Niceguy vs Graycompany: Death to the Meatball....Strategy talk

[niceguy2005]

Graycompany, please don't read.

[niceguy2005]

I have always wanted to post one of these AARs so here goes.

This is obviously not a joint AAR.

It is now March 3rd and the allies have had a tough time of it. Biggest problem has been the loss of BBs (2 to the out of sync bug) and the loss of key bases in Eastern India.

[niceguy2005]

Obviously I want to avoid AV, but we have agreed to play on regardless.

The strategy of both sides is starting to take shape. I'll began with Japan since the Japanese clearly have the initiative at this point.

My opponent is very good with WitP game mechanics and his strategy has tended to reflect this.

Japan has moved quickly and much of the game is following historically.
1. PI units under siege at Bataan.
2. DEI have fallen except for Java and Southern Sumatra, which are under attack.

His strategy is clearly focused on India and China. It looks like he hopes to beat the Allies badly enough there to free some of those units for later use elsewhere. His plan for beating China appears to be to drive supply to zero and push them back. He bombards and bombs all major bases, units and cities daily. He has invaded east India and I believe is trying to cut off air transport to and from China.

With his focus on Southeast Asia, the push into the Central and South pacific has been relatively weak. He took the Solomons uncontested. He overan Rabaul on week one and PM on week three. After that his advance has been slow. Recently he lost invasions of Canton and Luganville, mostly sending Naval Guard units to attack.

There have been no carrier battles and most naval engagments have been destroyer skirmishes.

The airwar has been intense, with the most recent battles occuring over Calcutta and Java. He was forced to cease his massed air attacks on Calcutta due to heavy zero losses. Even the KB couldn't remain for long without taking serious losses.

MY STRATEGY is as follows:
1. Southeast Asia - Survive. The UK is under heavy attack in India. I am preparing inland defenses for a prolonged ground campaign in India. See the map below. I will be shipping in reinforcements, but the IJN is trying to close shipping to India and recently intercepted a relief TF sending one Dutch garrion unit to the bottom of the ocean.
2. China - Survive. The IJA has pressed hard on all fronts. I have done a pretty good job until recently of keeping the armies together, but Yenen has fallen and Homan is seriously threatened. He has driven supply levels critically low in North China and if he breaks through at Homan things could go very badly.
3. DEI - Hold out. Java still stands and has ok supply levels, but is under heavy attack. I was lucky enough to seriously damage his initial invasion turning back one invasion force at Kragen, but the other landing at Malang was successfull. The result was a stalemate at Sorebaja. I also still hold Southern Sumatra including Palembang. There also are pockets of resistance left at Benjarminson and Macasar.
4. Oz - Prevent all invasion. Oz is secure, all ports are well defended against anything other than an all out invasion. Supplies are good and getting better. Also, many AC evacuated from PI made its way here and have been upraded. Oz is now defended with P-40s and Hurris.
5. South Pacific - Secure supply lines to Oz. SoPac is building bases at Canton, Suva, Pag-Pago, Noumea and Luganville. The is a defensive action only. All bases are progressing nicely and supply levels are great.
6. Southwest Pacific - SWPac will not be tasked with going after New Guinea and the Solomons. Instead, its mission is going to be to reinforce Northern Oz and try to save Java. It may also support the UK in India.
7 Central Pacific - CenPac must shoulder the brunt of the defence for the US. It has taken defensive positions at Johnson, Palmyra and Midway, as well as at Pearl. All these places are fortresses now. CenPac is looking to conduct limited offensive operations to draw attention off of Southeast Asia.
8. North Pacific - NorPac is responsible for defending Anchorage, Dutch Harbor and Kodiak. Limited Japanese invasion into the Aleutians will be tolerated and given a low priority. NorPac's other responsibility is going to be to support CenPac's operations. Specifically, it's units will be used to help build up bases in the pacific.

[niceguy2005]

Maps of the area. Note the secure supply line to OZ and the extent of Japanese incursion into Java.

[niceguy2005]

The front lines in India.

[niceguy2005]

Here's the defensive plan for India. India will be divided into 3 zones. Central India will be undefended. Most of the air cover is currently over Calcutta and Colombo.

