Tristanjohn vs ChezDaJez: Lemur's Scen 15

[Tristanjohn]

Meanwhile, a flight of Swordfish out of Rangoon caught a movement of Japanese transports off Moulmein and put at least one torpedo into Hawaii Maru, a stern reminder that while the defenders of the Burmese capital might be cut off from the outside world they still have plenty of fight left in them.

[Ron Saueracker]

You two should be playtesting the uber mod. You guys pump out the turns, I'll tell ya what.[:)]

[Tristanjohn]

ORIGINAL: Ron Saueracker

You two should be playtesting the uber mod. You guys pump out the turns, I'll tell ya what.[:)]

I crashed early last night or we might have gotten another one or two in. Chez has been gone so far today so I'm sitting here with nothing WitP to do. [:(]

What's going on with that mod?

[anarchyintheuk]

Impressive results around Chunking. I wonder how you say "I claim we got a hell of a beating" in japanese?

[Onime No Kyo]

ORIGINAL: anarchyintheuk

Impressive results around Chunking. I wonder how you say "I claim we got a hell of a beating" in japanese?

"Kuso", I beleive. [:D]

[Tristanjohn]

An air raid on the Andaman Islands by a Japanese carrier task force yesterday sunk troop transport Empress of Asia. Japanese losses in the air were believed to be heavy.

[Tristanjohn]

This is the situation around Changsha and hex 45,35, the critical road junction to the northwest of that city as of 17 March 1942. Unfortunately, the Chinese have dragged their feet marching down the highway from Chungking [:(] and it is becoming doubtful whether enough force will be on hand to obliterate the Imperial army scurrying back home for its life.

[Tristanjohn]

Sad to report that a flight of Swordfish out of the Andaman Islands was unable to score any hits on a Japanese carrier task force sailing to the southwest. IJN light carrier Ryuho was among the ships sighted in this enemy task force.

[Tristanjohn]

17 March 1942

Rangoon fell yesterday. Reports are sketchy so far, but it is believed most of that gallant garrison retreated out of the city and is preparing to make a fighting retreat back toward Calcutta.

[Ron Saueracker]

ORIGINAL: Tristanjohn

ORIGINAL: Ron Saueracker

You two should be playtesting the uber mod. You guys pump out the turns, I'll tell ya what.[:)]

I crashed early last night or we might have gotten another one or two in. Chez has been gone so far today so I'm sitting here with nothing WitP to do. [:(]

What's going on with that mod?

It's being tested as we speak.

[ChezDaJez]

After Action Report for Period 3/12/42 through 3/17/42

3/12/42

- A small flight of Zeros decided to sweep Baker Island without permission and encountered heavy CAP at the location consisting of 27 F4F-3s and 40 F4F-4s. 3 Zeros fought valiantly for their lives against overwhelming odds. Sadly, only 1 made it home. Allied losses are unknown. The CO of the unit is currently being "retrained."
- Air squadrons at Tavoy aagain refused to fly for the 3rd day in a row. Crews are complaining about overcrowded conditions however their CO has reminded them that things are a bit more crowded on the ground in China, which juts might be their next assignments, sans aircraft!!!
- An Allied ASW attack against the RO-61 failed miserably at position 96,92.
- An air recon pilot reports that the US submarine Grayling fired torpedoes at an unknown target in position 64,79.
- Fierce fighting continues NW of Changsha in hex 45,35 as my troops struggle to reopen the road as the survivors of Chunking approach. Strong Chinese forces have so far held off determined attacks. Nearly 100K Japanese troops are engaging over 55K for control of this vital junction. A shock attack just south of there managed to push back the Chinese defenders allowing reinforcements to enter the battle.
- A sharp, but short fight occurred at Hsinyang as 8k Chinese troops were charged by 12K IJA troops. The Chinese retreated.
- Rangoon continues to shake under repeated shock attacks by my fearless (but very tired) troops. Progress is being made as Allied defenders become much fewer with each assault. Our losses have been heavy but the fortifications at Rangoon are now useless rubble.
- In Java, Japanese liberators rolled over Bandoeng. easily capuring it. In the haste to depart, Dutch defenders left 8 Hawk-75A-7, 9 CW-21B Demon, 14 F.k.-51 and 8 CW-22 Falcon aircraft on the field which we promptly destroyed. On to Tjilitjap!!!

