The Italian Job (2) - Comments from the Allies

[mc3744]

February 20th - 21st, 1942

I’m watching everywhere, no actions on my side. As previously stated, this late winter and early spring will mainly be about carrying troops, hardware and supplies to the front.
Meanwhile he keeps his conquering march. New Guinea is now 100% Japanese.

INDIA-CHINA
He got lucky in Chandpur. He made one spot airfield bombing and found one of my (16) B-17s squadron flying back to Madras from Vladivostok. (6) destroyed on the ground. Even worse I forgot replacements on, hence they I still have (12) damaged on the ground. Unless the bad weather saves me, they’ll be pounded. [:(]
Anyway this was the last unit. I now have in Madras and Ceylon (96) B-17s and (48) LB-30. Few more days to have them all operational and I’m going to try some surprise attack on his Burma’s airfields. I may get some revenge for the past weeks.
In Madras the AVG/B that I previously downgraded to P-36 is now back to P-40E. I now have the AVG back at full power. The problem is the experience. The B unit has the lowest, avg exp 58.
I can eventually field a considerable fighter force- at least for defense - dozens of Hurricane’s and the (72) AVG. I’m however still reluctant. My pilots are rookies and he is clearly willing to engage as many Zero’s as it takes in this theater. I’ll probably wait one more month before trying again to engage in dogfight. I’ll rely on surprise attacks with the heavies.
I moved the newly arrived 117 Squadron RAF of Dakota’s I to Ledo. Together with the T7-VIG-VI Groep Lockheed 212 they supply Chungking, so far he hasn’t bombed Ledo and the Lockheed could work undisturbed, I hope it keeps this way. I really need to bring supplies to China.
In Chengtu there’s the T8-VIG-VI Groep, equipped with the short legged Lodestar, and it’s supplying Chungkinfgas well (see picture).
From Ceylon I’m running daily mining missions with subs. One per day. Target: Akyab.

PACIFIC
Noumea is now Port (3).
PH has seen quite a lot of activity. The most important event has been the arrival of the CV Hornet’s group. I now have a (5) carriers strong force in PH. I still can’t face the Death Star, but I’m able to face any other minor threat.
Daily sub mining mission are going to Kwajalein. I may got lucky one day [;)].
The 8th BS, equipped with A-24 dive bombers is loading, destination South Pacific.
In SF the 183 US FA Rgt and the 144 USA CD Rgt are loading, first stop PH.
(3) 19.250 endurance subs are also leaving SF for PH.

[mc3744]

February 22nd - 23rd, 1942

INDIA-CHINA
The bad weather is keeping my grounded B-17s in Chandpur safe, as they are repaired they are moved back to Madras.
Within roughly a week I hope to be able to start the surprise attacks.
I’ve also moved the AVG unit equipped with P-40B to Jamshedpur. I’m going to give him a little surprise in Chungking.
He has been bombing my resources for weeks now. And he is coming in unescorted with Sally’s and Helen’s. They are going to meet my welcome committee. I’ll move the AVG for one turn into Chungking on CAP.

AUSTRALIA-DEI
Riouw Garrison in Sinkep has been assigned to Southeast Asia and approx 20% of it has been loaded onto transport subs.
Exmouth has reached airfield size (2). I could now place there the Vildebeest squadron and the Swordfish squadron I have in Perth. I fear however that he’ll come for night bombing with TF’s able to stay out of range at day. Hence for now I’m keeping them safe in Perth.
I’ve ordered the (2) Australian divisions and the Cavalry division now currently South of Daly Waters back to Alice Spring. There’s no reason to have them bombed daily. At the moment there is nothing they can do. Once I’ll have a sizeable force massed in Alice I’ll move it all together for the liberation of Australia.

PACIFIC
A big group of ships has been spotted just East of GiliGili, where he is currently landing. They are reported heading Eastbound. What’s that? Where are they going? CVs are also reported as parte of the group (see picture). [&:]
Meanwhile a TF of (4) CA, (5) CL and (3) DD is going from Townsville to PM - still airfield size (3) - for a night bombing. I hope to catch a few planes on the ground and to train my crews (see picture).
In PH the 40th/B Division is loading, destination Baker.
Nanoumea is now a base, port size (1).
In the North a minefield has been spotted by MSW Oriole in Attu. The mine war has started.
Last but not least in SF the 78th FS equipped with P-39, the 811 EAB and the 51st Base Force are boarding ships, first stop PH.