[niceguy2005]

last one for today.

Java has been a stalemate, as has been Benjarminsin. However, the Japanese landed new troops at Benjarminsin and dropped Paratroopers into Java. B-17s have been dueling with Oscars and a couple squadrons of zeros.

Southern Sumtra has been quiet for over a month.

[fabertong]

Niceguy............your right to reinforce Java......if he has invaded India.....he may not have the forces to take a reinforced Java........and Batavia and Palambang can host a "host" of allied LRBs......then he'll need to commit KB to protect incoming TFs..........flood the area around Java with subs.......he'll have to fight for it...he needs the Resources....please post a China map.......

[rogueusmc]

Maybe he has left an opening to go laterally across the map...do the island hopping early.

[niceguy2005]

I will post a map of China when I get my next turn. I evacuated a lot of forces from DEI, now I need to turn around and send them back. I had moved 2 B-17 bomber groups into the DEI, but didn't have the support to keep them flying in mass. I have since withdrawn them back to OZ. I am considering spitting the B-17 groups into squadrons and flying them from 4 different bases (Sorebaja, Tjilijap, Palembang and Batavia). Let's see what the next turn brings

[niceguy2005]

Here's the map of China. The two major concentrations of the Japanese army are noted. The Japanese army has only forced the retreat of the Chinese only once, the road between Homan and Sian. All other retreat has been voluntary. The last major offensive for the Chinese was the capture of Pakhoi, so that the Chinese would have uncontested control of the rail between Hanoi and Canton, to prevent the overland shipment of supplies. Because the two Japanese divisions west of Sian are blocking the road, supply levels at Sian and Homan are low, but not critical. The next major operation is going to be clearing that road of those two divisions. Troops are being redeployed from Wuchow for this operation. I estimate that it will take 6-8 full strength Chinese Corps.

[niceguy2005]

The real question is what to do about an invasions force I have approaching Wake. The invasion force is probably 3 days away, but I think my hand has already been tipped. Recent recon photos show that the Japanese troops strength at Wake has almost doubled, going from 3 units to 6 units. Recon is difficult because the Coronados are the only planes with the legs to fly the mission. My invasion force consists of the American USA Div and one RCT as a reserve. Behind that are two base forces. When wake had 3 units totaling about 1500 spotted troops I felt comfortable with that number. Now that it has 6 units of unknown type I do not. Because the plan counted on surprise, my CVs and bombardment TF were to escort the invasion force and only attack the island one day prior to landing. One top of that the last siting of the KB was off Chandpur two weeks ago. While I think it is still there I can not be certain. For all these reasons, CenPac is seriously considering scrubbing the invasion and deploying the forces to Palyrma for a possible invasion of Baker Is. The draw back is that Allied strategy calls for a limited offensive in the central pacific to draw off pressure on India and perhaps get the KBs attention.

The baby KB was last sited covering a Japanese troop withdrawl on a failed invasion of Luganville, three days ago.

One Japanese CVL or CVE is suspected of operating as part of a blockade off Northern Sumatra. Also sited in the area are two BB and 4CA.

The carrier fleet operating with the forces approaching Wake consists of 3 CVs with moderate escort. I have two more american CVs at Perth. The Royal Navy is currently in the Indian ocean with one CV and 3 BBs. I have one UK CV arriving in Karachi in 3 days. I would like to link up the Royal navy with the US CV TF at Perth and clear the Indian ocean. I think two US CV and two UK CV could be a formidable group for anything but the KB.

