The Italian Job (2) - Comments from the Allies

[mc3744]

To the poet [:D]

My understanding is that the upgrade choices depend on the aircraft AND the nationality.
British Wirraway don't have the exact same choices as Australian ones, they do however have several planes in common. The Hurricane is one of them.
It seems that Commonwealth forces share most of the upgrade options.

I'm not sure it makes sense to garrison all the islands. Suppose he skips Baker, Canton and Fiji and goes for Pago Pago. How could he hold it? Isolated in the Pacific he'd be trapping his units on his own.
Hence I'm still convinced to garrison the front line bases only.

I'm still in doubt however on the force to employ. One regiment is usually around 100-120 assault points (roughly what you suggest).
You can however overwhelm it with only a couple of divisions. On the contrary a division is much tougher to dislodge.
The problem is that you don't get so many full divisions and I'm going to need at least 5-6 to get rid of the Japs in Northern Australia. That's a goal that I'd really like to accomplish by the end of '42, possibly by summer time.

I guess that I'll have to wait and see what his next move will be.

Thanks for reading [:)]

[mc3744]

January 22nd, 1942

INDO-CHINA
His new base Mandalay has reached size (4), bad news.
I’m forced to play defense in the whole theater, not enough capable fighters yet. The situation however is slowly improving.
In (5) days (16) more Hurricane will arrive. Together with the (16) upgraded yesterday I should have some decent air power to defend my airfields and therefore be able to keep my bombers within striking range.
I’ve already lost 857 planes vs. his 560. It’s a bad ratio, but the real problem is the air pool, as you can see in the picture the planes I use the most are running out. I’ll have to be really careful, no more risks for a while.
Chungking still has (105) planes, mostly damaged bombers. To defend it I only have the two squadrons of Hurricane and P-40E. They are tough however and it seems he is giving me a break. Surely not out of his good heart. [;)]
I won’t be bale to move in anything else for at least three more days.

PACIFIC
Supply, fuel and troop transport continues, so far with no threats.
(2) AS and (1) AVD are rebasing from San Francisco to PH.

[mc3744]

January 23rd, 1942

INDO-CHINA
Chungking bombing continues.
The AVG fought splendidly, the Hurricane not so much.
The air to air has been a match, but the ground losses amount to another (28) LB lost (see picture).
The defenders are down to (2) P-40E and (2) Hurricane. I moved in (12) P-40E of the other AVG, the others are still repairing.
(81) planes on the ground in Chungking. He bombs again, he hits again.
The main problem is that he is escorting with Zero and the Oscar are not flying. The Zero bonus kills everything but the AVG.

He is trying to encircle Ichang, but I’m not worried, I’m strong enough to manage to keep the road open to Chungking.

Nothing else to report.

[mc3744]

January 24th, 1942

INDO-CHINA
The bad weather saved Chungking from yet another bombing.
It also allowed to get some more fighters ready. In the picture the air force situation in Chungking.
In India-Birmania the night training seems to be back on track. He is using the LB to bomb the units eventually arrived to besiege Akyab. I’m not sure I’ll attack immediately. I might keep it some more as training facility.

DEI-AUSTRALIA
The first units and supplies are unloading in the dot base of Exmouth. I wonder if he’ll attack that one too.
‘His’ Daly Waters has reached airfield size (4).

PACIFIC
Eventually one of my (3) ASW TF in action between Johnston, Palmyra and Canton has sunk one of his damned scout subs.
I’ll keep at it. Any time he forgets to move I’ll be on him.

[mc3744]

January 25th, 1942

INDO-CHINA
Chungking once again. This time however the fight was much more balanced. Air-to-air 8:15 for me. Ground 15:0 for him and flak 0:3 for me.
The Hurricane cannot survive against the Zero so early in the game, probably in March with two bonus points less it’ll be easier.
I’ve moved to Chengtu the Hurricane survivors, with one ace at (4) kills.
Only the P-40E belonging to the AVG will remain in Chungking.