3/13/42

- IJN ASW units caught the O-20 operating in postition 59,84 and promptly sent her to the bottom with 3 hits.
- The SS RO-66 is reported missing in position 56,96. Last message indicated US ASW forces were approaching.
- AK Deslock sinks near Sydney after being torpedoed by our SS some days ago.
- AP Kowa Maru struck a mine while unloading at Lunga and is heavily damaged. Unloading continues.
- Port Moresby was revisited by Japanese bombers. 41 Wirraways and 2 Brewsters attempted to slip through a CAP of 44 Zeros and were easily shot down. 48 Allied fighters were claimed for the loss of 2 of our own.
- 5 Swordfish from Rangoon attempted to strike our APs at Moulmein but were easily fended off by the strong AA fire. Sailors could be heard afterwards asking what had happened to their air cover.
- The US submarine Tambor was attacked by ASW forces in postion 63,76. She is believed to have escaped.
- The battle continues to rage in China as a meeting of forces rivaling anything seen to date is engaged in heavy combat around hex 45,35. Possession of this junction is vital to our forces.
- Another shock attack delivered against Rangoon as the defenders continue to hold on. IJA casualties number 1700 while the defender lost over 1200.
- Chinese forces were forced to retreat from hex 43,39 following an IJA shock attack against a much numerically superior force. They also were forced to vacate hex 20,54 after being attacked.

3/14/42

- 5 Swordfish from Rangoon attacked the AP Hawaii Maru scoring 1 torpedo hit as she lay at anchor in Moulmein. Damage is reported as heavy.
- Chinese forces were once again forced to retreat at Chengting as IJA troops continue in their attempts to reopen supply routes at various locations. Combat at Nanning also forced other Chinese units to hastily retreat in the face of overwhelming numbers.
- British troops holding at in Malaya were attacked again causing the loss of 1 British unit.
- Rangoon continues to see major fighting as another shock attack against that beleaguered city failed to dislodge the defenders.

3/15/42

- IJN ASW forces attacked at least 3 times and hit the SS Spearfish with a depth charge in position 64,76.
- The SS Gar escaped a depth charge attack at 63,79.
- Strong IJA air forces appeared in the skies over Rangoon as we intensify our attack on that city. It is reported that the 18th UK Division suffered many casualties.
- Air attacks continue throughout China as Japanese forces attempt to reopen several key supply routes.
- CVL Ryujo launched an ill-advised air strike against the AKs anchored at Andaman Island. Strong CAP intercepted resulting in the loss of 17 Zeros and 12 Kates. Allied losses included 13 Hurricanes and 4 P-40Es. The AK Empress of Asia was struck with 4 torpedoes and went down.
- An IJA deliberate attack in position 45,35 failed to make headwaw as both sides pour in reinforcements. IJA troops number 180K while Chinese have 54K. Many of the survivors of the Chunking expedition have join in the fight.
- IJA troops attacked Tjilitjap in Java. That city is not heavily defended and will fall shortly.
- Enemy troops once again tried to enter Nanning but were solidly punished as troops launched a shock attack and threw out the invaders. 41K IJA vs 7.5K Chinese.
- Over 1600 casualties were inflicted on the remaining British holdouts in Malaya as we continue to attack them at position 24,46.
- Cracks are rapidly widening in the defense of Rangoon. Over 1200 British troops were killed as additional shock attacks were conducted. The Emperor has ordered that the attacks shall continue until only the attacker (me) or the defender (Tris) remains standing.
- IJA troops have entered Soerabaja and are probing the defenses of that city in the hopes a finding a way to quickly cause its capitulation.

3/16/42
- Rangoon falls!!! BANZAI!!! A final strong push threw the British defenders out of that city. I unit surrendered while the others were seen scampering for the jungles. 3300 defenders perished in the final attack at the cost of 1400 IJA.
- British Swordfish from Andaman Island attempted to torpedo the BB Yamashiro as she approaches the island to conduct bombardment there. 11 Zeros from the Ryujo intercepted them, shooting down 2 and damaging the rest. 2 Hurricanes and 2 P-40Es were also seen to go down in flames. 2 Zeros were lost.
- A British combat TF was sighted closing Rangoon from the NW at position 27,32 and attacked by Kates operating out of Tavoy. The CL Columbo was struck with a bomb. Damage is unknown.
- Japanese troops now number over 195K as they struggle to retake the junction at hex 45,35 between Chunking and Changsha. 1700 IJA and 1400+ Chinese troops were killed as the IJA assualted their positions.
- IJA troops commenced bombarding Wuchow.
- Tjilitjap was the recipient of a strong Japanese attack. Defenderes losses numbered 5 times our.
- Bombarded Soerabaja with IJA troops.
- Chinese troops were forced to retreat from position 38,37 as we continue our push to reopen supply routes.