Below are the highlights of yesterdays battles.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Kragen at 22,63

Japanese Ships
MSW W.11, Shell hits 8, on fire, heavy damage
MSW W.12

Allied Ships
DD Bulmer
DD Banckert

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 89,61

Japanese Ships
SS I-8, hits 1

Allied Ships
DD Fanning
DD Dunlap
DD McCall
DD Gridley
DD Craven
DD Jarvis
DD Russell
DD Sims

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Changsha , at 47,36

Japanese aircraft
Ki-51 Sonia x 99

Allied aircraft
I-153c x 12
I-16c x 20

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-51 Sonia: 16 destroyed, 23 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
I-153c: 3 damaged
I-16c: 4 damaged

Manpower hits 13

Aircraft Attacking:
22 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
7 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
27 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
1 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
3 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Batavia , at 19,59

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 26
G4M1 Betty x 130

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 3 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 3 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
12 casualties reported

Airbase hits 2
Airbase supply hits 6
Runway hits 17

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 14000 feet
8 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 14000 feet
15 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 14000 feet
15 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 14000 feet
10 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 14000 feet
10 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 14000 feet
9 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 14000 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 14000 feet
6 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 14000 feet
6 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 14000 feet
6 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 14000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 14000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 14000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 14000 feet
5 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 14000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 14000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 14000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 14000 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 14000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 14000 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 14000 feet


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 88,61

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 10

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 45
F4F-4 Wildcat x 27

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 8 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 damaged
F4F-4 Wildcat: 5 damaged

Allied Ships
BB Mississippi

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x G3M Nell bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 88,61

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 6

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 45
F4F-4 Wildcat x 27

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 6 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 damaged

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 88,61

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 3

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 29
F4F-4 Wildcat x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 2 damaged

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 88,61

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 3

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 29
F4F-4 Wildcat x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 damaged

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[niceguy2005]

Quick update after the last turn.

CenPac has decided to continue with the invasion of Wake. My carriers manuvered in close enough to Wake to recon to island. Reconaissance showed only 79 guns on the island, but 6 units. At this time CenPac does not believe a CD unit is present on the island and that resistance withh consist mainly of Naval Guard and Construction units. The carrier force has adopted a heavy defensive position, utilizing 70% of its fighters for CAP over the task forces. Yesterday a squadron of Zeros was encountered in a raid on the Wake airfield. While the raid was successful casualties among the escorting fighters was high. Tomorrow the carriers air groups will target the port and gun emplacements. The escorting surface group will bombard Wake with 2 BBs and 4 CAs to prepare for a planned landing on the following day

Bad news in the DEI yesterday. Benjarminsin finally fell to the Imperialist Japanese. Subs will try to evacuate the remaining survivors. This frees one more Ind Bde for the siege of Java. I have the 30th Aus Bde, 12th Aus Bde and one US RCT all on their way to reinforce Java. I also have 2 squadrons of Hurris and one Squadron of p-39s at perth waiting to be sent to Java. One dutch base force is 4 days away from reinforcing Tjilipjap. Will any of this be in time?

Homan remains a bad situation. The Japanese achieved 1:1 odds and reduced the fort level to 3. Without reinforcements it may fall within a week, two at the outside.


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/05/42

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Day Air attack on Soerabaja , at 22,65

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27 Nate x 16

No Japanese losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 35th Division, at 49,30


Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 3
Martin 139 x 5
Hudson I x 3
B-25C Mitchell x 13
IL-4c x 3


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
49 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 6000 feet
3 x IL-4c bombing at 6000 feet
2 x Martin 139 bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Martin 139 bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson I bombing at 6000 feet
13 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 26th Division, at 49,30


Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 4
Martin 139 x 6
Hudson I x 3
B-25C Mitchell x 13
IL-4c x 4


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
47 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x IL-4c bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Martin 139 bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Martin 139 bombing at 6000 feet
4 x Blenheim IV bombing at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson I bombing at 6000 feet
13 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 1st Division, at 49,30


Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 3
B-25C Mitchell x 8
IL-4c x 3


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
25 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 6000 feet
3 x IL-4c bombing at 6000 feet
8 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 10th Tank Regiment, at 31,23

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 8

Allied aircraft
CW-22 Falcon x 2
Blenheim IV x 11

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
13 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Blenheim IV bombing at 5000 feet
8 x Blenheim IV bombing at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 5th Division, at 33,22


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 5


Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
19 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 18th Division, at 28,23


Allied aircraft
Hurricane II x 2
Blenheim IV x 13
P-40B Tomahawk x 17


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
29 casualties reported
Vehicles lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Blenheim IV bombing at 5000 feet
7 x Blenheim IV bombing at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Imperial Guards Division, at 35,24


