Sand in the Vaseline - Wobbly vs PzB

[WiTP_Dude]

ORIGINAL: Raverdave

810 mines at PM? Bah ! You should be shot for incompetency ! I have 3000 mines at PM in my game against the banananana.

Do more mines increase the chance of a hit? Is there some limit or cap on this? I can usually lay about 1000 mines at a time if I want.

[Raverdave]

I have always assumed that it is a numbers game........and now with the hexes in WiTP being 60 against UVs 30, well the more mines you lay the better. I have had ports with 500 to 800 mines and the IJN sailed in and out without hitting one ! So now I sow them like there is no tomorrow.

[Nikademus]

very true. I actually like this aspect given how easy it is to instantly sow a thousand + mines in one hex if you stack together a few ML's in one TF. When i first saw the kinds of #'s you could do in WitP i was intimidated to say the least....but now i've learned that just because a base has 900 mines doesn't mean an intruder TF is going to experience Gotterdamerung.

[wobbly]

ORIGINAL: Raverdave

810 mines at PM? Bah ! You should be shot for incompetency ! I have 3000 mines at PM in my game against the banananana.

Sorry master, I have been neglectful. I only have 4 DMs with 60 mines a piece in the area. Another large Mine laying Tf based in Pearl is doing the central pacific - they have the Oglala with them - good thing she survived the initial attack unlike the real war. She has tonnes of mines on board. So the fact I have 800 in PM means I have visited 4 times and that is while mining the ports up and down the Oz coast as well.
Each run has to come from Brisbane and I've had the not inconsiderable hurdle of the KB waltzing up and down the Oz coast: they'd have drowned my Jumbuck for sure [:D]

I will endevour to lift my game my benevolent benefactor [&o]

[wobbly]

The KB comes closer, Akyab invaded and PM reaches out to put a few bullets into barges

for no discernable impact.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 04/04/42

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Night Air attack on Diamond Harbor , at 28,23

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 8
G4M1 Betty x 9

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IF x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 4 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 10 damaged


Allied Ships
BB Warspite, Bomb hits 1

Warspite shrugs this off without harm.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 98 encounters mine field at Akyab (30,29)

TF 98 troops unloading over beach at Akyab, 30,29


Japanese Ships
MSW W.10
MSW W.8
MSW W.7
APD APD-39
APD APD-37
APD APD-35
APD APD-2
PC Shimushu

Coastal Guns at Akyab, 30,29, firing at TF 98
179 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
ML Aotaka
MSW W.10, Shell hits 3

Japanese ground losses:
129 casualties reported
Guns lost 11

Allied ground losses:
11 casualties reported

The Japs put in elements of the 65th Regiment and neither my mines or land based guns do

much to hold them off. I imagine the heavies will orll in there next turn and of course I

can't do anytyhing while my ships are holed up in port - they are too far to make it in a

'die in glory' effort even if they wanted to. The KB has closed down all navla traffic.
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Day Air attack on Port Moresby , at 53,91

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 21
Ki-49 Helen x 17

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49 Helen: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Catalina I: 1 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
11 casualties reported

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 2

This is more interesting - he has bought some Helens all the way down to Lae. They bomb PM and knock out a priceless Catalina. He is trying to time my move of B-17s back to Lae. i imagine we will play a game of bluff - who moves when etc
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Lae at 54,87

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7

Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 5
Beaufort V-IX x 3
P-40E Warhawk x 29

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson I: 3 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
PG Kaiun Maru, Shell hits 8, heavy damage
AG AG-110
AG AG-364
AG AG-359, Shell hits 12
AG AG-102

A pointless naval attack - a few hits on barges for the loss of 5 aircraft.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 29,33

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 69342 troops, 791 guns, 30 vehicles

Defending force 43274 troops, 374 guns, 0 vehicles



Allied ground losses:
69 casualties reported

Well here are the two battlegrounds of the future - North of Rangoon and Akyab. Both he will win - but it is all about slowing him down. Akyab is the more dangerous and the less defendable. I can't hope to stop bombardment groups from hitting the enclave. At the same time though. The blocking force at Rangoon will be stopping land based supply from getting to Rangoon - that doesn't stop him from shipping it in however. The further his BBs have to go to rearm the better. I was tempted to start flying troops and supplies into Akyab but I think he will be LRCAPing the place first.
As you can see the number of troops north of Rangoon is not that bad a discrepancy. The quality will be massively different and to offset that I have fortresses. He ahs bought quite a few Heavy guns so it is bombarment to begin I think. He has also reconned the units across the river - now he know they are there - what will he do?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Akyab

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 4360 troops, 40 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 2564 troops, 106 guns, 0 vehicles


Japanese ground losses:
5 casualties reported

Well this is Akyab and you can see I am outnumbered in troops but looking good in guns - unfortunatley he has some pretty large guns baring down on me from the sea! Fortress level 3 before the place is flattened - supplies at 2 1/2K.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Well it continues to happen around Bangladesh. I think he is in this for the long haul - Intel tells me an engineering unit is training to attack Calcutta. If this is the case he is probably looking to bypass Burma - it's a quagmire in there. In a few more days I get a swag of small engineering units - they should help in getting fortresses ready.

With the KB on it's way I tone down the CAP over diamond harbour - I want to supe it up on following days rather than on the first. He is likely to try small bombing raids with sweeps to cull fighters first. I lower the CAP level of my fighters and send a transport off the coast to try and attract attackers - this is a foul trick but I am up against the wall here - it is on remote control alright!!

Bombers are all standing down - I have spread them out to try and lessen anti-airifield attacks and if he tries hitting the planes at Diamond harbour themselves (with bombardment) he really does have alot of Artillery to face - nothing really large - biggest 6 inches I think but they should hurt any BB accompaniment. Oh sorry, there are a few Blenheim units hitting the Akyab invasion.

My new P-40s get closer to Columbo - no subs strikes yet - can they make it???

Below the DEI subs continue to move the remnants of cut off units to Oz. This has greatly enhanced my air capabilities.

The Lunga invasion force is close to its target - they will probably be seen next turn.

In San Francisco 2 Dakota Units are loaded ready for their trip to Oz.

[wobbly]

Weather saves the British fleet in Daimond harbour for one more day. THe Japs are on the move north from Sian. Air battles over Diamond harbour, Akyab and Port Moresby.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 04/05/42

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Day Air attack on Kungchang , at 46,26

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27 Nate x 8
Ki-48 Lily x 19
Ki-46-II Dinah x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48 Lily: 3 damaged

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 2

Sian is socked in so these flights come form Yenen. They are trying to close the airfield and doing a poor effort at the moment. At the same time the repairs take away from fort building. I am at level 4 and 60% at Kungchang. This turn some I-16c are flown in and one of the Hurricane sqds takes to the air.
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Day Air attack on Port Moresby , at 53,91

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 21
Ki-49 Helen x 13

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 22

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 4 destroyed, 1 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 9 destroyed, 2 damaged
Wirraway: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 3

More attacks from Lae. The Warhawks give better than they get loosing 3 but getting 3 zeros and a Helen. I am resupplying PM at the moment, the slow way, 1 transport at a time.
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Day Air attack on 65th Brigade, at 30,29

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 24

Allied aircraft
Blenheim I x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim I: 9 destroyed, 5 damaged

I actually said I knew he would LRCAP akyab but had missed a blenheim sqd on ground attaack. Only Akyab was in range and they go there. Seven are lossed.
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Day Air attack on Diamond Harbor , at 28,23

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 7

Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 3
Buffalo I x 5
Hurricane II x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Wirraway: 2 destroyed
Hurricane II: 2 destroyed

This is a small curtain raiser on the losses I will endure from zero fighter sweeps - tomorrow likely.
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Ground combat at Gili Gili

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 264 troops, 5 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 6 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Gili Gili base !!!

