
3 x SB-2c bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 104th Division, at 47,29

Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 9
Blenheim I x 3

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim I: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Blenheim I bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat

Ground combat at Banjarmasin

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 4840 troops, 21 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 948 troops, 7 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 18 to 1 - should be rid of the remnang at Borneo soon!

Japanese ground losses:
2 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
11 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 47,35

Japanese Deliberate attack - always a small chink unit on the railroad to sweep away!

Attacking force 8204 troops, 90 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 2186 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 364 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
9 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
54 casualties reported

Defeated Allied Units Retreating!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Akyab

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 4442 troops, 39 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 90 troops, 5 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 234 to 1

Japanese ground losses:
152 casualties reported - the bulk of the unit is now safe in Rangoon.
Guns lost 5

Allied ground losses:
17 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Nauru Island - small island west of Tarawa.

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 563 troops, 5 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 22 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Nauru Island base !!!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Situation Report

Been looking over my available forces: There will not be much time to rest, but it should be possible to sail on April 1st.
Considering whether I should send the KB into the Indian Ocean to hunt down convoys and raid major ports before the attack.
The KB will put into port in two days together with the light carriers.

At Singapore I will soon have 10 crack divisions and 7 tank regiments ready for Hangover.
Wobbly will soon know why they call me the Hammer [;)]

I've looked into the situation in China and come up with a new plan:

The North China Command HQ is marching towards Yenen together with numerous units including divisions, artillery, tank, enigneer, aviation and tank regiments.
I got a lot of smaller units to spare from the Kwantung Army, and now as there is now longer a threat against Yenen, the experienced garrison will be expanded into an Army and prepare to march east towards Kungchang. If they're quick, it should be possible to cut of the retreating Chinese Army before it reaches Kungching.
At Sian I now got 280000 men, and there are still sizeable garrisons all along the railroad line - and all the bases got at least 2 forts and building. I can easily spare almost 200000 men and march north together with the North China Command. Morale averages at around 50 and I need to rest my troops first and prepare.

Situation Map: China, Burma and India

[PzB74]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/13/42

Invasions

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 65 troops unloading over beach at Russell Islands, 66,96 - Capturing the remaining islands in the Solomons chain.

Japanese ground losses:
6 casualties reported

Air Combat

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chungking , at 43,32

Japanese aircraft
Ki-49 Helen x 8

Allied aircraft
I-16c x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49 Helen: 1 damaged

Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x Ki-49 Helen bombing at 10000 feet
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

Ground combat at Banjarmasin

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 4776 troops, 20 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 911 troops, 5 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 66 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
22 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
2030 casualties reported - the remaning Dutch troops finally surrenders!
Guns lost 7
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Situation Report

Preparations for Hangover continues! Almost 300000 troops at Singapore.
Organizing a convoy system that's not controlled by the AI.

50 days until the CV Junyo joins the navy.

[PzB74]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/14/42

Surface Combat

Sub/ASW Attacks

Sub attack at 17,26

Japanese Ships
SS I-158, hits 1, on fire - tried to torpedo the Piet Hein. Same ship hit her with a sub. 38 sys and 58 flood. Heading home.

Allied Ships
DD Piet Hein
DD Vendetta
MSW Cuttack
DD Vampire
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Invasions

TF 74 troops unloading over beach at Buna, 55,90 - Buna will also be built together with Lae. Still hope to invade PM.

Japanese ground losses:
16 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 79 troops unloading over beach at Babo, 42,77 - island on the westermost part of NG.

Japanese ground losses:
29 casualties reported


Air Combat

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Homan , at 49,30

Allied aircraft
IL-4c x 3

Allied aircraft losses
IL-4c: 1 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x IL-4c bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Wuhan , at 48,35

Allied aircraft
I-153c x 11
SB-2c x 16

No Allied losses

Resources hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x SB-2c bombing at 6000 feet
7 x SB-2c bombing at 6000 feet
3 x SB-2c bombing at 6000 feet
3 x SB-2c bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Bulla , at 40,75

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 38

No Allied losses

Resources hits 7

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
11 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
20 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

Ground combat at Russell Islands

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 475 troops, 4 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 24 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Russell Islands base !!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Makale

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 767 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles - another Dutch unit appears from the jungle. Will take a while to destroy them all. Can't have a garrison on every single little base.