Allied aircraft
Wirraway x 8


Allied aircraft losses
Wirraway: 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
6 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x Wirraway bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 14th Mortar Battalion, at 33,22


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 6


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
15 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Kragen at 22,63


Allied aircraft
Martin 139 x 3


Allied aircraft losses
Martin 139: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Ashigara

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Martin 139 bombing at 8000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Wake Island , at 82,63

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 22

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 13
F4F-4 Wildcat x 8
SBD Dauntless x 87

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 7 destroyed
G3M Nell: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 5 destroyed, 1 damaged
F4F-4 Wildcat: 4 destroyed
SBD Dauntless: 5 destroyed, 19 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
239 casualties reported
Guns lost 9

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 22

Aircraft Attacking:
16 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
18 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
13 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
17 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
17 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 25,68

Japanese Ships
AP Tarushima Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Ataka Maru

Allied Ships
SS Porpoise

Japanese ground losses:
74 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Bataan

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 57740 troops, 496 guns, 6 vehicles

Defending force 42899 troops, 124 guns, 76 vehicles



Allied ground losses:
132 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Banjarmasin

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 20553 troops, 79 guns, 131 vehicles

Defending force 1865 troops, 13 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 0

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

Japanese forces CAPTURE Banjarmasin base !!!


Japanese ground losses:
11 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
451 casualties reported
Guns lost 4


Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Homan

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 171830 troops, 1476 guns, 4 vehicles

Defending force 85749 troops, 396 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 3

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 3


Japanese ground losses:
2829 casualties reported
Guns lost 75

Allied ground losses:
1059 casualties reported
Guns lost 37


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Changsha

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 107492 troops, 1127 guns, 7 vehicles

Defending force 84406 troops, 522 guns, 0 vehicles



Allied ground losses:
114 casualties reported
Guns lost 2


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 43,40

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 37449 troops, 465 guns, 12 vehicles

Defending force 61629 troops, 280 guns, 0 vehicles



Allied ground losses:
33 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 47,28

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 36082 troops, 459 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 17692 troops, 85 guns, 0 vehicles



Allied ground losses:
48 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 46,29

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 36790 troops, 390 guns, 5 vehicles

Defending force 25471 troops, 135 guns, 0 vehicles



Allied ground losses:
12 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 34,26

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 22414 troops, 251 guns, 15 vehicles

Defending force 25449 troops, 258 guns, 9 vehicles



Allied ground losses:
10 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Soerabaja

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 8785 troops, 67 guns, 11 vehicles

Defending force 14894 troops, 108 guns, 8 vehicles



Allied ground losses:
23 casualties reported
Guns lost 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Jorhat

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 24300 troops, 287 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 201 to 1 (fort level 5)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Jorhat base !!!



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Puerto Princesa

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 762 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 Puerto Princesa base !!!



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 46,29

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 25449 troops, 135 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 36790 troops, 390 guns, 5 vehicles

[niceguy2005]

The invasion of Wake is proceeding under cloudy rainy weather. Screening forces detected a Japanese surface group about 300 miles due west of Wake. The CV group bombed Wake port to weaken coastal defenses. This was followed up with a bombardment TF. Wake AF should no be out of commision for the next couple of days at least, but the Wildcat squadrons took moderate lossess and I am concerned about the CVs abilities to fend off even an attack by the baby KB should it show up, a distinct possibility. To further compound my concerns, the USA division that will be assualting the beaches are packed onto 3 APs - as they were originally supposed to be shipped to Suva instead. I am concerned about the ability of the unit to properly assualt even a weakened Wake Is.

It is rapidly approaching zero hour and Cenpac has not made a final decision on whether to proceed with the operation.

[niceguy2005]

In other developments, an emergency supply ship arrived at Bataan and was promptly bombed out of existance, but not before offloading 600 units of badly needed supply. Still, it appears to be too little too late as overall supply for the base is only 990. The Japanese reduced the fort level again to 2. I fear Bataan will fall within the weak giving the Japanese 3 more divisions to devote to either DEI or India. Days matter and Bataan must hold, at least a while longer!