Another well known bae falls to the advancing scourge - POrt Moresby is now alone.

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Ground combat at 29,33

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 39767 troops, 377 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 84903 troops, 824 guns, 126 vehicles


Japanese ground losses:
42 casualties reported
Guns lost 2
Vehicles lost 1

The attrition battle North of Rangoon is a battle of artillery at the moment. No doubt I will be taught a painful lessen very shortly.
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Ground combat at Akyab

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 4376 troops, 39 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 2523 troops, 103 guns, 0 vehicles


Japanese ground losses:
2 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

A pretty ineffectual bombardment. I think they biggest issue here is going to be supplies.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alright. The KB is parked 3 hexes south of Diamond harbour. I am sortieing the undamaged ships at full speed towards Madras. They are travelling in twos and it is not impossible - if he doesn't move more than a hex that they will be out of range. The weather that saved me last turn is clearing today. My Hurricanes, moved by rail, are about half functional. They are not committed yet. The P-40s are moved to Madras and set to LRCAP the retreating surface units.

My new P-40 sqd makes landfall at Columbo and should unload during the night. I plan to move any planes in the group out to Calcutta probably and disband the AVG into it.

Akyab must hold as long as possible - I don't know how to do this however. I don't have enough of my other transport workhorse - the sub - up in this area.

In China PzB is moving on Kungchang. He has revitilised his units as much as he required and is heading into the supply sapping trails. I want to try and use the new ZOC rules to restrict supply if I can. I still have quite a large army up there. It is mainly retreated units though so they are all very short of guns (having had them blown up).

In Darwin more planes are added to the training mill.

I imagine I will get a sweep mission from Lae again - he'll want to remove my P-40s.

As I figured, he scouted my Lunga invasion. I set 1 sqd of dauntlesses to bomb the port and 1 to hit the airstrip (along with the devastators). THe BBs are going in to bombard and I have set one sqd of Wildcats to defend them. 1 APD with 180 men is heading to tassafaronga to take that. Spruance is still closing on the other carriers. I want to appear weaker than I am - hence only attacking with the compliment of one carrier.

[wobbly]

The War just got turned back on in a big way! Ridiculous bombardment outcome in Diamond harbour, then KB smashes the BBs. Lunga bombardment is hit by Nells and Betties. Kangchung is hit by lillies but the chinese AF with hurricanes does very well in repeling the invaders.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 04/06/42

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Sub attack at 27,24

Japanese Ships
SS RO-60, hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
CA Dorsetshire
DD Whipple

My escaping surface units meet a sub - in this case the sub comes out second.
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Night Time Surface Combat at 28,24

Japanese Ships
BB Nagato
BB Fuso
BB Yamashiro
BB Ise
BB Hyuga
CA Chokai
CA Haguro
CA Ashigara
CA Mogami
CL Nagara
CL Natori
CL Abukuma

Allied Ships
AK Derrymore, Shell hits 6, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk

Very strange one. THis was my remote control target ship for his naval bombers. His incoming bombardment force smokes it. Now they intercepted this on the way through a hex - is this a new capability?
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Naval bombardment of Chandpur, at 30,25 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!


Allied aircraft
no flights


Allied aircraft losses
Dakota I: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged

39 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
CL Oi
CL Tama
CL Kuma
CA Kumano
CA Mikuma, Shell hits 2
CA Maya, Shell hits 5
CA Atago
CA Takao
BB Kirishima, Shell hits 4
BB Hiei
BB Haruna
BB Kongo

Allied Ships
DD Ellet, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Alden, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Parrott, Shell hits 1
CL Marblehead, Shell hits 1, on fire


Allied ground losses:
72 casualties reported
Guns lost 7
Vehicles lost 1

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 5
Port hits 1

Next door in Chandpur another bombardment force strikes. My other surface units are hurt in it. All ships hit are quite badly damaged.
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Naval bombardment of Lunga, at 67,97

Allied Ships
BB Mississippi
BB New Mexico

Japanese ground losses:
119 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 1
Port supply hits 2

Both Lunga battleships bombard - now check out this bombardment compaired to what we'll see in a second.
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TF 1078 troops unloading over beach at Tassafaronga, 66,97



Allied ground losses:
28 casualties reported

THe first allied invasion is on a small beach base called Tassafaronga. The beginning of the long fight back starts.
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Sub attack at 22,22

Japanese Ships
SS RO-34

Allied Ships
CLAA Ceres, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Edsall

Another of my escaping ships gets hit this time. The torpedo has done medium damage but the ship has made it to Madras.
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Day Air attack on Sian , at 47,29

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3
Ki-27 Nate x 6
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 7
Ki-44-IIb Tojo x 1

Allied aircraft
SB-2c x 37

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 damaged
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
SB-2c: 8 destroyed, 14 damaged

Runway hits 4

A very abortive attack by my chinese bombers. They take a bit of a hammering. They are changed to night duty - attacking the same place.
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Day Air attack on Diamond Harbor , at 28,23

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 25

Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 6
Buffalo I x 13
Hurricane II x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 8 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Wirraway: 4 destroyed
Buffalo I: 19 destroyed, 2 damaged
Hurricane II: 10 destroyed, 5 damaged

Well I knew he would do it but it doesn't make it any easier. Observers on the ground watch smashed allied planes flutter down. However, here and there a few zeros are mixed in with the allies. All units are smashed and I retire them to the other fields to recuperate.
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Day Air attack on 42nd Chinese Corps, at 46,26

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 21
Ki-27 Nate x 27
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 27
Ki-48 Lily x 26

Allied aircraft
Hurricane II x 13
I-16c x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 damaged
Ki-27 Nate: 19 destroyed, 2 damaged
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 16 destroyed
Ki-48 Lily: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane II: 14 destroyed, 4 damaged
I-16c: 14 destroyed, 7 damaged


Allied ground losses:
23 casualties reported

The I-16 and Hurricane defenders actually give as good as they get. It is not until the zeros join the fray that the losses really start to mount up against me. Once again my fighters refuse to engage the bombers - the lily lost is to flak. I don't know how to change this as the altitudes are right for intercept.