3/17/42
- SS Gar escaped from a depth charging at 62,77.
- RO-65 was attacked by 2 DDs south of Baker Island and has not been heard from since.
- Major night and day surface action Andaman Island. 2 IJN BBs and 4 CAs with escorts encountered several transports anchored at Andaman Isl. The IJN first sank 2 MSWs attempting to protect their charges and then bombarded the island destroying 10 aircraft and inflicting 1700 land casualties. The BBs then turned their attention to the transports in a daylight action and sank at least 21 of them and severely damaged 4 others. 2 damaged transports were seen to escape during the confusion.
- 18 Oscars and 6 Lillys from Rangoon bombed the airfield at Andaman with little result. CAP shot down 8 of our fighters and 2 bombers.
- 235K IJA troops launched a shock attack against 50K defenders at hex 45,35 in China but the defenders continue to hold the junction.
- Over 101K IJA troops attacked the 54K defenders at Wuchow but were unable to make headway. Casualties were heavy for the IJA.
- The defenses at Soerabaja are slowly being reduced as the IJA assaults that city. Its capture is expected any day.
- Tjilitjap was captured and 5 F.K 51s were destroyed on the ground. Dutch troops are retreating towards the south.

[Tristanjohn]

We've gone through 108 turns so far and I'm getting hammered pretty good at the moment. My plan to defeat the Japanese army up at Chungking came unravelled, the Bay of Bengal has become a Japanese lake and the SRA is all but conquered. I hope the terrible roads and malaria stop the Imperial horde when it moves up to China and India through Burma, but I don't know.

It's been doom and gloom lately, including another BB sent to the bottom. (I'll let Chez regale you with that sad story.) To give you an idea, the following screen capture sums up the Allied "highlights" of the entire past week.

Woe is us [:(]

[ChezDaJez]

After Action Report for Period 3/18/42 through 3/23/42

3/18/42
- IJA bombers from Tavoy finally flew against Andaman Island. The Allies have put strong CAP in place there and a fierce air battle took place. 79 Bombers, escorted by 66 fighters, were intercepted by 44 British fighters. The British radio claimed a ludicrous 87 aircraft shot down while my pilots claimed a “believable” 62 British fighters down. Losses are undoubtedly somewhat less.
- Air attacks continue throughout the China theater as my troops retreat from Chunking and his troops threaten in the NE and SW areas.
- Additional air attacks are being conducted on all airfields known to contain enemy aircraft in Java.
- Mini-KB located and hit the AK Empire Bay at position 22,35 with 7 bombs. She is expected to sink soon.
- IJA troops continue attacking Chinese troops blocking the critical junction at 45,35. Progress is being made however casualties are heavy on both sides. 93K IJA troops are engaged in fierce combat with 52K Chinese troops at Wuchow. The fighting appears to be stalemated there. In northeastern China, my troops are attempting to dislodge the Chinese troops blocking the rail line at 50,31 and are slowly gaining the advantage.
- Japanese troops conducted a shock attack against Soerabja in Java reducing enemy fortifications there as the enemy continues to reel from repeated assaults throughout that island.
- The last holdouts of the British Malaya force finally surrendered at position 22,46 after nearly 2 months of constant bombardments and attacks. 4700 troops were taken prisoner. Japanese troops saluted their enemies with a toast of Sake and then shot them all.

3/19/42
- The RO-61 sighted the CA Chicago in position 96,92 but was driven deep by escorts before she could launch.
- Andaman Island was revisited by a strong Japanese air force. 41 fighters and 61 bombers were met by 27 enemy fighters with 26 enemy reportedly shot down. Enemy propaganda claimed 62 Japanese planes downed.
- 3 British Hudsons attacked the PC-30 at Gasmata but were drive off by fierce anti-aircraft fire.
- In China, successful attacks by Japanese troops saw Chinese forces retreating throughout the region. Japanese troops finally cleared the junction at 45,35 after 241K IJA charged a force of 48K Chinese. The defenders retreated to the west. Over 2000 IJA troops were killed while approximately 1000 Chinese met their maker. Chinese forces were also forced to retreat from hex 39,37 thereby opening the supply road once more.
- The defenses at Soerabaja were destroyed by a determined Japanese force. Victory is expected any moment at that city.