(5) new Japanese units have pop up north of Sian (see picture). He is trying to encircle me, as usual.
I cannot afford to loose so meny divisions. I’m retreating from Sian to Lanchow.
The purple ‘X’ means (3) lost divisions, they are surrounded and cannot retreat. (3) is better than loosing the entire Eastern Army.
If he put the Eastern Army in a sack, out of supply it would eventually fall and with it the whole Eastern China, it’s not a viable option. Better to loose Sian and keep the fighting capability.

DEI
He is landing in Padang. No units there. I evacuated to Timor [:(].

[mc3744]

26th January, 1942

INDO-CHINA
The air war goes on and the losses too.
Today has been Chandpur’s turn. Again a good performance by the AVG’s P-40B and again the Hurricane seemed more like ducks than fighters (see picture).
Only the AVG can face the Zero, unfortunately I’m totally out of P-40 and the AVGs are at 50% strength already.
I have to retreat, I can’t continue the air war, I haven’t got the means to withstand it. I hoped the Hurricane could do better, it doesn’t.
As a consequence I’m going to try to recapture Akyab, since I have to retreat from Chandpur Akyab is no longer useful as a training field.

DEI-AUSTRALIA
Daring rescue of (3) air groups stranded in Derby!
A small TF of (3) AK made it past Broom, where his fleet is still at anchor and reached Derby. They are now loading the (3) ‘lost’ squadrons and will head at full speed for Perth. I hope they’ll make it. It’ll be great for the morale of the troops.

PACIFIC
The 161st US Rgt. is unloading in Noumea.
Midway has been mined and the ML sent there to put my mines hit a Type 88. A minesweeper TF is on its way to clear it.
In San Francisco (SF from now on) I’ve converted (4) ships into AD, AR, MLE and AGP.

[mc3744]

January 27th, 1942

INDO-CHINA
The air war over Indo-China, so far, is lost. The AVG is depleted, the Hurricane is not up to the task. He has tons of fighters and bombers ready to strike.
I’m moving everything beyond (8) hexes range. I’ll have to recover, fill up the ranks and, probably in a month, come back with some heavy surprise attacks here and there.
I cannot let him finish up my air force, I may need it to defend against an invasion.
He is now bombing every airfield within range. Today was Ledo’s turn, (3) I-16c lost on the ground. But the total air losses have been equal due to his ops losses.

Akyab has been retaken.
Sian is now in Japanese hands and the Eastern China Army is withdrawing in good order towards Lanchow, the last line of defence in the East.

PACIFIC
Rabaul has reached airfield size (4), it’s now a threat.
The 2nd CD Marine Defence Battalion is unloading in the dot base of Baker. I’m not sure it’s a good move. I consider it a deterrent, I hope I’m not just wasting the unit.

[mc3744]

January 28th, 1942

INDO-CHINA
180+ Sally and 65+ Zero attacked Chungking once again. That’s at least (3) Daitai of Zero!! [X(]
The few P-40E were powerless. Losses were bad once again. [:(]
The evacuation is almost done. I just can’t fight him right now. He has switched the biggest part of his air force to the North. PI is not being bombed, DEI has fallen already and the Pacific is not under attack, hence the North remains as the ideal theatre for his forces.

PACIFIC
The 14th NZ Bde is loading in Auckland, destination Noumea. It will join the 161 US Rgt.
The South Pacific HQ is unloading in Luganville. Joining the 2nd Marine Division and one CD defence battalion.
The first American supplies are reaching New Caledonia. More will soon follow.

[Tom Hunter]

Its interesting to see how the attack into Oz and Timor knocks the Allies off balance.

You still have Java, but what can you do with it?

In my Blackwatch game he bypassed the Philipines, but did not take Timor quickly so the Philipines are not really isolated and bombers based there are chewing up Japanese shipping.

But in this game its very difficult for you to get stuff into and out of Java becuase the Japanese have closed to road. Now Java is still Allied but it can't really hit back.

Of course its very early in the war, so we can't tell what kind of a payoff GH will get in the end but it is fun to watch.

Hurricane's can't fight the Zero until the manuever bonus goes down some more. But you already figured that out.

[mc3744]

Hey Tom,
Thanks for your feed-back.
Unfortunately you are right. With Northern Australia and Timor lost, DEI is lost too. Even if it’s still formally mine.