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Day Air attack on 1st Burma Brigade, at 29,33

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 67

No Japanese losses


Allied ground losses:
63 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

He is stepping up his attacks on my Northern blocking force. More enemy units arrive there today. He almost has 2 times my numbers now. I am thinking on sending in a fighter unit just to keep him honest.
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Day Air attack on Diamond Harbor , at 28,23

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 55
D3A Val x 104
B5N Kate x 118

Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 4
Buffalo I x 6
Hurricane II x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 11 destroyed, 1 damaged
D3A Val: 4 destroyed, 39 damaged
B5N Kate: 37 destroyed, 75 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Wirraway: 11 destroyed
Buffalo I: 8 destroyed
Hurricane II: 4 destroyed

Allied Ships
CLAA Columbo, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
BB Ramilles, Bomb hits 18, on fire, heavy damage
BB Warspite, Bomb hits 17, on fire, heavy damage
BB Revenge, Bomb hits 16, on fire, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
579 casualties reported
Guns lost 27
Vehicles lost 1

Port hits 22
Port fuel hits 6
Port supply hits 1

Kapow. THe KB unleash. All BBs are badly damaged. Ramilles is worst with 81 SYS damage the others are at 60 or so. Fires and flooding appear managable. My fighters are surprisingly more effective against the carrier based zeros knocking a few of them down. They are reduced to zero though and once again only one fighter fires on a bomber. The flak however, is murderous, 18 Kates and 4 Vals seccumb to it - with numerous others damaged.
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Day Air attack on Lunga , at 67,97


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 11
SBD Dauntless x 29
TBD Devastator x 15


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
28 casualties reported

Airbase hits 3
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 2

Back to the south pacific and Lunga gets a taste of the hell he has been handing out to me. They stay on this duty again as the landings are taking place this turn.
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Day Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 67,97

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 21
G3M Nell x 18
G4M1 Betty x 13

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 11 destroyed
G3M Nell: 6 destroyed, 7 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 11 destroyed, 5 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 24 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied Ships
BB New Mexico, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DMS Southard, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
BB Mississippi, Torpedo hits 2

THe Nells and Betties want a piece of the action though. They fly in from Rabaul and plant Torps into the heavies. Neither are badly injured both are still in teh green in SYS damage but have 20 float. They retire to Noumea. Anotehr surface unit is 2 days out - he can time this correctly by sweeping in this turn - only DDs protect the invasion. I loose 10 wildcats but again they are effective against the zeros.
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Day Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 53,91

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18
Ki-49 Helen x 6

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 5 destroyed, 1 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 14 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied Ships
AK Rhesus

One of my transports unloading in PM is targeted from Lae. The Warhawks pay for their attempted defense but the ship survives unhurt so...
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Naval bombardment of Diamond Harbor, at 28,23


Allied aircraft
no flights


Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane II: 8 destroyed, 4 damaged
Buffalo I: 2 destroyed, 4 damaged
Blenheim IF: 6 destroyed, 8 damaged
Wirraway: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CL Abukuma
CL Natori
CL Nagara
CA Mogami
CA Ashigara
CA Haguro
CA Chokai
BB Hyuga
BB Ise
BB Yamashiro
BB Fuso
BB Nagato

Allied Ships
BB Warspite, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
BB Revenge, Shell hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
BB Ramilles, Shell hits 4, on fire, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
4034 casualties reported
Guns lost 84
Vehicles lost 2

Airbase hits 36
Airbase supply hits 17
Runway hits 134
Port hits 1

Here it is - absolute rubbish - crap. Unbelieveable crap. The six artillery units I sent in don't fire a shot in the place's defense. There is a believable explanation in this: he bought no DDs and therefore stayed at a longer range, so I couldn't hit (again the sub problem means he can go places without DD support).
It is the damage that tears my nighty though - of all the six artillery units only 1 has a single functional gun left!!!!!!!!!!!

WTF

How can that be? How can the BBs target every singel gun of 6 artillery units? Look at the added pic - every unit is like this one!
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My escaping surface units made it to Madras but they wont stop there. The Ceres is too damaged to continue but the rest high tail it to the West coast of india - hopefully the DDs can keep subs at bay.

I load Jashadapur airbase with bombers and the beginings of my warhawk and mohawk unit. All the bombers I have are there too - they are after the carriers or BBs - he has kept them all at the ports. There are one hell of alot of bombers in this. I think the good service teh fighters at Diamond harbour did may mean he puts more fighters on sweep. Therefore some of my bombers may actually make it to the carriers. However, he has smashed the BBs now - he may retire...

In PM the B-17s fly in and are doing another night attack of Lae - they weather however is awful so it may come to nothing. The first kittyhawks arrive to do their duty.

The landings at Lunga go ahead. I think I am light on the attacking units here. I only have one RCT - I see he has 5 units there - hope not too many are combat ones. My carriers under Spruance stoped to do a refuel so once again they are not on station. This throw together operation is starting to feel like it may go bad.

Another Aviation regiment has made it to Noumea unmolested this time - phew. 270 avaition support for the place makes it potent at last.

[wobbly]

My training flights get hit by zeros. The chinese take a hammering. More bombardment of

Diamond harbour and Port Moresby. Lunga invasion forces land.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 04/07/42

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Night Air attack on Rangoon , at 29,34

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 4 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
15 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 2

The B-17s in India fly their first mission. 9 zeros were lost this turn and only 2 in the

air so the bombing is at least starting to tax his industry.
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Night Air attack on Lae , at 54,87

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
13 casualties reported

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 2

Another night attack on Lae gets more of the little pests on the ground. Normally I run

adter this - changin in tactics with another night strike going in this turn.
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Sub attack at 60,88

Japanese Ships
AG AG-364, Shell hits 2

Allied Ships
SS Swordfish

Thanks Frag for your attempts to remedy our allied sub doctrine on. Unfortunately we

cannot get it changed as the 1.3 patch halt saving of these changes. However, the

swordfish fights the odds and surfaces to hit a barge - I don't believe I can be grateful

about this!
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Sub attack at 14,23

Japanese Ships
SS I-15

Allied Ships
CA Dorsetshire
DD Edsall
DD Electra
DD Stewart

I-15 tries to hit the Dorsetshire as she continues to run from the KB - the torps miss.
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Naval bombardment of Chandpur, at 30,25 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!