[mc3744]

February 24th - 26th, 1942

It looks like I’m fighting vs. GH AND vs. bad luck! [:(]

INDIA-CHINA
I went for two ambush attempts. If not for the weather they would have worked, but ... [:@]
First I moved the (24) AVG equipped with P-40B to Chungking. Due to the bad weather Chungking has been the only base not bombed in China, but his recon’s picked up my CAP. Hence he is now alerted.
I then decided to give it another try, instead of retreating to India I moved the squadron to Manila, where he also bombs unescorted and has no Zero’s on station. Guess what! Bad weather again, not on Naga only on Manila!!!
But I’m not giving up, I’ve now moved the AVG to Kunming, where it seems he keeps going unescorted, maybe he thinks I have no aviation support there or maybe he just forgot. Let’s see if I eventually get some luck.

I now have enough P-40B to ‘downgrade’ another AVG. I prefer the P-40B to the E in this phase because I can move them everywhere and I can try the ambushes. The P-40E are too short legged for that.

The 222 RAF Base Force has arrived in Karachi and is now marching Westbound.

In China I’m trying to give him some problems, I’m pushing for Canton and he is retreating (see picture).
I’m moving (2) additional divisions to the theater.
I’m also trying to encircle or push back the units nearby Changsha (see picture).

AUSTRALIA-DEI
A tanker loading oil in Soerebaja has being sunk, he has eventually moved G3M to Batavia. Rescue operations in Java are now officially over.

PACIFIC
The bombardment TF headed for PM has been spotted, but kept the course and managed to inflict some nice losses in PM. (2) DD lightly damaged.
Most of the Lark Force Bn in New Britain (the survivors of Rabaul) has been picked up by a sub transport TF. Rescue operations will continue till all the men will be back safe. The subs will then be diverted towards Timor rescue operation.
The 1st NZ Bde in Auckland has been assigned to South Pacific and is headed towards Luganville to complete the securing of South Pacific.
In Midway the 27th/A Division is taking position.
In PH the 27th/C is boarding ships to join the 111 US RCT in Nanumea.
In SF the 101 USN Base Force and the 807 EAB are being transported to PH.

[mc3744]

February 27th - March 1st, 1942

Eventually March has come. The Kitty I is now available. It’ll be a nice addition to my pitiless air force.

INDIA-CHINA
The ambush over Kunming succeeded, not a huge results, but at least good for the morale. (6) Lily’s down and some more exp for my pilots. It was about time! [:)]
The air situation over China and India has changed somehow. I’m almost sure, judging from his other air raids, that he has most of is bomber force engaged in Eastern China. He is making a massive effort to kick me out of Lanchow.
This should allow me to gradually come back over Burma.
I’ve moved (96) B-17’s and (48) LB-30’s in Diamond Harbor, target Magwe airfield. Recon says that a Daitai of Oscar’s is on station there.
Naval recon has located several transports in and outgoing of Akyab. I’ve therefore move in Chandpur (3) Blenheim IV squadrons, (2) Blenheim I, (1) Hudson and (1) P-40B. But for the fighters, they are all on naval attack at 5.000 ft, naval search on 10%, exp 70+ for all of them. If the weather allows the takeoff I’m expecting some results.
By the end of March I should have (2) Australian Buffalo’s I squadron upgraded to Kitty I, together with the AVG and the Hurricane’s squadrons they should allow me to move back into Western Indian airfield and to start a limited bombing campaign over Burma.
Victoria Point has been eventually conquered by a couple of tank regiments.
In China he eventually managed to annihilate the (3) surrounded divisions and the attached HQ. Those units are now available to increase the pressure over Lanchow. I’m not sure I’ll be able to hold.