The allies are playing for time, if they can hold out through March without any more major disasters the war may begin to go better.

The KB has still not been spotted. I must find the KB!

One Dutch regiment has just arrived on the southern tip of India and will join 3 other Bdes from India, Oz and the UK in defending Madras, Bangalore and Colombo. Two Brigades are about 10 days away from Java. Java may become the main battle ground for the allies.

[niceguy2005]

March 6th and 7th saw limited action.



After Action Report for 3/6/42

What's up with this? Check the location!--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 111 encounters mine field at 24547248,77

Japanese Ships
AK Hiyori Maru, Mine hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Japanese ground losses:
48 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Bataan at 42,51

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27 Nate x 15
Ki-21 Sally x 31

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AK Empire Ibex, Bomb hits 11, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 8000 feet
1 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 8000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 8000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 8000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 8000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 8000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 8000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 8000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 8000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wilcatsf did not match up well with Zeros, bad day.
Day Air attack on Wake Island , at 82,63

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 19
F4F-4 Wildcat x 9
SBD Dauntless x 95
TBD Devastator x 42

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 5 destroyed, 1 damaged
F4F-4 Wildcat: 3 destroyed, 1 damaged
SBD Dauntless: 15 destroyed, 15 damaged
TBD Devastator: 1 destroyed, 7 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
176 casualties reported
Guns lost 6

Port hits 4
Port supply hits 6

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
13 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
14 x TBD Devastator bombing at 5000 feet
9 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
16 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
14 x TBD Devastator bombing at 5000 feet
11 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
16 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
13 x TBD Devastator bombing at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Still, the USN exacted its pound of flesh with 14" and 8" guns
Naval bombardment of Wake Island, at 82,63

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 14 destroyed
G3M Nell: 5 destroyed

Allied Ships
CL Phoenix
CL Helena
CA San Francisco
CA New Orleans
CA Northampton
BB Mississippi
BB New Mexico

Japanese ground losses:
1577 casualties reported
Guns lost 31

Airbase hits 27
Airbase supply hits 14
Runway hits 149


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Supplies almost out
Ground combat at Bataan

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 75049 troops, 500 guns, 6 vehicles

Defending force 42546 troops, 123 guns, 73 vehicles

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

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 2


Japanese ground losses:
1117 casualties reported
Guns lost 21

Allied ground losses:
1688 casualties reported
Guns lost 17
Vehicles lost 3


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Curiously low casualties

Ground combat at Homan
Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 17197 troops, 132 guns, 3 vehicles

Defending force 82507 troops, 332 guns, 0 vehicles

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


Japanese ground losses:
68 casualties reported
Guns lost 7

Allied ground losses:
93 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Djokjakarta

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 3141 troops, 44 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 152 to 1 (fort level 0)

Allied forces CAPTURE Djokjakarta base !!!


XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/07/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Dimapur , at 33,23

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 40
Ki-15 Babs x 5

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 12 damaged
Ki-15 Babs: 3 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Wirraway: 1 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
8 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 22

Aircraft Attacking:
18 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 8000 feet
13 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 8000 feet
3 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 8000 feet
6 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 8000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My Hurri squadrons got spanked with a BIG paddle. Clearly they can't hold their own right now with the zeros
Day Air attack on Calcutta , at 29,23

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 51
Ki-21 Sally x 14

Allied aircraft
Hurricane II x 37

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 4 destroyed, 1 damaged
Ki-21 Sally: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Hurricane II: 25 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
6 casualties reported

Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 18000 feet
4 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 18000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Soerabaja , at 22,65

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 28
G4M1 Betty x 112

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 6 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F.K.51: 1 destroyed

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 24

Aircraft Attacking:
20 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 14000 feet
9 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 14000 feet
14 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 14000 feet
10 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 14000 feet
13 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 14000 feet
6 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 14000 feet
5 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 14000 feet
6 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 14000 feet
12 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 14000 feet
6 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 14000 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 14000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 14000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 14000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 14000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 10th Tank Regiment, at 31,23