Allied aircraft
no flights


Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane II: 2 destroyed, 3 damaged

35 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
CL Oi
CL Tama, Shell hits 6, on fire
CL Kuma
CA Kumano
CA Mikuma
CA Maya
CA Atago
CA Takao
BB Kirishima
BB Hiei, Shell hits 6
BB Haruna
BB Kongo

Allied Ships
CL Marblehead, Shell hits 6, on fire
DD Ellet, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Paul Jones, Shell hits 1, on fire
AK Illinoian, Shell hits 1


Allied ground losses:
36 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 21
Port hits 1
Port supply hits 1

The big boys roll into Chandpur and poor fire into the port. The ships take more hurt and

surprisingly my CD units return fire - amazing.
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Naval bombardment of Diamond Harbor, at 28,23


Allied aircraft
no flights


Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane II: 2 destroyed, 5 damaged
Lysander I: 2 destroyed, 8 damaged

Japanese Ships
CL Abukuma
CL Natori
CL Nagara
CA Mogami
CA Ashigara
CA Haguro
CA Chokai
BB Hyuga
BB Ise
BB Yamashiro
BB Fuso
BB Nagato

Allied Ships
BB Revenge, Shell hits 1, heavy damage


Allied ground losses:
209 casualties reported
Guns lost 5

Airbase hits 7
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 49

Another large strike of Diamond Harbour. My knew Lysander fighter bombers are all damaged

on the deck. Lucky the KB had stayed away.
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Coastal Guns at Lunga, 67,97, firing at TF 1021
TF 1021 troops unloading over beach at Lunga, 67,97


1 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied ground losses:
244 casualties reported

Lunga fires at teh landing troops - about half are on the beach. There are still 3 large

APs to unload and they may take more than two turns to do so. 3 AKs with supplies are

about 2 days out - as I say - this invasion is not exactly well thought out.
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Day Air attack on 42nd Chinese Corps, at 46,26

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 21
Ki-48 Lily x 21

Allied aircraft
Hurricane II x 12
I-16c x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 6 destroyed
Ki-48 Lily: 2 destroyed, 5 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane II: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged
I-16c: 16 destroyed, 3 damaged


Allied ground losses:
36 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

My Chinese don't do so well today - they fall foul of the zeros coming to the party. The

Hurricanes are not exactly racing up the experience ladder either.

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Day Air attack on 2nd Burma Brigade, at 29,33

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 81

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 1 damaged


Allied ground losses:
59 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

I really wanted to do something about this with my new P-40 unit but they did not have

the range. I need to get some air support to Pagan before this is a possibility.
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Day Air attack on TF at 26,23

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 55
D3A Val x 7
B5N Kate x 6

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AK Forafric, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

My remote control target ship gets caught outside Diamond harbour and hammered by the KB

which appears to be moving West. I think she may be about to bomb Madras. I suffer the

same problem with this as I can't move the ships out or else they all just sink.
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Japanese aircraft
Ki-49 Helen x 3

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk I x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49 Helen: 2 destroyed


Allied Ships
AK Murada

An unescorted attack on my singleton AKs in Port Moresby harbour cause a Helen to fall

into the sea. This is the debut of the Kittyhawk.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Lunga , at 67,97


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 15
SBD Dauntless x 30
TBD Devastator x 15


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
28 casualties reported

Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 5

More strikes on the supply at Lunga.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 53,91

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 16
Ki-49 Helen x 4

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk I x 10

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk I: 4 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied Ships
AK Lycaon, Bomb hits 1

The Helens deide to bring backup in teh afternoon and the first Kittyhawk falls to the

zero's guns.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Lunga

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 1519 troops, 5 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 2836 troops, 45 guns, 0 vehicles



Allied ground losses:
2 casualties reported

Well maybe I have not under done the attack. I have about half the RCT on the beach. The

5 units are all little buggers. I have to wait until I can get some supplies. Every day I

wait more bombers line up to deal to the invasion.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Tassafaronga

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 118 troops, 4 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 6 to 1 (fort level 0)

Allied forces CAPTURE Tassafaronga base !!!

The beginning of a very long road back.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In India I move all of the Naval bombers that were situated at Jahadapur to Calcutta. the

airbase went that ominous dark green showing I was massing there. Of course now Calcutta

has that green tinge. He had to use bombers on both locations but that hasn't seemed to stop him before.

I have made a fast transport mission of the DDs at Chandpur and they are resupplying Akyab. If my timing is right I may meet a fast trasnport mission on the way in - or it could be a bombardment mission and that will be that. If his carriers come back then the unanchored ships will go to the bottom.

More night bombing of Rangoon is on the cards.

In China the next phase of his expansion is unwinding and it is truely a huge effort. I am going to be crushed in no time. The only possibility is to try and cut off supply. I still have quite a large force of Chinese around but they really are so poor at fighthing that I have not really got the stomach for continuing it.

Darwin continues to bomb despite the efforts of the terrible Dutch Demons. An Aboriginal shaman visited to purge the bad 'demons' from the plane only to walk into one of the spinning props! A more fitting hoax you could not find - the dutch pilots don't want to go near their planes.

4 of the injured ships in the battle of Lautern are retreating back to Brisbane and then Sydney to get some repairs done.

Another surface unit puts to sea from Cairns built around 2 CAs and 4 DDs. They are going to sit off the coast of Oz with react on in case PzB tries to attack PM.

The AK hit in the raids in PM is at about 47 SYS damage but unloading continues. PM now has 17.5K supplies. As stated the B-17s are flying again this turn.

At Lunga alot of the men still have to unload. I had a thought that maybe PzB may try and intercept the retreating BBs he damaged so I have covered the likely route with the Lex and Enterprise. Both Carrier groups are on react. Many of the landing ships create a surface unit and retire to Noumea. The rest of the DDs, previously defending the BBs, attaching to the unloading APs while defensive duties are handed over to the CA and CL group arriving at Lunga this turn. Berringer and his carriers are moving slightly north of Lunga trying to catch retreating attackers.

At Noumea a base unit is loaded on APs bound for Luganville - a new base is about to be born. They are accompaned by an AVD that will look after some PBYs.

In LA my repairing DDs and other ships are coming along nicely - it takes them a long time to get back but they do repair rapidly.

[EUBanana]

Don't ships in port have torpedo nets to stop those infernal Kates?

You aint gonna sink Ramilles easy with 250kg bombs...

[sveint]

You're doing good Wobbly.

Normally I wouldn't state my opinion or give advice but I'm cheering for you here!
Just some suggestions:
-Pull out of Burma, it's not worth defending
-Perhaps send all your carriers together to India (you're killing experienced pilots from KB every day and the Pacific islands can wait)
-Consider transferring long-range bombers to interior Indian bases

Good luck!

Very much appreciate this AAR.

[wobbly]

Excellent day in the air for the allies. Lunga invasion gets some supplies. Akyab's days are numbered.

EUBanana - yes you would think that torps might be stopped from hitting the big ships in port - especially once the allies know that is a Jap ploy, but we have to play with what we are given. HIs 250kg bombs still clean off AAA guns, but it is the torps and 800Kg bombs that do the real hurt.