3/20/42
- The RO-66 finally succumbed to damages inflicting a few days ago. She sank near Gili Gili.
- A US PBY was sighted over Tarawa today. Japanese AAA and CAP attempted to engage but the wily plane evaded everyone.
- A IJN ASW TF ojn position 66,79 was attacked by the SS Argonaut, who failed to hit anything.
- In China, the situation is encouraging. Retreating Japanese forces have nearly escaped from their encirclement NW of Changsha. Chinese forces attempting to cut supply lines were forced to retreat from 50,31 and a Chinese unit of 4K foolishly marched into the junction at 45,35 where nearly 200K IJA await.
- Roxas, in the PI, was liberated after the surrender of 3392 US troops.
-Soerabaja falls!!! Japanese forces took possession of that city after a full third of the 7K defenders were killed during the assault. The defenders have retreated to the SW. 25 Dutch aircraft were destroyed on the airfield. In northern Java, Dutch troops continue to be forced to retreat as waves of Japanese troops continue to hammer them. Hex 50,31 is now under our control as the Dutch retreat from there.

3/21/42
- IJA troops begin unloading at Wewak on PNG. 9 Allied Hudsons attempted to disrupt the landings but were driven off by the ships’ AAA.
Another Allied air attack by 3 Hudsons missed the PC Sonan Maru #6 at Gasmata.
- In China, 240K troops assaulted 3900 Chinese troops at hex 45,35 forcing the Chinese to once again retreat.

3/22/42
- IJN ASW forces caught the S-36 on the surface and quickly sank it.
- 23 fighters and 50 bombers attacked allied positions at Port Moresby. 47 allied fighters attempted to intercept. 5 IJA fighters and 23 bombers were downed while the British lost 39 fighters.
- 6 British Hudson attacked the PG Nikkai Maru near Rabaul despite the frantic efforts of 3 Zeros to stave them off. 2 Hudsons were damaged and the scored 2 bomb hits on the ship.
- Wewak fell to our forces. It was undefended.

3/23/42
- Mini-KB operating in the Bay of Bengal the past few days sighted the BB Revenge, unescorted, heading westerly in position 21,23. The ship was attacked by 25 Vals and 20 Kates who quickly overwhelmed her with 12 bomb and 6 torpedo hits. The ship sank quickly taking her captain with her.
- The I-125 struck the AK Challenger with a torpedo in position 41,125 causing major damage.
- IJA forces attacked PM from the air once again. 28 fighters and 49 bombers danced with 52 British fighters. In the end, 34 IJA and 30 British aircraft were reported missing, presumed lost.
- British Swordfish operating from Andaman Island located the AP Nissen Maru and hit her with a torpedo in position 25,38. 12 IJA fighters were unable to stop the attack by 18 fighters and 3 bombers.
- Chinese forces were once again in retreat as IJA troops continued pressing their attacks. This time the Chinese retreated from position 50,32. IJA attacks on Hengchow reduced fortifications to level 4 and 2300 Chinese troops resisted the efforts of 20K IJA to dislodge them form the outskirts of Pakhoi. An Allied counterattack at Hsingyang was easily defeated.
- In Java, the Dutch are in full scale retreat. Victory on that island is predicted for any moment.

BANZAI!!! BANZAI!!! BANZAI!!!

Chez

[Onime No Kyo]

ORIGINAL: ChezDaJez

while my pilots claimed a “believable” 62 British fighters

Hehe...the rumors of my demise have been exhagerated threefold.[:D]

[Tristanjohn]

DARWIN, Australia -- 24 March 1942

As the Japanese continued their aggressive expansion in the Dutch East Indies almost unopposed, a squadron of USAAF B-17s based at Darwin successfully raided a Japanese amphibious task force on Amboina Island and gave stern notice that the Allied side still has a little sting left in it. Reports indicate that at least two IJN ships were hit by the 500-pounders carried by the heavy bombers, including the transport ship Genkai Maru. No further details were available.

[Tristanjohn]

Another B-17 raid out of Darwin scored yet another hit on the Japanese invasion force at Amboina Island, this time dropping lethal cargo on destroyer Nenohi.

[Tristanjohn]

28 March 1942

Yesterday saw the first concerted effort of the Japanese to gain air supremecy over Port Moreseby. A force of 42 Zeroes swarmed through the air over this lonely little port outpost on the southern coast of New Guinea . . . and when the fighting was over just fifteen of these Imperial bees were seen to wing it back to Rabaul whence they came. [:D]

[ChezDaJez]

After Action Report for Period 3/25/42 through 3/29/42

3/25/42
- Imperial Japanese troops began landing at Amboina and found the place deserted. However, the DD Akebono struck a mine in the harbor causing significant damage. She is expected to return to the home islands for repair. US B-17s responded promptly to the landings with 2 air attacks against our transports. The AP Gendai Maru and the MSW Banshu Maru were both heavily damaged. Troops were able to offload with minimal casualties.
- IJA artillery continues to pound Wuchow and Hsingyang. Air strikes also were unabated on these locations. Japanese forces also attacked a small (6K) Chinese force at 52,29 forcing their retreat. At Pakhoi, the aggressor Chinese forces surrenedered in mass after 22K IJA charged them. 3800 troops were taken prisoner.