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 3 to 1 (fort level 0)

Allied forces CAPTURE Makale base !!!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Situation Report

The KB has docked in Singapore and will earn a short week of much needed R&R. The Hosho put into Truk and will start 'showing its flag' as soon as I free up some dd's from their ft mission. (Moving troops and supplies into Lae and Buna is dangerous and requires the smaller and faster ships.)

[PzB74]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/15/42

Surface Combat

Invasions

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 65 troops unloading over beach at Munda, 64,95

Japanese ground losses:
10 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

Day Air attack on Bulla , at 40,75

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 6

No Allied losses

Resources hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Amboina , at 39,73

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 34

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 damaged

Manpower hits 11

Aircraft Attacking:
24 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
10 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Lae , at 54,87

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11

Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 11
B-17E Fortress x 28 - heavies at PM, hm!

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 4 destroyed, 7 damaged - destroyed on the ground and can be replaced.
E13A1 Jake: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Wirraway: 17 destroyed - escorting B17's with Wirraways against Zeros ain't exactly smart..!
B-17E Fortress: 9 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
58 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 6

Aircraft Attacking:
22 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

Ground combat at Buna

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 1438 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 14 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Buna base !!! - came over 6000 supplies here [:)]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Babo

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 503 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 4 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Babo base !!!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Situation Report

I'm busy mining my most important bases, don't have that many mines - so I'll have to place em wisely.

I now got 4 fleet and 2 light carriers ready for Hangover in addition to 1 cve that will provide close range CAP for the invasion groups. 9 battleships are also ready, refitting at Singapore with between 2 and 8 sys damage.

Have to start going over the details of the operations as it's now only 15 days away.
Recon activity will commence from Burma to Calcutta in a week or so. Will be difficult to hide things for Wobbly, but I think he won't do more than suspect until he get more hard evidence.

A night bombing attack against the airfields at PM has been ordered. There are not that many B17's available to Al yet, so I want to destroy as many of them as possible.

[PzB74]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/16/42

Air Combat

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Port Moresby , at 53,91

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 20
G4M1 Betty x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 2 damaged

Allied ground losses: - didn't hit any B17's...
8 casualties reported

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 7

Aircraft Attacking:
20 x G3M Nell bombing at 6000 feet
15 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

Ground combat at Munda

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 438 troops, 3 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 4 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Munda base !!!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Situation Report

Quiet days...not much to report.

Loading up a regiment in Java that will land on Timor. Will land under cover of a t-storm. Need to rest my
surface units, so only 5-6 destroyers will cover the landings together with LBA.

My divisions at Sian have gained a lot of experience: 95+ in most of the bigger units. Another week of rest, and I'll start marching north and commence another air offensive. I got a strong front all over the railroad line, and can move in reserves long before Wobbly can capture anything of importance.

[PzB74]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/17/42

Invasions

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 79 troops unloading over beach at Aru Island, 39,80 - close to Oz, and I don't like venturing this close to enemy LBA.

Japanese ground losses:
29 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

Day Air attack on Hanoi , at 36,37

Allied aircraft
Blenheim I x 3
IL-4c x 6

Allied aircraft losses
IL-4c: 1 damaged

Heavy Industry hits 1 - Wobbly is really looking all over the map after potential targets [:'(]

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x IL-4c bombing at 6000 feet
3 x IL-4c bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Blenheim I bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Situation Report

Today I sortied the CVL Hosho out of Truk. Her 5 Zeros and 5 Kates are going to 'show the flag' to Al in the Coral Sea [:D]

Completed the mining of Rangoon, Moulmein, Tavoy, Victoria Point, Andaman Island and the base on the northern tip of Sumatra.

Will also occupy the islands around the souther tip of New Guinea: Woodlark, Gili Gili etc. I don't want there to be any fuel or supplies lying around. I'd also like to know if the prosperous Kiwi plans anything - now he has to ring an alarm bell to do so. Gili will also receive a small garrison, AA, construction unit and mines. Lots of mines!