Sveint - plan is to fall back in Burma - what I want him to do though is cross the river into my troops. So an orderly retreat will happen soon. The point though is I am very well entrenched on the rail line, once I pull back he can go around me more easily. I am also trying to stay around to retreat teh 3 base units that demolished Rangoon when he took the place. They are 35 miles 'out' of their hex.
As to the carriers - you have seen what zeros can do to wildcats all teh way from Rabaul to Lunga - well they do it again today. The KB still has very nasty teeth and they would like nothing more than to chomp on my carriers. When his are not around though I hold the ocean - so while I do it is a perfect time to take and build bases for the eventual attack. THere are many many medium bombers geting ready to move up to places like Munda - which would make Rabaul hell on earth!
As always though mate - thanks for the advice - the Burma stuff is bang on my heading.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 04/08/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Lunga, 67,97, firing at TF 1021
TF 1021 troops unloading over beach at Lunga, 67,97


8 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
DD Walke


Allied ground losses:
137 casualties reported

The RCT is at 55 Fatigue - they don't appear to enjoy beach landings!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Sian , at 47,29

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 7
IL-4c x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-27 Nate: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
IL-4c: 1 damaged

Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 1

The night attacks are pin-pricks but China is in full harvest mode for enemy ACs on this day - these are but the beginning.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Rangoon , at 29,34

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 2 destroyed
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 3 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
32 casualties reported

Runway hits 4

Only 12 fortresses go as I am having issues with the morale - 49, but the bombardiers can be congratulated.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Lae , at 54,87

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 2 damaged

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 2

Not such a good attack on Lae. The B-17s stay again and this time go after Rabaul. I really need to land another base unit on PM - it has double the number of ACs it has support for.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 98 encounters mine field at Akyab (30,29)

TF 98 troops unloading over beach at Akyab, 30,29


Japanese Ships
MSW W.10
MSW W.8
MSW W.7
APD APD-39
APD APD-36
APD APD-35
APD APD-37
APD APD-34
APD APD-32
APD APD-2

Coastal Guns at Akyab, 30,29, firing at TF 98
173 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
ML Aotaka
ML Shirakami, Shell hits 3
MSW W.10, Shell hits 10, on fire

Japanese ground losses:
90 casualties reported
Guns lost 6

More men from the 65th brigade are landed at Akyab. There is a huge fleet off the coast. Easily enough to take Akyab if that is the target. I am starting to think otherwise now.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kungchang , at 46,26

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27 Nate x 19
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 2
Ki-48 Lily x 20
Ki-49 Helen x 27
Ki-46-II Dinah x 4

Allied aircraft
Hurricane II x 20
I-16c x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-27 Nate: 10 destroyed, 1 damaged
Ki-48 Lily: 18 destroyed, 3 damaged
Ki-49 Helen: 7 destroyed, 9 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane II: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged
I-16c: 5 destroyed, 3 damaged


Allied ground losses:
10 casualties reported

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 32

In an amazing defensive effort the Hurricanes, and to a lesser extent, the I-16c hammer the attacking Jap planes. With no zeros the Nates and for once the bombers get splashed. In total 10 of each lillie an helens fall today.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Tenimbar , at 36,81


Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 14
Beaufort V-IX x 15
P-40E Warhawk x 12
B-25C Mitchell x 15
B-17E Fortress x 38


No Allied losses

Port hits 2
Port supply hits 6

My flying school has another target - no defense is a little easier on the aircraft.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 42nd Chinese Corps, at 46,26

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 15
Ki-48 Lily x 11

Allied aircraft
Hurricane II x 20
I-16c x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 6 destroyed, 1 damaged
Ki-48 Lily: 9 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane II: 4 damaged
I-16c: 7 destroyed, 1 damaged


Allied ground losses:
11 casualties reported

Oh dear - no stopping the hurricanes - they carve through the oscar escorted ranks of the attackers.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 2nd Burma Brigade, at 29,33

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 78

No Japanese losses


Allied ground losses:
21 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Still some serious numbers of bombers are taking on the entrenched troops north of Rangoon. Theya re still in very good shape though.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 14th Indian Division, at 30,29

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 69

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 2 damaged


Allied ground losses:
134 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

This is far more worrying - a heavy attack on the Indian troops in Akyab takes heavy toll.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 28,29

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8

Allied aircraft
Blenheim I x 14
Blenheim IV x 29

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim I: 2 damaged
Blenheim IV: 8 destroyed, 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
CVE Taiyo
CA Nachi
PG Kaikei Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AP Keiyo Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Manila Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CL Jintsu

Japanese ground losses:
25 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
Vehicles lost 1

And what is this? The Taiho only under the defense of 8 zeros. Unfortunately 8 are enough to stop the brit flyers from landing any hits on the flat top. They do manage to get some of the APs though.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Chandpur at 30,25

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2
G3M Nell x 7
G4M1 Betty x 13

Allied aircraft
Hurricane II x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 3 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 6 damaged


Allied Ships
DD Parrott
DD Paul Jones
DD Ellet
DD Tjerk Hiddes
DD Alden

My fast transport to Akyab didn't met the incoming enemy Tf - they arrive in the day. They do manage to unload their supplies though.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Chandpur at 30,25

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 9

Allied aircraft
Hurricane II x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 5 damaged


Allied Ships
DD Tjerk Hiddes
DD Parrott, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Ellet

THis one torp nearly breaks the Parrott's back she is not long for this world.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 28,29

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8

Allied aircraft
Blenheim I x 7
Blenheim IV x 31

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim I: 5 damaged
Blenheim IV: 6 destroyed, 10 damaged

Japanese Ships
CVE Taiyo, Bomb hits 2, on fire
MSW Choun Maru #6
DD Hatakaze

At 1000 ft the Brits at last manage to plant a couple of bombs on the Taiho - PzB reports that they do little damage. From the comabt replay I would have to agree with one bomb failing to detonate and the other starting fires.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 67,97

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 3

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Russell

Now it is the Lunga invasion...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 67,97

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 20
G3M Nell x 12
G4M1 Betty x 31

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed
G3M Nell: 5 destroyed, 5 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 11 destroyed, 19 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 20 destroyed, 4 damaged

Allied Ships
CA Canberra
CL Perth
CL Adelaide
CL Leander
CL Detroit
CL Concord

The real attempt incredibly sees no ships hit but 10 F4Fs hit the ocean. Some of the pilots are recovered but all in all not a very successful operation.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
63 Jap Acs fall to 23 allied. That is an incredible result. I haven't managed to kill that many planes since sinking them on the carriers.

Conversly the result is to make me retire the fighters from Kungchang. He will change his fighters to sweep and try and get rid of my pesky defenders, of course zeros will eb the weapon of choice. SO the hurries move back to Chungking to rest for a turn or two.

In the bay of Bengal the aircraft are moved again - this time to Mandalay where sqd of Wirriways and the P-40s are set to try and escort mainly torpedo bombers against Akyab. I get more intel that he is aiming at Burmese targets so this is the crus of his next phase. If so I can really start putting the pressure on the South Pacific!

Little else to add - we shall see what takes shape this turn. I am not entirely sure that Akyab is the only target for these set of attacks. I would really like to see the KB location again - it is amazing how much those ships make you sweat!