3/26/42
- An IJN heavy cruiser force bombarded Andaman Island causing significant losses to aircraft and men. 38 planes and 981 British casualties were reported. GHQ has said that this island will continue to be a grave yard for the Allies as long as they remain.
- 15 B-17s struck again at transports unloading at Amboina striking the DD Wakaba with a bomb. Japanese CAP once again failed to provide air coverage over the landing zones.
- 3300 Chinese troops were forced to retreat from 49,36 after the IJA pressed attacks against them.

3/27/42
- I-122 was caught in Brisbane Harbor laying mines by the MSW Wyhalla and promptly sunk by 3 DCs.
- The IJN bombarded Baker Island with 2 BBs but caused no significant damage.
- The USS Nautilus escaped from a viscious depthcharging at position 59,81.
- Andaman Island was hit hard by a Japanese airstrike that saw many planes go down in flames. 72 bombers escorted by 41 fighters were intercepted by 13 Allied fighters. The British press is touting that 29 Japanese aircraft were downed for the loss of only 4 British. These British military continues to cover up their heavy losses in the area while hugely inflating Japanese losses.
- 15 B-17s struck at Amboina but were intercepted by 31 A6M2s. 13 B-17s were seen to crash and no damage was incurred. A glorious victory for our brave flyers!
- The IJA continues to press their attacks in China. 11K Chinese troops retreated from50,31 after being over run. 38K IJA troops assaulted 3000 Chinese at 1232:1 odds. 26 IJA and 261 Chinese were killed but there was NO RETREAT!
- Amboina is now in Japanese hands after the IJA commander was severely chastised for failing to plant the flag last turn.

3/28/42
- Japanese minesweepers are busy clearing the harbors at Soerabaja and Amboina. Their work should be completed shortly.
- Bombers from Rangoon attacked Andaman Island. 64 bombers and 35 fighters were intercepted by 12 Allied fighters. 11 British fighters were claimed but IJA losses were relatively few. 1 Catalina was destroyed on the ground.
- Bombers from Tavoy added to destruction at Anadaman. 73 bombers and 47 fighters clobbered the airfield as ONE (1) P-40E attempted to intercept. It was promptly shot to pieces. 5 Japanese aircraft were lost. An additional 11 British fighters were destroyed on the ground.
- Japanese fighters conducted a fighter sweep against Port Moresby. British fighter command sent up 91 fighters to engage 42 of our own. A massive swirling dogfight filled the air with twisting contrails and smoke trails as plane after plane was destroyed. While an accurate count is impossible, Japanese pilots claimed 60 British fighters shot down for a loss of 15 of their own.
- 3 B-17s from Darwin conducted 2 raids against Amboina. Japanese fighter claimed 6 shot down for no losses. No damage was done.
- Air to ground and land bombardment attacks continue through out China where steady progress Is being made against the Chinese forces there.

3/29/42
- Minesweeping operations continue at Soerabaja. Amboina is declared free of mines.
- IJA troops began unloading at Lae. The place is empty.
- Japanese fighters conducted a sweep over Baker Island. 20 USMC F4F-4s rose to engage 32 Zeros. 16 US fighters were claimed and 10 Zeros failed to return.
- Troops begin unloading at San Jose in the Philippines as mopping up operations continue there.
- Bombardments continue throughout China. 6200 Chinese troops surrendered at 52,30 after a short fight.
- Chinese forces launched a counterassault at Wuchow but were easily repulsed. Chinese losses are said to number in the thousands.

Chez

[Tristanjohn]

ORIGINAL: ChezDaJez

-20 USMC F4F-4s rose to engage 32 Zeros. 16 US fighters were claimed and 10 Zeros failed to return.

That's more like it! As I noted in email all of my Wildcats landed safely (four of them were damaged).

Go Yanks! [:D]

[Tristanjohn]

1 April 1942

A Dutch task force composed mainly of light cruisers steamed out of Darwin yesterday and attacked a Japanese amphibious force landing at Koepang, Timor Island, sinking a couple of Japanese warships including the destroyer Yugumo, and troop transport Hakuyo Maru. There is no word yet as to how many Japanese troops were able to disembark at Koepang before the Dutch arrived.