AUSTRALIA-PACIFIC
Another bombardment TF has left Townsville headed for PM. As long as PM remains size (3) it’s worth the risk. I can destroy a few planes on the ground and I can train my crews at night fighting. They really need it.
Luganville has reached airfield size (4) and the VMF-221 has unloaded from the ship’s cargo. It’s been immediately upgraded to F4F-4.
In Noumea the 47th FS equipped with P-39’s and the VMSB equipped with SBD have unloaded for cargos.
The TF unloading in Nanumea has been bombed heavily on the way back to Canton, one DMS sank and one AP is badly damaged.
Lots of subs have been spotted between Baker and Canton (see picture), Catalina’s and Coronado’s are doing a good job at spotting them. (2) ASW TF’s are out hunting. So far one sub down.
Due to the strong need for naval recon planes I’ve reassigned the Canadian No.6 Squadron RCAF equipped with Stanraer’s to Central Pacific and they’ve been upgraded to Catalina’s, they are now being ferried to Pearl.
The 8th BS equipped with A-24 is being unloaded in Canton, for local defense.
In PH the 71st Base Force and the 111th Base Force have arrived.
In SF the VMF-111 and the 7th Air Force HQ are loading. First stop PH.

[mc3744]

March 2nd - 3rd, 1942

INDIA-CHINA
Bad weather keeps stopping my air operations. My heavies have been sitting for (4) days now waiting to attack Magwe. I’ve brought the P-40E AVG in Chandpur too. He has most of his bombers busy with Lanchow, hence I feel pretty safe.
The P-40B AVG is now in Manila, maybe it’s a bad move because the airfield is in bad conditions. But he sends lots of bombers unescorted and I couldn’t resist.
The third AVG with P-40B is still getting ready.
The medium bombers in Chandpur made a couple of small attacks on the convoys with no result. As a safety precaution I’ve retreated them back to Madras. The No.8 Squadron RAAF has been upgraded to Beaufort V-IX. As soon as ready I’ll try again to hit Akyab ships from Chandpur.

DEI-AUSTRALIA-PACIFIC
Java is now entirely Japanese, Soerabaja has fallen.
He has also captured Christmas Is. (IO), that’s annoying. I used it as a mid stop from Karachi to Australia.
It could also be a problem because he has placed recon planes there and he can spot my convoys going up and down. Hence a baby KB ambush becomes more likely.
Townsville has reach port (5) and the 35th FG with P-39 Aircobra’s has arrived.
IMHO P-39’s are not good fighters, but you get plenty and that makes them good fighters. [:D]
Baker and Nanumea have both reached airfield size (1).
In PH the Americal US Division is now loading, final destination Alice Spring.

[mc3744]

March 4th – 5th, 1942

INDIA
It seems he left very few air units in Burma area. The air strike on Magwe found only some Dinah, but it’s good because it means I can regain some ‘air’.
Madras has reached airfield size (6), I will now build up forts.
The heavies I used for the air strike are back in Madras. However many of them are still in Diamond Harbor due to the heavy op losses. [&:]
I’m almost ready to resume normal air operations and to start a serious defence of my airfields.

CHINA
The ground combat has become heavy and treacherous. Lanchow is holding so far. Every single unit in Lanchow now has the best general I could afford.
The struggle is approx. 100.000 Chinese vs. 250.000 Japanese, fort level 4. Nothing I can do to reinforce.
In Central China I’m trying to repay him with his medicine: encirclement.
See the picture for my en route and planned movements. At least I should get him to withdraw. At best he will divert some units for Eastern China front.
The bombardment training is working, all the units are steadily increasing their experience. [:)]

AUSTRALIA
Australia HQ has arrived in Alice Spring and managed to draw some supplies there. I was hoping to go over 20k, but it’s only 17k. It’s enough for LCU’s but not for planes. There are plenty of supplies to draw from, but it seems the road is too long.
Meanwhile Alice is now airfield size (5)

PACIFIC
With the latest arrival Luganville is now a fairly secure base.
Luganville garrison:
INF - 2nd Marine Div
INF - 1st NZ Bde
HQ - South Pacific
ENG - 117th USN Base Force
ENG - 116th USN Base Force
ENG - 804th EAB
AA – 251st US Cst AA Rgt
In Canton I’ve downgraded the 46th FS equipped with (13) P-40B’s to (24) P-26A’s.
This way I have more P-40B’s available for the hot areas. And the P-26A’s are good enough to shoot down unescorted G3/4M. Canton is too far from Tarawa, even for the Zero’s.

[Kereguelen]

Lanchow seems to be stable for now but if you have one more Chinese Corps to spare, commit it there (and maybe withdraw another one that has suffered losses during the last weeks). Don't forget that the IJA will get some reinforcement divisions in China. Otherwise your plans in China look very promising!