[wobbly]

Is Chandpur his new target? Night bombing of Calcutta claims victims - but is not as bad as might have been. Lunga invasion continues.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 04/09/42
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Chandpur , at 30,25

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 14

No Japanese losses

Runway hits 10

Nothing at Chandpur to hit.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on Calcutta , at 29,23

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 3
G4M1 Betty x 44

Allied aircraft
no flights

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Vildebeest IV: 8 destroyed, 8 damaged
Blenheim I: 6 destroyed, 1 damaged
Blenheim IV: 5 destroyed, 1 damaged
Hurricane II: 1 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
13 casualties reported

Airbase hits 8
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 12

There is at Calcutta though and about 16 planes are destroyed on the ground. The all important pilots are OK and the planes are replaced in morning shipments. I move one of my recuperating hurricane sqds here and put it on night CAP.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kungchang , at 46,26

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 25

As expected he flies sweep against Kunchang after being stung yesterday. He will probably do this again as I have returned on the following day in the past - he will need time to flesh out the bomber sqds anyway.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Port Moresby , at 53,91

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 28

Allied aircraft
Kittyhawk I x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 5 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Kittyhawk I: 10 destroyed

His sweep to Port Moresby is more effective, however I ahve over 20K supplies here now so the kittyhawks are replaced (albeit damaged).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on BFF Brigade, at 29,33

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 104

No Japanese losses


Allied ground losses:
128 casualties reported
Guns lost 5

OK - I have set up the trap for these guys today. Pagan is operational again and 17 P-40s are LRCAPing my units north of Rangoon. He has not been escorting these guys so I want to get amongst them with the P-40s if possible - weather is not looking good though.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 29,27

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 39

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 8

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 10 destroyed

A few suicidal attacks against the KB. PzB and I had a discussion about night bombing. I have had issues with his port attacks and he has issues with my airfield bombing. The difference is that he catches the ships in port whether he attacks in the day or night. I cannot attack in the day. PzB has done the next turn and I can see that my bombers just get oblitereated against the zeros. If we don't have night bombing, what typoe of bombing will I be able to do?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 67,97

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 12
G4M1 Betty x 5

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 10 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 2 destroyed, 3 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied Ships
CL Concord
CL Detroit

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 67,97

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 24

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 21 destroyed, 10 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
CL Perth
CL Leander
CA Canberra

Betties and Nells reach out to touch the Lunga invasion - the Nells go it alone and loose a few of their ACs for their trouble. A few zeros are also knocked down - probably due to fatigue.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Well I set up to hit his invasion of Chandpur with my airforce and a surface attack into Akyab. I can see from PzB's new turn that neither worked. Most specifically I loose the whole RAF to the KB's zeros and the fast transport mission do not engage the invasion force as it rushed in at night rather than arriving during the day when the invasion forces arrived. they then tried to retreat towards trimcommalee and got sunk by the KB.

So not a good day.


Well I added the next days combat report to this one and sent it to work only to have it not arrive. With both combat reports having the same name it must have confused the computer somhow. After loosing most of teh RAF I changed tacks and moved to Mandaly restricting the distance my bombers could fly so that they could only go after Akyab. They were to be escorted with Warhawks.

PzB continues to land on Akyab and Chandpur's beaches. Chandpur has level 9 forts but Akyab is only level 2. I use dakotas to try and get a few more troops on there.

Last turn I told most of the troops around Chandpur to head to Chandpur. I opened the new turn and foound not a single one had moved. Set them all to try again but this can't continue. I have teh 2nd UK div and 4 indian division, 1 more tank brigade, the six recovering artillery units and many engineering units on the way. I can't completely deplete Diamond Harbour, but behind level 9 walls this should be a good blocking force. The engineers especially will get on site to upgrade reduced walls as fast as they can- two of the coming units have bulldozers.

The CL Marblehead, stuck in Chandpru harbour, ismaking a run fro Trimcommalee. This is under the waiting eyes of the KB. Like my DDs this is likely to end in tears.

Operation Pedestal has started. This is the use of the Carrier Hermes, without it's planes, travelling back and forward between Oz and india with vital fighter units. As has become painfully obvious - RAF aircraft are shite. I thought they would be better than Chinese but it doesn't appear so.

In PM the B-17s are daylight raiding LAE to try and put the heat on.

In Lunga the RCT is to attack the Japs there - this should mean I have a forward base in the Solomons.

The South Dakota and the Califonia are now at Pearl repairing the damage done in upgrading their AAA. The Long Island is with them and it's first duty will be to bring in some Tomahawks.

Back in the states the other ships that have upgraded are also repairing - very quickly too - nice to get them done in the States.

[sveint]

As has become painfully obvious - RAF aircraft are ****e

Don't despair - it's about the pilots not the planes. Every time you kill one of his pilots it's a victory - they won't be back. You've got lots of pilots to replace those you lose. Zeros with 30 exp pilots are no threat. [:)]

Doing good Wobbly.

[EUBanana]

I thought the Hurricane seemed alright when I was playing the AI... seemed to do better than Airacobras and Wirraways are dire.

Short range unfortunately, but good in combat.

You seem to be doing alright, you been getting 3 to 1 kill ratio on some days in your favour. The India engagement has barely even begun, and your bleeding his airfarce already. Those 21 knot Brit WW1 BBs are worthless anyway IMHO.

[Hornblower]

just remember what they say about payback.... excellent aar, keep it up

[wobbly]

gentlemen of the staff - thanks for the input and votes of encouragement.

I have not seen the turn yet but I do have the combat replay. A few things I note already - firstly this:

Day Air attack on TF, near Akyab at 30,29

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 7

Allied aircraft
Blenheim I x 7
Blenheim IV x 26
P-40E Warhawk x 17

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 3 destroyed, 1 damaged
Ki-43-Ib Oscar: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim I: 5 destroyed
Blenheim IV: 11 destroyed, 7 damaged
P-40E Warhawk: 8 destroyed, 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
CL Yubari
DD Amagiri
AP Tazan Maru
CL Tatsuta
ML Sokuten
AP Tensyo Maru, Bomb hits 1

Japanese ground losses:
26 casualties reported

Despite capable defensive fighter escort the bombers get hammered and only manage a single shipping bomb hit. As you say though sveint - every zero pilot I splash is one that will be replaced from the bottom of the heap. It is hard to know whether the pilots shot down were guns or replacement lemons though.

In other news it looks like my ASW TF from Karachi has made it to hunting grounds around Ceylon - which is crawling with subs.

Maybe Marblehead got away from the KB - no attacks in teh combat replay - that would be a great coup (well not that great but I am after anythin I can get).

EUBanana - yeah the Brit BBs are not worth the steel used in their construction in this modern war. However, getting them caught behind the lines like I have is not a very good trick. Another problem is I now have 4 BBs in theatre all above 50% damage. They can't be returned if the Admiralty require it - so I will loose 2000PPs!

PzB has attacked for the first time in Akyab, Chandpur and some other little base which he appears to have dropped Paras on. It will be bad enough to loose Akyab - I think that is inevitable - he got 2-1 on the first try and reduced the forts to two.
In Chandpur he gets 2-1odds on the first try as well. This is despite facing 500 tanks and forts of size 9. This is a real worry. the cavalry is on its way but I did not expect him to get 1-1 let alone 2-1 odds - that is plan scary! The other little base looks like it is on the receiving end of a para drop. I may have to fly in reserves of my own.

The brit bombers are just going to have to rest - they are shot (maybe we need to change the 'o' for an 'i'...)

My Lunga deliberate attack is rebuffed handily: 0-1 odds - filthsome. I will have ti though - it is mine, my precious!