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 8

Allied aircraft
Blenheim IV x 20

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

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim IV: 2 damaged

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

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Blenheim IV bombing at 5000 feet
4 x Blenheim IV bombing at 5000 feet
4 x Blenheim IV bombing at 5000 feet
9 x Blenheim IV bombing at 5000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at Bataan

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 73587 troops, 472 guns, 6 vehicles

Defending force 39971 troops, 91 guns, 68 vehicles

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


Japanese ground losses:
1412 casualties reported
Guns lost 17
Vehicles lost 1

Allied ground losses:
609 casualties reported
Guns lost 4

THe supplies to Bataan clearly helped. I am going to load two more AK with supplies and
try to sneak them through. I also am setting up a supply run of PBY from Sorebaja to Cebu to Bataan.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Changsha

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 120295 troops, 1143 guns, 150 vehicles

Defending force 84063 troops, 504 guns, 0 vehicles

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


Japanese ground losses:
5714 casualties reported
Guns lost 77
Vehicles lost 12

Allied ground losses:
872 casualties reported
Guns lost 24

[niceguy2005]

All in all, I think that the Allies are not in too bad of shape.

Cenpac did scrub the invasion of Wake last minute. It may have worked, but the risk was too high to continue. Unidentified ships to the west could well have been the KB and my APs just weren't loaded well for an invasion. I will pull APs back to Pearl to reorganize and I may try again in a couple of weeks. Warships will hover around Midway. One of the primary objectives of this mission was to draw Japanese attention back to the Central Pacific, I feel I at least got his attention. High on my list of desirable tagets right now are Baker and Wake.

The Japanese are definitely building up for a final push at Java. Subs are operating in the area, trying to catch transports. I am going to try and land the Timor garrison battalion at Tjilip. If I can sneak them in, a base force and fighters will be close behind. I have decided that Java is where I want to make a stand. I will commit serious naval resources to keeping the supply lanes open.

India is holding its own at the moment. Curious, but it looks like he is massing troops for an attack on Dimapur. He may be in for a surprise as I have air lifted a total of about 2 Chinese Divisions in. Dimapur as a target makes great sense, but I don't think he has left enough of a rear guard for his supply lines. He could find his army cut off from Chandput and supplies. It seems he is underestimating the strength of UK forces in the area. A UK armor BDE is about to teach him a lesson.

[niceguy2005]

Here's whats going on in India now:

1. Japan rules the skies over India. He clobbered my Hurris over Calcutta. The AVG has been taken off escort duty and put on CAP.
2. Threed Divisions are moving on Dimapur. I think he is in for a rude awakening. My forces there should be a match for him behind forts and in the jungle. Although, we will see. Supplies are fair, but won't last in a protracted siege.
3. Calcutta is secure, as is Ansonal.
4. Two UK Arm bdes and one Indian Bde are massed for an attack on the 10th Japanese Tank Rgt. They will cut the lines of communication between the main Japanese force and its supplies. My intention is to make Japan deal with these units first before engaging Dimapur. If not, I will turn south and attack Dacca. There are two other Japanese tank RGT east of Dacca on the road to Dimapur.


I will update the situation tomorrow in China and at Java. Lots happening in those places as well.

[niceguy2005]

ORIGINAL: rogueusmc

Maybe he has left an opening to go laterally across the map...do the island hopping early.

Updates will be appearing soon

Rogueusmc, I think you may be right. His advance into the Central and South Pacific has been very weak.

I did end up scrubbing the invasion of Wake for now. I hope to try again in 2-3 more weeks. I just received an email from Graycompany complementing me on my "feint" at Wake. His response was "you really scared my guys. Apparently the MLs I sent to Wake got flustered and dropped their mines in the ocean, which my transports hit."

That was great. I saw the combat report that showed a troop transport group hitting a mine field 300 miles Wake. My subs finished them off. [:D]

[niceguy2005]

The date is March 11th 1942.

Bataan has fallen!
More than 44,000 Allied troops surrendered. It is a terrible day for the Allies.

Other bad news includes a failed counter-attack by UK forces to threaten Dacca and the capture of Merak (next to Batavia) by the IJA 21st Bde.