Pacific Islands: Don't know how strong you're here but if he strikes in that area, you'll experience some problems if he comes in force (that is if he'll be able to commit at least one division there), especially as the fall of Soearabaja should free up at least one experiences IJA division for other tasks elsewhere.

[mc3744]

South Pacific I think is fine.
Central Pacific is not too strong, but strong enough to require at least (2) divisions, I think.
All the islands have one Rgt or Battalion, plus CD, ENG and AA. With some 150 AV on an Atoll one division shouldn't be enough.
Canton has one full division, hence I'm feeling safe there.
I've had Johnston taken in another game and it's wonderful news. You get a perfect training spot for your ships and you bomb him to stoneage from PH. I almost wish he took it.
The risky islands are Baker, Nanumea, Midway and Palmyra.
The first two wouldn't be too much of a loss and he'd have to loose a lot too to get past the coastal guns. Midway would be unplesant but also not a big trouble. No points, no resources, not on the convoy route. Palmyra it's the only one I'd really be sorry if I lost it.
Hence I guess I'll follow your advice and I'll strenghten it will one more regiment. [;)] (2) regiments should be enough. I'd also be playing in my field and now I have (5) carriers ready.

[mc3744]

March 6th, 1942

INDIA-CHINA
GH has surprised me! [X(]
He made a paradrop on Chengtu from Myitkyina: (3) units. I only have one Base Force in Chengtu, but it held the first attack, thanks God!! I think it was a really smart move. [8D]
He should not be able to hold it, but before I can it bake I could loose 3-4 weeks of supplies and that’s bad.
I have devised a contingency plan to try to hold onto Chengtu (see picture).
Since the airborne attack originated from Myitkyina, he must have the rest of his units and the transport planes there.
I’m therefore ordering a heavy airfield attack: (96) B-17’s and (48) LB-30’s from Diamond Harbor. I hope the weather will allow the attack. This first measure should reduce the amount of available transports.
One squadron of Blenheim IV has been transferred to Chandpur to fly recon missions over Myitkyina to try to increase the bombing effectiveness.
I’ve then moved into Chungking (3) transport groups: Lockheed 212, Lodestar and Dakota I. They’ll be airlifting whatever they can of a Chinese Division. I should not need too much to hold the defense.
The AVG stationed in Manila has been moved to Chungking, it only has (14) ready planes but they’ll have to do. I put them on LR CAP over Chengtu, this should also help in slowing down his reinforcement. I fear however his LR CAP, I’m sure he has at least one too. I’m afraid the remaining damaged planes on the ground in Manila will be pounded in two days.
One more AVG with P-40B has moved from Madras to Jamshedpur, only (22) planes are ready, but next turn they’ll be in range for action over China.
Last but not least (3) divisions in Chungking have been immediately ordered to go to Chengtu. They may have to fight to retake it.
Interesting turn of events.

[mc3744]

March 7th, 1942

INDIA-CHINA
Chengtu has fallen, despite my best efforts the elite paratroopers have won the day.
I’m going to have to walk all the way up there to kick him out! [;)]
However the day has been quite good regardless.
The air strike on Myitkyina and the LR CAP over Chengtu have proven very successful (see picture). [:D]
I now have a B-17 pilot among my aces, (3) kills!
I found one Oscar’s daitai and one Zero’s daitai waiting for me. Notwithstanding this relevant CAP my losses have been quite low. Several damaged planes but very few shot down. Big groups of heavy bombers seem to be able to defend themselves eventually. The squadrons have been moved back to Madras to reorganize and recover.
In Karachi the British CV Formidable is now available. I’ll give her one turn at harbor to replenish the air load and then she’ll be transferred to my main navy base in the Indian Ocean - Colombo - together with (2) BB, (1) CL and (7) DD.
The AVG/C has been transferred to Calcutta, only (7) planes remain operational, the rest is on the ground repairing either in Chunking or in Manila.
AVG/B, newly equipped with P-40B, has been transferred to Sining. GH has been bombing the base with 20-30 unescorted bombers for weeks. I foresee another fruitful ambush.

AUSTRALIA
G3M's have been spotted on recon flights over Exmouth, I’ve therefore placed as defense the F4-VIG-V Groep equipped with Brewster’s. They should do against unescorted LB.
Alice Springs has now 37k supplies. [:'(]
In Townsville the first tanker convoy has docked, 180k worth of fuel.