Thanks for the encouragement Hornblower: I just bought 7 DVDs of your series - very good so far[:D]

[wobbly]

THis war just does not calm down. OK folks, lots to talk about and a point of view I want to raise and see your opinion.
Chandpur is in trouble - serious trouble. Paras land all over the place - not good.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 04/12/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Mannargudi at 16,23

Japanese Ships
SS I-3

Allied Ships
DD Jupiter, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Nestor
DD Isis
DD Fortune
DD Bulmer
DD Barker

The torpedo detonates under the Jupiter's Keel snapping it like a twig. The ships sinks in less than 2 minutes and many hands are lost. The sub gets away in teh confusion.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Chandpur, 30,25, firing at TF 9
TF 9 troops unloading over beach at Chandpur, 30,25


539 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
PG Chohakusan Maru, Shell hits 6, on fire
AP Nitta Maru
CA Nachi, Shell hits 5
AP Kurohime Maru, Shell hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hatakaze
DD Harukaze, Shell hits 2

Japanese ground losses:
1992 casualties reported
Guns lost 13
Vehicles lost 9

The bug 9 inch coastal batteries are taking their toll of PzBs landing craft and also killing a few troops to boot. The Kurohime Maru sinks.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 14,23

Japanese Ships
SS I-15, hits 6, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
DD Barker
DD Nestor
DD Isis
DD Fortune

It's like fishing in a Barrel around Ceylon. He has so many subs there. The 5 remaning ASW DDs find another sub and this time the honours go to the destroyers - adios I-15.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Kungchang , at 46,26

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 20

Allied aircraft
I-153c x 8
I-16c x 7

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
I-153c: 12 destroyed
I-16c: 6 destroyed

When in doubt bring back the zeros - and damn it - I have forgotten to rest them!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Lae , at 54,87

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 23
B-17E Fortress x 23

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 10 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 4 destroyed, 2 damaged
B-17E Fortress: 4 damaged

Runway hits 2

It appears the zeros at Lae are getting disconsolate and tired. The P-40s actually manage to win the day - 6 zeros are actually lost.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 6th NLF , at 67,97


Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 14
SBD Dauntless x 63
TBD Devastator x 30


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
251 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

The weather improves around Lunga and the carrier flyboys get a very good lick in against the japs holding Henderson.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 1st Burma Brigade, at 29,33

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27 Nate x 8
Ki-21 Sally x 31

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-27 Nate: 4 destroyed
Ki-21 Sally: 2 destroyed



Allied ground losses:
50 casualties reported

Well at last my LRCAP over the northern blocking force by Rangoon manages to come off. The smash the nates and down a Sally but hardly anything to jump around about.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 102nd USA Regimental Combat Team, at 67,97

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 15

No Japanese losses

I think he was hoping ot get some wildcats on LRCAP - no go - no ships to CAP.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Chandpur

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 74045 troops, 823 guns, 60 vehicles

Defending force 18244 troops, 177 guns, 532 vehicles

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 7

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 7)

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 7


Japanese ground losses:
371 casualties reported
Guns lost 10
Vehicles lost 3

Allied ground losses:
1344 casualties reported
Guns lost 71
Vehicles lost 25

That is a pretty devastating attack. I do have reinforcements on but I don't think they replenish that fast... both tank units have full compliment (although some are disabled)!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Akyab

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 22390 troops, 267 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 5214 troops, 39 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 1

Japanese assault odds: 5 to 1 (fort level 1)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Akyab base !!!


Japanese ground losses:
64 casualties reported
Guns lost 4

Allied ground losses:
128 casualties reported
Guns lost 4

Akyab falls and my forces retreat northwards. This closer airbase is going to prove a problem - his all conquering zeros will be far closer to the action now.
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Ground combat at Lunga

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 5198 troops, 58 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 1830 troops, 1 guns, 0 vehicles

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

Allied forces CAPTURE Lunga base !!!


Japanese ground losses:
12 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
20 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

So the Japs are forced off Hernderson field. It will now take an eternity to reduce their numbers and in truth he will probably manage to Fast transport most of the units out - I can't really stop that.
To augment the successful invasion a supply TF and a base unit are being loaded in Brisbane.
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Ground combat at Imphal

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 1035 troops, 18 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 936 troops, 1 guns, 0 vehicles

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


Japanese ground losses:
10 casualties reported

This is another of these paratroop drop on Imphal. The defenders do better here but I only have one Dakota unit and they are reinforcing Asansol - with its 480 heavy industry...
So instead the P-40s are moved back up to cover Imphal. Of course he will ahve zeros ther and that will mean I don't stop anything and the base will be taken. He will find it pretty difficult to keep in supplies though as only the air transport will be able to get them in - not too many air missions will be able to be flown (I have used most of the supply in my own bombing raids).
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Ground combat at Dimapur

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 1104 troops, 7 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 962 troops, 7 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 6 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Dimapur base !!!


Japanese ground losses:
21 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
14 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Another of teh para raids works and he has another forward base. Half a Tank brigade is decending on these guys and I doubt they will be able to resist that. The B-17s and beuforts are lined up to crater the runways. He may hold it but I want to try and stop him from being able to use it.

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The problem I alluded to is the crossing of rivers and the disruption they incur. This is a good rule when applied against the attack. I can justify loosing cohesion when men cross a river in the face of well dug in machine guns and howitzers speciafically located to stop this.
But in Chandpur I already hold the base, my reinforcements - flowing over the bridges I must be holding or else retreat is no option, and they are incurring this disruption rule.
I had specifically retired my infantry and tank units to Calcutta to get away from the BBs and now I can't reinforce the defense of the city!
I think that units should be given a classification of attacker if the move into a hex previously unoccupied by their own troops (but occupied by the enemy - who are the defender) and the river crossing penalty should only apply to them, not to reinforcement of the defender.

OK, this is not going to be changed in a hurry so I just have to live with it. Knowing this what do you gentlemen think I should do?
Chandpur has a fort level of 7 and falling. I can't send more units there unless I want them to arrive with a disruption much the same as being forced to retreat.

So do I fall back to Dacca, gifting him a reinforcement location, port and airstrip, right on the Indian continent. Then start fortifying Dacca in earnest - forts only at 3. Any further attacks he starts will incur the same river crossing problem. Without being able to reinforce Chandpur it appears my plans were flawed and I cannot hope to deny it to him.

In other news I send a TF to take 2 regiments of the 18th division - currently at Trimmcomalee to the mainland. In 2 turns I get 6 engineer units - they will have to get to the battle zone as fast as possible to put up forst that get smashed down - 3 have engineering vehicles!

Operation Pedestal is making good headway - 2 kittyhawks sqds earmarked for movement.

I have not been listing it but I have been reconning Wake from Midway using COranado (thanks for this titbit roguemc) and intel informs me he is reinforcing - nice.

OK new operation - Rapier. This is the invasion of Kwajalein. He hasn't bought his carriers back to the Pacific yet so time to act.

I have the 32nd and Americal divisions already in boats. The 25th Division from Hawaii is loading along with a base unit, marine raiders, a tank unit, III corp HQ and supplies.

The 5 carriers are retiring to Noumea to replenish their fighter airwings and they will go. I will have a surface/bombardment group built around 5 BBs and 7 CAs. The long island will bring a wildcat sqd and a tomahawk sqd that will land on one of the smaller islands which is planned to be taken first with another RCT.