January 29th, 1942

INDO-CHINA
The usual Chungking bombing. This time no losses on my side.
A cargo TF unloading in Chandpur has been bombed, the CAP shot down some attackers but a few ships have been damaged slightly. They are now retreating to Madras.
Eventually one turn where he lost more planes than me.
Diamond Harbor and Chandpur are off limits to ships from now on. Supplies will be shipped to Madras.

He is withdrawing from Ichang, he had 22 units, they are now 16. He knows he can’t take it.
The question is: where is he moving the freed units? If I were him I’d take them to the East, to try and finish off the Eastern Army first, with overwhelming force. I hope this is not the case because he may very well succeed.
Another option is Canton or Changsha where he hasn’t been pushing so far. But it’d be too easy. With GH I should always expect the worst.

PACIFIC
Betty’s and Nell’s bombed the TF unloading the CD unit in Baker, luckily no hits.
I have however a cargo TF headed the same way. I hope they’ll get lucky too. Baker is at zero supplies right now. I must replenish it.
In PH the 107th USN Base Force and the 64th US Cst AA are loading, final destination Baker. This will be it for Baker. Whether it’ll also be enough I’m not so sure.

In SF the 117th USN Base Force and the 51st Aviation Rgt are loading. First stop PH.

[mc3744]

January 30th, 1942

INDO-CHINA
In the picture an update on the Chinese situation. Anyway not much to report.
I’m training (2) squadrons of Buffalo and (2) I-153 ground attacking Lanchow. It’s the only safe area, at least for now.
The Chinese are close to 70 exp and the Buffalo are already above 70, but they are at 60% strength only.

AUSTRALIA-DEI
Broome has eventually fallen after he brought in a third unit. The two ENG units retreated towards Derby. At least I won’t loose them ... probably.

The AUS II Corps is leaving Townsville, destination (2) hexes south of Daly. The units there are supplied but are lacking support. Hence the decision.
The Australian HQ is already on the way, but it will stop in Alice to draw supplies there.

[mc3744]

January 31st, 1942

INDO-CHINA
The usual bombing in China. He is now totally unchallenged and he is bombing everything: resources, airfields and troops.
Maybe, just maybe, he is getting a bit over confident. He has bombed Kungchang twice without escort. I’ve put (2) Buffalo squadrons on LR from Sining, maybe I’ll score some hits.

I downgraded one AVG to P-36, it’s the only way to have some fighters operational.

PACIFIC
The 115th USN Base Force is loading in PH, destination Nanoumea. If they’ll make it.
I expect to see his carriers showing up in the Pacific any time now.
Either there or in the Indian Ocean. He won’t let them sit.

[Kereguelen]

ORIGINAL: mc3744


January 29th, 1942

INDO-CHINA
The usual Chungking bombing. This time no losses on my side.
A cargo TF unloading in Chandpur has been bombed, the CAP shot down some attackers but a few ships have been damaged slightly. They are now retreating to Madras.
Eventually one turn where he lost more planes than me.
Diamond Harbor and Chandpur are off limits to ships from now on. Supplies will be shipped to Madras.

Hi,

don't ship too much supplies to Madras. It will not move inland (or not much of it). Just in case he attacks India, as Madras is not easy to defend against a full scale Japanese invasion. Would not be a good idea to provide 100.000 + supplies to invaders (similar with Chandpur and Diamond, but they're easier to defend and some supplies move to Burma).

K

[mc3744]

Uhm ... uhm ... uhm.

I think you are right. There are already tons of supplies everywhere. Better to stop shipping.

Thanks

[mc3744]

February 1st, 1942

Another month is gone and with it, thanks God, 1 point of the Zero bonus.
The situation really doesn’t look too good. This is the way I see it.