As soon as Lae and Buna are ready, an air offensive against PM will commence. The battleship Mutsu, 3-4 cruisers and a score of destroyers will also be transferred to Truk soon.

[PzB74]

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/18/42

Invasions

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 65 troops unloading over beach at Woodlark Island, 59,94

Japanese ground losses:
38 casualties reported
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Combat

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Rahaeng , at 31,35

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 29

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 2 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Blenheim IV bombing at 6000 feet
5 x Blenheim IV bombing at 6000 feet
12 x Blenheim IV bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat
Ground combat at Aru Island

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 450 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 3 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Aru Island base !!!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Situation Report

Dead quiet - but it's simply the storm drawing its breath....!

It seems like Wobbly is moving some of the troops that retreated from Sian west into the wilderness in an attempt to
prevent them from going north. This may make it easier for me to capture Kunghing, Lanchow and Sining.

I'm sending a convoy towards Haipong - here it will pick up the 34th Division. An experienced formation (82 exp) that currently belongs to the China Expeditionary Force.
In a few days I will have enough polit points to transfer it to the Southern Area Army. It's been ordered to prepare for Trimcomale.

I got 103 1500 size transports, and these will carry 4 divisions + supportive units to India.
In all there will be 3 divisions in Burma and 10 in Singapore that will be available for the operation. I'm planning to send one division south to Truk, but I will hold this order until I know what opposition I'm up against.

When the initial landings have been successfully concluded, a follow up attack will invade Trimcomalee and Colombo.
I'm planning to use the KB to raid these ports before landing in India. That should damage any Allied ships there that could pose a threat to the invasion.

Situation Map: Fortress Singapore

[tsimmonds]

You are going to need one metric sh1tload of supplies for this op[X(]

[PzB74]

That's true! But I got all the oil I need in Palembang and other bases in the DEI. Supply convoys are currently loading for both Singapore and Rangoon.
Everything will not happen at once, so I think I'll be able to keep my troops supplies.

6 AO's are right now enroute to Palembang to load up with fuel while 7 tankers are moving reserves to Singapore. At Palembang a huge convoy of tankers
is loading oil for the refineries in the Home Islands.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/19/42

Air Combat

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Hanoi , at 36,37


Allied aircraft
Blenheim I x 8
IL-4c x 8


Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim I: 1 damaged - 1 Blenheim was lost to flak while one IL-4c became an op loss.

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x IL-4c bombing at 6000 feet
5 x Blenheim I bombing at 6000 feet
5 x IL-4c bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Blenheim I bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Wuhan , at 48,35

Allied aircraft
SB-2c x 26

No Allied losses

Resources hits 6

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x SB-2c bombing at 6000 feet
3 x SB-2c bombing at 6000 feet
5 x SB-2c bombing at 6000 feet
3 x SB-2c bombing at 6000 feet
3 x SB-2c bombing at 6000 feet
3 x SB-2c bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 23rd NLF , at 39,80

Allied aircraft
Brewster 339D x 7
Hudson I x 12
Beaufort V-IX x 8
P-40E Warhawk x 3
B-17E Fortress x 28

No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
167 casualties reported - as I said, not a place to stay. I'm ordering a Zero Daitai on LRCAP tomorrow. Should bag me a few bombers as Al comes back for more!

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x Hudson I bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
13 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Beaufort V-IX bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson I bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
8 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground Combat

Ground combat at Woodlark Island

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 281 troops, 1 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Woodlark Island base !!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Situation Report

Weather finally improved in Burma and naval bombers and Zeros moved into Rangoon.
A full aviation regiment and coastal defense unit has also been unloaded.

Only 10 more days and the transports will start to embark the divisions.
The KB raid on British ports will have to be timed well - and I plan to sortie the fleet at the same time as the transports starts the embarkation.

Tonight I will sit down and divide the fleet into task forces.

I've decided that I'm in no hurry in China - I want to attempt to destroy the 3 northernly bases - but I wish that my troops are prepared before
they attack. Perhaps I can encircle and destroy the enemies northern armies completely.