If he wants to continue to concentrate on India he has to be ready to loose in the Pacific. Kwajalein has 12 units but I don't imagine he has enough firepower to resist 3 Divisions, 1 tank batt and the marine raiders!

[EUBanana]

Ooo, Royal Navy ships in combat against subs.

I've never had a Brit warship drop a depth charge yet, the AI sends the subs to the coral sea. ASW is about the only thing the Royal Navy is good at. I think those J class destroyers have ASW 8.

[wobbly]

Back in Black. The mourning has started as Chandpur falls and decimates the units that are forced to retreat - unfortuantely that is a tank unit that wont move the 60 miles by rail they are supposed to be able to move.

EUBanana: well they aren't any better than the Yanks in my game. I have one dead DD and another damaged (due to sub mines rather than torps I suppose) to one dead sub. Thats them up to me...

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 04/14/42

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Coastal Guns at Chandpur, 30,25, firing at TF 9
TF 9 troops unloading over beach at Chandpur, 30,25


342 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
DD Asakaze
DD Matsukaze
CA Nachi, Shell hits 4
AP Kiyozumi Maru, Shell hits 4, on fire
AP Kansan Maru
DD Harukaze, Shell hits 2
AP Igasa Maru

Japanese ground losses:
730 casualties reported

Well Chandpur gets it's last licks in before falling.
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Night Time Surface Combat at 29,27

Japanese Ships
CA Chikuma, Shell hits 1
DD Chidori
DD Manazuru
DD Hatsukari
DD Tomozuru
MSW Banshu Maru #18
MSW Banshu Maru #52
MSW Choun Maru #18
PG Akitsu Maru
PG Aso Maru
PG Busho Maru
PG Chitose Maru
PC Ch 14
PC Ch 16
PC Ch 17
PC Ch 32
AP Kyosei Maru
AP Kyuma Maru
AP Meisho Maru
AP Mikage Maru #2
AP Minowa Maru
AP Minryo Maru
AP Mitsu Maru #3
AP Neikai Maru
AP Nichiryu Maru
AP Nihonkai Maru
AP Nissen Maru #3
AP Nojima Maru
AP Otori Maru
AP Shikano Maru
AP Shinkoku Maru
AP Shinwa Maru
AP Shirogane Maru
AP Shoho Maru
AP Sumanoura Maru
AP Sumiyoshi Maru
AP Taganoura Maru
AP Tainichi Maru
AP Takuei Maru
AP Takunan Maru
AP Taian Maru
AP Tama Maru #2
AP Tarushima Maru
AP Tateyama Maru
AP Tatsujin Maru
AP Tenran Maru
AP Tenryu Maru
AP Tenzan Maru
AP Toyo Maru #2
AP Tsuiba Maru

Allied Ships
DD Parrott, Shell hits 13, and is sunk

Poor Parrott - sink in port or sink out of port. She takes the man's option and charges into the fray.
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Day Air attack on Mandalay , at 33,30

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 21

No Japanese losses

He sweeps Mandalay and gets nothing. This is often a precursor to a bombing raid so I move my bombers out.
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Day Air attack on Imphal , at 33,26

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 23

Allied aircraft
Buffalo I x 6
P-40E Warhawk x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 5 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Buffalo I: 4 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk: 14 destroyed, 1 damaged

Nothing I can do makes a difference really. I tried to stop him from reinforcing his airdrops of Imphal but of course I can't do that against zeros. Imphal falls.
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Day Air attack on Kungchang , at 46,26

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18

Allied aircraft
Hurricane II x 22

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 5 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane II: 9 destroyed, 2 damaged

My 2 units of hurricanes in China manage to hold their own against the zeros that come calling.
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Day Air attack on TF at 28,26

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 54
D3A Val x 14
B5N Kate x 6

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AK Illinoian, Bomb hits 7, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

This and another AK are hit as they try to run from Chandpur.
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Sub attack at 15,23

Japanese Ships
SS RO-63

Allied Ships
MSW Ipswitch, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Having had DDs hit mines I moved a minesweeper to clean up the mess. It gets cleaned up instead. These subs are a menace - more DDs on the way to try and handle them.
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Ground combat at Chandpur

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 153909 troops, 1510 guns, 718 vehicles

Defending force 13170 troops, 40 guns, 412 vehicles

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 5

Japanese assault odds: 27 to 1 (fort level 5)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Chandpur base !!!



Allied aircraft
no flights


Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane II: 18 destroyed

Japanese ground losses:
142 casualties reported
Guns lost 6

Allied ground losses:
1341 casualties reported
Guns lost 21
Vehicles lost 27

And there it is - Chandpur falls and 3 units are devastated as they retreat to Dacca. IN my haste to finish a turn before work this morning I did not move the Hurricanes defending it out. I loose a priceless squadron.
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Ground combat at Kungchang

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 65756 troops, 527 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 7372 troops, 84 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 0 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
161 casualties reported
Guns lost 9

Allied ground losses:
109 casualties reported
Guns lost 4

And look at this. The Chinese completely hopeless in the North. They will be confronted by a whole lot more than a single infantry Brigade soon enough.

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Ground combat at Lunga

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 5072 troops, 51 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 1901 troops, 2 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 1 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
57 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
169 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

There is nowhere on the map that can provide good news. I take more damge than I inflict on units with no supplies. So I will have to fall back on bomardments until I can get some bombers up.
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Ground combat at Imphal

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 2416 troops, 19 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 1236 troops, 8 guns, 0 vehicles

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

Japanese forces CAPTURE Imphal base !!!


Japanese ground losses:
86 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
50 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

With all the fighters smashed out of the sky by his zeros the transport planes easily make it in and Imphal falls. Only one way to get supplies through Burma now.

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Well the Brits hunker down in Dacca. Two engineers are about 2 days out of Dacca and they should help (with their vehicles) to raise the forts faster. Dacca is now at level 4 with 24% of the next done. The trouble is I need level 7 and up forts.
This turn I move a devastated tank unit and an Indian Division further away from the battle zone. They will need a month to get somewhere near functionality - unfortunately they wont have that long.
The transport TF I sent to Trimcomalee has made it and begins loading two regiments of the 18th Division. They will move them back around to the Western side of India to unload.

This turn I attack the little airbase he captured in the north. I have moved the Warhawks back to Calcutta along with most of the bombers, to hit the place first. I only have a very weak indain regiment on the attack so the bombers must do most of the suppression.

I will say that I hold out little hope for India. I need to create many fortresses and make him pay for each of them. He is going to have to cross the river to get to Dacca. Each unit that does so is going to get devastated. It is the time I get while he waits for them to repair that I have to use wisely. Unfortunately he will have a bazillion bombers to hamper my life while I do this waiting.

Luganville becomes operational with some Dauntlesses taking up residence.

Little else of interest elsewhere. The Mississippi and the New Mexico put to sea bound for Pearl and Operation Rapier. The Idaho - newly arrived at SF - will join them.

[herbieh]

This is a classic of two of the best players about going for it.
Keep it up

Who's nerve will crack 1st?