PACIFIC
The 27th US/B Division is unloading in Baker Is., now all the islands of Central Pacific are garrisoned with 100+ AV.

ACES
Following the example of another AAR I hereby list my actual top three pilots.
Maj Overend - (10) kills - AVG/C - P-40B Tomahawk
1LT Koonce - (8) kills - AVG/C - P-40B Tomahawk
FO Hubble - (8) kills - AVG/A - P-40E Warhawk - currently WIA
I’ll post the list again if the top three positions change.

[mc3744]

March 8th - 9th, 1942

INDIA-CHINA
New air squadrons have arrived.
Among them a Canadian Catalina’s I group in Karachi !?! [&:] Anyway they’ve been upgrade to PBY. I just needed some Catalina I as replacement.
Also the 2nd UK Division has is now available in Karachi, it has been ordered to march to Asansol.
All the Blenheim IV are in Chandpur for an air strike over Akyab airfield, the bad weather is however preventing take off.
The ambush over Sining has been unsuccessful because he switched bomber target.
The AVG/B has been returned to Calcutta.
More and more Hurricane’s are returning to West India airbases. Soon I’ll show them by putting them on CAP.
In China the ground fighting is intense everywhere. I’m trying to encircle, he is trying to push me back.

ACES
Disappointing news!
The main AVG/C in Calcutta has been switched to replacement on.
All of the sudden all the top pilots have been transported to the grounded fragments in Manila and Chungking! WHY?!? [:@] [:@] [:@]
I now fear I may loose them his airfields attack. Sounds like a bug. [:-]

[mc3744]

March 10th, 1942

INDIA-CHINA
The slow recovery of the stranded P-40B goes on slowly, one per turn. I don’t care so much for the planes, but for the pilots.
More Hurricane’s have arrived. I’m deploying them throughout all the airfields near Burma. Due to their short range they’ve all been transported by rail and need to be reassembled.
The 135 RAF with (16) Hurricane has been assigned to Kunming. LR CAP, 20.000 ft. He usually comes with an Oscar’s escort, let’s see if I can beat them with height advantage. I’ll probably shift them to Chungking next turn. I’ll keep moving the squadron through Chinese bases.
For an update on the ground combat situation see picture.

AUSTRALIA
The Lark Force Battalion has been entirely recovered and is now reorganizing in Townsville.
One big bombardment TF with (1) BB and several light and heavy cruisers is headed for PM.
Since Alice Springs is now airfield size (5), (3) B-17’s squadrons are on their way from the Pacific. I’m going to start the bombing campaign over Daly Waters. More squadrons will follow.

[mc3744]

March 11th - 13th, 1942

INDIA-CHINA
The situation is slowly changing. His air dominion is fading, or at least that’s my feeling. We have a ratio of almost 1:1 in air losses and it looks like he is no longer convinced to be able to conquer Lanchow in the short term.
Bombing however continues. Since he is no longer escorting Lanchow’s bombers with Zero’s (only Oscar and Nate) I’ve placed the AVG/C, now fully reorganized, on LR CAP at 20.000 ft. From Sining. I’m hopeful. The unit is experienced, the range is quite short - (2) hexes - and I have height advantage for sure.
I’ve also relocated the (3) heavy bombers squadron in Diamond Harbor, they are ordered to strike Akyab, where recon reports a CAP of (17) Zero’s.
My intention is to force him to retreat from the bordering airfields of Burma. Once/if I achieve this first objective I’ll bring the lighter Blenheim in for resource bombing.
The Australian No. 453 RAAF Buffalo’s I have been upgraded to Kittyhawk I, it’s a very nice addition to my fighter force.
On the ground the combat continues everywhere, probing, attacking and retreating. I’m hoping to be able to move in Canton.

AUSTRALIA-DEI

I’ve moved most of my INF units and the (2) ARM units from Manila to Clark Field and I’ve started bombing. The goal is to train them and keep him under pressure.
To my astonishment I discovered the (4) units I spotted in Clark are (4) full divisions! [X(]

The first (48) B-17’s have arrived in Alice, they are waiting to be reinforced with a couple more groups. Once I have 100+ B-17’s I’ll start bombing Daly Waters.
The 25th US Division is unloading in Adelaide, it’s the first US division joining the preparations for ‘Operation freedom’ (in a surge of creativity I came up with this very original name [:D]): the liberation of Northern Australia.
The bombardment TF heading for PM has been intercepted by Val’s stationed in PM. G4M’s coming from Rabaul failed to locate the same TF. I decided to head back, better safe than sorry. One Val however manage to damage one CA, sys damage 35. She’s going to Sidney for repairs.