India: adequately garrisoned, but I lost control of the sky.
China: it seems we have reached a stall. In the East he won’t be able to go further than Kunchang for a while. Centre and South are already locked, from the start. The skies are his againl. Overall not too bad.
DEI: as good as gone. Timor and Northern Australia lost have unbalanced the whole theatre. I never wanted to fight for it, with the exception of Timor, but now all he has to do is walk over the bases.
PI: Manila is not yet besieged and fortification level is already at (5). It’ll be a while before he takes it. I’m thinking to allow replacement for the units in Manila. Maybe they could hold for a very long time. Any suggestion here?
South West Pacific: not enough troops yet to even think about holding PM and, in general, a foothold in New Guinea. The rest of Australia should be safe enough.
South Pacific: looking better. New Caledonia is now garrisoned enough to require a major invasion to get it, hence time and resources. I may have enough time to make it unworthy the effort.
Central Pacific: also looking good enough. Once Baker and Nanoumea will be garrisoned the situation will be stabilized. Nothing can hold against a major attack, but he can only mount so many.
North Pacific: Attu is now at 200 assault point, plus CD and HQ. I don’t think he’ll ever commit enough forces to put it in any danger.

The main problem I have today is the dry air pool. I’m out of fighters. Any type but the F4F and the P-39.
And it’s still two whole months before I start getting the Kittyhawk I and four for the Spitfire.
I’ll have to look at him pounding China and India with no hope to retaliate any time soon. [:(]

[Kereguelen]

ORIGINAL: mc3744

February 1st, 1942


DEI: as good as gone. Timor and Northern Australia lost have unbalanced the whole theatre. I never wanted to fight for it, with the exception of Timor, but now all he has to do is walk over the bases.
PI: Manila is not yet besieged and fortification level is already at (5). It’ll be a while before he takes it. I’m thinking to allow replacement for the units in Manila. Maybe they could hold for a very long time. Any suggestion here?

Manila not yet besieged? I don't know how many divisions your adversary has in Australia and Timor, but it seems to me after reading your AAR that not all of them are there or in Malaya. When the assumption is correct that he is not strong in the PI, I would expect another operation elsewhere as he can take PI and DEI anytime later. Better start counting his major combat units now. If some have vanished from your horizon for some time that should be an indication that another major operation of him is underway...

[mc3744]

I'm almost positive that he has another operation under way.
I haven't seen his carriers in over a week and PI is still. Just one bomber squadron to keep me busy.
I would bet on Port Moresby and/or New Caledonia. Even India is a possibility.

I hope it will be Port Moresby. If it's Noumea or Luganville I'll be real sorry.
India? Never faced the threat before, I have no idea if I can hold the ground.
All the original and new units are still there. Nothing went to Burma. They should be enough, but I have no experience.

[mc3744]

February 2nd, 1942

AUSTRALIA
The Imperial Army is consolidating his conquest of Northern Australia landing in Derby and Whyndham. They’ll fall in a couple of days, I presume.

PACIFIC
Luganville is now airfield size (3).
Tons of subs are roaming between Baker, Canton and Palmyra. At least my PBYs are spotting them regularly.
So far my (2) ASW TF haven’t gotten lucky. I’m now sending them around on random directions, since he keeps moving it makes no sense to target the spotted hexes, they are the empty ones. Unless of course he forgets, but he doesn’t.

[mc3744]

February 3rd, 1942

INDO-CHINA
‘Knights! New Plan!’ (Anybody with kids, who has seen Shrek hundreds of time will be familiar with this) [;)]
I need to stay 9+ hexes away from his airfields, because that’s the maximum range of Sally and Helen.
If I build up Jamshedpur [1-(4)], only Magwe will be threatening me.
I may be able to defend the airfield if he can only attack from one airfield, especially since my bombers have range 13/14.
I’m directing ENG units there to build it up. It’ll take a while, but I have nothing to do so far. [:'(]
At least his ops and flak losses are going up and I’m still.

AUSTRALIA
The daring rescue of the (3) lost squadrons has been successful, they are now recovering in Perth. It’s a little thing, but I’m very satisfied [8D]. I want to play it as if they were ‘my’ men indeed.

PACIFIC
The 193rd US Tank Battalion is loading in SF, destination South Pacific.
The 35th FG - (72) P-39D - is loading as well. Destination Australia.
In SF the Americal US Division is loading for PH. It’ll be very welcome.

[mc3744]

February 4th-5th, 1942

Not much has happened.
I've almost finished evacuating every air unit form China.
Derby and Wyndham have fallen.
His carriers are still 'missing', but I'm sure I'll soon get to see them.
I'm managing to continue the extraction of Dutch units from Soerebaja and Timor, through AP and subs.
I'm taking them to Exmouth, which will soon reach full base status.