PACIFIC
In SF the 13th Canadian Bde (111 AV) has been assigned to Central Pacific. New destination: Baker Is. where she’ll join the US RCT.

ACES
All the pilots are safely back with the main AVG/C.

[CapAndGown]

You should call it "Operation Australia Freedom" [:'(]

[mc3744]

March 14th - 15th, 1942

INDIA-CHINA
Dog fighting over Sining, successful but several P-40B damaged and forced on the ground. Very dangerous.
The slow regaining of air control continues.

PACIFIC
Invasion group spotted, estimated target: Canton! [X(]
Man your battle stations! Man your battle stations!! This is not a drill!!!
If I know GH he is coming with everything he has available. He’ll probably have (4) full divisions and all sorts of ancillary units.
Canton is defended by:
INF 24th US Div, prep points (100), assigned best officer in pool
CD 3rd Marine Defense Battalion, prep points (100), assigned best officer in pool
ENG 114th USN Base Force, prep points (100), assigned best officer in pool
733 Mines
410 AV
130 Artillery
0 fortifications
(24) peashooters P-26A on station and
(16) A-24
They cannot hold against 4+ divisions. I still have a hope however.
The Americal US Division is South Canton on ships (see picture). I’ve diverted them at full speed back towards Canton. If they make it I’ll have (2) divisions and it may just be enough. It’ll be race, but he doesn’t know we are racing.
(14) P-40B are now in Palmyra, from PH, next turn Canton. They’ll help the P-26A provide some protection for the unloading ships.
In PH a (25) ships carrier TF has just left harbor.
(5) CV + (2) BB and all the Cruisers I have. They are going at full speed towards Canton. If I get into range I may decide to transfer part of the air power on the ground. I’m going to try to fight for Canton.
This could be a war turning point, in which direction though, I don’t know.

ACES
Maj Overend - (11) kills - AVG/C - P-40B Tomahawk
1LT Koonce - (9) kills - AVG/C - P-40B Tomahawk
FO Hubble - (8) kills - AVG/A - P-40E Warhawk - currently WIA

[marovici]

Hi mc,

Although it seems that there is an exciting battle ahead, do you think it is worth possibly losing a whole division on water if you don't beat him to Canton and even if you do it wil still take some time for them to unload?

Good luck!

[mc3744]

I see your point. And I'm wondering too.
However my ships have a top speed of 3, while I doubt that he will be moving any faster than 2, plus the time to reorganize. Since we are roughly at the same distance from Canton now, with a 30% speed advantage I could just make it.
There's also to consider the the 'assault points' are the one unloaded first. Support comes second.
I'll have to evaluate turn by turn what's each one of us progress.

If I don't go in I'll loose the 25th Division, if I go I may loose (2) or none.

I'ven't made up my mind yet. I'll evalute during the next couple of turns.

Thanks for the commet anyway [:)]

[mc3744]

March 16th, 1942

Until the battle for Canton is over I will only be able to focus on that.
As you can see in the picture the entire Japanese Navy is incoming. [X(] No way I’m going to engage my carriers, it’d be a useless waste. [:-]
In the next report I’ll show the number of transports, it fills the screen!!
I wonder if two divisions could be enough. It looks like the Americal US could make it in time.
But does it make sense or would it be just an additional waste?

[mc3744]

March 17th, 1942

Nope, I’m not going to make it. And even if I did, it could be just a Wake.
The Americal US Division is being redirected to Pago Pago, a base that I’m now going to need.
Once again a smart move by GH. I expected he would have gone first against Baker or Nanumea, he choose instead to go for the heart. Well done ... unfortunately. [:(]
In Nanumea the 27th/B is unloading.
The next question is, will he stop or he is aiming to the whole Central Pacific? [&:]

[marovici]

It seems he is throwing everything, but kitchen sink after you. Do you think it would be worth leaving some carrier planes on the island, if you have support for them, bigger the number the better and leaving some ships on guard to prevent bombardment. You would probably lose them, but they might raise the toll that he might have to pay.